Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Do You Have a Food Sensitivity?

"Surprising symptoms related to common foods that masquerade as your friend.
A while back, Dr. Oz featured a segment on food sensitivities which turned out to be the highest rated show of the season! This is a much bigger issue than you may realize, so even if you don’t think you have a food sensitivity, take a quick moment to answer this easy questionnaire—you may be surprised. Answering “yes” can indicate the strong probability that you suffer from a food intolerance:

Do you have itchy skin, chronic skin rashes, or eczema?
Do you have puffy eyes, dark circles, or swelling beneath your eyes?
Do you suffer from unexplained headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, joint
pain, muscle aches, arthritis, or extreme tiredness after eating?
Do you eat the same foods every day?
Are you frequently the victim of food cravings?
Are you a compulsive eater?
Has your metabolism slowed down?
Do you suffer from a lot of water retention?
Do you engage in binge eating?
Do you often feel bloated?
Does your weight yo-yo up and down every day by as much as five pounds?

Ninety percent of food allergies and sensitivities stem from the most common reaction-producing foods: wheat, milk, corn, unfermented soy, and peanuts. In some cases (like peanuts for example), a true allergy can lead to anaphylactic shock, a deadly allergic response in which the body releases histamines, causing tissues to swell, which inhibits breathing, interferes with blood flow, and sometimes leads to heart failure.

Delayed food sensitivities can sometimes manifest two days after the toxic food was ingested. So, who would ever know that symptoms were tied to food? Therefore, some detective work is in order to find the guilty suspects.

These same delayed food responses are strongly linked with complications like food cravings, food addictions, bingeing, increased appetite, and a decreased metabolism that are not obviously the result of just an allergy.

For most of us, sensitivities seem to cluster around a few ordinary foods and ingredients—mostly wheat, milk, corn, yeast, sugar and MSG (often referred to as hydrolyzed soy protein, autolyzed plant protein, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, or “natural flavorings”). By the way, black pepper is also a frequent culprit, according to food sensitivity testing, as are many herbs and spices that you enjoy on a daily basis.

To help tip the balance of health in your favor, try the following first line protocol:

1) Practice an elimination diet. Choose a food that you routinely eat and eliminate it first. Cut out all dishes made with this item from your meals at home. When shopping, read labels to see if any undesirable ingredient is listed. In restaurants always consult with your server about the preparation of your food. You can’t always tell from the menu exactly what is in a dish. Continue to avoid the suspected food or item for three weeks. Keep a simple log to help you notice if your symptoms ease. If the symptoms disappear, briefly reintroduce the food and see if they return. If they do reappear, you know you need to permanently drop that food from your diet. For extra verification, consider an at-home Gluten Intolerance Test or an Expanded GI Panel which tests allergies to gluten, cow’s milk, eggs, and soy.

2) Engage antioxidant power. Antioxidants help the body cope with any aftereffects of reactions and fight oxidative stress. I would recommend a formula like Oxi-Key which contains well-researched immune boosters and enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and vitamins B, C, and E. Read what Deb D. has to say about the positive changes she’s seen after taking Oxi-Key:

“I have been taking Oxi-Key for about 2 weeks now and do feel a difference and improvement in my well-being. My skin and hair seem more vibrant. My skin particularly has taken on a luminous sheen, which my husband has made comments about. I am thrilled and plan to continue to take this amazing product along with the other UNI KEY supplements I regularly take."

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Friday, February 24, 2012

Hope

"Just being there for someone can sometimes
bring hope when all seems hopeless." -Dave G. Llewellyn

April Samplefest Food Fair

We are thinking about having our Samplefest Food Fair
on April 14 at St. John Lutheran Church on Hwy 99. If there
is anyone that attends or is a member of this church, we
would appreciate your help.
Please contact Kristi @ 360-695-0862 ASAP.
Thank you!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Arsenic in Your Eyeliner? Lead in Your Lipstick?

"Avoid heavy metals hidden in cosmetics.
The quest for beauty has spanned the history of humanity. Forty thousand years ago, people painted their faces with red ocher crayons to look attractive. Around the time of the Mesolithic Era (10,000 years ago B.C.E.) castor oil and animal grease were the thing for softening the skin. Lipsticks were a hot item 5,000 years ago in the ancient civilization, Ur. And beauty seekers in 1000 B.C. kept their bodies silky smooth with scrubs made out of clay and sand.

Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile—a name we all equate with alluring beauty—kept herself looking good for Mark Antony by placing sesame seed and barley packs on her face. Greek physicians created the first cold creams out of beeswax, olive oil and rose water, while Romans poured beautifying milk from goats into the communal baths. Vigilant beauty buffs, the Venetians dyed their hair with plant color, then covered it with clay and baked in the sun.

