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Monday, March 8th, 2010

Living Gluten Free – Right to Heal – Part I Sandi Star, CCN

I would like to introduce a wonderful woman with a wonderful purpose. Here is Sandi Star’s incredible gluten-free story which has led her to a healthy vibrant life. She is now helping others daily. Also learn about Sjögren’s Syndrome (autoimmune disease). Sjögren’s is one of the symptoms of Celiac disease which she will,  share with you as well. Read her first story with more Parts ( chapters) to come which Sandi will share every 2nd of the month.


After struggling for over 40 years with chronic migraines, IBS, Muscle and joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, asthma and a slew of other ailments and frustrations I decided to take a closer look at the cause rather than obsessing on the symptoms. I was tired of relying on doctors to give me answers and tired of the medications that only gave me side affects and little relief.

I had been committed to health and fitness for over 20 years, losing close to 50 pounds and 5 dress sizes, however I still had all the chronic conditions that played havoc in my life. I realized there was a key element missing and soon found out it was my reaction to gluten and dairy. I didn’t know enough about food intolerance or allergies or at least put the two together. I never believed food could have such a serious impact on overall health let alone be the direct cause of my diseases. With what I know today I’m surprised my doctor didn’t put the connection together when he diagnosed me with Sjögren’s Syndrome (autoimmune disease). Sjögren’s is one of the symptoms of Celiac disease amongst a long list including:

• Fatigue

• Addison’s disease (hormonal disorder)
• Gastrointestinal distress (gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, reflux)
• Headaches (including migraines)
• Infertility
• Mouth sores
• Weight loss/gain
• Inability to concentrate
• Moodiness/depression
• Amenorrhea/delayed menarche (menstrual cycles)
• Bone/joint/muscle pain
• Dental enamel hypoplasia (dental enamel defect)
• Short stature
• Seizures
• Tingling numbness in the legs.

Nutrition was the key to my healing process. By making the appropriate diet changes – (gluten and dairy free), I’ve managed to eliminate my migraines, IBS………etc., etc., meaning I reduced the inflammation in my body caused by gluten and dairy. I’ve also kept the Sjögren’s Syndrome under control. Even better, I have eliminated all medications and use food and natural remedies for nutrition and overall health.

I became a clinical nutritionist and started Karmic Health because I am so thrilled to be able to help others with my experience, education and passion in the field of nutrition and functional medicine. In the next issue I will get into the details of why it’s so important to understand gluten and how it has changed over the past 50 years; how it relates to many diseases. I’ll also explain wheat allergy verses intolerance and leaky gut; and of course the most extreme case – Celiac disease.

Sandi is the founder of Karmic Health; specializing in nutrition related to disease where a gluten and casein (dairy) free lifestyle is crucial. Sandi works with celiac disease, autism and all auto immune disorders. Sandi graduated from The Natural Healing Institute in Encinitas CA., with a degree in Clinical Nutrition and is continuing her studies in Clinical Herbology. She has hands on experience and a true understanding of many health issues and has dedicated her life in helping others reach their optimal health.

Sandi has created her own healthy snack Karmic Krunch which she sells on her site. Sandi shared this with me. “ Before I created Karmic Krunch I did my homework. I found most gluten free foods were not all that healthy. I wanted to make something taste like a treat but as a nutritionist I was focused on making it as healthy and nutrition dense as possible without preservatives and without compromising on taste or quality. I also took several food allergies into consideration: gluten, dairy, casein, soy, peanuts and sugar. I came up with Karmic Krunch and I believe I have the perfect formula!”

Please sign up on the right hand column of every page to receive  my blog posts so you never miss a great one, or check back every 2nd of the month for another story or informative information from nutritionist, Sandi Star, CCN.

www.karmic-health.com or contact Sandi Star at 760.685.3154

© Copyright Karmic Health 2010

Thank you Sandi!

Tina Turbin

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Posted in Autoimmune Disorders, Gluten-Free Research, Health, Helpful Information, Medical Research, Real -True Stories, Sjogren's Syndrome | No Comments »


Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Gluten-Free- the Sunshine Burger!

I have not tasted these little guys but I would be remiss in not sharing this information with you:

They tell me the Sunshine Burger is one of the only companies that offers a gluten-free, soy-free, vegan and
USDA certified organic veggie burger. Only organic whole food ingredients are used, such as raw ground sunflower kernels, brown rice, fresh carrots, herbs and sea salt, all of which (the company is proud to say) consumers can pronounce. Yay!

They went on to share that Organic Sunshine Burgers come in several flavors: Garden Herb, Barbecue, South West, Breakfast and Falafel. All Sunshine Burgers are fully cooked and browned in the oven and come frozen to preserve freshness.  Sound easy to me!

You can find these burgers at Whole Foods as well as in many other health food stores and co-ops across the country. They have been busy getting their products out for us consumers.

