Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune system disorder that causes damage to the small intestine, keeping foods that contain gluten from being absorbed properly. Both children and adults can get celiac disease, and the condition is typically inherited.

Celiac disease can lead to serious health problems over time if it is left unchecked. Symptoms of celiac disease vary quite a bit from person to person — but there are some common ones that affect a large amount of people with the condition.

Diarrhea/Constipation

Diarrhea is a common symptom of celiac disease because the body isn’t able to properly absorb and process foods if they contain gluten. Not everybody with celiac disease experiences diarrhea, and many people only have intermittent diarrhea. Other people have alternating constipation and diarrhea.

Heartburn/Abdominal Discomfort 

Heartburn isn’t considered the most common symptom of celiac disease, but it can affect people with the condition. When celiac disease sufferers experience heartburn, it is often related to ongoing intestinal damage. Heartburn often subsides when a person with celiac disease switches to a gluten-free diet. Your doctor will likely want to do other tests before assuming your heartburn is related to celiac disease, however. In many cases, people with celiac disease experience diarrhea and abdominal discomfort or cramping as well.

Vitamin/Mineral Deficiencies 

Vitamin deficiencies are common because of malabsorption, the body’s inability to absorb vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Often, vitamin deficiencies can be corrected through a proper gluten-free diet. However, if vitamin deficiencies are severe because of years of untreated celiac disease, vitamin supplements may be suggested by the person’s doctor.

The most common vitamin supplements recommended for people with celiac disease include vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. In some cases, people with celiac disease may be able to reverse a vitamin deficiency with a simple daily multi-vitamin that doesn’t contain any gluten.

Looking for gluten free products? Check out the Gluten Free Foods and Gluten Free Vitamins we have available at iHerb. Use Coupon Code WOW123 to get  you $10 off any first time order with a $40 minimum purchase or $5 off any first time order less than $40.

References

Celiac Disease Foundation Staff; Celiac Disease; Celiac Disease Foundation; accessed March 10, 2013

Mayo Clinic Staff; Celiac Disease: Symptoms; Mayo Clinic; accessed March 10, 2013

Anderson, Jane; Are Your GERD Symptoms Caused by Celiac Disease: GERD Symptoms Alleviated by Gluten-Free Diets in Celiacs; About.com; accessed March 10, 2013

Rosewood is a beautiful, luxurious, amber-colored wood, often made into elegant furniture. The Japanese also use rosewood to make chopsticks. Its warm, woody, spicy yet floral scent has made it a favorite component of many perfumes. Additionally, while rosewood may not be one of the most widely used essential oils, it has many highly valued aromatic properties. For centuries, the people of the Amazonian rainforest have used rosewood to heal wounds and also for various types of skin ailments. Rosewood can also boost the immune system, relieve headaches, and act as a deodorant. It also has tissue regeneration properties, making it a great combat tool against aging skin, wrinkles, and scars.

Therapeutic uses: acne, aging skin, colds, coughs, exhaustion, fever, infections, headaches, immune system, insect repellent, lethargy, libido, meditation, nausea, nervous tension, scars, stress-related problems, viruses, wounds, wrinkles.

Essential Oil Applications:

For acne, use 2-3 drops in a carrier oil and dab on affected area.

For aging skin, scars, and wrinkles, mix 2-3 drops with 2 tablespoons of liquid lanolin or a face and/or body cream, and apply to affected area.

To help the body deal with colds, infections, and viruses, and to boost the immune system, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser. Can also add 8-10 drops in bath water.

For ticklish coughs, use 2-3 drops in a steam inhalation. Can also add 8-10 drops in bath water.

To relieve exhaustion and lethargy, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser. For fever, use 2-3 drops in a cold compress.

For headaches, especially those accompanied by nausea, use 2-3 drops in a hot or cold compress. Can also use 2-3 drops in a diffuser or 8-10 drops in bath water.

To repel insects, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser.

To restore libido, use 6-8 drops in a bath. Can also use 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil, and massage on body.

For nervous tension, use 2-3 drops in a carrier oil and massage on body, or add 8-10 drops in bath water.

For wounds, use 2-3 drops in a cold compress after cleaning wound.