While we can all marvel at the efforts of the beauty seekers of antiquity, you would be very surprised to learn that today’s makeup is not only far from natural—in many cases—but it may be far from safe.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I came across the blog Heavy Metals Found in Cosmetics: Not Listed on Labels. I learned that according to a 2011 report, an Ontario, Canada research group found many heavy metals lurking in common cosmetic and makeup products of average Canadian women. The researchers tested lip gloss, mascara, foundation, blush, eye shadows and eye liner. They found that every single one of the 49 products tested contained at least one toxic metal like arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, beryllium, thallium, and selenium!

Lip gloss—which can be worn daily—contained the highest amounts of arsenic, cadmium, and lead with the name brand Benefit Benetint lip gloss containing 110 parts per millions of lead—a good ten times more than is allowed by the Canadian cosmetic regulating agency.

Heavy metals—like all contaminants—can accumulate over time. Arsenic can affect fertility, causes visual impairment, skin discoloration and loss of nails. I just found the highest levels I have ever measured in a TMA (Tissue Mineral Analysis) with an individual who has been diagnosed with ALS (better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) so this heavy metal is nothing to ignore.

Cadmium has been linked to lung and prostate cancer, as well as kidney damage. Lead, a well known neurotoxin, is connected to a lowered IQ, tumors, twitching, jerking of limbs, confusion, and seizures.

Name brands like Clinique, MAC, L’Oreal, Cover Girl, and Almay all had products with sky high levels of impurities. Find out if any of your beauty mainstays were the worst offenders—read the complete findings here.

The truth is I’ve really had it with manufacturers that incorporate “unclean” and sneaky ingredients in their beauty product lines—ingredients that can actually add years to your appearance, destroy your skin, and harm your health.

These were just some of the reasons that compelled me to create my own natural skin care line. BeauCle is free of synthetic ingredients, harmful chemicals, and heavy metals that are often a byproduct of manufacturing. BeauCle—nature’s key to beauty—delivers everything you are looking for in a skin care program without the risks of impure ingredients.

You’ll be amazed at what several of our satisfied users have to say about BeauCle’s ability to increase hydration, decrease fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles while eliminating brown spots—all of this minus toxins. This is real beauty by nature!"

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

2 Volunteers Needed Please!

A quick reminder that we hope GIGSWWA is considering exhibiting at the 2012 Washington and Oregon Educational Conference. We'll be in Vancouver, Washington at the Hilton Vancouver on April 22 - 24th, with dedicated exhibit time on Monday, April 23rd.

We're anticipating 450-500 registrants (in 2009 we had a sell-out!) and know our members would love to learn more about your products and services.

Exhibit time is only one day, April 23, 2012, 11:15 am – 1:30 pm

Please contact Kristi asap @ 360-695-0862

Thank you for your continued help and support!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Jazzy John

Just thought I'd pass on to you we ate at Jazzy John's BBQ located at JM Plaza in Hazel Dell last week.
I had the Pulled pork and rice dinner. All GF. They also had a GF corn bread made with Bob's Red Mill. They have GF beer available and many options from menu are GF. They also take precautions to separate exposure and use fresh gloves. It seems they are doing much to accommodate GF customers and looking for ways to get exposure with the community. We will go there again and support their efforts. We hope others will do the same.
Pam Richey-Curtis

Make Varicose Veins Vanish

"A powerful healing secret to beautiful legs.
There is probably not a more frustrating topic than unsightly varicose veins. It’s starting to become a major source of concern among so many of my female clients. Females are much more likely to develop these veins— about three times more likely, to be exact— since one of the biggest risk factors is pregnancy, along with getting older, lack of exercise, and getting heavier.

Plus if your oral hygiene is less than optimal, you may also be at risk of developing varicose veins despite your gender. Researchers have discovered that nearly half of all varicose veins contain the exact same kind of bacteria that triggers periodontal disease. Those same bacteria settle on the valves that assist the blood that flows through your legs back up to your heart. When those valves are infected with the periodontal bacteria, they can quickly lose their seal-making ability across the vein. So, rather than flowing uphill, the blood starts to pool downhill. The result? Veins that are stretched out with damaged cellular walls. Could this also be the reason why so many of us are seeing so many spots and spider veins below the knee?

Whatever the real cause, women are embarrassed and go to great lengths to conceal the blue bulging appearance of varicosities. While surgery is definitely an option for many, surgical procedures do not address the underlining reason that made the varicose veins develop in the first place. And even if the surgery was successful —as it sometimes is— it does not insure that new veins will not develop.

