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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 »


Friday, March 5th, 2010

Fun & Fabulous Grain-Free Breakfast Recipes by Lisa Bishop

We can all get quite tired of the basic egg recipes, pancakes and maybe some gluten-free toast for breakfast. Look no further. Lisa Bishop has authored an entire book devoted to not only gluten-free breakfast but the added step of a grain-free breakfast.
Many recipes are simply coconut flour, flax, or neither, or offer unusual ways to play with vegetables to make for example fake fried potatoes—with no potatoes!
This book is a real solution to the problems many grain-free dieters face. The difficulties of making crispy waffles, creamy cereals, or softy pillowy pancakes are all resolved.
Delicious breakfasts are at your fingertips with each presentation unlike the other. This book truly presents variety in every sense of the word.
Start your day out right—enjoy a home-cooked grain-free meal in Fun & Fabulous Grain-Free Breakfast Recipes.
This cookbook is given a thumbs up and is HIGHLY recommended by me.
Tina Turbin
www.glutenfreehelp.info

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Posted in Autoimmune Disorders, Book Reviews, Books To Read, Helpful Information | 2 Comments »


Friday, March 5th, 2010

Casein Free and Palm Shortening!

 

It’s been discovered that organic, non-hydrogenated palm fruit shortening is a fabulous, natural way to make delicious baked goods without butter, and without heavy processing or trans-fats. It’s also high vitamin E.
You can find this product at Whole Foods, and at many health food stores and food co-ops.
By the way, if you are OK with butter and prefer to use it, substitute 7 tbsp. cold butter for the palm fruit shortening in many of your recipes.
I use the Spectrum brand personally yet know there are many good brands available.
Tina Turbin

 

 

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Posted in Allergies, Casein, Helpful Information, Helpful Tips, Read About Products, References | No 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 »


Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Planning a Gluten-Free Vacation for Your Child

    The trick is planning ahead. Call the local health food stores where you’ll be staying well ahead of your trip and ask them about their selection of gluten-free foods. If there aren’t enough gluten-free choices, usually the store will be happy to order your favorite gluten-free foods for you.

     If there aren’t any health food stores around, some grocery stores have health food sections and may be able to order gluten-free foods for you as well. You can always bring along your own supply of gluten-free foods, such as gluten-free flour and pasta for instance, or you can order online from your favorite gluten-free sites and have the gluten-free goodies delivered straight to where you’ll be staying. If you won’t be staying with friends or family, I suggest you rent a condo or get a hotel room with a full kitchen for your gluten-free cooking.

     If you’ll be staying with family, particularly during the holidays, tell them ahead of time about your celiac child’s gluten-free diet needs so they can stock up gluten-free foods. You can also send them some gluten-free recipes for the family’s favorite holiday foods. Oftentimes you’ll find that your family will be more than happy to make your celiac child feel at home with gluten-free goodies and a generous stock of gluten-free foods for your gluten-free cooking.

     Learning how to meet the gluten-free dietary needs of your celiac child has required some planning and a few adjustments, but in the end it isn’t very tough to successfully adopt a gluten-free lifestyle. Similarly, keeping your celiac child well-fed on gluten-free foods during travel and vacations requires some work and planning ahead, but you’ll find that you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

Tina Turbin

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Posted in Autoimmune Disorders, Children, Helpful Information, Helpful Tips, Kids Illnesses, Tina Turbin | 3 Comments »


Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

A Gluten-Free Bakery with New Menu – Tampa

Viitals Bakery

Ivan Nikolov- owner Viitals

Tampa, Fla. October 7, 2009  Viitals owner Ivan Nikolov announced the opening of his new retail storefront, which offers gluten-free healthy choices for those trying to live a healthier lifestyle. The bakery had been strictly wholesale until its grand opening.

This bakery offers gluten-free, hypoallergenic, high in protein, organic ingredients snacks, such as muffins, crackers, cake-bars, loafs, and more.