Mixes well with:

Anise, Atlas cedarwood, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lemon, lime, marjoram, orange, patchouli, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, tangerine, tea tree, and ylang ylang.

Extraction method:

Steam distillation.

Parts used:

Wood chippings.

Safety Information:

No special precautions required with rosewood.

More Info:

The Power of Aromatherapy
Getting Started with Aromatherapy
The Choosing, Blending and the Caring of Your Essential Oils

iHerb sells hundreds of Essential Oils.  Click  here to see our selection of products. If you’re new to iHerb, use Coupon Code WOW123 to get $10 off your first order with a minimum order of $40.

If organic food has no significant nutritional edge over conventionally produced food, as recently claimed in a study by Stanford scientists, then why is there an increasing demand for organic products?

One reason is that what food doesn’t have in it can be just as important as what it contains. Contaminants such as pesticides may fall within acceptable EPA limits but are still high in conventional products.

Environmental concerns also impel many producers and consumers alike towards organic farming.

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) provides information for farmers and consumers about the benefits of USDA certified organic agricultural products such as meat, poultry, grains, produce and dairy. The USDA Organic seal on the label ensures that the process of bringing that food to the market has been inspected at every step on a worldwide basis.

What the USDA Certified Organic Seal Means:

Products are 100 percent organic or have at least 95 percent organic ingredients. The other five percent of ingredients are in compliance with the NOP’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. Fines are levied for falsifying labels.

Animals eat 100 percent organically grown food. They graze in carefully managed pastures or have access to the outdoors. They have not been given hormones or antibiotics.

Meat, poultry and dairy products are sent to market with no preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors added in the processing. Farmers utilize natural fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Genetic engineering is prohibited. Minimizing pollution and conserving water and soil are vital.

Click here to check out iHerb’s selection of Certified Organic Foods!  New to iHerb? Use Coupon Code WOW123 to get  you $10 off any first time order with a $40 minimum purchase.

References

Chang, Kenneth; Stanford Scientists Cast Doubt on Advantages of Organic Meat and Produce; NYTimes.com; Accessed February 20, 2013

The Mayo Clinic: Organic Foods: Are They Safer? More Nutritious? Accessed February 20, 2013

USDA Blog: Organic 101; Accessed February 20, 2013

The month of May is Celiac Awareness Month, so iHerb would like to take this opportunity to help spread awareness about celiac disease by providing information and lifestyle suggestions that could be helpful in managing this disease. Having celiac disease doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy delicious food like this Gluten Free Pilaf with Salmon, Mushrooms and Spinach.

Gluten Free Quinoa Pilaf with Salmon, Mushrooms and Spinach
Photo and Recipe From Chikako Siebers of the Inner Harmony Nutrition Blog

Ingredients
(serves 4)

•  5 oz (150 g) wild salmon fillet
• 1 Tbs. white wine or sake
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1/4 large onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 7 mushrooms, sliced
• 3 bunches spinach, roughly chopped
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Celiac Awareness Month: Gluten Free Quinoa Pilaf with Salmon, Mushrooms and Spinach

 

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Author: Photo and Recipe From Chikako Siebers of the Inner Harmony Nutrition Blog

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 5 oz (150 g) wild salmon fillet
• 1 Tbs. white wine or sake
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• ¼ large onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 7 mushrooms, sliced
• 3 bunches spinach, roughly chopped
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Wash and chop vegetables and put aside.
2. Salt and pepper the salmon fillet and sprinkle 1 Tbs. of white wine or sake and put aside.
3. In a saucepan, place quinoa and 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
4. After the quinoa has come to a boil, reduce to a simmer, add the salmon fillet with the skin side down and then cover the saucepan. Cook until all water is absorbed, for about 10 – 15 minutes.
5. While quinoa and salmon are cooking, heat 1 Tbs. olive oil in a skillet, add onion and garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms next and sauté. Finally add spinach and sauté until the spinach is completely wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. When the quinoa is done, turn off the heat. Carefully remove the salmon skin and flake the salmon with a fork.
7. Mix vegetables, quinoa and salmon together. Season with salt and pepper, if desired and then serve.

