Gluten-free lifestyle part 2: Allergy, Sensitivity, Intolerance – what’s the difference?

Generally it has become very common to say, ” I have an allergy to….. ” and very little we distinguish between an allergy and  an intolerance. The symptoms are partially the same, however, there are different mechanisms that act within the body and there are different ways to deal with it:

• INTOLERANCE

The intolerance is the inability of the body to break down and digest a particular food. A well-known intolerance is lactose intolerance. The body produces little or no lactase enzyme to the splitting of the milk sugar, the lactose reaches the large intestine undigested, instead of being absorbed and metabolized in the small intestine. Here, the lactose is then fermented into lactic acid, acetic acid and methane, which in turn leads to the typical for a food intolerance bloating.

Another well-known intolerance is to gluten. A complete intolerance is called Celiac Disease. Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley.

• SENSITIVITY

Most of the people do not have a complete intolerance to gluten, but a sensitivity to gluten or other parts of the grain protein. Theoretically, you can develop against each food item incompatibility.

• ALLERGY

The food allergy, however, is an immune reaction in which the body’s defenses, similar to hay fever, recognizes a harmless protein as an enemy and initiates an immune reaction which may provoke indigestion, eczema, hives, and other symptoms. This often happens delayed and is therefore difficult to source.

In both cases we see similar symptoms or undifferentiated symptoms, such as fatigue, susceptibility to infections, but also mild depression , etc., which seem to have nothing to do with digestion. With food allergies the body is constantly stressed to deal with a potential threatening substance and the immune responses overwhelm the physical and mental system. Energy is used for these processes, which is lacking then in other areas. One of the long term effects are constant inflammations in the digestive system, triggered by allergies as well as intolerance — another one is depression: L-Tryptophan is exhausted during the immune response which would be normally available to fuel the Seratonin levels. Lacking Tryptophan and Seratonin  leads to depressions.

• SYMPTOMS ARE SO SIMILAR!

• abdominal bloating and pain
• chronic diarrhea
• vomiting
• constipation
• pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool
• weight loss

• unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
• fatigue
• bone or joint pain
• arthritis
• bone loss or osteoporosis — this is a serious problem, please read more….
• depression or anxiety
• tingling numbness in the hands and feet
• seizures
• missed menstrual periods
• infertility or recurrent miscarriage
• canker sores inside the mouth
• an itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis

Please consult with your doctor and/medical advisory regarding test methods and therapies. This blog is not intending to substitute a treatment, however, we would like to empower you to seek treatment, because you will feel better and the result will be life changing, in a very good way!

• DIET SUGGESTIONS

If you  been diagnosed with Celiac Disease you need to stay gluten free in your diet, any intake of gluten will make you sick and have a long term effect.

If you have been diagnosed with a sensitivity to gluten (or any other substance) you have to stay away from gluten (or the substance) for a minimum of 6 months, this is  recommended, and then stay on a Rotation diet, which means: you are eating biologically related foods on the same day and then waiting at least four days before eating them again. Knowledge and experience are a key of success. Whatever causes a reaction you need to take off the diet completely. The positive side: there are so many different seeds and grains, gluten free, non gluten free, …. most people have to recognize that a Western American Diet is based on Wheat (in bread, cakes, sauces, salsas, creams, and hidden ingredient in supplements, medicine, and cosmetics).

I have learned that people who let go of wheat or stay away from gluten completely, they suddenly experience a new sensitivity  often it is corn, or tomatoes or sweeteners. They are confused.  However, if you have an allergy to a food and you continue eating your undiscovered allergen, no gluten free diet will help! You will still experience symptoms and have long time effects of the allergy.

The allergy might be milk or dairy, and the reaction might be intolerance to grains! You got the picture?

If you have sourced with your therapist and doctor the allergens involved you need to stay away for a minimum of 6 months. Additionally a body cleanse, raw food, intake of green smoothies and green juices will help the system to recover from the allergic overload and Histamin and the body will start to re-balance itself. A rotation diet is very helpful after the 6 months.

Please see any change as a positive adventure, not a restriction. When the body speaks, listen. A new lifestyle can be overwhelming but very liberating on the long run!

 

Disclaimer: The statements made on this blog have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided on this blog is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this blog for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new vitamins, supplements, diet, or exercise program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. 