The appearance and discomfort of varicose veins are simply an outward reflection of what is going on inside. You will be surprised, as I was, to discover another piece of the puzzle— overlooked and ignored research that may be a hugely important, forgotten key to healthy veins.

Vitamin K-2

Yes, it is the same vitamin complex that targets calcium absorption directly into the bone: K-2. This vitamin complex plays a crucial role in the biochemical process which produces a substance called MGP (matrix GLA protein) which prevents the calcification of arteries when fully activated. Concurrently, another compound called osteocalcin stimulates the calcification of bones.

Without enough K2, calcium can easily exit the bones and clog up arteries.

The same mechanism which causes the arteries to harden can also occur in the veins. When K2 is deficient, the veins get coated with the calcium which was meant to be deposited in the bones.

So, it stands to reason that taking supplemental vitamin K-2 can help the varicose veins from developing and it will also help to protect the veins that are already there while starting the repair process. It is so much easier to prevent the calcification process in the first place, than undoing it later.

When my clients ask me about a formula for varicose veins, I typically recommend Osteo-Key, the same formula that I developed for daily bone protection. It contains the research-based formulation of Vitamin K-2 (known as MK-7) providing the optimum dosage of 150 mcg daily. This formula also contains the most absorbable form of calcium (microcrystalline hydroxyapatite) to provide a daily 800 mg of elemental calcium with 400 mg magnesium, 150 mg silica, 3 mg boron, 40 mg manganese, and 20 mg zinc which constitute one powerhouse of synergistic bone building minerals."

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Kindness

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop

A New Book

Dear Andrea Cortani,

My name is Nerissa N. Nordquist. I recently released a comedic novel titled NOT EVERYONE POOPS that delves into the world of Digestive Disorders.

I wrote this novel to create an open dialogue about digestive disorders, especially with women and young females. For years it has been the dirty secret; closed door or quiet conversations in the corner about gas, bloating, strange poops, no poop, too much poop or worse vomiting.

Having Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation and a strong Gluten Intolerance myself for the last 16 years has given me a plethora of digestive and medical information, painful and outlandish stories, and enough angst to fill mountains of empty pages.

The book is fully titled:
Henrietta James
BOOK ONE
Not Everyone Poops

Found in paperback and all ebooks:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/122663 and/or http://www.amazon.com/

I am interested in increasing my distribution channels through various types of book signings, tours and partnerships with companies associated with the digestive disorder community.
The synopsis is pasted in the post script.
Thank you for your time!

Nerissa N. Nordquist
612-554-3419
nerms18@hotmail.com
http://www.compulsivetraveler-nerissa.blogspot.com/

P.S.
Synopsis:
Engulfed in anxiety, frustration and constant constipation, Henrietta Martha James spends her time writing angry letters to Taro Gomi, the acclaimed author of “Everyone Poops.” She is demanding a formal apology...an explanation...the possibility of rewrites...or at least a change to the title of his book because she, Henrietta, does not poop. Well, not like “everyone” does.

Growing up with an illness that doctors struggle to diagnose, Henrietta constantly hears how she is “supposed” to be, while discovering that “normal” does not apply to her – at least not the way her body works. A humorous and painful real-life journey into the world of digestive disorders, her story brings to light one of life’s dirty little secrets.
Not Everyone Poops.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the day so don't forget to come our way!

February 18th GIG Meeting
10am-12pm
Village at Van Mall Clubhouse
5000 NE 72nd Ave
Vancouver, WA 98661

Parking is on the street so please check the signs.
See you there!

Food Banks

Dear GIG group,
I have been considering what it would be like to be in a crisis situation and not be able to get GF food for myself or my family. At the present time, the food banks in our county do not have food for the GF community. They have, once in a while had some given to them, but not much and not consistently. I believe we have the power to change that. I hope we can get some of you to volunteer to help with this project. I thought we could approach some of the restaurants, GF stores and other businesses that sell GF food to see if they might help. There could be many circumstances where we might need to have access to GF food, including natural disaster, etc. If you can help, please let us know. At this point, I have spoken to Liz at The North County Food Bank and Janice at The food bank in the Vancouver area. The Vancouver one is trying to find a larger warehouse to rent, funds are always an issue however. So, I told them I would get back to them after talking with the group. Let me know your thoughts. I will help however I can. Thanks so much!
Claudia Frahm 360-254-7925.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Super Broccoli

"Scientists have developed an even more healthful version of
this power veggie. Called Beneforte, it has three times more
glucoraphanin, a nutrient that may protect against heart disease
as well as help to maintain your body's antioxidant levels."