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Looking for gluten free products? Check out the Gluten Free Foods and Gluten Free Vitamins we have available at iHerb. Use Coupon Code WOW123 to get  you $10 off any first time order with a $40 minimum purchase or $5 off any first time order less than $40.

You may already know how difficult it can be to keep your eye makeup on for more than a few hours. It’s a common problem many women face if they wear makeup every day, but it’s one that can be fixed in a variety of different ways, although you may need to alter your makeup routine slightly.

Start with a Base

You can’t just put on eye makeup and expect it to stay there for eight hours. It’s an unreasonable request that not even the most expensive makeups can comply with. That’s why you need to apply a base first.

Apply Primer

Apply a basic primer to create an even base for your eye makeup to stick to. Ideally, you want a primer that’s natural and neutral so it won’t affect the color of the eye shadow that you choose to wear. However, some companies make tinted primers, and they can be useful, if not as flexible, as natural skin-toned primers. If you don’t have an eye makeup primer, a light coat of liquid base that matches your skin tone can be used as a substitute.

It’s Shadow Time

Once your primer is in place, go ahead and line your eyes, and then brush on your eye shadow like you normally do. You don’t need to change anything about this step, though you may find you need less to get the effect you want because of the base.

Try Waterproof

If you’re going to be wearing eye makeup for long periods of time without taking it off or changing it, you should opt for waterproof makeup whenever possible. This will give you an even look that won’t run as easily over the course of a day.

Check out iHerb’s selection of Eye Shadows!  New to iHerb? Use Coupon Code WOW123 to get  you $10 off any first time order with a $40 minimum purchase.

References

Beautyblogger Sasha; The Secret to Stay-Put Eye Makeup; GALTime; Accessed April 27, 2013

Marie Claire Staff; Make Your Makeup Last; Marie Claire; Accessed April 27, 2013

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for celiac disease; however, there are some things you can do to help ease its symptoms and improve your day-to-day life, according to the Mayo Clinic. Living with celiac disease requires consideration and dietary changes, but once you alter your lifestyle accordingly, you’ll likely feel much better.

A Gluten-Free Diet

The most important thing you can do when you have celiac disease is to go on a gluten-free diet. While there are a variety of foods and food additives that you should avoid, foods made with wheat, rye, semolina, durum, bulgur, barley, spelt and farina should be cut out of your diet completely.

Many people diagnosed with celiac disease find that adjusting to a gluten-free diet is much easier when they work with a nutritionist to develop a meal plan that includes foods and recipes that they like. A variety of products, including foods that typically contain gluten, like cookies and cakes, can also be found in many grocery stores and markets as awareness of celiac disease increases.

Supplements

Individuals with celiac disease often suffer from vitamin deficiencies because their bodies are unable to absorb essential vitamins, nutrients and minerals properly when they eat foods that contain gluten. After a diagnosis of celiac disease, many doctors recommend vitamin supplements to correct any potential deficiencies.

The most important supplements you should take include calcium, vitamin B6, B12, folate, iron, vitamin D and vitamin K. In many cases, a multi-vitamin/multi-mineral is all you’ll need to take to correct any deficiencies related to celiac disease. However, you should discuss supplements with your doctor.

Oral Steroids

In rare cases, oral steroids are prescribed to people with celiac disease. Typically, oral steroids are only used to counteract sudden flare-ups and life-threatening cases of celiac disease. In most cases, oral steroids are not used for a significant portion of time; and the course of treatment is stopped once the severe symptoms of celiac disease are under control.

 Looking for gluten free products? Check out the Gluten Free Foods and Gluten Free Vitamins we have available at iHerb. Use Coupon Code WOW123 to get  you $10 off any first time order with a $40 minimum purchase or $5 off any first time order less than $40.

References

Mayo Clinic Staff; Celiac Disease: Treatments and Drugs; Mayo Clinic; accessed March 9, 2013

WebMD Staff; Celiac Disease Health Center: Celiac Disease Treatment Overview; WebMD; accessed March 9, 2013

Blueberries are a fruit that many people love, and they’re practically a staple that seems tailor made to other healthy foods like oatmeal and natural granola. While blueberries might be delicious, they also have some pretty major health benefits for people who eat them regularly. The amount of blueberries you need to eat to really reap the benefits is still unclear, but at only 90 calories per cup, you shouldn’t be concerned about making a hearty amount of blueberries part of your regular diet, even if you are watching your weight.

