Randy’s Incredible Lifestyle Change

Now that we are a little over two weeks into the new year we’ve been noticing some “small” changes in a few people we run into daily. Some are going to the gym to work out and get that body they’ve always wanted. And others are finding new diets to replace the ones that didn’t give them the results they were looking for. But today we are only focusing on the “BIG” changes; the Lifestyle ones that are long term investments to your well being.

It is easy to begin the new year with resolutions like to lose weight, stop drinking, quit smoking, be a better person to your spouse, save more money, or working harder to get a promotion. For some that change is temporarily. For others who truly want change it is a complete lifestyle overhaul. So today we would like to share you a story about Randy’s lifestyle change that saved his life. But before we hear his story I have to tell you that he looks just like Penn Jillette!!!  If you were to see Randy in person his size and deep voice can be quite intimidating. Don’t let the Penn look fool you. His vice grip bear hugs are bone cracking!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I begin this journey in January 2012; when I was an absolute miserable, ticking time bomb at 410 lbs. 54 years old and tired of being tired, my daughters (who eat a plant based diet) had harped on me relentlessly about trying to change my eating habits. I had every reason imaginable to get healthy.  My dad passed away from a heart attack after a triple and double bypass while out on the golf course when he was just 62. And my mother had a severe case of Alzheimer’s. Up until this point, I knew it had been merely luck that something hasn’t happened to me. Sometimes I even thought to myself “when” I have a stroke or heart attack; I hope it’s mild enough that I will be able to lead a somewhat normal life or that it would be so bad that it would just take me.  I couldn’t have been more selfish. And although I had tried by giving every diet imaginable a try (Atkins, South Beach, Paleo, sugar-free, fat-free, etc) and although each one of them had worked, each one of them would cause me to gain even more weight back when I went off.

In February, my ticking time bomb went off (literally) in the form of a blood clot that almost gave me a stroke or heart attack.  I was having difficulty breathing and what my physician believed to be an upper respiratory infection turned out to be a small time bomb floating its way through my legs and lungs.  It wasn’t 10 minutes after going to the doctor to have them looks at my swelling leg before they called an ambulance.  I was in such grave condition that they wouldn’t even allow me to drive to the hospital.  I had what they called a “floater” from my knee to my ankle.  Luckily, I had brought a friend with me, who had encouraged me to go the doctor, who saved my life by being there to take me straight to the emergency room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I discovered when I arrived had me convinced that I had mere hours before something catastrophic was going to happen.  I had blood clots in my lungs and a complete clot between my leg and knee.  They immediately put in a filter to prevent it from going to my heart or brain, causing a stroke or heart attack.  When I asked the doctor how much time I had to think about it, he responded “two seconds”. Needless to say, they put it in and I was wheeled off. There I remained in the hospital for two weeks from something I had thought was a respiratory infection.

As I walked myself around the hospital for those two weeks, I came across others who weren’t nearly as lucky as me.  Although I had worried my family to tears, these families were destroyed because of various problems similar to mine.  I was incredibly lucky.  And that was the extra push I needed to help keep my family from experiencing the same. I thought that if someone would have broke into my home wouldn’t I fight for my family’s safety and myself? Who wouldn’t? So I fought back. I started reading and learning all I could about health and nutrition. Not about diets, but about how to eat because dieting just didn’t work for me. After going to a plant based diet I saw changes within a few days.  Pounds fell off me. I thought everyone woke up tired and sluggish. But shortly after my change, I was waking up rested and alert. My coworkers even noticed a huge change in my attitude and why I was so happy all the time. Because I felt amazing! Losing weight will make you feel good….taking control of your life and future will make you feel GREAT!!

It’s been almost a year now and I have lost 140lbs. For the first time in 20 years, I can buy clothes off the rack. My blood sugar went from 110 to 74, blood pressure from 168/136 to 135/82. My cholesterol was over 21, it is now 143. All in one year! I am still on my medications and am still being monitored closely by my doctor.  However, when my doctor saw my improvements he said “whatever you’re doing, keep doing!”  He also anticipates that I will probably be able to get off my meds in a few months.  I have been on blood pressure medication since I was 25!

This is not a diet, it’s not temporary, and it’s not a quick fix.  It’s a complete lifestyle overhaul. Of course I like to look good, but eating this way is so much more. It gave me my life back and it gave my children their father back. My daughters say to me “that is the Dad I remember” and that is exactly the motivation I need.  I want to be here to see my children and grandchildren grow. But I also want to be here to do things with them, things that if things keep going the way there were I would have not been able to. Today is your tomorrow. Fight back, fight for your life and for your family’s life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are proud of you Randy and also know that your family is proud of you as well.  We’re honored to share your story on our blog today. May Randy’s story be an inspiration to all of those who are seeking change in their lives and want to be that change for their family!