-Health Magazine, March 2012

Do You Really Need Gluten-Free Makeup?

"The gluten-free movement is spreading to cosmetic counters, as
companies roll out products made without gluten (a protein in wheat,
rye, and barley that's often used as a binder in makeup). If you're
sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, must you make a swap?
Generally, no, says Alessio Fasano, MD, director of the University
of Maryland Center for Celiac Research, because gluten isn't
absorbed through the skin. The exception: lip products, which can
be ingested. Try Physicians Formula Matchmaker pH Powdered Lip
Gloss, or no-gluten lipsticks and liners from Afterglow Cosmetics."

-Health Magazine, March 2012

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Come and Get It!

There will be lots of information and samples at our GIG Meeting
this Saturday, February 18th from 10am-12pm. Don't miss it!

Village at Van Mall Clubhouse
5000 NE 72nd Ave
Vancouver, WA 98661

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Powerful Reds

"The miracle of anthocyanins for a happy heart!
What do the juices of tart cherries (Montmorency), pomegranate, and cran-water have in common?

They are three of the most heart healing beverages on the planet thanks to the particular pigment they all contain, known as anthocyanins. These natural antioxidant compounds are tops when it comes to relieving inflammation. But in addition to their pain relieving benefits, these brightly colored pigments can help lower the risk of both heart attack and stroke.

Tart cherry juice, pomegranate juice, and cran-water also offer a myriad of added health bonuses to their heart smart claims to fame. Here are just some of them:

Tart Cherry Juice

Besides being a wonderful remedy for gout and joint pain, tart cherry juice contains significant quantities of melatonin, the antioxidant hormone produced by the pineal gland. In fact, they contain even more than is normally found in the blood. That was the surprising discovery made by the University of Texas Health Science Center’s Dr. Russel Reiter, who has been studying melatonin for more than thirty years. Melatonin plays a significant role in the production of the body’s own potent free radical scavengers like glutathione. It also rules our circadian rhythms, which supply us with helpful substances that allow us to sleep and encourage us to wake up.

So, to help ward off heart disease and get a good night’s sleep, aim for two to three servings a week of 8 ounces of cherry juice – diluted half and half with water to reduce the concentration of the natural sugar. If you are a Fat Flusher and want to try the tart cherry juice in your smoothies, I suggest you eliminate any additional fruit.

Pomegranate Juice

Clinical studies have shown that pomegranate juice, similar in some respects to cranberry juice, has demonstrated incredibly high antioxidant activity. In fact, only 4 ounces of unsweetened pomegranate juice per day can help reduce, and may even reverse, arterial lesions. Published studies in highly reputable journals continue to reveal the amazingly positive impact of pomegranate juice intake on cardiovascular health. In addition to nurturing a healthy heart, this particular ruby nectar has also been known to function as a natural “Viagra.”

For Fat Flushers who would like an alternative to cran-water, mix 30 ounces of purified water with two ounces of unsweetened pomegranate juice for a quart-size serving.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberries have so many remarkable benefits, it’s hard to know where to start. Since I first began researching this miracle fruit over 20 years ago, a host of new cran benefits have come to light. Here’s a quick review:

Cranberry juice may help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or the “good” cholesterol, according to research presented at the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting in April 2004. A study was conducted suggesting that drinking three glasses of cranberry juice a day might reduce heart disease by 40 percent!
Gum disease—the gateway to many other infections—also seems to respond well to the humble cranberry. Dental plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria and other micro-organisms that can serve as precursors to a wide range of diseases. Various forms of cranberry seem able to help clear bacteria from the mouths of experimental subjects.
Among the most potent elements in cranberries are polyphenols, a kind of plant-based antioxidant that has powerful health-inducing effects. Laboratories have shown that 8 ounces of cranberry juice contain 567 milligrams of polyphenols—compared to .53 milligrams in apple juice and 400 milligrams in red wine. Just 2 ounces of fresh cranberries contain 373 milligrams of polyphenols, more than much larger servings of oranges, broccoli, blueberries, or strawberries."

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Sunday, February 12, 2012

February GIG Meeting

Don't forget to come to our next GIG Meeting on Saturday,
Feb 18th from 10am-12pm at our NEW location:

Village at Van Mall Clubhouse
5000 NE 72nd Ave
Vancouver, WA 98661

Parking is on the street so make sure to check the signs.
Three guest speakers will triple the information and the fun!
See you there!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Why I Changed My Mind About Chocolate

"The right kind of chocolate can be a heart-healthy gift for your Valentine.
For most of us, it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without cards, flowers, and chocolate. Americans buy 58 million pounds of chocolates—of all sorts—for their loved ones on Valentine’s Day alone, making it the second most popular day for indulgences after Halloween.