Immune System Health

Blueberries are high in a variety of different types of antioxidants including anthocyanin and vitamin C. When consumed regularly, antioxidant rich blueberries may be able to help boost your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight illnesses like the common cold and seasonal flu. Blueberries also contain antioxidants with anti-bacterial properties, which can help the body stave off infection in some cases.

In addition, a study published in the January 2013 issue of the journal Circulation, included data from the large-scale Nurses’ Health Study II. Women who ate three or more servings of blueberries per week had decreased risk of heart attack compared to the women who ate them once a month or less.

Eye Health

The antioxidants in blueberries may also play a small part in eye health, especially for older adults. What blueberries may be doing is protecting the retina of the eye from oxygen damage, which occurs naturally over time and often leads to complications and vision problems later in life. There’s some evidence that blueberries may also help to protect the eyes from sun damage though more research needs to be done in this area.

Reduce Belly Fat

Fat around the stomach can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease when it’s in excess. Fat around the midsection that you cannot see, known as visceral fat, can be even more dangerous since it surrounds and affects some organs. Eating blueberries regularly may help to lessen belly fat by reducing triglyceride levels in the body as well as potentially reducing insulin levels.

Looking for blueberry products? Check out the Blueberry Supplements and the Dried Blueberries we have available at iHerb. Use Coupon Code WOW123 to get  you $10 off any first time order with a $40 minimum purchase or $5 off any first time order less than $40.

References

Nayyar, Namita; Top 10 Health Benefits of Blueberries; WomenFitness; Accessed April 27, 2013

The World’s Healthiest Foods Staff; Blueberries; The World’s Healthiest Foods; Accessed April 27, 2013

Hall, Susan; Amazing Benefits of Blueberries; Health; Accessed April 27, 2013

People’s taste buds are naturally tuned to recognize salt, known scientifically as sodium chloride. However, too much salt in one’s diet can lead to serious health problems like high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke and kidney disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.

If you already have health problems, your doctor may have recommended reducing your salt intake in addition to a more focused exercise routine in order to avoid further complications. While this can be hard for some people because they’re accustomed to the taste of salt, there are ways to add flavor to your food without reaching for the salt shaker every time you sit down for a meal.

Use Acids, Such as Lemon 

Foods that are rich in acids like fresh lemon, lime, tamarind or tangerine juice work well to flavor foods without the use of salt. Heart-healthy foods like boneless, skinless chicken breasts, salmon fillets or steaks can be marinated in a mixture of an acidic juice with pepper, herbs and spices for a rich, bold flavor. Acidic mixtures can also be brushed onto cooked food later for extra flavor.

Try Fresh or Dried Herbs and Spices

Instead of trying to add flavor to your food through salt, try doing it with fresh herbs and spices. For example, fresh or lightly sautéed garlic can add a lot of flavor to bland foods. If you don’t have the time or desire to sauté garlic, look for granulated garlic that is salt-free at your local grocery store. Garlic is just one example, and there are tons of spices you can add to your food, such as cayenne pepper, basil and dill. Stock your spice rack with dried and fresh herbs; and don’t be afraid to experiment or look for recipes that call for herbs and spices.

Potassium Chloride Salt Substitutes

Premixed salt substitutes line grocery store shelves and there are a lot of different options. If you’re looking to mimic the taste of salt, your best bet is to find a substitute that contains potassium chloride. Our bodies respond to it in a similar fashion as sodium chloride. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t use too much of a salt substitute, either, as this could lead to higher than normal levels of potassium in the blood.

Check out iHerb’s selection of Spices and Seasonings.  New to iHerb? Use Coupon Code WOW123 to get  you $10 off any first time order with a $40 minimum purchase.