10 Reasons to Love Chia Seeds!

I was introduced into Chia seeds many years ago in Mexico when I purchased a juice of mixed fruits in a small street shop called “Palacio de los Jugos”. The very nice man asked me if I would like to add honey and Chia, so I said “Si” with a big smile, no idea what he was talking about. Mmmm, yummy! I was intrigued by the rich and emulsifying little black seed since and I learned that there are so many more reasons why you would like to add Chia seeds into your diet:

1.  Chia seeds provide steady energy!

This tiny greyish seed has the power of superfoods. Chia is one of nature’s highest plant based sources of complete protein. Often proteins from items like beans or peanut butter are incomplete, meaning you have to combine them with other foods to get the benefit. Not Chia! It’s protein is complete and very easy available. The combination of its protein, minerals and oils all work together to make you a steady and consistent energy.

2.  Chia boosts energy!

High amount of precious Phosphorus aids like an energy spark and fuel to the muscles. Chia helps to develop tissue, due to its incredible nutrient profile and easy assimilation. Athletes healing from injuries, bodybuilder who need to build tissues and also women who are pregnant and breast feeding.

3.  Real age defying anti-oxidants

There are numerous products claiming high anti-oxidants, in fact it became a marketing tool for a lot of good quality stuff but also a lot of – let’s call it medium quality stuff. Chia is extremely high in high quality anti-oxidants. Chia seeds can stay fresh for about 2 years at room temperature where all other seeds and grains give up. This amazing ability is not found in seeds like flax, sesame, or cacao, their oils would go rancid. Superman Chia is built in its unique way.

4.  Weight Loss without Starving

Chia seeds are a dieter’s dream come true, you can add them to literally any food and you won’t change the taste: yoghurt, creams, salads, fruits, juices, green smoothies, dips, salad dressings, soups, sweet and savory dishes. The unique gelling action keeps you feeling full for hours. You can feed yourself a smaller portion and Chia will help you to keep your energy level stable. When Chia seed is exposed to water and liquids, it forms a coating of gel, increasing its size and weight. Since the gel is made of water, it has no additional calories. When other diet-fiber-drinks break up during digestion, this little seed still holds on to its gel! You won’t feel hungry.

5.  Speaking about fiber!

With the abundance of over processed foods and white flour on the market rich sources of fiber are harder to come by. Irregularity, bloating and constipation are risky long term conditions. To help ensure regularity, you need plenty of fluids and plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet. Chia seeds provide both! Chia seeds are coated with soluble fibers which aid their gelling action. The exterior of the seed is protected by insoluble fiber. The insoluble fiber works like a gel pack, helping the food moving smoothly through the digestive process. Soluble fiber and gel coating of the seed hydrate the colon and ensure the easy movement of the food.

6.  Blood sugar level for rescue!

Blood sugar may spike after meals, when food combinations are conflicting, especially in high sugar or high starchy foods or poor food choices. You feel tired fast or crave for stimulants, which then lead to a roller coaster of high and low energy that can wear you out.

When you add Chia seeds to your meal, the combination of the soluble and the insoluble fiber slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars. By balancing your blood sugar you not only lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, but also ensure steady constant energy, simple wellbeing!

7.  Healthy OMEGA 3s and other good oils

Most of the advertising for Omega 3s promotes fish and cod and krill oil …… what if you don’t want to eat fish, are concerned about the dead fishing of our oceans or simply vegetarian?

Again, our little grey seed provides the best oils and the best ratio with the minerals to fulfill its task. Omega 3 has been shown to be important for healthy heart and healthy cholesterol levels. Studies show that including omega 3s support overweight dieters to lose weight.

8.  Substitute oils and butters

Did you know that Chia gel could substitute half of oil and butter in any baked goods? The food will bake the same and taste the same (or maybe better) and I often think that it is moister and keeps longer fresh. Everything from cookies to cakes, muffins and pancakes can be made with Chia gel as your butter replacement.

A personal note: one problem with a lot of gluten free recipes is the huge amount of eggs which are in baked goods. Egg yolk is the perfect food for unborn chicks, the hormonal levels interfere with our human hormonal system. Many people suffer from inflammations and hormonal imbalances. When you choose to cut back on eggs (or skip them completely) a lot of recipes will still work if you substitute the eggs with Chia gel. Small sacrifice for a good cause!