The Bulgarian bodybuilder, Ivan and NPC Tampa Bay Classic overall winner and his wife started this bakery to service the needs of the growing community with allergies, celiacs and the general public looking for higher protein and nutritious snacks.

The opening of his new storefront, Ivan said, now makes him not only a wholesaler, but also a retail gluten-free cafe.

Ivan states that his products are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility, and they are hypoallergenic, vegetarian or completely vegan, all-natural with many ingredients that are organic. He balances his products by adding protein, making them a complete meal.

Ivan said customers will be served gluten-free bread, cookies, brownies, cakes, VIITALS smoothies with organic fruit and protein, gluten-free sandwiches and gluten-free soups.

For more information about VIITALS Bakery visit:http://www.viitals.com

And their awesome menu they updated this month: http://www.viitals.com/VIITALS-Menu.pdf

Tina Turbin

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Posted in Allergies, Casein, Food Companies to Know About, Gluten-Free Research, Helpful Information, Real -True Stories, Review- GF Companies | No Comments »


Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Substitute for Rice four

The matter of rice flour substitutes was brought to my attention recently through a message from a fellow GlutenFreeHelp user:

“I have a gluten intolerance and I’m also allergic to rice. 

“What other options do I have that you might know of? I am already using almond flour. The sorghum flour doesn’t really agree with me either. Any suggestions would help me especially when creating baked goods that taste good.”

My reply:

“There are SO many flour “mixtures” and options to replace the rice. You have to keep in mind that the “mixture” will need to balance to make a whole structure to accommodate any particular recipe. The Xanthum gum will need to be altered or even the liquid based on which flours you use.”

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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 »


Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Gluten-Free Cruise with Holland America


 
The below information regarding Holland America cruise line was shared and Bonnie in NYC has approved me to share this broadly with all of you:
 
“I just came back from a one week Caribbean cruise on Holland America and had
no food issues.    They are set up to GF and really do it well:  they stock many GF options and I  had no cross-contamination issues.   

“Each night, they provided the GF passengers with the next day’s menu, which was modified for us.  Even made us special soups and a flourless chocolate cake.  

“We  had pre-ordered breads, muffins, etc and they had them waiting for us.

“I’m pretty sensitive and react to the slightest amount of gluten.  For the
first time in a long time, I was able to travel and eat with relative ease. Would do it again in a heartbeat.”

“If you go: call their Special Diet people at least 30 days in advance.  There’s a GF form, where you make your bread and dessert requests.  And eat your dinners in the main dining room and stay with the same waiter.  That’s what made it much easier for us.”

Bonnie in NYC

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Posted in Dining Gluten Free, GF Services, Helpful Information, Helpful Tips, Real -True Stories | No Comments »


Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Traveling with Your Celiac Child

     As a gluten-free advocate and mother, I am often asked by parents for tips on how to travel with celiac children. A surprisingly easy task, traveling with your celiac child requires a little planning and a few of the same adjustments you’re already mastering at home.

     First of all, how you’ll manage your trip depends on your travel arrangements—will you be flying or driving? Each airline has its own set of guidelines which you can usually find online or ask a customer service representative about over the phone. Bring extra gluten-free foods, at least twice as much as you’ll think you’ll require, just in case there are layovers. Oftentimes airplane attendants will be happy to store your gluten-free food for you upon request.

     For car trips, bring along a cooler or two with already-prepared gluten-free foods and snacks for your celiac child. Luckily for your child, there are more and more gluten-free snacks available which are perfect for road trips. For instance, you can order online various snacks such as gluten-free jerky, gluten-free potato puffs, and gluten-free popcorn. If you’ll be stopping at restaurants along the way, you can visit a gluten-free restaurant site such as glutenfreerestaurants.org before your trip and plan ahead to eat at restaurants which offer gluten-free foods to its gluten-intolerant patrons. As with flying, I recommend bringing extra gluten-free food just in case there are any delays in your travel such as traffic or car problems.

Tina Turbin

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Posted in Autoimmune Disorders, Children, Gluten-Free Products, Helpful Information, Tina Turbin | 2 Comments »

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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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