Thursday, April 26, 2018

Nature's Substitute For NSAIDs (also known as...Ibuprofen, aspirin, Motrin, etc.)

You've been doing some research. You found that heavy use of medications can wreck your body. You learned it can create more disease down the road, but you are desperately trying to treat your high blood pressure, headaches, joint pain, etc. You know there must be another way than popping pill after pill. Just look at the list of possible side affects on the label. I'm telling you what you already know...you need other options! So what do you do? You can't function properly without some kind of relief!
There are so many options out there, even for people like me who have multiple food and chemical sensitivities! I stopped taking NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, aspirin, Motrin, and all their off brands when my body decided after 10 plus years of regular use that it wouldn't except it anymore. I used it for crippling menstrual cramps, severe headaches, joint pain, swelling, low grade fevers... I used it at least 7 days out of the month but usually much more. At that point in my life, I began to have swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing anytime that I tried to take it, so I quit.
Out of desperation I looked for other things to help with the pain. Thank God, I came across some information that told me garlic in its raw form taken orally can lower blood pressure, block pain, reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and viruses, and thin your blood. At first, I was skeptical. I mean, like, everyone uses it to cook with, but can something so little really have such a powerful affect? All I had in the house at that time was dried garlic powder. It didn't do the job, just left my breath smelling worse than ever. But I wasn't ready to give up just yet. The next payday, when we went shopping, I picked up a bulb of fresh raw garlic. That night, I tried it as my headache was worse than ever. I minced some up and put it on a piece of buttered gluten free bread...The results were amazing!!!! Not only did it help the headache, but I slept better then usual that night (probably because it lowered my blood pressure).
For the last 7 years, this has been my go to for pain relief. It also helps with congestion if you are fighting a cold or asthma. The only side affect that can sometimes be a problem is it lowers my blood pressure. (I fight with chronic low blood pressure anyway.) And of course, the bad breath. :) LOL. Which can be fixed with peppermint oil, or chewing gum.
Are you tired of popping pills for high blood pressure, headaches, pain, and swelling??? Give garlic a try! (If you are currently taking medication for blood pressure, start with a small amount of garlic to see how your body responds. Your medication dosage will probably need reduced, but always consult your doctor first as it must be done gradually.)
I am not a doctor...this is for informational purposes only, and I can not be held responsible for any adverse effects caused by consumption of garlic.
~Gluten Free Em~


Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Ginger The Natural Remedy For Tummy Trouble

One thing all of us gluten sensitive people have in common is tummy trouble. Belly pains that can cause you to double over, acid reflux, nausea, bloating....
It's true, we have touchy tummies. Even the smallest trace of gluten can leave some of us feeling really bad for weeks.
How do you treat this problem without medicines that further upset our sensitive body chemistry? Well, long before medications were developed, back when life was simpler, there were herbs and spices used as medicine. God designed the perfect solution to tummy trouble when He created ginger!
Ginger is a strong spice, when consumed raw it acts as a natural relief for indigestion, nausea, bloat, gas, etc. It is naturally gluten free and can be juiced with other fruits and veggies to make a great anti inflammatory drink! Say bye bye to tummy trouble and hello to relief!  Ginger is my best friend.
~Gluten Free Em~

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

What grains/flours are gluten free?


When I was first going gluten free, my biggest question was what kind of flours are naturally gluten free?
The answer is detailed. But I will assure you, there are a lot of choices out there. Some are delicious, some are not.

Almond Flour
Amaranth Flour
Arrowroot Starch
Brown Rice Flour
Buckwheat Flour
Chickpea Flour
Coconut Flour
Cornmeal/Corn Flour
Fava Bean Flour
Millet Flour
Navy Bean Flour
Oat Flour (If particular labeled and certified GF)
Peanut Flour
Potato Flour
Potato Starch
Quinoa Flour
Sorghum Flour
Soy Flour
Sweet Rice Flour
Tapioca Flour
White Rice Flour
And any seeds that are naturally gluten free that you want to grind into meal...I use pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and have in the past used sunflower seeds.

This is not a comprehensive list...other flours may be out there particularly in other cultures that I am not aware of.

So which ones work the best? I have found that a combination of flours works best. I like to mix potato starch, tapioca starch, almond meal, and white and brown rice. These have proven to be the best combination for me in the past. Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix is a great combination of these with their own signature buttermilk solids and xanthan gum added. (Check them out here.) If you have a corn allergy like me, this probably won't work because of the xanthan gum being derived from corn. I used to use it before I developed the corn allergy, and it was phenomenal!
There are many different mixes on the market today that I have yet to try because of the xanthan gum. Most of the Bob's Red Mill mixes I've tried and they were good. (Check them out here.) Just be sure that you call and make sure that it is processed in a gluten free facility if your sensitivity is severe.
Check this out from America's Test Kitchen
Do you have a favorite flour or blend of flours that you would like to share with us? Comment and let us know!!!! We would love to hear from you!
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free Day!
~Gluten Free Em~