I have several friends that have severe food allergies and they feel like burden to their friends. If they are invited to a party they are often limited to what they can eat and they fear they may end up with something that may cause them problems. The host or hostess on the other hand are afraid that them may make them sick.
 First of all mark all foods that contain peanuts, shell fish and flour. These are the most common food allergies in the U.S.
Secondly do not panic if you have friends that have these allergies. It is an easy fix. For the gluten just make a replacement. There is a flour product in stores that have a wonderful mix of flours including rice, garbanzo bean, tapioca and more that can replace flour in any recipe. It works in quick breads, cakes, pies and cookies.
Shell-fish is a easy fix because you can replace it with other fish products or another meat in most cases. I recommended doing a test run.
Peanut Butter is another easy fix because those who have allergies to peanuts generally do not have allergies to almonds. Buy almond butter and replace it.Â
I have friends overall the time with food allergies and I make a huge effort to make things they can eat and the rest of the guests are non the wiser. The food tastes great and the fellowships and stories of the evening make the party a huge success.
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I write a lot about food allergies and health issues. I am a Home Economist, teacher and mom and I am very concerned about the health of our children and families.Â
There are articles, news reports and comedians that put there “two cents†in on what should be this years New Year’s Resolution. So I decided to join them and suggest to the world to eliminate white flour. There are many supporting facts on why we should do this but we are a Wonder Bread Society and habits are hard to break.Â
White flour came onto the scene around the time of the Industrial Revolution. We started milling wheat and removing the beneficial germ to increase the bread self life. Naturalist would say that they removed the life of the grain which is what makes it so beneficial to the body. I think this is a valid point but the thing that scares me the most is the use of chemicals in the process. The most common used in the production of white flour is called alloxan. This chemical is used to make white flour look so beautifully clean and this same chemical has the power to destroy the beta cells of the pancreas. What does that mean to our bodies in the long term, the risk of diabetes? Scientists have known the risk for years and even use it to induce diabetes in lab animals by injecting alloxan directly into the animals. How does alloxan cause diabetes? The alloxan makes beta cells fail to operate normally and they eventually do not produce insulin which causes one variety of adult-onset type 2 diabetes. The white flour industry argues if alloxan was the primary cause of diabetes more Americans would be diabetic. Even though that is a valid point we also know that not just one thing usually causes a single health issue.
If you are diabetic or have a family history of diabetics one of the first steps in prevention is the elimination of white flour.Â
The baker’s at Bizzy Lizzy Bakery have come up with a wonderful solution. They have created a  breakfast “Hearty†cookie that is packed with fiber and protein. These soft and delicious cookies have 4 grams of fiber and NO FLOUR. Most high fiber products have wheat flours, which many are trying to avoid.Â
I found this interesting article today and wanted to pass it along to you gals. If you are looking for an alternative to coffee, why not check out Teeccino Herbal Coffee? It comes in many different flavors, including Vanilla Nut, Almond Amaretto, Hazelnut, Java, and even an organic version. It brews in your coffee pot and smells heavenly. Zero caffeine! You can check it out here.
As a parent, you do everything you can to protect your child’s health and well being, don’t you?
Of Course you do!
There is another hazard you may not be aware of: toxic chemicals that are present right in your own home. If your is the typical home, you are probably use dozens of cleaning and personal care products, purchased at the local grocery store, that contain chemical ingredients that may be harmful to you and your children.
Would you put your child in danger on purpose? No, no one would want to harm their children. This is sad to say but our children are the guinea pigs for a dangerous experiment. Have you often wondered why there has a been a rise in illnesses as asthma, allergies, and cancer? Well there is a direct link to the chemicals that we are exposed to on a daily basis that play a role in the cause of these diseases.
Your home is the #1 source of toxic chemicals!
These types of chemicals are found in all types of products that are in your home, right now!
Some of the most common are:
Dishwashing liquid
Bleach
Fabric softner
Stain remover
Window cleaner
Shampoo
Deodorant soap
Mouthwash
Cosmetics
This is just to name of a few!
BUT THERE IS A HAPPY ENDING!!
For every toxic product there is a safe alternative available. I don’t know about you, but I did not waste anytime about getting those safer products in my home!!
Life is full of risk. You risk your life driving down the street. don’t let living in your own home be a risk as well!!
Like a lot of you, I’ve tried many different vitamins and supplements. In the last year (or two, or three….or who knows how long?!) I have felt very, very tired and run-down, and always like I was just one step away from getting sick. During this time I have done things like eating a mostly raw-foods diet, or exercising 4-5 days a week, or trying some new vitamin that someone told me made them feel great. Well, for me, none of those things helped. I gained a pound a week (for 7 weeks straight!) while I ate a 100% raw foods diet (!!!!!), only felt more tired and more hungry when I was working out, and the vitamins didn’t give me any energy but did succeed in making me constipated! (Thank You, Iron!!) ugh.
As a lot of you know, I have six children, plus homeschool, plus run my businesses, plus have a husband. I Need Energy!! I had been watching projects pile up, things going undone, and just felt too stinkin’ tired all the time to get a handle on any of it.
