Q&A: Natural Flavors

Q: Is the words natural flavors on an ingredients list always a source of gluten?
A: No! It does warrant some caution, though, and you should call the manufacturer to make sure that it is indeed gluten free. It is a way for them to hide their flavorings. Natural flavors could be a spice blend, or any form of flavor that is derived from some natural food source.

Got a question for Gluten Free Em? Message her, or contact her through her website, www.glutenfreeem.com. Your question might be featured next on her Facebook page!

What is in Your Medicine Cabinet?

Did you know that a lot of the prescription drugs that Americans take contain gluten? And countless other medications cause inflammation of the gut, or an imbalance of gut flora. Antibiotics and steroids are the known for this. Other medications that are used for anxiety, depression, seizures, etc can also create a chemical imbalance in the body that leads to immune issues.

Only take what you have to take, and look for an all natural alternative whenever possible. Your body deserves only the best!

Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free Day!

~Gluten Free Em~

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Maltodextrin ~ A Debated Topic

The word maltodextrin is one of debate in the gluten free world. Many say to avoid this ingredient like the plague...some say it is safe. Well to expound a little on this subject, maltodextrin can be made from many things. Wheat, corn, and tapioca being the most common medians it is derived from, make it usually unsafe for gluten free, corn free people like myself and my son. But if there is a product containing this ingredient that you are very curious to try, call the manufacturer and ask them to check and see what it is derived from. Many times I have called and found that it was derived from tapioca, a safe gluten free starch.
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free day!
~Gluten Free Em~

Does Wheat Free Mean Gluten Free? Q&A

Question: Is there a difference between wheat free and gluten free? I mean, gluten is a protein found in wheat, right?

Answer: Actually, there are several grains in the family with wheat that also contain gluten. So, to answer your question, no, wheat free doesn’t mean gluten free. Something that is gluten free will not contain any wheat, barley, rye, or sometimes even oats. It won't be processed on the same equipment with one of these, and should be tested before it is certified gluten free. Many times we find gluten free on a label because the product is naturally gluten free but not tested. Other times it says gluten free and then mentions that it was produced on the same equipment with wheat. So, never trust the gluten free words alone, look at ingredients, look for other hints, and when in doubt, call the manufacturer!
#glutenfree #questionandanswer

Lemon Thyme for Relief from Congestion

Lemon thyme is one of my favorite herbs. It has soooo many uses, but I will only take time to mention a few. The most powerful use of this fragrant herb is relief from chest congestion. We grow this wonderful herb in our garden every year and dry some of it for use during the winter months when colds and flu seem to be everywhere. Because of its awesome antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties, it is very useful when fighting a respiratory infection of any type. Simply boil a few cups of water, put some fresh or dried lemon thyme leaves in (I use about 2 cups water to 1 tablespoon of thyme), let it seep till the water starts to change color. Add a teaspoon or so of raw local honey, then sip on it to relieve congestion. Also adding it to a big pot of boiling water, and then placing a towel over your head to create a steam tent, you can breath in the fumes and find amazing relief! It opens up and moisturizes the lungs. It is my go to for asthma as well.
Another way to use this herb that is very beneficial is for anxiety or tension relief. Feeling tense can come and go, but when it prevents you from sleeping, or gets so severe that your stomach feels funny, maybe it's time to do something about it. Don't worry there are many things you can do that can relieve tension without taking a drug. I personally have tried and found it to be true that the oil from the leaves of a lemon thyme plant can relieve tension. Just take some fresh leaves off of your plant, crush them between your fingers until the oil is released, and then rub the oil behind your ears or where ever you can smell it. I like to use it behind my ears as my ears are usually related to the feelings I am experiencing. It has calmed vertigo for me several times, relieved nausea, and calmed me down. I am sure it can be used in more serious ways if purchased as an essential oil, but I have not as of yet needed to try it in that way.
Of course, the most logical way to use this powerful herb is to season or enhance food dishes. I love the lemony taste it gives, as I am allergic to lemons themselves and can not enjoy them. I have personally used it to season fish, lamb, and several vegetable dishes. It has a mild peppery taste with a citrus hint. It smells so much like lemon that you may be fooled at first. It works well with seafood.
This herb can also be used to thin blood, fight yeast infections, lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, relieve indigestion, relieve bloat, encourage digestion and elimination, and treat sinus infections. Seriously, there are soooo many ways to use this wonderful herb. If you haven't yet, you should consider adding it to your indoor or outdoor herb garden!
Here's to the medicine God created--natural herbs, food, vitamins, and minerals.
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free Day!
~Gluten Free Em~