_____

“The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.” Kettering

“Don’t let others change your life, be your own change agent and implement the changes you want! And if an unexpected change occurs in your life, find the positive in it.” Pulsifer

 

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Reusable Green Bags Are Not Just for Groceries Anymore

 

Copped it, bagged it, now ready to trash it!! No, not the groceries; but the plastic bags that have been going to waste our whole lives. Reusable green bags are not just for groceries anymore. It really doesn’t dawn on you until you put all the groceries away. Depending on the size of your family, more often than not all you are left with is a bunch of bags that can you form into a basketball. And what you do next is so mundane (throw them in the trash can) that you don’t stop for a moment to think, what if any, effects does all this plastic cause to the environment or life. Now that we (foodie Andre & Kirk included) have learned to set and keep our conscience and subconscious thermostat minds to “green”, we can do our part to help you.

Now if you’re reading this blog, chances are you’ve already have in your possession a couple reusable grocery bags (green bags), and you use them (when you remember to) at the supermarket or local green market. Now we’re here to tell you it’s time to “think outside the plastic” with your reusable bags.

 

 

 

Tips for remembering your bag:

• Keep bags up front in your car, rather than in the trunk where they’ll be “out of sight, out of mind.” Stuff them between the driver’s and passenger’s seats for maximum visibility and grab-ability.

• Very important: put your bags back in the car after you’ve emptied them. Or hang them wherever you hang your keys, so you’ll remember to put them back in the car next time you leave.

• Write at the top of your shopping list “DON’T FORGET SHOPPING BAGS.”

• If you enter the store and realize you’ve forgotten your bags (we’ve all done this!), consider this walk back to the car as your physical fitness for part of the day. Or remind yourself that plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, and paper bags are made from trees.

Now we dare you to set your thermostat on full blast, “tree-hugger” mode!!! The grocery store isn’t the only place to use those wonderful bags. Flexible, sturdy, and sand-proof try taking them with you on your next trip to the beach. Or at your local Walgreens; Prescriptions, toothpaste, q-tips and that 32-ounce mouthwash will pack nicely into your reusable bag. Swing it over your shoulder and walk out as a winner.

 

For more information on our services visit us at www.beorganiccatering.com

 

Yes, You Can Goes to School

It’s FREE! All materials are available for download free. Just look under the Educatortab where, once you register, you’ll find lessons with interactive components, plus projects, assessments, PowerPoint® presentations and Adult Dialogue Activities. Web-based calculators called FIT (“Financial Independence Today”) tools include the Debt Reducer Calculator and Savings Goal Calculator.

While learning to handle money is serious business, the curriculum includes fun and games, too. The Whaddayaknow? Game Show lets teams answer questions on a game board, and the Yes, You Can BINGO game highlights financial vocabulary terms.

 

 

It Works!
How do we know the curriculum will be workable for educators and students? We started by designing materials that adhere to the accepted 3 C’s of learning strategies: Constructive, Contextual and Collaborative learning.

Then we conducted a pilot in urban, suburban and rural middle schools and high schools to “test drive” the curriculum and get input from educators and parents.

It works! One of the pilot educators concluded: “I want to have the curriculum ready on day one. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.” A parent said the curriculum “helped begin the process of teaching my child about personal finance.”

Many schools offering the new curriculum are sending parents a letter by mail or e-mail. If you haven’t heard anything, contact your child’s teacher to encourage use of the program.

“It is important that your children learn what they can do with money early in life so they will apply the lessons learned as they face the real world in future years,” recommends Jim Stowers, founder, American Century Investments. Through the support of the company he founded, every child now has the opportunity to learn these life-enhancing lessons.

Reference: Financial Education From American Century Investments, Issue Yes You Can, Summer 2012, Website: http://yesyoucanonline.info/Earning/Earning-Articles/Leverage-Your-Summer-Internship

 

 

Preventative Measures: Pneumonia – Adult (Community Acquired)

 

 

For those who have  seen us in action know that we touch base on preventative measures concerning cancers, diabetes, and obesity. Today, we would like to share some light on preventative measures when dealing with pneumonia. For those who may have had personal experience with this infection or may know someone who has, know that this illness can be deadly. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. We would like to dedicated this blog to our dearest friend, Thamara.