It all seems to blend so beautifully together, especially on February 14 when love is celebrated and honored in so many ways.

Of all the superfoods on the market today that are loaded with extraordinary super-powered phytonutrients (think chia seeds, maca, goji berries and mangosteen), chocolate alone possesses an alluring mystical power that enchants us all. But, I haven’t always been a chocolate fan as many of you who have read my 30-some odd books know.

Offered at the sacred ceremonies of the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, chocolate has been around for a long time, and for good reason.

Researchers suggest that a bit of chocolate— an ounce or two of the right kind, several times a week—can actually be good for your heart.

Cocoa—from which chocolate is derived—is a rich source of heart-protective compounds called flavonoids. Flavonoids—also found in Fat Flushing foods like cranberries, berries, apples, and onions—are key plant-protecting shields from environmental toxins and aid in repairing damage. When we consume flavonoid-based foods, we derive the same benefits as the plant.

The special type of flavonoids in cocoa are called flavanols. They are superb at preventing fatty substances from turning into plaque in the arteries. Flavanols valiantly protect the arterial wall from buildup created by the undesirable LDLs (low density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol. In addition, by making blood platelets less sticky, you are reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.

And let’s not forget that cocoa is a decent source of magnesium, one of the key minerals for a healthy heart in the first place. For years I have been telling my clients that chocolate cravings may be a sign of magnesium deficiency!

Perhaps the most important benefit that high quality chocolate bestows upon health is its ability to modulate nitric oxide. Nitric Oxide is essential for balancing blood pressure and blood flow. It may also have the ability to improve insulin sensitivity thus forestalling metabolic syndrome.

But not all chocolate is created equal.

Not all chocolate contains the optimum levels of flavanols that bestow so many health benefits.

If you want to get the real deal, then obtain the very best high cocoa-content dark chocolate on the market—look at the label for a 60 percent or higher cocoa content. We are not talking about milk or white chocolate here or commercial candy bars loaded with fat, waxes, chemicals, or extra sugars.

Now, chocolate may not be for everyone.

Like me, for instance, and anyone else who is a “copperhead” and is rather hyperactive with racing minds, tired bodies, and irregular sleep patterns. Chocolate, like black tea and soybeans, is a high source of copper in the diet which can be stockpiled in the tissues creating a whole slew of symptoms ranging from anxiety to roller-coaster emotions ultimately creating adrenal burnout.

But for the most part, a tiny amount of chocolate a few times a week simply can’t hurt and can heal the heart and satisfy a sweet tooth.

Knowing the importance of flavanol-rich cocoa for optimum heart health, I formulated our Fat Flush Chocolate Whey Protein with a cocoa that contains the highest flavanol content I could find on the market. I then blended it with the finest non-denatured (unheated) hormone-free whey protein high in L-Leucine that turns off the hunger hormone while promoting weight loss, lean muscle tissue, and liver health.

So enjoy two shakes per week for your chocolate fix and get some extra fat burning help in the process!

For Valentine’s Day, I am making my whole staff a Raspberry Truffle Frappe with Fat Flush Chocolate Whey Protein and 1 cup of raspberries. But, just for an extra special treat—I mean it’s only one day a year—I am splurging with some specialty chocolate from my favorite brand, Chocoperfection."

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Gluten-Free Buns

"Did you know McDonald’s has a gluten-free bun in Spain, Sweden, Finland and Norway?

Talk about feeling left out over here in America. Sheesh.

Although I first learned about this when a friend forwarded me this blurb on gluten-free fast food from CNN’s Fortune blog, the gluten-free bun is apparently not a particularly new introduction.

Still, I thought some of you intrepid gluten-free travelers might want the info should you find yourself in Europe. And if I wasn’t aware, at least one or two of you were in the bunless dark too.

A greater search around the Internet brought up some reviews, which I’ll share below the jump. When I enlisted a friend to check McDonald’s Norwegian website, I got a second shock: Burger King offers gluten-free buns too, at least in Scandinavia!

So how do these buns taste? Well, according to the reviews online, they’re not half-bad — especially if you’re craving some fast food while abroad.

Spain

Gluten Free Appetite posted the press release announcing McDonald’s gluten-free buns back in June (it’s translated into English).

Sweden

Gluten Free Mrs. D wrote about her first gluten-free McDonald’s, and also her memories of McDonald’s in Russia twenty years ago (not GF, but really interesting!).

Norway

Gluten Free / Dairy Free NJ has great photos as well as a comprehensive review of the Olso gluten-free experience — Burger King, McDonald’s, and more.