9.  Chia for Beauty!

In the traditional cultures that consumed Chia, like the Aztecs, Chia was also valued as a medicine. It was used for cleaning the eyes, helping heal wounds, and relieving joint pain.

Skin mask: Prepare a gel of Chia seeds and apply on your cleaned face as a hydrating and relaxing mask, great for any skin type.

Hair treatment: Add banana, avocado or lemon juice to a gel of Chia seeds and prepare a non-oily hair mask, after coloration, sun damage and when your hair needs hydration.

First Aid: Apply gel of Chia on scars to aid healing.

10.  Chia, a “modest” superfood.

Chia is very inexpensive: Chia can be grown without chemicals and heavy water irrigation, it does not require fertilizations. One or 2 Tablespoons a day save you precious dollars for diet pills, supplements, or beauty aids. It does not get any easier!

Please check out our recipes!

3 Heart Healthy Nutmilks

Nuts = Energy food!

Nuts, in general, are an energy rich addition to your diet providing a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids, and fiber. The fats they contain are recognized to prevent heart disease and to protect good HDL cholesterol levels.

By nature, nuts will endure a long winter or hibernation time before sprouting, therefore the secret is to unlock their life spark and nutrition before consumption. Soaking overnight and/or sprouting will be a vital step, and most of the nuts we use, will “wake up” and unlock their energy during this process.

General rule: soak your nuts!
Nuts you DO NOT need to soak: brazil nuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, pili nuts, pistachios.

How much nuts should we eat?

Nuts are super-rich and heavy louden with nutrients and fat, they are not supposed to take more than a few percent in our diet, a handful is enough! or: a good alternative which goes very well with our lifestyle is to prepare nut milks.

3 Heart Healthy Nut Milks:

We posted 3 heart healthy delicious nutmilks on our website, check it out HERE.

Pili Nut Power-milk:
Fully equipped with all 8 essential amino acids, 302 mg Magnesium (highest in all nuts), 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of copper and manganese.

Skinny Nut Milk – Creamy Cashews
“Low fat by nature” and natural anti-depressant, (contains Tryptophan)

Queen of Nuts -Supreme Almond Milk
(21g of protein and essential source of Vitamin E)

Diana Stobo prepares Pili Nut Milk HERE

A handful a day!

Nuts are an adornment to a meal or a snack in between. A condiment. They are not meals themselves (unless you are crossing the Alps by foot or you have to hide after a nuclear attack for a while).

I hear stories of people going raw and subsequently going crazy with nuts, eating them ground in pates, raw food cakes with every meal and complain to feel heavy –  I could be mistaken, of course, but on the bigger picture it is more harm than good. Keep it to about a handful (which is between one and two ounces for ladies and 3 to 4 ounces for strong guys, depending on the hand) per day – as a snack or liquefied as a nut milk.

Links:

http://www.almondboard.com/HealthProfessionals/nutritionandresearch/Pages/HeartHealth.aspx

WHY NUTMILK? Do you drink it? If so, why?

We asked and these are the responses we have gathered over the last year; well done, guys!

1. You can make it at home easily. That is the biggest benefit to me.
2. Homemade nut milks are a non-pasteurized and a “living food“, packed full of antioxidants, minerals, phytochemicals, vitamins, enzymes and omega fatty acids.
3. I drink it because I am lactose intolerant to cows milk.
4. I don’t like or want to use soy milk.
5. No animals need to be involved.
6. Lot’s of vegan protein.
7. It has all the protein, vitamins and minerals of cow’s milk without cholesterol.
8. It has more calcium than dairy, this is easy proven!
9. Usually gluten free (if you don t add a gluten thickener or buy it in a store without reading what’s all inside)
10. Great for baking, cooking and smoothies, ice-cream and yummy fresh blended!
11. Different nuts give different tastes and varieties in mineral content.
12. If you don’t like nuts you can always use seeds ;) check out pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, etc.

I would like to go deeper into the subject in my post:

3 Heart Healthy Nutmilks.

Leave a response, why do you use nutmilks? What are your favorite nut milk recipes? Promise a reward, but i won’t reveal more here.

links:http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Health-Benefits-of-Nut-Milk&id=6135782

http://www.3fatchicks.com/6-health-benefits-of-almond-milk/

http://www.naturalnews.com/027875_pumpkin_seeds_parasites.html

Living Light Institute and Divine Organics glutenfree!