Gluten Sensitivity Limits Food, But Not Taste, Options

Approximately 1% of the population suffers from a sensitivity to foods containing gluten, also known as celiac disease. Gluten is a major protein found in some grains, including all forms of wheat (bulgur, durum, semolina, spelt and faro), as well as barley and rye. This condition is typically diagnosed when a young child starts eating foods containing these grains. Children with celiac disease are usually plagued with symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, bloating, mouth sores and an increased susceptibility to infections.

Once the disease is diagnosed, patients are instructed to permanently eliminate any foods that contain gluten from their diet. Many doctors also prescribe supplements to counter any nutritional deficiencies. Living with celiac disease requires the patient to become an avid label reader to ensure that foods consumed in or outside the home do not contain any grain based ingredients or look for foods marked “gluten free”.

Gluten-Free Food Sources
According to the Mayo Clinic many healthy and delicious foods are naturally gluten-free:

§  Beans, seeds, nuts in their natural, unprocessed form

§  Fresh eggs

§  Fresh meats, fish and poultry (not breaded, batter-coated or marinated)

§  Fruits and vegetables

§  Most dairy products

It's important for celiac disease sufferers to make sure that foods are not processed or mixed with gluten-containing grains, additives or preservatives. Many grains and starches which can be part of a gluten-free diet include: Amaranth, Arrowroot, Buckwheat, Corn and cornmeal, Flax, Gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean), Hominy (corn), Millet, Quinoa, Rice, Sorghum, Soy, Tapioca, and Teff.

Gluten Free Resources

There are several “gluten-free” cook books available which provide a good source of tasty recipes and food combinations including, “The South Beach Diet Gluten Solution”, and “The Mayo Clinic Diet”. If you have questions or concerns about living with or treating celiac disease you are encouraged to consult with your physician.

Foods That Can Boost Your Immune System

One of the most essential factors for human life to live and thrive over the centuries is the human immune system which protects the body from microorganisms, abnormal cells and chemicals. More often than not external threats are infections such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, while internal threats are primarily abnormal or cancerous cells. The immune system also protects and repairs tissue injured by wounds or disease.

The immune system relies on macrophages, T cells, and B cells to identify and combat the variety of invaders to the body’s complex set of interdependent bio systems. When the immune system is compromised the human body can become weak as the body takes time to repair itself. Modern scientific breakthroughs have created medicines which can assist the body in fighting off especially virulent either internal or external invaders.

Nutritionists have identified a variety of foods which are critical to maintaining a strong, healthy immune system. Here are a list of foods to be aware of for keeping your immune system healthy:

• Proteins: Central to the proper functioning of the immune system, proteins provide amino acids used to make antibodies and other immune compounds;
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids: abundant in cold water fish, these fatty acids are especially beneficial in controlling inflammation and the harmful effects of rheumatism and other autoimmune disorders;
• Vitamin E: a T-cell enhancer, Vitamin E is found in oils, nuts, seeds, margarine and avocadoes and assists in the production of anti-bodies;
• Vitamin C: Found in many fruits and vegetables, Vitamin C assists in building and maintaining mucous membranes and collagen;
• Vitamin A: Found in in liver, fish, milk, cheese and eggs, Vitamin A reduces the incidence and severity of infectious diseases by helping keep mucous membranes healthy and intact, hikes antibody responses and increases white blood cell proliferation;
•  Zinc: Found in seafood (especially oysters), meat, poultry, liver, eggs, milk, beans, nuts and whole grains, Zinc assists with healing;
• Selenium: Found in Brazil nuts, seafood, some meats and fish, wheat bran, wheat germ, oats and brown rice, selenium is a trace mineral essential to a strong immune system;
• Iron: Found in red meat, eggs, dried fruits, enriched grains, cereals and legumes, Iron is required for the manufacture of B cells and T cells, and ensures that that cells get the oxygen they need to resist disease;
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants such as carotenoids, contain lycopene (found in tomato products) and beta carotene (found in orange, red and yellow plant foods, as well as dark green vegetables) and are thought to protect immune cells from destructive free radicals that can harm cells and damage the DNA.

This list is certainly not exhaustive. There are other foods which are thought to boost the human immune system such as garlic, onions, shiitake mushrooms, yogurt, kefir, blueberries, blackberries, and grapes. A program of regular exercise is also though to improve and strengthen the human immune system. Be sure to consult your physician before dramatically changing your diet or exercise regimen.

(Source: “Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal”, RDA, 2004)

Nature’s Color Code – Good for Your Health

Next time you are in the produce section of your super market or making a stop at your local produce stand take note of the multi-colored fruits and vegetables on display. A good cross section of these foods are good for your health and should make their way into your shopping cart – and your regular diet.

Here’s how to translate nature’s color code:

Red (Look for strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon, and cherries)

These foods contain lycopene and anthocyanin phytonutrients which can help prevent certain types of cancer and strengthening collagen proteins (joints).

Yellow (Look for yellow peppers and corn)

These foods contain zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and liminoid phytonutrients, which protect vision as well as aiding in the prevention of breast and colon cancers.

Blue (Look for blueberries, grapes, and plums)

These foods contain anthocyanin phytonutrients which aid in the prevention of colon, cervical and prostate cancers.

Orange (Look for carrots, squash and melons)

These food contain beta-carotene and liminoid phytonutrients which aid in the protection against bronchitis, asthma, cataracts and lung cancer as well as help in lowering cholesterol.

Green (Look for spinach, broccoli and collard greens)

These foods contain lutein, saponins, and glucosinolates, phytonutrients, which protect eyesight, lower lipid levels, help to prevent cancer and assist in the maintenance of the heart and skin.

Purple (Look for grapes, raspberries, blackberries and eggplant)

These foods contain anthocyanin phytonutrients which aid in preventing cancer and assist the body as anti-inflammatories.

Add some color to your shopping cart and nutrition to your diet on your next grocery run.