For more information or recipe ideas, please check out    www.sunshineburger.com

Tina Turbin

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Posted in 20 minute recipes, Easy Recipes, Gluten-Free Products, Health, Main Dishes, Read About Products, Vegetables, Vegetarian | 2 Comments »


Monday, March 1st, 2010

Celiac Disease and Sjögren’s Syndrome

This is a new one for me. I am constantly learning but this I feel we all need to be aware of. With upwards of 4,000,000 Americans suffering from Sjögren’s syndrome, it is one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders. Nine out of 10 patients are women. With that said, please read on:

Here are some of the connections between Celiac and Sjögren’s :

  • Celiac disease and Sjögren’s syndrome have an autoimmune background and a close association.
  • In one study, the prevalence of celiac disease amongst patients with Sjögren’s syndrome has been found to be in the range of 4.5% and 15%.
  • According to Patinen et al., the co-occurrence of celiac disease and Sjögren’s syndrome should be recognized because of its effects on dental and oral mucosal health. In their 1994 study, they suggested that a gluten-free diet treatment might alleviate autoimmune inflammation.
  • On the basis of these findings, Szodoray  recommends screening and follow-ups , and regular gastrointestinal care of Sjögren’s syndrome patients to help identify celiac disease cases as well as help to avoid severe malnutrition and intestinal malignancies.

The symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, Sjögren’s may also cause dysfunction of other organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. People can experience extreme fatigue and joint pain and have a higher risk of developing lymphoma.

About half of the time Sjögren’s syndrome occurs alone, and the other half it occurs in the presence of another autoimmune connective tissue disease.When Sjögren’s occurs alone, it is referred to as “Primary Sjögren’s.” When it occurs with another connective tissue disease, it is referred to as “Secondary Sjögren’s.” 

All instances of Sjögren’s syndrome are systemic, affecting the entire body. Symptoms may remain steady, worsen, or, uncommonly, go into remission.

Since symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome mimic other conditions and diseases, Sjögren’s can often be overlooked or misdiagnosed. On average, it takes nearly seven years to receive a diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome. Wow, so similar Celiac disease!

Since the disease was first identified in 1933 by Dr. Henrik Sjögren, it has been proven to affect virtually every racial and ethnic group. General awareness about Sjögren’s syndrome is still lacking and increased professional awareness is needed to help expedite new diagnoses and treatment options. Again very similar to our Celiac disease needs in this country.

Please share your experiences with this autoimmune disease as wel as celiac, please.

Tina Turbin

 

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Posted in Autoimmune Disorders, Diabetes, Gluten-Free Research, Health, Helpful Information, Medical Research, Sjogren's Syndrome | 1 Comment »


Monday, March 1st, 2010

Gluten-Free Company – Uli Mana

 

Uli Mana is a successful company with nothing but positive energy in every handmade product, founded by single mom Theresa Green. My L.A. and Florida gluten-free test group and I had the wonderful opportunity to test these delectable little morsels of yum. Each and every product has the capability to tease one’s taste buds and offers a smooth taste. They are a delicious treat for anyone needing a gluten-free chocolate fix. Who doesn’t have one of those cravings now and then, especially us women! Sorry men, I don’t mean to leave you out of this but there are just those times of the month- “Hey honey, don’t you dare touch MY Uli Mana.”

Not to side track you, but take a peek at the video review of their company.

Theresa Green started her career with Nirvana Manna (renamed later Maca Manna) after expected success with a home recipe passed to a friend at the Natural Foods Expo 2005. Word spread, and she could only grow and expand to incorporating UliMana. Her made-up name is semi-Huna—a Polynesian and Hawaiian science practiced by the aboriginals of those regions. It means asking the goddess Uli, the “Goddess of Serenity,” for the blessings of life force, energy, and vibrant health—“mana.”

All the chocolates used are raw as well as all of her ingredients, offering the raw food community the opportunity to take advantage of the many health benefits of raw chocolate, which reduces blood pressure, contains antioxidants, relaxes muscles (due to the mineral content), and increases insulin activity.

Theresa’s initial products were all sweetened with raw honey, and she featured many Cacao mixes. Two years ago she developed new products as a result of introducing agave into her test kitchen. The result was new versions of truffles, such as Goji Cherry Truffles, Dark Cacao Truffles, and her to-die-for Truffle Butter.

The new truffles were an immediate hit. As Theresa explains, they were an “eat-now” food and did not require any mixing or processing by the consumer except the process of hand-to-the-mouth-and-enjoy. Sales soared.

The  manufacturing facility is generously supplied by Blue Ridge Food Ventures, founded by Advantage West, funded by the State of North Carolina to help business. She has access to storage space, a loading dock, shipping and receiving, and even legal and accounting advice. She credits much of her ease in the business’s evolution to the opportunities her state offers through this facility, stating she’s never needed to take out a loan or sell shares of the business.

With the incorporation of UliMana strategically placed on a positive astrological day, Theresa continues to hire only positive people with positive energy, and all products continue to be raw and made by hand. I asked her what we can expect in the coming future, and she openly said a rice syrup version of new delectables to cater to the needs of the macrobiotic consumer, who will be very pleased, she’s sure.

