Symptoms of Celiac or Just Gluten Sensitivity

February 16, 2013 by Lou Ann Donovan 1 Comment

There is so much buzz these days about going gluten-free. Are you having abdominal pain and diarrhea like I use to? Or maybe you are experiencing stomach upset, bloating and fatigue. So who really needs the gluten-free diet? Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of celiac versus gluten sensitivity.

Symptoms of Celiac

Celiac is an autoimmune disease that causes the lining of the small intestine to first become inflamed then causes further damage hampering the absorption of nutrients leading to weight loss, growth problem, delayed puberty, eczema and infertility just to name a few.

Do you often struggle with some of these symptoms?

Stomach upset
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Irritability

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5 Foods to Live Young

December 18, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan Leave a Comment

Do you include all 5 of these foods in your diet to live young; olive oil, yogurt, omega-3 foods, nuts, and blueberries? These 5 foods to live young are anti-inflammatory and contain powerful antioxidants that help prevent age-related diseases. Which one of these 5 foods to live young will you pick to add to your grocery cart today?

5 Foods to Live Young

Olive Oil contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that may help prevent age-related diseases. Best pick is “Extra Virgin” Olive Oil highest quality low in acidity. Other choice are; Safflower, Sesame, Corn and Sunflower oil all with the lowest in saturated fats.

Bottles of Olive Oil

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5 Superfoods to Boost Your Health

November 12, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan Leave a Comment

Did you know that dark-hued foods are now the newest superfoods? It’s because they contain high levels of antioxidants, compounds that protect against a number of diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Keep reading for my top 5 black superfoods to boost your health.

5 Superfoods to Boost Your Health

Blackberries contain polyphenols an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation. Add this low calorie berry to your yogurt, oatmeal or cereal and enjoy better balance, coordination and improved short-term memory.

Blackberries

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Alternatives to Wheat Products

August 3, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan

Are you looking for alternatives to wheat products? Are you interested in following a more gluten-free diet like me? Read my story below on what lead me to make this lifestyle change.

My Gluten-Free Story

Here’s a small slice of my life story. It begins back in my college days. That’s when I decided to live a healthier life. My belief for optimal health and longevity is to lead an active life, exercise regularly, eat healthy and take vitamin and mineral supplements.

Needless to say I was shocked when my doctor shared with me 6 years ago that my blood platelets were at 800,000 mm3; normal is 150,000-400,000 mm3. High blood platelets have no symptoms and can lead to very serious diseases like hardening of the arteries and leukemia.

I was monitored by a specialist doctor at the Kansas City Cancer Center for 2 years. Initially he recommended doing a bone marrow since medication would not lower the platelets plus some additional tests. One of my tests was for celiac disease, a condition which causes intestinal damage when gluten is eaten. I’m very thankful that the test for celiac was negative but did uncover that I have some sensitivity to gluten.

In summary inflammation is what was causing my blood platelets to elevate. I choose healthy eating plus vitamin and minerals supplements to reduce them back to the normal range. Also decided to start a gluten-free diet! It’s all about taking control of your body and healing it naturally.

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” ~Jim Rohn [Read more…]

Benefits of Berries

June 20, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan

Top 5 Healthy Foods series third article – Benefits of Berries. Check back for future posts to read more about my top 5 healthy foods.

Berries are super foods loaded with fiber which helps you feel full longer. Berries top the chart in antioxidant power, reduce inflammation and slow down the oxidation process that causes disease and rapid aging.

By incorporating berries into your diet you may reduce the risk of cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis as well as many other diseases. Most berries are tasty, naturally sweet and contain several nutrients.

Some of the total-body benefits from eating 1/2 to 1 cup of mixed berries each day includes; increased levels of good HDL cholesterol, lowered blood pressure, fiber for healthy digestive system, increased bone density and cancer-fighting antioxidants. [Read more…]

Benefits of Avocado

May 21, 2012 by Lou Ann Donovan

Top 5 Healthy Foods series second article – Benefits of Avocado. Check back for future posts to read more about my top 5 healthy foods.

Avocados use to be known as high in fat but they are making a healthy comeback. The heart healthy monounsaturated fats in avocados are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain.

Avocados are sodium and cholesterol free and a great source of fiber, potassium, copper and folate. In addition they contain lutein an antioxidant for healthy eyes and skin. Lutein has been shown to be concentrated in the macula of the eye, and research shows it may help maintain healthy eyesight as we age. [Read more…]