Pneumonia is a common illness that affects millions of people each year in the United States. Germs called bacteria, viruses, and fungi may cause pneumonia.

CAUSES

Ways you can get pneumonia include:

• Bacteria and viruses living in your nose, sinuses, or mouth may spread to your lungs.
• You may breathe some of these germs directly into your lungs.
• You breathe in (inhale) food, liquids, vomit, or fluids from the mouth into your lungs (aspiration pneumonia)

Pneumonia caused by bacteria tends to be the most serious kind. In adults, bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia.

• The most common pneumonia-causing germ in adults is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).
• Atypical pneumonia, often called walking pneumonia, is caused by certain other bacteria.
• Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is sometimes seen in people whose immune system is not working well.

Many other bacteria can also cause pneumonia.

Viruses are also a common cause of pneumonia, especially in infants and young children.

Risk factors that increase your chances of getting pneumonia include:

• Chronic lung disease (COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis)
• Cigarette smoking
• Dementia, stroke, brain injury, cerebral palsy, or other brain disorders
• Immune system problem (during cancer treatment or due to HIV/AIDS or organ transplant)
• Other serious illnesses, such as heart disease, liver cirrhosis, ordiabetes mellitus
• Recent surgery or trauma
• Surgery to treat cancer of the mouth, throat, or neck

SYMPTOMS

The most common symptoms of pneumonia are:

• Cough (with some pneumonias you may cough up greenish or yellow mucus, or even bloody mucus)
• Fever, which may be mild or high
• Shaking chills
• Shortness of breath (may only occur when you climb stairs)

Other symptoms include:

• Confusion, especially in older people
• Excess sweating and clammy skin
• Headache
• Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue
• Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough

EXAMS/TEST

If you have pneumonia, you may be working hard to breathe, or breathing fast.

The health care provider will hear crackles or abnormal breath sounds when listening to your chest with a stethoscope. Other abnormal breathing sounds may also be heard through the stethoscope or by tapping on your chest wall (percussion).

The health care provider will likely order a chest x-ray if pneumonia is suspected.

You may need other tests, including:

• Arterial blood gases to see if enough oxygen is getting into your blood from the lungs
• CBC to check white blood cell count
• CT scan of the chest
• Culture of your sputum to look for the bacteria or virus that is causing your symptoms
• Pleural fluid culture if there is fluid in the space around the lungs

TREATMENT

Your doctor must first decide whether you need to be in the hospital. If you are treated in the hospital, you will receive:

• Fluids and antibiotics in your veins
• Oxygen therapy
• Breathing treatments (possibly)

It is very important that you are started on antibiotics very soon after you are admitted (unless you have viral pneumonia).

You are more likely to be admitted to the hospital if you:

• Have another serious medical problem
• Have severe symptoms
• Are unable to care for yourself at home, or are unable to eat or drink
• Are older than 65 or a young child
• Have been taking antibiotics at home and are not getting better

However, many people can be treated at home. Your doctor may tell you to take antibiotics. Antibiotics help some people with pneumonia get better.

• Don’t miss any doses. Take the medicine until it is gone, even if you start to feel better.
• Do NOT take cough medicine or cold medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Coughing helps your body get rid of mucus from your lungs.

Breathing warm, moist (wet) air helps loosen the sticky mucus that may make you feel like you are choking. These things may help:

• Place a warm, wet washcloth loosely over your nose and mouth.
• Fill a humidifier with warm water and breathe in the warm mist.
• Take a couple of deep breaths two or three times every hour. Deep breaths will help open up your lungs.
• Tap your chest gently a few times a day and lie with your head lower than your chest. This can help bring up mucus from the lungs.

Drink plenty of liquids (as long as your health care provider says it is okay):

• Drink water, juice, or weak tea
• Drink at least 6 to 10 cups a day
• Do NOT drink alcohol

Get plenty of rest when you go home. If you have trouble sleeping at night, take naps during the day.

PREVENTION

Wash your hands often, especially after:

• Blowing your nose
• Going to the bathroom
• Diapering

Also wash your hands before eating or preparing foods.

Don’t smoke. Tobacco damages your lung’s ability to ward off infection.

Vaccines may help prevent some types of pneumonia. They are even more important for the elderly and people with diabetes, asthma, emphysema, HIV, cancer, or other long-term conditions:

• Flu vaccine prevents pneumonia and other problems caused by the influenza virus. It must be given each year to protect against new virus strains.
• Pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax, Prevnar) lowers your chances of getting pneumonia from Streptococcus pneumoniae.

