Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Cross Contamination of Gluten

Cross Contamination of Gluten

Be careful of cross contamination of ice cream in an ice cream parlor. Even if the ice cream is gluten free (always inquire), the scoopers might be contaminated. The scoopers are sometimes contaminated by gluten-containing toppings and ice cream cones. There are several ice cream manufacturers that make gluten free ice cream that can be purchased in your local market. You should always review the ingredient list just to be sure.

A buffet is potentially dangerous. The tongs you are using for a gluten-free food may have been used for another dish made with gluten! Therefore, I do not recommend eating food from a buffet.

Grilled food at a party might be contaminated by food that was previously cooked with marinades or sauces. If possible, ask the host to grille your food prior to cooking the food for the other guests.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Gluten and Fatigue

For those with constant fatigue it might be helpful to consider going on a gluten free diet. For those with gluten intolerance and celiac disease fatigue can be caused by a malabsorption of nutrients and or anemia. Exposure to gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, places a huge strain on the adrenals. The adrenals are responsible for helping the body to prevent inflammation and tissue destruction. Each time the adrenals are stressed by gluten it may take them longer to recover. When stress is prolonged, high levels of cortisol must be maintained. And if there is no significant recovery period during which the adrenals can rest and replenish themselves, adrenal fatigue results. Fatigue is a common symptom of adrenal fatigue.

Gini Warner, MA
Clinical Nutritionist
www.healthbygini.com

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Artificial Sweeteners vs. sugar or corn syrup

What is worse artificial sweetener or sugar and corn syrup?
There are many problems with products sweetened with sugar or high fructose corn syrup. They contain excess empty calories and the added sugar causes blood sugar to spike which results in an insulin surge that promotes fat gain and stimulates your appetite.
On the Artificial sweeteners may save you calories, but there's growing evidence that they can increase your appetite for sweets and other carbohydrates causing you to eat more later in the day. Therefore, you don't really save any calories at all. Also, studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can stimulate high insulin levels in your body too, which again can promote fat storage.
Artificial sweeteners contain dangerous chemicals that the human body is not meant to ingest. These artificial sweeteners include; Splenda, Aspartame and Saccharine. Many people are ingesting a lot of these chemicals in an effort to lose weight. In addition to the problems I’ve mentioned so far, there are scientific studies that show many other health problems that are related to artificial sweeteners. Some have been linked to potential cancer risks and negative effects on the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Gastrointestinal problems and headaches may develop.
There are some safe alternatives for sweetening your food. Raw honey and maple syrup contain some antioxidants so they offer nutritional value and not just “empty calories”. Keep in mind that these sweeteners have the same calories as sugar and corn syrup but they will not stimulate your appetite. I would still suggest using them in moderation.
Gini Warner, MA
Clinical Nutritionist
www.healthbygini.com

Monday, November 8, 2010

Benefits of Switching to Grass Fed Red Meat

Benefits of Switching to Grass Fed Red Meat

Studies show that red meat might cause certain types of cancer. Steaks, hamburgers and other types of red meat could raise women’s risk for a type of breast cancer that is linked to estrogen. The high content of saturated fat in red meat might cause weight gain in those who eat it frequently. If you really enjoy red meat and can’t give it up you are better off choosing grass fed beef. The difference between grain fed animal products and grass fed is dramatic. Grass fed products are much lower in total fat and calories. If you eat a typical amount of beef (66.5 pounds a year), switching to grass fed beef will save you 17,733 calories a year! If everything else in your diet remains constant, you'll lose about six pounds a year. If all Americans switched to grass fed meat, our national epidemic of obesity would begin to diminish. Grass fed beef also provides you with a good source of fat called Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are found in seafood and certain nuts and seeds such as flaxseeds and walnuts, but they are also found in animals that are grass fed. This is due to the fact that Omega-3s are formed in the chloroplasts of green leaves and algae. Sixty percent of the fatty acids in grass are omega-3s. When cattle are shipped to a feedlot to be fattened on omega-3 poor grain, they begin to lose their store of this beneficial fat until it is all gone. Omera-3 fatty acids are shown to help prevent certain types of cancer.

Monday, November 1, 2010

BENEFITS OF SOY IN THE DIET

Soy is a protein that is very easy to digest. Research indicates that soy in the diet may help to prevent certain types of cancer and heart disease. Soy foods have a low ratio of fat to protein content which makes them an excellent choice for weight control. They also contain Omea-3 fatty acids which are important for building the immune system. Soy flour is an excellent substitute for gluten-containing flours. Always read labels to make sure that ingredients that contain gluten are not added to any soy based products that you buy. The best types of soy are natto, tempeh and miso because they are fermented. Fermented soy doesn’t have trypsin inhibitors. Fermented soy is also beneficial to the digestive system. It also contains vitamin K2 which is essential in preventing osterporosis, cardiovascular disease and diseases of the brain. Research indicates that it also protects you from certain types of cancer. Unfermented soy is mostly genetically modified and is linked to certain health problems. Tofu is not fermented soy. Fermented soy is gluten free.