Van's Honey Crunch

Here is my product recommendation for this week! It is delicious and filling, low in sugar, and high in whole grains. It is gluten free, corn free, dairy free and awesome! It is available at many stores like Kroger, Walmart, and health food stores. I prefer buying online by bulk to save $$$. Enjoy!

Oregano--the Natural Antibiotic

Did you know that a simple herb you could be growing in a pot right in your home could hold the keys to unlock you from the prison of constant urinary track infections or yeast infections?
Did you know that most of us already eat a little bit of it each time we make or order Italian food?
What is this miraculous little herb, you ask? It's oregano, also known as the pizza herb.
Oregano has natural antioxidant properties that can really give your immune system a boost! Not only is it tasty in it's natural form, but when added to food at the end of cooking, or right onto your plate, it can really give your body a push in the right direction. It works best when used in it's fresh, natural form. You can take the leaves of the oregano plant, chop them, and add them to your favorite dish.
Not only does this little plant have antioxidant powers, but it is also a natural anti-fungal! I don't know about you, but this was a big one for me. For years I suffered with candida overgrowth in the form of thrush, dandruff, and in other unmentionable places...yes, there, too. No matter what I tried it would always come back. I finally won the battle when I incorporated raw oregano leaves into my normal diet. The results were amazing! It tasted good, too. I simply ditched the powder form of the herb, and used fresh oregano.
Since then I have experimented with some of the other claims oregano holds. I learned it truly is anti-inflammatory in nature. It lowers blood sugar. It thins the blood (which in turn lowers blood pressure). It helps with menstrual pain, muscle aches, and headaches. It helps my body flush out urinary track infections without the use of prescription antibiotics. And whenever I feel a cold coming on, I reach for the oregano to give my immune system a boost. It helps me to find some relief when having an asthma attack, and helps break up the congestion bought on by colds and allergies.
Got you interested? Try it for yourself! Fresh oregano can be found at most grocery stores. It can also be potted and grown in your kitchen for fresher than fresh flavor! Experiment with it to see how much your body can tolerate. I usually use about a tablespoon or two of fresh chopped oregano with wonderful results. Some may need more or less depending on size and weight.
Here's to better health....
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free Day!
~Gluten Free Em~

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~

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~

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~

Is toxicity the problem?

Life is always changing...new jobs, new homes, new baby, new neighborhood... Hopefully, for some of us that doesn't mean a new allergy!:( But as much as we dislike the thought, it can become a reality.
What is it that causes some of us to develop adverse reaction to foods we ate all our lives? What is it about conventional, non-organic foods that cause asthma when you can eat the same food in its organic form without any problems?
I've been researching this very subject for many years. The most common idea is that some of us have difficulty with the bodies natural detoxification methods not working correctly. This could be from a genetic defect, a nutritional difficiency, or a build up from toxic exposure to chemicals. There are many possible causes, but unfortunately no quick fixes.
What does this mean? Well, I believe that many gluten intolerances are caused by an unhealthy digestive system, resulted from a build of toxicity, and heavy metals from the foods we eat and our environment.
We can't live in a bubble and avoid all the negative effects of toxicity. We are going to be exposed to car exhaust, fertilizers, cleaners, soaps, etc...but at least we can try our best to limit this exposure and spend time out of doors in a natural setting with trees and fresh air (the mountains :). Life goes on, but little choices we make will make a difference.
I am not against vehicles, by the way...I love big SUVs and cool trucks, as well as Ford Mustangs with big engines, and please no convertibles. I think you are exposed to more toxins by riding a bike down a busy road than you would be in an enclosed vehicle. Like I said, we cannot live in a bubble.
Grow your own vegies if you can, or buy organic.  Use glass and not plastic containers when possible.  Avoid driving down a busy road with your windows open. Forget about treating your lawn, its green enough. Don't use traditional cleaners, opt in for natural products, or do the old vinegar thing. There are lots of ways we can limit our exposure even for those of us who live in a city. The key is to do our best without stressing about it. Stress is toxic, too, you know. Live life in balance and enjoy each day!
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free day!
~EM~

