Going gluten free? Beware the corn


Gluten has become public enemy number one, right up there with carbs.  More and more people are finding that they are gluten sensitive, or gluten intolerant.  They are finding that skipping that big bowl of pasta, or breakfast muffin leaves them feeling less bloated, more energetic, and clear headed.

I cut out gluten for one week to see how it would feel.  I never thought I had a sensitivity, but I found that my energy levels stayed high, and the usual brain fog that would gather force as the day progressed, was gone as if with a wave of a magic wand.

Encouraged by such positive effects I began to scan the store aisles for gluten free products, trying to keep it as real as possible.  I found gluten free pasta made with rice and corn instead.  It tasted good and held up well in cooking.  It looked and felt just like wheat pasta. 

Activists in France uproot genetically modified corn on May 2, 2014,

after highest court and Senate confirm existing ban. 

But, alas, the corn was genetically modified.  All corn used in commercial food will be genetically modified unless it is labeled as non-GMO.  By 2012, 88 percent of the corn in the US was genetically modified.  So, anything that has corn in it, high fructose corn syrup (in all kinds of candies, chocolate and sauces like ketchup), corn starch, is GMO.

What is so bad about GMO corn?  Pretty much everything. 

The Institute for Responsible Technologies states that mice fed GMO corn and soy in the long term had fewer and smaller babies.

The International Journal for Biological Sciences published a study has found that three varieties of Monsanto GMO corn affected the liver and kidneys.

It is especially unsafe for children and babies. 

GMOs have the potential to lead to the super bugs.

There has only be ONE human trial done regarding GMOs, and it was not even a long term study.  And, the results showed danger.  The American Academy of Environmental Medicine is now asking physicians to advise patients to avoid GM food.  “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food.”   Some of these risks include:  infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system.

To read more about the dangers of GMOs, this is a summary by Jeffery Smith from his book Genetic Roulette.

Moral of the story:  If you are going gluten free, don't replace the wheat with corn.
 

Laser Physio

I finally had my first session of laser with physio.  Although I was apprehensive about laser heating up my brain and not just my muscles. But, the laser portion of the treatment was only five minutes.  The rest was manual manipulation, which was tough, but hopefully will do the trick.  I went in with a headache.  I left with a headache. But, happily, by the late afternoon my headache was gone and stayed gone for the next 36 hours.  Bliss.

Grrrr...headache

My most recent headache has mutated from just a headache, to more of a way of life. A more grumpy, painful, throbbing filter of reality.

I have had the same recurring headache for ten years.  I go through very long spells of little to no headaches when I am working out and eating right.  But, four months ago I hit a rock while digging in my garden, felt a twinge in my neck, and it has been downhill since.

Four sessions of my beloved and usual go-to acupuncture with massage did nothing.  The chiropractor that charged me 1000 Dhs (I only knew the price after the appointment, and never thought it would be that much), had a positive effect for only three days.  Then the neurologist took an MRI, found nothing wrong and gave me a bunch of anti-depressants.  The pills kept the headache at bay, but they wrecked my life (and this blog).  I feel for people who have been taking them for years.  It should be a criminal offence to keep people on them for long periods of time without seeking alternatives.

In the meantime I am experimenting.  My dentist made me a wonderful little night guard for clenching while sleeping, which has helped a lot.  And a new diagnosis has termed my condition as occipital neuralgia.  The treatment is physio with laser, which I have never heard of, and I am not sure I want to cough out more money to "experiment" with yet another treatment.

Usually I know exactly what is wrong and what to do. But, this time I am stumped, and have been running at full speed towards what turn out to be walls.  Walls of stubborn doctors and money hungry therapists.

A New Online Resource

If, like me, you are always up for new tips and trick about wellness, health or a holistic lifestyle, check out: wellness-media.com. This is a new site that brings together top bloggers in health all in one place.  There are articles about nutrition, fitness, DIY, natural living, etc.  If you are looking to see what is buzzing in the wellness world, it is worth a read.

Olive Oil Vs. Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is back!  It has been making a slow ascent into popularity for many years now.  In the 1980s anything that was a saturated fat was considered bad for the heart and bad for the health, and would make you fat.  Diets back then consisted of avoiding all kinds of fats and oils, especially the saturated kind.  Then olive oil started to gain popularity, and as it was monounsaturated and deemed to be heart healthy, people began to using it willingly.  Now we are learning that not all fats are equal, and even some saturated fats are good for us.  Certainly trans fat and hydrogenated fat that we find in commercial and processed food remain the ones to avoid at all costs.