If you have cancer or HIV, talk to your doctor about ways to prevent pneumonia and other infections.

Reference: New York Times, Health Guide: Pneumonia – Adults (Community Acquired)

For more information on our services visit www.beorganicllc.com

 

Organic Farming Method

 

Last night we hosted an Organictakeover at Atlantis Natural, a children’s enrichment and wellness education center in Miami. During the Q & A part of the event one of the guest was seriously mislead about the organic farming method. We understand how all the information on the internet might lead you astray but we are here to dish out the truth. So we decided to do a quick review on the topic.

In order to qualify as organic farmers, the producers must use renewable resources and endeavor to conserve soil and water to enhance the environmental quality for future generations in the organic farming method.

• Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones during their lives.
• Organic food is produced without using harmful, conventional pesticides; fertilizers containing synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.

Definition of farmers’ markets: a common facility or area where several farmers or growers gather on a regular, recurring basis to sell a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and other locally-grown farm products directly to consumers.

• “Local Food” is food that is consumed within 100 miles of where it is grown and produced.
• The (only) difference between organic and conventional food is the way how the food has been produced and processed.
• Organic food is defined as the product of a farming system, which avoids the use of man-made fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives (such as antibiotics, growth hormones and medications in an effort to prevent disease and spur quicker growth)
• Organic farming rely on crop rotation, animal and plant manures, some hand weeding and biological pest control.
• The use of fertilizers and pesticides is restricted in organic production.

Thomas Jefferson used the phrase “All men are created equal” in the Declaration of Independence. But in dealing with “food” not all organic food is created equal. Guess they abrogated that in their declaration. This is an important fact to keep in mind when shopping for healthy food.

For more information please visit http://organicwinds.blogspot.com/2012/08/open-house-childrens-holistic.html

 

 

Easy Money Savings Strategies!

Easy Money Savings Strategies!

 

 

 

Many men and women still find it impossible to replenish their savings. Nevertheless, everyone has the potential in doing so, all you will need is a little dedication and know-how. After you sit down and determine a budget for this very important task, it becomes a whole lot of easier to actually accomplish this goal. So just do it– take advantage of this article and all of the knowledge included for getting yourself inside the right frame of mind to improve your position.

A good method to lower your temptations of spending the extra money you will save is to open a new savings account at a bank that you do not commonly use. After you open a new savings account at a different bank than the your main bank , you actually psychologically create a barrier for yourself as if the money is not there. Make sure you fund the new account monthly and if you can weekly would be ideal. So now that you’ve done something as simple as setting up a new account, you show be a step closer to financial independence.

Next, rather then buying meal every day while at work, prepare in advance a menu of your meals for the week. Packing yourself a meal at least 3 times a week would cut your expenses for about $30 for the week and perhaps a months worth would be $120. You may as well employ this to dinner meals likewise. This an easy cost savings measure that does not have be extreme nor difficult.

The easiest way to realize how your financial household works is to make note of the amount of money you spend in a four week period (a free online tool MINT and for business owners QUICKEN ) . After you’ve kept notes on the considerable amounts of money you are shelling out, then you definitely need to determine what habits are needed to be curbed or eliminated. You will like this simple strategy since they should be small adjustments. However, this will vary on case by case since every has different spending habits. So remember always keep a journal to assist you in visualizing what comes in and what goes out, simple budgeting for everyday spending. Moreover, it is much easier to save when you know what you are spending your money on.

Frugality is Sensible

Before you buy whatever you want, look at if or not this item can be cheaper at some other store or whenever you can come across coupons to cut back the price (Many Apps  can be download to help you price shop) . Savings $5 here and $5 there are an will add up after a while. If you save yourself $25 dollars a week on buying items either on sale or at a cheaper price through coupons, then you could save yourself $100 a month. That money can be used very wisely elsewhere, so think again before you finalize a purchase.

In case you have cash you intend to burn. Be sure that you will not carry too much cash with you at all time.  Carry around a reasonable amount to use in case of emergencies but nothing more than can hurt your budgeting efforts for a week. You probably want to carry around 20-40 dollars with you and only use it when you absolutely have to.

Although the ideas here can seem small or a little tedious, they are really effective methods for budgeting your hard earned dollars correctly. Just go ahead and check several of the approaches you learned and see if you notice difference with your particular financial situation over the span of a few months.

Learn More About Money Strategies HERE!

Staying Fit by Running!