Applesauce Raisin Muffins Corn, Gluten, Dairy, Egg Free

It is fall!!!! My favorite fall memory has always been my mom's awesome baking spree for Thanksgiving. We would always get a pumpkin or two and she would roast it in the oven until it was soft and then freeze what felt like hundreds of pints size servings of it. (I had to take the bags out to the freezer in the garage. You know, errand running.)
One of my favorites was always her applesauce raisin cake. I loved it! I still love it! I always will love it! But because of my food allergies, I no longer can have it the way she made it, and taught me to make it. I have to substitute, but who cares, I still get to enjoy that flavor!
Here is the most recent recipe I have for the applesauce raisin cake. This one I made into muffins, you know a little less sugar and mess.

Takes only a few minutes to prepare and yields 12 muffins. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a muffin a 12 cup muffin pan with muffin papers. ( I like to use the unbleached ones that I find at Fresh Thyme or Whole Foods.)
1 cup of freshly milled Organic Brown Rice Flour
1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill Sweet White Rice Flour
2 Tablespoons or so of Tapioca flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon David's Kosher salt (any salt should do)
1/2 cup organic seedless raisins
3/4 to 1 cup unsweetened organic applesauce
A few small shavings of crystallized ginger (not a lot or it will be overpowering. We just want to get that spice flavor in there. If you can use cinnamon instead that would probably be better. 1/2 a teaspoon or so.)
2 or 3 tablespoons of sugar in the raw (Or brown, or white sugar. I just like the flavor of the sugar in the raw.)
2 tablespoons of freshly chopped golden flax seeds soaked in 1/3 cup of water. (I chop them in a smoothie cup, but a food processor will work. If you don't have any of these, you can buy the flax already chopped, but be sure to refrigerate it to retain flavor.)
2-3 tablespoons olive oil (The oil must be fresh. If it isn't it will ruin the flavor of the muffins. I use California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Olive Oil. It almost always tastes fresh and can be found at Walmart, Meijer, Kroger, and most other places. (Other types of oil will work, but this is the best)
Mix dry ingredient together first, then add applesauce, flax water, and stir with a spoon until completely combined. Do not over mix. Divide evenly between muffin cups. Bake till a toothpick entered into the center comes out fairly clean. About 15-20 minutes depending on your oven.

If you have an egg allergy, corn allergy, gluten sensitivity, cinnamon allergy, or milk allergy this will work for you!
I hope you enjoy trying out my newest recipe, and please share it with your friends and family. Remember, don't be afraid to be creative in the kitchen and mix something up today!
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free Day!
~Gluten Free Em~

Kirkman Pro Bio Gold

So, the last time I posted we talked about food allergies and sensitivities. Since that time, I have been doing a lot of research and experiments with my own allergies. My biggest experiment is still in the making, and that is, I am now taking a strong hypoallergenic probiotic 2 times a day. Yes, I did say hypoallergenic!!! I have looked for years and finally found one that I can take. Kirkman Probio Gold Probiotics is the brand name, corn allergy, milk allergy, gluten sensitivity sufferers!!!! Check it out here!
Already I have seen a positive improvement in my guts. I am excited to see where this journey will take me!
There is no end to the possibilities that creativity can bring! Don't be afraid to mix up something weird, try something new, or change an old recipe! Don't settle with failure, try again. Don't stick with boring, when you can be fabulous. Keep trying, Keep trying, Keep trying!
Don't let your allergies stop you from living life to the fullest! There is nothing that can stop you if you are determined to keep trying. If you are one of us who sufferer from multiple allergies and find a balanced diet is hard to maintain, then you should probably look into a holistic approach to healing leaky gut. Find an all natural, or holistic doctor near you, and see if they can offer some help. For me it took many years to find any help, but help is out there if you are patient and persistent in looking.
Never give up on your dreams, just let them take a little twist! It will be exciting! Enjoy the ride. Until next time, have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free day!
~Gluten Free EM~