Product Recommendation: Glutino Brand Wafers

When it comes to cravings, Chocolate might be the biggest for some of us. What about Chocolate with a crispy wafer inside!?! Yes, it's possible, and yes, it's gluten free!
Glutino is a brand that many of us trust for being strictly gluten free. That is all they make. So, cross contamination with gluten is not an issue with this brand. They do however use corn in some of their products, so heads up to all you parents of corn free kids...read the labels!
This treat is corn and gluten free, but does contain a small amount of dairy (milk). It is so crispy and chocolaty that you won't be able to just eat one, I promise! You may as well buy two boxes, because they don't last long, they are that good! They are one of those treats that you can feel good about letting your kids have. So, open a box, and share it with your loved ones!


Many Walmart stores sell them, Kroger, too. By clicking on the picture above you can go directly to Amazon and order your own at the best price. I use Amazon for a lot of what I buy, because it saves time and money.
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free day!
~Gluten Free Em~

Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity, and Food Allergy Awareness

Help promote Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity, and Food Allergy Awareness!
Click on the picture above to be redirected to my products promoting awareness!

Let's tell the world that Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity, and Food Allergies exist. So many people are being made fun of because of their gluten free diet. Some call it a fad diet, but for some of us it is A NECESSARY WAY OF LIFE! Yes, there are people out there who follow it just because it is popular, but others follow it because they have a life threatening allergy, an autoimmune disease like Celiac, or a severe Gluten Sensitivity that causes digestive damage, pain, inflammation, and many other horrible symptoms. It's not that we don't want to eat gluten, it's that we can't eat it! Eliminating your favorite foods can be stressful, discouraging, and downright hard...but we don't have a choice. Let's stand up and speak out for those who suffer with Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity, and Food Allergies! Let's share the word with the world, so others can find the help that they so desperately need. Save a life...Send some hope...Speak positively...
Choose from tote bags, shirts, hoodies, and much more...Get the message across with positivity!
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free day!
~Gluten Free Em~

Product Recommendation: Glutino Cookies

So, I have to say, graham crackers have always been my weakness. I no longer can consume them because of developing new allergies, but my family loves these. They smell soooo good!!! I mean, awesome!!!
I open the bag slowly so not to spill any out...I get a good whiff of the delicious aroma.. and Baby, I'm hooked!
A must try for anyone who loves graham cracker flavor! Don't worry if your kids see you eating kid shaped cookies...it doesn't really matter. They will think you are cool, so just pop a few in your mouth and then offer them some!


Yes, they are fun...and they are gluten free!
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free day!
~Gluten Free Em~

Our new line of T-Shirts promoting Celiac Disease, and Gluten Sensitivity Awareness

Please check out our new T-Shirt designs to speak out for those of us who suffer when exposed to gluten. Celiac disease, Gluten sensitivity, and Food Allergy Awareness is what we are aiming for. Please consider partnering with us by buying and wearing one of our t-shirts. We must stand up, speak out, and let others know that "For some of us, Gluten Free is not a fad, it is not a fraud, it's a necessary way of life."

"Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free day!"
~Gluten Free Em~

Q&A: Leaky Gut

Q: I have multiple food allergies, including Gluten sensitivity. Someone mentioned to me that I may have leaky gut. What is this and how can I treat it if I have it?

A: Leaky gut is a problem that can actually cause food allergies. It is usually caused by using antibiotics and/or steroid medications. It is, as the name suggests, a problem of the gut. Namely, an imbalance of gut flora (bacteria) that are naturally present in all our guts. When there is an imbalance, and the bad bacteria outnumber the good bacteria, you get inflammation and digestive issues like heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, etc. If the issue is not treated, then the stomach lining, and intestinal lining can begin to have damage. The mucosal lining of the gut protects it from damage, but this imbalance destroys or seriously damages the mucosal lining. As a result, food is not properly digested, and larger than normal proteins from the food are allowed to seep into the blood stream through the stomach or intestinal lining. The result is an immune response, ranging from fatigue to anaphylaxis
There is a way to repair it! Probiotics are your best friend. Get one that is a minimum of 20 billion cultures and take it every day. Find yourself a alternative medicine doctor who specializes in leaky gut. They can test you to see if you have it, and can guide you through the process of healing. It is a very big issue in the lives of many Americans and can be the source of adult onset allergies to food.

Product Recommendation: Pamela's Pancake and Baking mix

When I first went gluten free, I would shop at Kroger and find all kinds of gluten free treasures...My favorite was the Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix. Wow, what a gluten free treat! This mix can be used as a substitute in many regular recipes! I fell in love with this product, and totally recommend it.

It does contain buttermilk solids, almond, flour, and xanthan gum, so it is not safe for everyone. But if you can have these ingredients, you will be in for a special treat! Make cakes, donuts, biscuits, pie crust, pancakes, waffles, and much more with this complete blend of gluten free flour!
Happy Baking!
Have a Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free day!
~Gluten Free Em~

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~

Got a question for Em? Leave a comment, use the contact form on the desktop version of the website, or message her at her Facebook page, www.glutenfreeem.com!

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~