Wheat gluten is the protein that exists in this commonly consumed grain. The gluten itself can cause problems for those with celiac disease as well as those with a sensitivity to gluten. The other components of wheat ALSO cause problems int he body and in particular with weight gain.  In this article we provide a general overview of the problem with wheat. This is the first in a series of problems related to wheat.

Today wheat has been modified so much that it doesn’t even resemble the grain your grandparents ate. Wheat allergies are at the top of the list of allergy producing foods right next to casein and milk.

The current diet of fast processed foods overemphasizes the intake of wheat. This increases the potential for allergic reactions or sensitivities to processed grains, contributing to many health challenges like migraines, weight gain, joint pain, rashes, mood problems, focus and concentration to name a few.

Vary your diet. Your body does well on variety. When you eat the same thing day in and day out, your body slows metabolism and is set up for possible food reactions.  Vary your grain. Eat Quinoa, a high protein grain that can be eaten in the morning as a cereal or with lunch and dinner. Add in vegetables , fruits and other interesting spices for a great dish, high in protein and low in fat. This is one of the best ways to burn fat – increase protein and decrease fat intake.

Use other whole grains such as oats, barley, rye, amaranth, corn, kamut, and spelt for variety.  Whole grains are rich in fiber critical for the health of the bowel.  Oats and barley can help to lower cholesterol, while the other grains have anti oxidant properties.

A diet high in processed grains increases water retention, increases blood sugar fluctuations causing a yo yo appetite and weight gain. Gradually decrease the amount of grain you eat including rice.  Add in more vegetables, whole fruits and have less of pasta, breads, other refined foods.

Check out the Master Detox, it is a 21 day elimination diet that will wake up your body and reduce generalized inflammation, jumpstart weight loss and increase your energy. Click here

Cucumber Salsa

Cucumbers are light, refreshing and crunchy.  Cucumbers are very low in calories and refreshing. Increase the volume of food you can eat and add lots of favor to your diet without adding many calories. This is a great alternative to the traditional salsa!

 Ingredients

2 cups finely chopped seeded peeled cucumber

1/2 cup finely chopped seeded tomato

1/4 cup chopped red onion

2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley

1 jalepeno pepper, seeded and chopped

4-1/2 tsp minced fresh cilantro

1 garlic clove, minced or pressed

1/4 c reduced-fat sour cream

1-1/2 tsp lemon juice

1-1/2 tsp lime juice

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp seasoned salt

Tortilla chips

In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In another bowl, combine the sour cream, lemon juice, lime juice, cumin and seasoned salt. Pour over cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately with chips.

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Americans like to snack. Think outside the bag, pouch, can and try this healthy snack. Chronic stress can wear you out and often set you up with salt cravings. With Zucchini chips you can get a small amount of salt fix with potassium, Vitamins A, C and folates.  Zucchini are very low in calories so this recipe is a great alternative as a snack. Vary the flavors to suit your taste.

What you need:

1 large zucchini

2 tbsp. olive oil (or coconut, walnut or grapeseed oil)

Sea salt

(add granulated garlic, back with sliced onions, add in spices that you like)

 The “how to”

1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper
2. For the skinniest slices use a mandolin. Place the sliced zucchini on a paper towel and place another towel on top to blot away moisture.
3. Lay out the baking sheet with parchment next to each other, making sure not to overlap them.
4. In a small bowl, pour your olive oil (or oil of choice) and with a pastry brush lightly brush the sliced zucchini.
5. Sprinkle salt over the baking sheet. Use less salt initially. You can always add more when they are done.
6. Bake for 2 hours (may need more) until they start to brown and are crisp.

Let cool before removing and serving.

Can be kept in airtight container for 3 days.

Cynthia Howard RN, CNC, PhD works with individuals and organizations to master the art of wellbeing. Contact us for a free consultation

Did you know that being born in the U.S. puts you at a higher risk for allergies?   Kids born outside the US are less likely to have allergy diseases like asthma, eczema, hay fever, and food allergies than kids born here. And even if you’re born outside the U.S., your chances of coming down with those allergy diseases is higher if you move here.  

Diet and lifestyle is definitely part of this scenario. The US is a snack food nation and it is catching up with us as Chronic Disease tops the charts and places the US number 1 in the world for chronic disease. Children eat a diet 70% processed with way too much high fructose corn syrup leading to compromised digestive systems. Eat fresh whole food and wean your children off of processed junk food.

A processed diet has serious consequences for your most important system in your body – the digestive system. The lack of fiber in a processed diet along with increased risk of leaky gut contributes to less effective elimination, mucus build up and the wrong balance of healthy bacteria all contributing to inflamed sinuses.