The general rule I came across for cooking with these oils is that coconut stands up to high temperature, whereas olive oil does not and should be eaten cold.  But, there is a study that looks at deep frying with olive oil and shows that it can stand up to high heat better than what people thought.

But, is coconut oil all it is cracked up to be?  Should we replace our olive oil with coconut oil?  Some people tout it as almost a miracle oil.  Is it? I am not a chemist or a nutritionist, but for the purposes this blog I have compiled a list of the qualities of each oil in the table below.  This is a summary list that you can use as a quick reference for topics you would like to look into further.  If you find a remedy or solution in the table, I do advise research into it to make sure it suits you.

For further reading:

wellnessmama.com
oliveoiltimes.com
readersdigest
ecosalon
coconutoil.com

And here is an article that says do not use olive oil on the skin.  You be the judge.

Olive Oil

Coconut Oil

Contains linoleic acid. Highest of the plant oils in monounsaturated fat.  Monounsaturated fat does not oxidize in the body.  It is low in polyunsaturated fat which does oxidize in the body. Contains oleocanthal, which mimics the effect of ibuprofen in reducing inflammation.  A key step in avoiding cancer.  Also contains squalene and lignans which are being studied for their effects on cancer. The polyphenols in olive oil may slow down or prevent the appearance of Alzheimer's. Can be an aid to decrease blood pressure. Contains Vit E Beneficial as part of a diet for diabetes. Helps to reduce obesity Reduces risk of rheumatoid arthritis Anti-biotic. Anti-fungul.  Anti-parasite. Improves mineralization and calcification to aid osteoporosis and help to prevent it A Mediterranean diet high in olive oil reduces risk of Type II diabetes compared to a low fat diet. Protect from depression (those with a high intake of trans fat and hydrogenated fat had a 48% risk increase of becoming depressed. oliveoiltimes.com) Slows the aging of the heart   Contains polyphenols which bolster immune system and anticancer activity Reinforce phosphorus compounds in the brain. Whitens teeth For the skin: Contains at least 4 antioxidants that help fight skin aging and skin cancer.  Studies show that mice fed extra virgin olive oil developed less skin cancer when exposed to UV light. Shaving balm Hair treatment before shower, or a touch after for flyaways Teaspoon to cat for prevent hairballs Personal lubricant Sip of olive oil before bed will lubricate the throat muscles to prevent snoring. Polish wood furniture and condition leather Frees stuck zippers Fix squeaky doors Help earache.  Apply warm to the outside of the ear canal. Combine one part olive oil to one part beeswax for a lip balm. Combine with brown sugar for a superb, no need to go to the spa, facial scrub. Pour over the scalp and rub in to treat lice Spritz on garden tools cut down on dirt build up Acne treatment from Reader’s Digest: 4 tblspns salt 3 tblspns olive oil Leave on Remove paint from hands and hair Stainless steel shine Throat soother Oil Lamp fuel Chewing gum remover (worked on my leather couch)

Contains 40 percent lauric acid, the highest source naturally.  Lauric acid becomes monolaurin in the body and is effective in fighting bacteria and viruses. Contains Medium Chain Fatty Acids, which are also found in human breast milk.  MCFAs are sent straight to the liver for digestion, without the need for the pancreas to produce enzymes. This makes it ideal for diabetics.  This can also help increase metabolism. Capric Acid, Caprylic Acid Supports treatment of Alzheimer’s Vit E.  Vit. K.  Iron Aids in absorption of nutrients Aid in weightloss Skin conditions: eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis Supports the thyroid.  Should be used as part of a treatment to balance hormones. Anti-biotic.  Anti-fungal.  Anti-parasite Can increase mental altertness Treats candidia and fungul infections.  Can be used internally and extrernally. Aids with depression. Some evidence that it can treat intestinal parasites Skin moisturizer Naturally SPF 4, so can be used in the sun Helps to prevent premature aging Can be used in oil-pulling to remove bacteria between the teeth and improve oral health.  May help cellulite if used consistently Hair treatment before a shower.  Use it on dry hair to tame frizzies.  Shaving balm. Personal lubricant Nursing mothers can increase milk by taking 3-4 tablespoons a day Better for high temperature cooking than olive or other oils. Can be used to condition shiny leather. Reduce the itch of mosquito bites Can be used externally to speed recovery from ear infection. Rub on scalp to condition and stimulate hair growth. Can treat lice when used with apple cider vinegar. Increases absorption of calcium and magnesium Natural deodorant. A tablespoon before each meal can aid digestion. Is quickly converted to energy by the body Use a spoon or two in hot tea to ease sore throat