We testers are still raving about Uli Mana and all the handmade treats which passed our palates.

Tina Turbin

This food company is given a thumbs up and is HIGHLY recommended by my entire team here at www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

Don’t forget to look at this company’s video review.

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Posted in Desserts, Food Companies to Know About, Fun Food, Gift Ideas, Gluten-Free Products, Health, Helpful Tips, Read About Products, Review- GF Companies, Uncategorized, Videos, Videos to Watch | 8 Comments »


Monday, February 8th, 2010

Product Review- Bio-K Plus

After my personal success with Bio-K+, which has their home base in Canada, I reached out to find out more about this company.

Bio-K+ started with two people and a vision, which all merged into a reality. Dr. Francois-Marie Luquet and Mr. Claude Chevalier met over twenty years ago at a dairy industry conference and discussed the health benefits of probiotics. Fast forward many years and their paths crossed again. Dr. Luquet shared his new strains of acidophilus with healing and health benefits. A company evolved.

Dr. Luquet is by no means new to this business. He brought many years of research and development with him from well-known names as Dannon and Activia. This new “strain” and concept was new, unique, and allowed the strains to live in high dosages before getting to work in the body, unlike its predecessors.

Each product contains a proprietary type of L. acidophilus and L. Casei. I was well-informed each behave different—acidophilus more antibacterial, and L. Casei more antiviral, yet when together they can antagonize one another. Bio-K+ has developed a way these strains can survive together, in the manufacturing, in combining, and in refrigerator storage—all until it reaches our system, producing effects well-documented over and over in individual, clinical, and hospital studies. Nothing comes close to these studies in what products I’ve tested and what I’ve read thus far. I am impressed.

The company currently has less than sixty high-quality people in the facility itself overseeing the two-week process it takes to make each and every batch. Currently it’s available in soy (mango flavor), original (unflavored), and fruity (pineapple and vanilla flavor), and soon a rice-based vanilla will be available.

Bio-K+ has a minimum of 50 billion L. acidophilus and L. casei per 3.5-oz. little bottle. Compare for yourself—nothing comes close. I was also sent (and you can read on their website) a number of clinical results and hospital testimonials. The company’s products are superior, and so is its staff.

Note: It was explained to me that the number CL1285 after the name Bio-K+ simply indicates the specific C strain and is just arbitrary, but that the strain is unlike any other available.

This product is given a thumbs up and is HIGHLY recommended and I will be on the radio with BioK PLus as well as an supporting an product give-away for four days.

Tina Turbin- founder of www.glutenfreehelp.info.

 

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Posted in Casein, Food Companies to Know About, Gluten-Free Products, Health, Helpful Information, Medical Research, Read About Products, Tina Turbin | 2 Comments »


Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Gluten-Free Book Review: Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet

Watch my video of the JK Gourmet food and book review by clicking here.

Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet is a cookbook offering a clarification to and simplification of the grain-free diet and its health benefits. It also clarifies some specific points regarding the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and offers some well-researched and documented history and evidence concerningthe diet.

Bestselling authors Jodi Bager and Jenny Lass met one day while on a trip to meet with then author Elaine Gottschall, creator of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, and started talking recipes and food. They soon collaborated and found that their individual styles complimented each other perfectly.

Jodi says her style is simple and she’s a mom and on the other hand Janet is more scientific and a medical writer. They even like opposites. Jodi prefers family meals and recipes to serve her kids, while Jenny has a bit of a sweet tooth and loves ice cream—hence, the basis of a wonderful assortment to not only satisfy the palate, but an array to fill the many basic needs from breakfasts to dinners, desserts, and kitchen staples, all with a great homemade taste.

For anyone wanting to absorb the premise behind the SCD, this is the book for any reader. You are presented with just what you need to grasp the concepts. I, for one, now understand Elaine’s original book as a result of Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet’s well-written explanations.

The recipes produce without a doubt top-of-the-line, high-quality foods. (Try the cashew butter cookies—with almond flour!) They are packed with nutrition thanks to Jodi’s interests and loaded with “yum” thanks to Jenny.

Don’t forget to watch my video of the JK Gourmet food and book review by clicking here.

Please read more about JK Gourmet at http://www.glutenfreehelp.info/review-food/gluten-free-food-review-jk-gourmet/

Tina Turbin

 

Bestselling first book

Delicious recipes for healthy living

Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet by Jodi Bagers and Jenny Lass

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Posted in Autoimmune Disorders, Book Reviews, Books To Read, Children, Cookbook, Gluten-Free Products, Gluten-Free Research, Health, Helpful Information, Helpful Tips, Kids Illnesses, Medical Research, Read About Products, References | 1 Comment »

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Tina Turbin

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Tina Turbin became extremely interested and involved in the subjects of gluten free, gluten sensitive and celiac disease a number of years ago as a result of...

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