Get in Shape by Running

Running is a great way to get in shape. It can burn quite a bit of calories and help you build and tone muscle easily. Not only that, but you don’t need an expensive gym membership to do it. On the contrary! You actually need to spend very little money to get good exercise while running. If you’re planning on taking up running to get in shape, read below for some great advice!

Look at investing in a good pair of running shoes. Any pair of sneakers will do, but if you buy a good pair that are designed for running, you’ll be able to get the most out of your workouts. Running shoes are designed to minimize the stress on your feet, ankles, and legs as well as effectively tone your leg muscles. A good pair of shoes will also help keep you from getting blisters during your runs.

Make sure you wear clothing that won’t chafe. You want something that’s comfortable and won’t restrict your movement. It’s also recommended that your clothing be somewhat reflective. This will help you be seen by any cars, especially if you’re running early in the morning, at night, or any other time when visibility may be limited.

Make sure you’re running in a safe area. You want to run somewhere where you won’t have to worry about getting run over by a car. Running around your neighborhood or a park can be great; running on the side of a highway not so much. You should also avoid any areas that are high in violence or criminal activity for your personal safety.

You should look into getting something to track your workout. You can either buy a small device designed for runners to log their runs or most smart phones have an app you can install to do this as well. This will give you an easy way to track how far you’ve run and even how many calories you’ve burned.

Try and run a similar route for a while and see how long it takes you to run that specific route. Each time you run, challenge yourself to beat your previous time. Once you think you’ve maximized your time, try increasing the distance and repeat the routine. Keep doing this until you’re running farther, faster.

Try and vary up your runs a bit. If you normally run on a flat, even area, try going somewhere to run that has a lot of hills. You can even go to a trail and try running on dirt. Running a flat mile is a lot easier than running a mile up and down hills or on a natural trail. This can be a great way to change up your workout and increase the pace at the same time.

Running isn’t hard. It’s cheap and can be a great way to get in shape. If you’re looking into running as a form of exercise, keep these pieces of advice in mind. With these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to looking great.

Will Dating CRMs Be the Next Hot Thing?

 

 

Will Dating CRMs Be the Next Hot Thing?

I could not of help but noticed an interesting article posted in the The Trust Advisor, a weekly newsletter in which I am subscribed too. The newsletter is informative in many ways regarding currents events in the financial world, insurance, as well as topics on regulations and its impacts. The editor has great content, very specific to the industry and I am very pleased with the information he provides.

On to why I am talking about this article. So if you are in sales, any form of sales, you’ve must have used some sort of Contact Relationship Manager (CRM). Without a doubt one of the most important tools to use in any business. So, I had a chuckle when I read Scott Martin’s article about applying the principles of CRM with dating. Well, I can’t say it surprises me, since we now live in a world where dating/marriage have been subject to commidification. As well as our attention spans’ are of a small gold fish and millions of smart phone users require instant gratification.  So ladies this article was not intended to offend perhaps to shed light on not only the growing trend of intimacy engrained with technology, but also the fact that we are shifting to a world where we are less genuine due to technology.

I hope you enjoy the read as I did. Click here for more to come .

Motivation – Humbling Moments Are Ok?

Self Empowerment

 

Perhaps you are a recent graduate who has been affected by the current economic conditions where you find yourself looking for a new job with little options. May be  you are a business owner whose revenues have been drastically reduced while your expenses have remained the same. Or, are you one of the millions who have been displaced and your new career options are offering you half your accustomed pay?

No matter what category you may fall under, remember, THIS IS the time to retool, re-skill, revamp, reorganize, re-harness, rethink, remodel, re-budget, everything in our lives. To begin, you must start with your mindset. Our minds are so powerful in so many ways, both negative and positive. Therefore now more than ever we must think of ways in which are creative with always the half-glass full mentality and strategically accomplish our objectives. You must foster and cultivate an environment which will be conducive for optimal results.

So, “How can I revamp my mindset?”  you may ask.

Well, by going back to the basics and inspiring the thoughts from within which will manifest into something extremely valuable.

Words of Wisdom from Actor Will Smith

 

In doing so, I MUST recommend “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. In my opinion this is the most powerful read of all time regarding business, inspirational, and entrepreneurial thinking.  For some, you may be saying, ” I’ve read it already” ; well that’s great so read it AGAIN! Remember this is a book which you can derive diamond nuggets every time you read. Since times have changed virtually among all business landscapes as well as personal circumstances, the way we thought then is so very different in the present time. As for those who have not read this monumental book then please get your copy today!