Tea with Sage

Dried sage leaves soaking in freshly boiled water

Since as early as I can remember, if we had tea, it was flavored with sage leaves.  When I would get a stomachache, my parents would make a pure sage tea like the one in the picture.  When I would get a sore throat, first call of action would be sage tea.  It is the Palestinian go-to herb of choice. Sage grows with reckless abandon in the Mediterranean region.  While Italians use it to flavor meat and pasta dishes, most Palestinians use it in their daily tea.

And now, Dr. Oz is doing it as well.

What is so great about sage?  The ancient Greeks used it for sore throats, ulcers, wounds and bleeding, among other things.   The Chinese valued it. The Germans found in one study that it reduced perspiration by 50 percent.  It can be gargled to treat sore throats and mouth ulcers.

Sage has been shown to benefit the following:

indigestion

gastritis

stimulates digestion

menopausal sweats

as a steam inhalation for asthma attacks

removes mucus congestion

sore throats, drink or use as gargle

fatigue

nervous exhaustion

nervous headache

improves memory

reduces breast milk
in vitro studies shows it is effective on E-coli and Salmonella.
useful to aid in treating yeasts and fungi infections
has astringent and antiseptic properties which allow it to do the above

My mid-morning cup of tea

How to make black tea with sage:
Make black tea as usual and add a fourth of a teaspoon of dried leaves to the cup.  It can get very strong very quickly, so start out by using a little.  The leaves will float, so you will have to take them out.  I suggest a tissane to be able to lift the leaves out easily.  For a pot of tea that serves 5 cups, one teaspoon is enough.  Dried leaves are preferable, but fresh will do.  You can find dried sage in the Coop in the UAE in the spice section.  In Arabic it is called "mara-miya."

How to make pure sage tea for medicinal purposes:
Put in one to two teaspoons in a mug and add freshly boiled water.  Cover and let is soak for five minutes.  Then use as desired.  If the leaves are left in too long they will become bitter.  It is important not to boil the leaves, as it will boil away their benefits.

Word of caution: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, then avoid drinking sage teas.  They have an estrogenic effect and therefore will dry milk and may affect pregnancy.

If you haven't tried sage tea before, please try it instead of mint tea, or you can mix the two for a refreshing and relaxing tea.  If you already know how great this tea is, but have stopped drinking it in favor of other flavors, consider bringing this back to your tea routine.  I have tea with sage, or "shay bil mara-miya" with breakfast or after dinner at least a few times a week.  It is the perfect drink with a za'ater manoushe.  Enjoy!

Further reading:
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-sage.html

Wabi-Sabi in the Home

I have just been introduced to the Japanese decorating concept of wabi-sabi.  And, at first I thought it was a joke about wasabi sauce and sushi.  But, I am happy to say I was completely wrong.

Wabi-sabi is the "Japanese art of appreciating things that are imperfect, primitive and incomplete." (Houzz article)  The wabi-sabi home would be simple, uncluttered, quiet and evoke feelings of humbleness and appreciation for nature, and for the moment.  It is more than just decorating, it is a life philosophy.  It is paring down your home (or life) to the bare essentials, to what is both useful and beautiful.  To appreciate not just the material item for its outward beauty, but for the history that makes it interesting.



apartmenttherapy

With the goal of being less consumer-minded and reducing clutter and trash, I am collecting the old jars of honey or jam that are particularly pretty to use for cotton balls, bobby pins, etc.  I worried that  I was being frugal, or tasteless, but now I know there is a complete age-old Japanese art that promotes exactly this! Relief.  Now I can reuse with gusto.

Perhaps it is just my inner rebel, going against the opulence and glamour of Dubai.  Maybe it is me trying to be more humble and accept that I need to to do more with less.  Whatever the reason, I now feel my ship is on course.

Further reading:

To read more about bringing wabi-sabi into your home, read it on Houzz.
Decorating the wabi-sabi way
Books on wabi-sabi