Exposure to toxins is another risk factor in allergies. Consider using the essential oil of lemon as a cleaning agent or essential oils to freshen the air instead of Glade or Febreze, which are toxic. Use natural cleaners to reduce your exposure.  Read labels and use a natural alternative when possible.

Germaphobic culture is another reason for the increased incidence in allergies.  The overuse of antibiotics, antibacterial hand soaps and the chemical hand sanitizers actually suppresses the immune inhibiting its development. Rather than protecting you it makes your immune system weak and less effective in fighting infection!

Living with allergy triggers is another risk factor. Cats are allergenic, they trigger an allergic response and keep you inflamed. Add in a poor diet and increased dust and toxins and it may be enough to push you over the edge with chronic allergies.

Lack of activity is a risk factor for many health challenges and allergies are no exception. Your lymph system is the system that whisks away toxins from the body. Walking, jumping, dancing and moving keep your lymph system circulating and effective in eliminating waste. Get up and move.     

Family history is the major source of true allergies, the IGe reaction to pollen and or food. Many people may not have a TRUE allergy as diagnosed by a blood test however they have all the symptoms of an allergy. This is because of the risk factors mentioned in this article along with a chronic fatigue and or stress.  If you have a parent that is allergic to something, you have a 30% change of also being diagnosed with a true allergies. The risk factors can cause allergic symptoms wrecking havoc with your health.

 Allergies are a chronic problem. It seems that more people struggle more frequently throughout the year.   Your body uses inflammation as a defense mechanism to fight infection and to protect itself from harm. So allergies can also be a warning from your body that something is going on. Consider your lifestyle and diet and adopt a whole person approach to solve this chronic health problem rather than relying on over the counter medication that simply provides a bandaid and does actually solve the health problem.

Cleaning your colon is a great way to stop the chronic inflammation. Check out the Master Detox which also eliminates foods that are inflammatory. 

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific questions. Cynthia Howard RN, CNC, PhD practices Functional Nutrition and works with individuals providing natural solutions to many chronic health problems.

A new study led by a Harvard nutritionist followed the dietary habits of 138,000 women for over 10 years  and researchers found that walnuts may be packing a powerful blood-sugar controlling punch.

Women who consumed at least eight ounces of walnuts a month, just a couple nuts a day, reduced their risk of developing type-2 diabetes by a staggering 24 percent! That’s right, these tasty nuts could be the key to avoiding a future with chronic health problems.

Walnuts are high in healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that have proven time and again to be powerful weapons in the fight against diabetes.  

Make the mindset switch and eat fresh. Add walnuts to your salad or have as a snack rather than having french fries or other snack chips.   Roast your walnuts and sprinkle with sea salt for a salty snack and have with an apple, sweet and crunchy. Use walnut oil with your salads with raspberry vinagrette and garlic for a delicious dressing and throw away the bottled dressings.

Researchers found that women who regularly ate walnuts weighed less and were more likely to stick with diets that included other healthy and delicious foods, like fish.

Walnuts are also helpful in fighting prostate cancer.   Imagine being able to beat back diabetes, heart disease, AND cancer one nut at a time! Go nuts for a healthy diet and lifestyle and live your life well.

Cynthia Howard RN, CNC, PhD practices Functional Nutrition and works with individuals to increase energy and use cleansing as a effective way to protect their health. Contact her for a free consultation.

But probiotics alone aren’t enough.

If you are bothered by certain foods and you have been taking antacids,, laxatives and other acid blockers, you will want to get at the root of the problem with digestive enzymes. Without digestive enzymes, undigested food sits in your digestive tract leaving you bloated, gassy, either constipated or with diarrhea. Before long you can lose energy, age faster and grow ill.

The Mayo Clinic confirms certain enzyme production can decrease up … (read more)

This is the second article in the series on Weight Loss and Dirty Tricks Your Mind and Body Play on you.  Your mind probably has convinced you that fiber is not that important. You may even tell yourself you get enough and that you are regular, after all you have a bowel movement every other day.

The need for adequate fiber is really understated. Most people get half of what they need.  Fiber is necessary for a healthy digestion, elimination pattern and for a stable blood sugar.  This article focuses on the benefits of fiber and your blood sugar.

Why … (read more)

Makes 2 cups

Ingredients

• 1 avocado, diced (firm)
• 1 cucumber (seeded or use seedless), chopped
• 1 medium to large lemon, juice and zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ cup raw spinach
• 1 green onion, chopped

Combine all ingredients and puree until smooth.  For a more interesting dip leave some of the chopped cucumbers out and then add back in once all other ingredients have been pureed.   Serve … (read more)

There are several reasons for this. We are going to do a series of articles to help you understand what might be happening.

In this first article, we are going to talk about something that is probably the cause of most people giving up their tremendous efforts at losing weight.

We do have several options available for you to jumpstart weight loss, detox and lose … (read more)