Recently I was doing some reading and two new supplements caught my eye. Because of my desperation to feel better, I got both (they were very reasonably priced) and started taking them. The first time I took them was at night, and by the next morning I was literally BURSTING with energy. That day I worked around my house conquering all sorts of projects and chores for at least 12 HOURS!!! It was amazing! Since then I have continued to have a lot of energy, except on the days when I realize I have forgotten to take the stuff. It has been since December 23 and I am still GOING STRONG and feeling SO thankful that I found these supplements.
The first product is called Bee Strong, and it is a bee propolis supplement. This is well-known for giving lots of energy, and it certainly works for me. Of course, if you have a bee allergy, this isn’t going to be something for you to take.
The second product is called Berry Well and it is an elderberry syrup with good stuff like raw honey, raw apple cider vinegar, among other ingredients.  Berry Well is intended to be taken if you are sick, or feeling like you’re getting sick. I decided to take it since I could tell that my immune system just wasn’t very good. Although I do experience good amounts of energy when I take the Bee Strong, I feel really, really, REALLY great on the days when I take Berry Well. I really enjoy it mixed into my healthy lemonade, and that has proven to be a great way to give it to my children. (You could even make it into a popsicle for sick little ones that need a health boost!) The taste of the syrup is fine and not objectionable, but when I put it in the lemonade it just makes a yummy berry lemonade that is very refreshing. (It mixes up great in juice as well)
I highly, HIGHLY recommend these new products to you. If it helps you feel half as good as I’ve been feeling, you will be THRILLED that you gave it a try!
Both of these products are now available at my other business, Supermom’s Health and Wellness. I have been selling lots of this stuff since I started telling people about it, and it seems like it’s really helping others. I hope it helps you too!
I wanted to let you know that I was recently interviewed on a podcast show, talking about the subject of healthier eating. If you are needing some encouragement or inspiration in that area, click here to go listen to the show!
I had never heard of IBC until today when my mom sent me this link. Later today, we found out that my grandmother very likely has it. Tests will be in next week.
You can go listen to my interview about Supermom’s No-Lice products over at Heal Yourself Talk Radio. I’m really happy with how it turned out. Let me know what you think.
The first steps to combating anemia during pregnancy is to get proper amounts of iron nutrition. Make sure you discuss all your nutrition plans with your Doctor.
Why do I need iron?
Iron is a very important mineral present in certain enzymes and hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that enables the blood to transport oxygen throughout the body. Iron helps your immune system function normally, increasing your resistance to stress and disease. In addition Iron is also critical for normal brain function. Lastly, iron helps you avoid symptoms of tiredness which is a very common complaint during pregnancy, weakness, irritability, and depression.
Signs Of Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency and can be caused by many factors including a poorly balanced diet. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a blood disorder that occurs when there is not enough hemoglobin in a person’s blood. Most womens iron stores are low to begin with so they are unable to meet their pregnant bodies increased demands. Also if a new mom experiences morning sickness she increases her risk for anemia. The symptoms of anemia include:
fatique
headache
dizziness
difficulty with sleeping
loss of appetite
slight increase risk of infection
How Can Expecting Moms Get More Iron
Iron is found in many foods, but it is hard to absorb, making it difficult for your body to get enough iron so it can meet its needs during pregnancy. When you don’t have enough iron in your diet, you make fewer red blood cells, which is called anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is very common during pregnancy and is easy to correct.
Expecting moms can get iron from sources such as Red meat, Chicken, and Fish. If you are a vegetarian and you prefer non-meat choices there are lots of dark green leafy vegetables to choose from, dried fruit, eggs, wheat germ, tofu, beans, and whole grain breads. Then ofcourse prenatal vitamins. An iron supplement may be recommended by your doctor if you become anemic. If you think you are anemic communicate your concerns with your doctor so that a blood test may be performed. *Caution: Do not turn to liver for your iron needs. Liver is best avoided during pregnancy because it contains unsafe amounts of vitamin A which can cause birth defects.
Important Facts About Iron
Did you know Vitamin C helps your body use and absorb iron? It is important to eat or drink sources of vitamin C along with foods containing iron and iron supplements all at the same time. So what foods are high in vitamin C? Orange juice, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, bell peppers, broccoli, melon, strawberries, half grapefruit, and cabbage.
Iron supplements can cause constipation. Increase fiber intake by including whole grain breads, fiber cereals, fruits, and high fiber vegetables. Drinking at least 8 cups of water daily and start light walking to get your circulation going (as recommended by your physician). These things are a great way to ward off constipation.
What Interfers With Iron Absorbtion
Caffeine drinks can inhibit the absorption of iron. Caffeine is commonly found in teas, colas, coffees, and chocolate products. These products contain polyphenols that interfere with the absorption of iron from supplements and plant sources. Carbonated beverages and many medications also contain caffeine. Become a label reader. You want to take your iron supplement and eat the foods high in iron at least two to three hours after drinking or eating caffeine products.
Calcium also interfers with the iron absorption process. Antacids can be a pregnant womens best friend but since they are high in calcium they can also interfere with iron absorption. Same goes for other calcium supplements, and drinking milk. Allow a time frame inbetween calcium and iron intake.