Glutenfri.org is a resource for safe options in Norway, and although the descriptions are in Norwegian, Google Translate does a decent job of piecing information together.

Finland

Aptly enough, Globally Gluten Free was my top result when looking for news.

As always, it’s advisable that you take the same precautions internationally that you take at home: if you don’t feel that the people at the counter understand the precautions required to keep you safe, don’t eat! One easy way to simplify the process is to carry gluten-free dining cards, which are available in many languages including Spanish.

Have you had a fast food hamburger on a gluten-free bun while abroad? How was it?"

-Triumph Dining

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Taking It To Heart

"Two simple strategies every woman needs to follow.
Although breast cancer may be the most feared disease among women, cardiovascular disease is still our number 1 killer. That’s why February, the month of hearts and flowers, will always be associated with American Heart Month. Stats show that every single minute of the day, heart disease claims the life of one more woman. And that’s not acceptable. And why do more women than men now die from heart disease?

As a result of major studies, we know now that the pattern heart disease follows in women is notably different than the pattern than it follows in men.

First, although heart disease can occur at any age, in women it becomes a significant health factor during menopause, about ten years later than in men.

Second, women are less likely to experience the classic crushing chest pain men describe. A woman’s symptoms are much more subtle, often starting weeks or even months (yikes) before an attack. Women may describe feeling not right with symptoms such as shortness of breath, unusual weakness or fatigue, sleep disturbances, chest discomfort that comes and goes quickly, arm (left) or jaw tingling, vision problems, anxiety, and indigestion. The vagueness of these symptoms leaves women to ignore them, delaying treatment. When these women do seek treatment, their doctor may misdiagnose their condition.

Third, the disease itself develops differently in women according to researchers at the University of Michigan, Cardiovascular Center. Significant blockages tend to occur not in major arteries, but in smaller, less flexible blood vessels. When diagnostic coronary angiography is performed, the major vessels appear clear. This helps account for some of the differences in treatment women receive, conclude the Michigan researchers.

If you are experiencing any of the red flag warning signs, or simply are interested in prevention because there is family history of cardiovascular disease, then follow these two simple heart healthy strategies:

1. Get Tested.

From my experience, two of the most helpful baseline blood tests include C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen tests. The best CRP level is below 1 mg/L. The higher it goes, the more indicative of an infectious condition, autoimmune disease, and gradual narrowing of arteries.

Fibrinogen is a protein that regulates clots and gauges viscosity and stickiness of blood. A level over 350 mg/dL is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Wouldn’t you know that of all habits, smoking raises fibrinogen levels the most and the highest incidence of heart disease is among postmenopausal women who smoke!

So if you are smoking, stop right now.

Keep in mind that you can take your heart to another level of assessment.

If the CRP levels are high, or you have survived a stroke or heart attack, then you may be a candidate for the PLAC test. This latest advancement in testing measures the enzyme Lp-PLA2 which identifies your immediate risk for heart attack and stroke because it is found in high concentrations in plaques that are ready to rupture.

In a study that appeared in Circulation, participants with the highest Lp-PLA2 were 33% more likely to suffer another heart attack. If your levels are 235 ng/mL or higher, you have the highest risk of heart attack or stroke. PLAC may be the fastest way to assess acute risk factors of all.

2. Consume heart-smart oil.

First and foremost—and especially if you are a female (you’ll know why in a moment)—make sure that you are taking at least 2-4 grams of omega-3 essential fatty acids.

I handpicked my Super- EPA for the purest daily heart smart protection. Super –EPA contains molecularly distilled fish oil free from PCBS, dioxin, and heavy metals. Fish oils provide the essential fatty acids that become part of the tissue like hormones known as eicosanoids that have control over every aspect of bodily function. They are antidepressive, pain decreasing, anti-inflammatory, blood vessel dilating, bronchiole dilating, hormone stimulating, and immunity strengthening. Researchers have found that fish oils not only reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing blood clots and thinning the blood—but they also lower blood triglyceride levels.

Among females, high triglycerides are an important risk factor in the development of heart disease. Keep them under 100 mg/dL.

Super- EPA also packs a double whammy by reducing triglyceride levels so significantly and reducing heart disease risk. It also acts as an anti-obesity agent that successfully targets belly fat, wouldn’t you know? So not only can you potentially prevent heart attacks, but you may also be on your way to the real belly fat fix—6 grams of omega-3s daily is about what takes!"

