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Health & Fitness

Go Against The Grain – Thriving Without Gluten

We are officially in the "eating season". From Halloween through New Year's Day, you'll be surrounded by tempting foods. How does food affect our health? Can we heal ourselves with a change in diet?

Healing With Food Series, part 1 of 2

We are officially in the “eating season”. From Halloween through New Year’s Day, you’ll be surrounded by tempting foods.  While that second helping of dessert might taste delicious, it could be damaging to you, internally. There are many foods that trigger reactions in the body, such as sugar, wheat, and dairy products. To practice the yogic principle of ahimsa, meaning kindness and non-violence towards all living things including ourselves, we should not bring harm to our bodies by eating foods that do not agree with our physiology. Here’s what led me on a path to a gluten-free diet, and thoughtful consideration for non-harming foods. 

A couple of years ago, I developed a severe case of bronchitis.  After two rounds of antibiotics, I was left with what I termed the “gurgle”.  If you stood next to me, you could actually hear me breathe.  It seemed that something had settled in my lungs and wasn’t about to come out.  The doctors at Kaiser were perplexed.  I was sent to a specialist, who said, and I kid you not, “I’m not sure what’s going on with you, so we’ll just try a few different drugs and see what you respond to.” Not satisfied with that plan of action, I sought the assistance of alternative medicine and began seeing an acupuncturist.  She determined that I had developed a dampness in my lungs and her recommended course included acupuncture treatments, Chinese herbs, and to alter my diet, eating any fruit or dairy products in the morning when my body could digest it easily, and eliminate gluten. Stunned, saddened, and puzzled, I went home and wondered how on earth I could live without pasta, bread, and all of the other glutinous foods I enjoyed on a regular basis.
 
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and is hidden in other products such as imitation meats, soy sauce, salad dressings, marinades, ketchup, beer, etc. Celiac disease is a digestive condition in which gluten consumption causes damage to the small intestine. However, some individuals like myself, could be sensitive to gluten, and may not test positive for Celiac.

Luckily we live in a time where gluten-free foods are readily available, and I quickly turned my attitude of what I can’t eat into what I can eat. I began to test gluten-free products and consume more rice, quinoa, vegetables, fruits, and proteins.  I quickly realized that gluten-free breads must be toasted to be edible.  The same rule applies to pizza crust! There are many gluten-free pastas on the market, and I’ve listed my favorites below that are not mushy. I was very concerned about pancake mix as that has become a weekend staple at our house. Happily, I found one that pleases not only my kids, but my parents-in-law enjoy them when they visit, and can’t taste the difference!

My Gluten-Free Favorites
Gluten Free Pantry pancake mix
Quinoa brand pasta
Tinkyada lasagna noodles and spaghetti
Almond Nut Thins (crackers)
Food For Life English muffins – only the multi seed type
Van’s gluten free waffles
Udi’s Gluten Free Foods granola
Whole Foods brand gluten free bakehouse – sandwich bread, cinnamon & raisin bread, rolls
San-J orange sauce (marinade)
Think Thin protein bars

My health improved 100% with this change in diet.  I was doubly excited to lose the nagging pregnancy weight I couldn’t seem to drop prior to this change.  Most importantly, I’ve continued to eat this way because I feel better. I’m saving money by eating for my health, rather than purchasing a bunch of prescriptions which could cause additional side effects, and never cure me the way food has. I now have a great respect for the old adage, “we are what we eat”. I encourage you to try some gluten-free foods and let me know how you feel! It’s important to read the labels as gluten is hidden in so many products. Please share other gluten-free products you enjoy in the comments section.

And along the lines of healthful eating, if you’ve got leftover Halloween candy, consider donating it to our troops.  You can drop it by the Mount Vernon Athletic Club or visit the Arlington-based Treats 4 Our Troops

Copyright © 2011 Johanna Seltzer.

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Johanna Seltzer, RYT 200, has been teaching since 1991, beginning in dance, and currently in the yogic tradition. She holds a B.A. in dance from the University of Maryland, and a graduate certificate in arts management from American University. Johanna serves as a consultant for the Dance Heritage Coalition, River’s Edge Yoga, Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, and Virginia Yoga Week. She is a yoga and wellness blogger for the Mount Vernon Patch. In addition to group classes, Johanna teaches private sessions and classes for corporate wellness programs. For more information, visit www.innerlightyogi.com.

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