References

Mayo Clinic Staff; Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Sodium: How to Tame Your Salt Habit Now; Mayo Clinic; Accessed March 24, 2013

Harvard School of Public Health Staff; The Nutrition Source: Salt Substitutes; Harvard School of Public Health; Accessed March 24, 2013

Gluten Free and Dairy Free Key Lime Tarts
Photo and Recipe From Christal Yaciuk-Sczebel of the Nutritionist in the Kitchen Blog

Ingredients

 Crust:

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut, shredded
• 1 cup walnuts
• ½ cup pitted dates (soaked in warm water for 30 minutes)

Filling:

• 2½ firm avocados
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp. lime zest
• ¼ cup raw honey
• 4 packets stevia (optional)

Gluten Free and Dairy Free Key Lime Tarts

 

Print

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut, shredded
• 1 cup walnuts
• ½ cup pitted dates (soaked in warm water for 30 minutes)

Filling:

• 2½ firm avocados
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp. lime zest
• ¼ cup raw honey
• 4 packets stevia (optional)

Instructions

1. Grease a 12-muffin tin, set aside.
2. Place the coconut and walnuts in a food processor. Blend until coarsely ground. Add the dates and process until the mixture begins to stick together. Press about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of each cup, about ¼ full.
3. Process all filling ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of the filling into each muffin cup. Smooth the top.
4. Garnish with a fresh slice of kiwi or a very thin slice of lime.
5. Freeze for 30-60 minutes to set.

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Looking for gluten free products? Check out the Gluten Free Foods and Gluten Free Vitamins we have available at iHerb. Use Coupon Code WOW123 to get  you $10 off any first time order with a $40 minimum purchase or $5 off any first time order less than $40.

If you’re a fan of Indian food, you may have eaten turmeric, a spice containing curcumin. Besides adding zip and zing to the taste of food, and a brilliant yellow hue, turmeric adds considerable health benefits to those who take it regularly.

Curcumin, the major constituent of turmeric, has been shown in multiple studies to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Because inflammation is thought to be the root cause of many diseases, curcumin potentially may help heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Curcuma longa is the plant that gives us turmeric, which is derived from the rhizome of the plant. Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years. Indian and Chinese doctors treated patients with turmeric for skin diseases, osteoarthritis, wound healing, pain, sinus problems, heart disease, cancers and autoimmune conditions.

Oxidative Stress

Curcumin works so well on many diseases because it fights the internal rust known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can be caused by many factors in modern life, such as air pollution, high fat, highly processed foods, sunlight and aging. Over time, this stress leads to low level inflammation, which eventually triggers many modern diseases. Taking turmeric or curcumin can help prevent or treat many diseases; in fact, turmeric should be your go-to spice for any minor or even major ills. While curcumin has been shown to be as effective as many pharmaceutical drugs, it has none of the serious side effects of these drugs.

Heart Health

Turmeric is especially effective in heart health as well as treating cardiovascular diseases and cancers. In India, where people eat turmeric at nearly every meal, the incidence of common cancers such as lung, colon, prostate and breast are 10 times lower than in America. Oxidative stress causes some of the greatest damage to arteries, causing a host of cardiovascular ills. Curcumin prevents clogged arteries and reduces the size of blood clots, which are active in hemorrhagic stroke.

To benefit your health, consider taking turmeric, or an extract of curcumin. Since curcumin is difficult to assimilate into your blood stream, try to get a supplement standardized for 95 percent curcuminoids. Curcumin’s bioavailability can be increased by taking it with piperine — the active ingredient in black pepper. Taking the two together, either by sprinkling turmeric and black pepper on your food, or by supplementation, will ensure you are getting the vital health benefits of this incredible spice.

Check out iHerb’s selection of Turmeric Supplements.  New to iHerb? Use Coupon Code WOW123 to get  you $10 off any first time order with a $40 minimum purchase.

References

Weil, Andrew, M.D., Cucurmin or Turmeric?;Ask Dr. Weil; accessed April 28, 2013

Mercola, Joseph M.D.; Curcumin Relieves Pain and Inflammation for Osteoarthitis Patients; accessed April 28, 2013

Jurenka, Julie S., Anti-inflammatory Properties of Curcumin, a Major Constituent of Curcuma longa, A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Research; Alternative Medicine Review; accessed April 28, 2013

Louis, P.F., Protect Your Heart with Turmeric; Natural News; accessed April 28, 2013

Tolani, Mike, Curcumin Rivals Exercise for Artery Health; Willner Atlanta; accessed April 27, 2013