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Monday, February 6, 2012

1-2-3 Gluten Free

Happy Valentine's Day

10% Off All Orders $20 or more
Happy Valentine's Day! There's no better way
to surprise someone special in your life than with home-made treats! We have numerous recipes on our website to get you started. Brownies with Chambourd buttercream layered with a decadent ganache anyone?
Heart-shaped sugar cookies so you write your own special message? More ideas posted on our facebook page and website so be sure to check them out. They are all easy to make, but you won't beat the taste!
Through February 13, please enjoy 10% off all orders of $20 or more placed on our website.

Enter the promo code "heart" at check out.

We need your vote!!
We're so excited that 1-2-3 Gluten Free Products have been nominated in 7 categories of the Best of Gluten Free Awards! This year, the awards are divided into 55 categories, ranging from Best Gluten-Free Cookie to Best Gluten-Free Restaurant Menu. Winners are chosen by popular vote in an online poll, which was released on February 2, 2012. The polls will close at midnight on March 2, 2012.
1-2-3 Gluten Free has been nominated in the following categories:

-Best Gluten-Free Cake Mix
-Best Gluten-Free Brownie Mix
-Best Gluten-Free Cookie Mix
-Best Gluten-Free Muffin Mix
-Best Gluten-Free Cornbread Mix
-Best Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Mix
-Best Gluten-Free Pancake & Waffle Mix

Please vote for us now!

50% off Limited Supply
We have a limited supply of products that are at or near their "Best By" date. Check our webstore frequently for updates of products. They're marked up to 50% off -- no need to enter a promotional code. Plus, if there is a current promotional code in effect (as there is now), you can apply that promotion to these products too!

Save 10%
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Coffee's Unique Health Benefits

"Coffee is the greatest source of antioxidants in the
American diet. With over 1,000 phytochemicals, coffee's
unparalleled antioxidant punch no doubt plays a role in its
protection against disease. Drinking just one cup a day-
caffeinated or decaffeinated- can decrease the risk of
developing diabetes by 13%. But at 12 cups a day, the risk
of getting diabetes is slashed by 67%.
Far from being a risky habit, coffee has now been shown
to provide powerful protection against an epidemic of diabetes
and a rising tide of other age-related diseases. It's an all-
natural and inexpensive elixir- to go!"

-Life Extension Magazine, January/February 2012

French Meadow Bakery

Lingonberries Market now carries French Meadow Bakery
Brownies and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Come and get
them!

Fairycakes

If you are craving cupcakes, come into Lingonberries Market,
they have lots of fresh and filled Fairycakes in a variety
of yummy flavors!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

2012 Fat Flush Soup- Customize For Your Special Needs

"Exclusively released in the January 23, 2012 First for Women magazine, we have been receiving rave reviews from all over the country on the updated version of the “homemade soup that makes your body released trapped fat.”

Since the issue is no longer on the stands, First has graciously granted us permission to reprint the recipe in this blog for those of you who were not able to secure a copy.

All you have to do is savor the soup twice a day – preferably at lunch and dinner— with a small salad or bowl of steamed non-starchy veggies. Throughout the day, sip on herbal teas (dandelion or peppermint tea), lemon and water, plain water or unsweetened cranberry juice with water (1 oz of juice to 7 ounces water) so that you are consuming at least 64 oz of liquid.

Start the day with a protein rich breakfast in the morning. I would personally suggest a Fat Flush Body Protein smoothie with its 20 grams of clean vegetarian based-proteins per serving to help kick-start glucagon, the protein-based hormone that mobilizes fat from storage. Or choose any of the easy protein-packed breakfasts, you will find in the Fat Flush Plan, Phase 1.

And now the recipe…

2012 Fat Flush Soup

2 tsp. olive oil

1 ¼ lbs. lean ground beef, turkey or chopped chicken*

1 large onion, peeled and chopped

1 large red, orange and/or green pepper, seeded and chopped

1 large zucchini or yellow squash, chopped

8 oz. mushrooms, chopped

2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

1 bottle (46 oz.) reduced-sodium tomato or vegetable cocktail juice

1 can (15 oz.) pinto, garbanzo or black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (14 oz.) crushed tomatoes

1 Tbs. fresh lime juice

1 Tbs. ground cumin

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste

1/4 cup each fresh cilantro and parsley leaves, chopped

1: In saucepot over medium-high heat, cook oil 30 sec. or until heated. Add beef, turkey or chicken. Cook 5 min. or until cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet; drain, if desired.

2: In same saucepot, cook onions, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms and garlic 5 min. or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

3: Stir in next 6 ingredients and cooked meat. Add up to 1 cup water to thin soup, if desired. Cover; bring soup just to a simmer (do not let boil). Reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer 20 min., stirring occasionally. Stir in cilantro and parsley. Cover; let simmer 5 min. more. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired. Soup can be stored up to 5 days in the refrigerator or frozen.