You will find the principals in this book to be timeless and assist you during our current economic correction. During every downturn there are huge opportunities to identify and profit from.  It is within us to pursue our dreams while understanding that obstacles will always present itself and ["that all achievements, all earned riches, have their beginning in an idea"- Napoleon Hill]

Remember we are faced with challenges and obstacles every day that will attempt to derail your goals, which I call deferred dreams. It is the actions we do on a daily basis that will change the outcome and extinguish any of the “distractions” that present itself.

So our mission statement is as follows:

We are to provide useful and encouraging content, reviews, as well as videos/audio that will shed light on methods of self-improvement, business practices, viral marketing, traffic generation, visionary thoughts, with a twist of overall health consciousness.

I’d like to end with a quote from one of my favorite books,

“Before success comes in any man’s life, he’s sure to meet with much temporary defeat and, perhaps some failures. When defeat overtakes a man, the easiest and the most logical thing to do is to quit. That’s exactly what the majority of men do.” – Napoleon Hill

Click here for more empowering thoughts!

 

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Gluten Free: Nutritional Information on Gluten Intolerance

What is Gluten?

Gluten is the generic name for certain types of proteins found in common cereal grains – mainly wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and kamut (versions of wheat), triticale (a grain crossbred from wheat and rye), and their derivatives.

Whom It Affects

Current estimates suggest that 1 in every 133 Americans suffers a reaction to ingesting gluten, which is present in many products.

The Gluten Sensitivity Spectrum

Gluten is found in many foods otherwise considered wholesome, making the supermarket- for those who have an intolerance for gluten or those with celiac disease- a minefield.

The sensistivity to wheat and associated glutens range from mildly annoying to very serious.:

Conditions and Symptoms

Allergy

• If you have a wheat allergy, you probably realize it. Allergic symptoms- itchy, watery eyes; runny nose; wheezing; skin rash; or diarrhea- appear very quickly after ingesting this grain. Eliminating wheat may be enough to relieve your symptoms. And you may still be able to eat oat or rye products.

Intolerance

• Digestive distress, such as stomachache, bloating , diarrhea
• Skin complaints like itching, eczema, hives
• Joint and muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Malabsorption of nutrients
•  Headaches, including migraines
• Antibody screenings are used to diagnose gluten intolerance

Celiac Disease

• If you have celias disease (symptoms include those listed above), which up to 3 million Americans are estimated to have, you must avoid gluten totally to avoid destroying your small intestine and possibly leading to more serious diseases, including cancer.

 

Living Gluten Free

You don’t have to give up all foods to live gluten-free: dietitians recommend that patients eat a variety of good things people should eat anyway, such as fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, milk, and legumes. All are naturally gluten free.

But you must become more vigilant about you diet, especially when it comes to:

• Eliminating foods that contain gluten: wheat, rye, barley, spelt, kamut, and triticale.
• Discovering that wheat-free; a product may have some other gluten-containing grain.
• Reading labels of all bakery and packaged foods carefully.
• Knowing that gluten-containing grains are used as both basic ingredients and additives during processing or preparation.
• Being aware that ingredients may need to be clarified by the manufacturer. Example: Hydrolyzed vegetable protein on an  ingredient list may be made from wheat, soy, corn, or a mix of grains.

Shop Attentively

If you or someone in your family is gulten-intolerant, read the labels of foods every time you buy them, as ingredients may change at any time. To make sure you’re clear about contents, get in touch with manufacturers and ask them questions. It’s vitally improtantn that you know for certain a good is gluten-free. Always remember: If in doubt, go without.

Allowed Foods: Rice, corn, potato, tapioca, beans, garfava, sorghum, quinoa, millet, arrowroot, amaranth, teff, Montina, nut flours, distilled vinegars, distilled alcoholic beverages, wine, brand-name packaged yeast, caramel color made from corn citric acid, pure spices or bottled spices containing silicon dioxide, vanilla and vanilla extract.

Not Allowed Foods: Wheat (durum, graham, kamut, semolina, spelt), rye, barley, triticale, or products containing these items. Malt or malt flavoring, malt vinegar, beers, ales, lagers (are made from gluten-containging grains), brewer;s yeast that is a byproduct of beer, caramel color made from barly malt, dextrin made from wheat, wheat maltodextrin or maltodextrin (wheat), and starch or modified food starch made from wheat.

For more information about gluten intolerance and living gluten-free, visit:

Celiac Disease Foundation: celiac.org

Gluten Intolerance Group: gluten.net

Source: National Digestive Disease, Celiac Disease Foundation, Gluten Intolerance

 

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