*Or for vegetarian option, omit meat and add another can of beans.

Serving size: 2 to 3 cups (makes 10 to 12 cups)

Soup Tweaks
What has made this Fat Flushing soup especially popular is that you can tweak the basic recipe to speed weight loss if you are a thyroid type and are tired, constipated, depressed or experience extremely dry skin; an adrenal type and are frequently stressed, crave salt, and lightheaded; a liver type, plagued by headaches and bloat; or are fending off yeast and are constantly craving carbs and have frequent GI distress.

Mix and match the various recipes and eat the soup that is designed to quell any of the symptoms you may be experiencing. All the tweaks blend beautifully together! Please refer to my blog from January 3, 2012 for further information.

To boost the thyroid, simply add two teaspoons of Seaweed Gomasio to provide thyroid nourishing iodine. Also add 1 cup of potassium-rich zucchini.

For adrenal healing, add ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan sea salt for added adrenal-supporting sodium and also add 4 to 5 cups of escarole and spinach for extra rich magnesium content.

To help detoxify the liver, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric which is a potent anti-inflammatory that enhances the liver’s ability to filter toxins. And, for those fighting Candida or other types of yeast and fungus, consider substituting ½ cup grated daikon (a white radish) for the mushrooms— which can increase yeast in sensitive individuals. Double up on the yeast-fighting garlic (4 cloves) and add a small peeled and chopped eggplant which is rich in antifungal nutrients.

Enjoy!"

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman

Is Low T Your Problem?

"The natural solution to igniting the hormone of desire.
It’s February. Heart health month and Valentine’s Day just around the corner.

Now’s the time to start thinking about rekindling the hormone of desire. You know— the one we hear about on television so much these days. The truth is up to 13 million Americans may have low testosterone levels.

Low “T” is getting to be epidemic. Levels decline with age and as they decline, so does sexual desire and performance.

But testosterone is not just for men!

Boosting testosterone levels for women is absolutely critical to keep the fires of passion burning into menopause and beyond. One of the most effective and safest ways of restoring testosterone levels is to use the precursor to testosterone— natural progesterone.

So many of my clients have experienced a significant boost in their sex drive as well as improved mood, decreased anxiety, enhanced sleep, increased energy, and significant weight loss when they use progesterone.

An added perk: Studies suggest that natural or bio-identical progesterone stimulates new bone formation and protects against osteoporosis.

Many years ago, when I was writing my book Before the Change: Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause, I had the opportunity to interview the late Dr. John Lee. Dr. Lee was a pioneer for natural progesterone therapy. He believed that it helped offset estrogen dominance, burned body fat as fuel, stabilized blood sugar, provided antidepressant benefits, balanced the thyroid, acted as a natural diuretic, protected heart health and set the stage for testosterone.

Dr. Lee was such a strong proponent of the extraordinary benefits of progesterone therapy for women of all stages of life that he typically recommended a physiological dose of 20 milligrams to mirror the normal production of progesterone during the menstrual cycle.

The type of progesterone I recommend most for helping to increase testosterone levels is ProgestaKey. It is a transdermal crème that contains bio-identical progesterone which I developed based on Dr. Lee’s cutting edge research. Recommended dosages for women are specifically designed for each phase of the life cycle, from menstruation (apply once or twice a day starting on the 12th day after the first day of menstrual flow through the 26th day) to perimenopausal (apply once or twice a day starting on the 7th day after the first day of menstrual flow through the 27th day) to menopausal (apply once or twice a day for a maximum of 25 consecutive days. Resume after a five day break.)

To avoid saturating the receptors beneath the skin in any one area, apply the crème to different areas each day. Soft skin rich in capillaries is the most suitable, such as those found in the neck, upper chest, breasts, inner arms, palms, backs of hands and soles.

The progesterone from ProgestaKey is absorbed into the fatty layer beneath the skin. You will probably notice your skin becoming more resilient and moist in the areas when you often apply the crème. The progesterone is taken from the fatty layer beneath your skin by the blood stream, which distributes it throughout your system. This is not an overnight effect. It may even take several weeks, or occasionally a couple of months for the progesterone level to build in your tissues and make its effects felt— especially with regard to testosterone.

Whether you are approaching peri-menopause or are in the throes of menopause, or beyond, you owe it to yourself to give natural progesterone a try. Symptoms like loss of muscle tone, irritability, profuse sweating, and intolerance to heat —symptoms experienced by a variety of women— can also completely disappear along with a lagging libido."

-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman