Delicious Gluten Free Recipes

About a month ago I was pretty sick for a few weeks. The only way I can describe the illness was this: the worst morning sickness you've ever felt, but you're not actually pregnant. Sounds horrible right? Because if I'm going to be nauseous and miserable for a couple weeks straight, I'd at least like the reward of knowing I'm growing a baby, but alas, no baby. 

I finally decided to go see someone about my illness, and it was decided that I was either gluten intolerant, or my body just didn't want gluten for a few weeks. We'd decided for me to go off of it for thirty days to see what happened, and then I could reintroduce it into my diet after thirty days and if I got sick again, no more gluten forever, and if I was fine, my body just needed a break.

I lasted an entire two weeks because I'm weak and can't do diets or fasts, but the two weeks was enough time for my body, and gut to heal, and I haven't been sick since reintroducing gluten. It was a relief to know it wasn't a permanent thing, and I feel so much better than I had just a few weeks ago. 

While I was going through my gluten free period, iHerb.com reached out to me wanting to know if I wanted to try their service, and their products, to which I gladly said yes. They're an online marketplace for all natural, organic, gluten free, and even vegan food products. Basically anything that you would pick up at your local health food store, they have for you on their website. The fun doesn't stop there though, because they also have an extensive inventory of beauty, baby, sports, and vitamin products. 

My favorite part about their site is the customer loyalty program. Whatever amount of money you spend on your first order, they give you 5% of that off your next order.  It's awesome because most of the items that you'd purchase from iHerb.com are things that you'd need on a regualr basis, and so it's nice to know that you're consistently getting that discount. 

When I ordered my products from them, I chose things that would help me get a mini gluten free pantry going, so that I could keep eating and making yummy things while I was going through this cleanse. I wound up finding a lot of things that I loved to eat, but here are three recipes that I loved the most. 

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies:

I made these cookies with the same recipe that I use for my normal chocolate chip cookies, but swapped out the normal flour for the Bob's Red Mill 1-for-1 Gluten Free Flour. They tasted amazing, and I even gifted them to someone else who was gluten free, and they said that they were the best gluten free cookies she'd ever eaten. I also fed them to three other people who didn't know they were gluten free, and they were never any wiser. So I'll take that as a win. I also used the Enjoy Life vegan, dairy, and gluten free semi-sweet mini chocolate chips, and they were just pure perfection. 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill 1-for-1 Gluten Free Flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp hot water
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350°. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugars. Add in the egg, mix until combined, and then the vanilla. Dissolve the baking soda into the hot water and then add it to the mixture. Mix in the flour until just combined, and then add the chocolate chips. Place cookies 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet, using a rounded tablespoon scoop and rolling into balls. Bake for 10-13 minutes until golden brown. Mine took about 12 in my oven. Cool on pan for 2 minutes before transferring to wire rack.

Chicken and Rice Soup

This is one of my all time favorite recipes in the winter, but I usually make it with noodles instead of rice. I made the swap for this recipe, and used the Edward & Son's Not Chick'N vegan and gluten free bouillon cubes and the soup turned out perfectly. I'll definitely be making this again.

Ingredients: 

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

8 cups of water

Edward & Son's Not Chick'N vegan and gluten free bouillon cubes (or 8 normal ones)

3 large carrots, diced

3 celery stalks, diced

2 cups instant rice

Directions:

Add all ingredients except for the rice to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours. When the chicken is cooked all the way through, shred it, and then add it back to the pot with the instant rice. Let it all cook together for another 10 minutes, until the rice is cooked all the way through, and then serve. 

Gluten Free Granola Bowl:

This one is pretty self explanatory, but there was gluten hiding in the granola that we were previously using, so I grabbed a bag of the Bear Naked Cacao and Cashew Butter Granola, and would have that on top of some vanilla yogurt each morning, and some berries on top, and it was by far my favorite way to start the day. 

Facts About Animal Pak Supplements

The Animal Pak dietary supplement is a product manufactured by Universal Nutrition, a sports nutrition company founded in 1977. Animal Pak is "your nutritional insurance," according to the company, meaning that it is a nutritional supplement designed to provide all of the nutrients that athletes, bodybuilders in particular, need to maintain proper health. Despite the potential benefits, you should consult a doctor prior to using this or any other supplements.

History and Recognition

Animal Pak was introduced in 1983, and was voted multivitamin of the year in Bodybuilding.com's Supplement Awards from 2005 to 2010.

Intended Use

According to the official website for Animal Pak, this supplement should be taken once daily, unless you are dieting for a bodybuilding contest or training more intensely than usual, in which case Universal recommends two daily doses. Potential beneficiaries of Animal Pak include power and strength athletes, or those engaging in high-intensity training.

Nutrition Facts

Animal Pak provides 40 calories per serving, with 4 g of carbohydrates, 2 g of which come from fiber, and 6 g of protein.

Vitamin and Mineral Content

Animal Pak provides large doses of numerous vitamins and minerals, including 900 times the recommended daily intake of vitamin B-6, more than 500 times the RDA for thiamin, nearly 200 times the RDA for vitamin C, and 100 times the RDA for vitamin E.

Amino Acid Complex

Animal Pak provides all of the essential amino acids, or EAAs, and the branched-chain amino acids, or BCAAs, which are building blocks of protein that may enhance athletic activity. A study published in the March 2011 issue of "The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness" found that BCAA supplementation could improve endurance and increase the amount of fat your body burns for fuel during exercise.

Performance Complex

Animal Pak contains a performance complex that includes a number of herbal ingredients, such as milk thistle, ginseng and inositol. These ingredients may support intense athletic endeavors, as research from the March 2011 edition of "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine" found ginseng to be effective in reducing muscle damage associated with hill running.

Antioxidant Complex

Animal Pak provides several antioxidant ingredients, such as lycopene, alpha lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10. Antioxidants protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are produced by bodily stresses, such as exercise.

Digestive Enzyme Complex

If you engage in intense training, you will burn a lot of calories, which means you'll need to eat more to support your activity. If you are not used to eating so much, you may experience digestive discomfort, which makes the addition of enzymes such as lipase, inulin and papain potentially beneficial.

You can BUY Animal Pak at IHERB.COM

The Health Benefits of Psyllium

What is psyllium?

Psyllium is a form of fiber made from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant’s seeds. It sometimes goes by the name ispaghula.

It’s most commonly known as a laxative. However, research shows that taking psyllium is beneficial to many parts of the human body, including the heart and the pancreas.

Your bathroom buddy

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative. This means it soaks up water in your gut and makes bowel movements much easier. It also helps promote regularity without increasing flatulence. It can be used as a one-off to ease constipation, or it can be added to your diet to help promote regularity and overall digestive health.

People with irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease are all too familiar with the banes of the bathroom. The results of studies on psyllium’s effectiveness in treating these conditions are still mixed.

Some research has shown that consuming 7.9 grams of psyllium per day (+/- 3.6 grams) with probiotics is a safe and effective way to treat Crohn’s disease. However, other results show soluble fiber like psyllium can make symptoms worse for some people.

Besides keeping your bowel movements regular and managing a chronic condition, psyllium has the ability to soften your stool. This can come in handy with short-term ailments, such as constipation. Used in this way, it can prevent complications of constipation, such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Preliminary research shows that psyllium may help the painful symptoms associated with these conditions. Since there is no real scientific consensus, talk to your doctor to see if psyllium could help you.

Heart health

Research has shown that taking soluble fiber can help people manage their cholesterol levels. Proper cholesterol regulation is important for everyone, but vital for people over the age of 50. One study shows that at least 6 weeks of daily psyllium intake is an effective way for people who are obese or overweight to lower their cholesterol with very few side effects.

If you’ve been told that you need to watch your cholesterol, ask your doctor if adding psyllium to a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet will help you.

High cholesterol is merely one way a bad diet can affect your heart. Numerous studies have shown that fiber like psyllium, taken as part of a healthy diet, can help lower a person’s risk of heart disease. Psyllium can affect your heart by lowering blood pressure, improving lipid levels, and strengthening heart muscle.

Watching your weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is a concern for many people, especially those with a chronic condition like diabetes. Besides being good for your heart and blood sugar levels, psyllium may help you lose weight.

Because psyllium absorbs liquid in your body, it can help give you a feeling of being full. This can help you control the amount of food you eat. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of taking psyllium if they have suggested you lose weight.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are constantly watching their diet to maintain a healthy balance of insulin and blood sugar (glucose). Some research has suggested that fibers like psyllium can help people maintain a healthy glycemic balance.

One study found that taking 5 grams of psyllium twice a day can help patients with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. Another study of men with type 2 diabetes found similar results, but stressed that psyllium therapy should be tailored to the individual.

How can I get psyllium?

Psyllium is most commonly consumed in powder or wafer form. It is also available in capsules, granules, and in liquid form. It is the main ingredient in many over-the-counter laxatives

Follow the directions on packaging, and remember that a key component of psyllium’s work in your lower intestine is its ability to soak up liquid, so make sure to drink plenty of water daily. 

You can find Psyllium Husk products at IHERB.COM

Making your own natural beauty products

Making your own natural beauty products is fun, and it’s a great way to save money and avoid the toxic stuff that shows up in a lot of beauty products. You can find these ingredients and other food items (organic, without GMOs, paraben-free, toxin-free) at iHerb.com.

This face mask is easy to make, and it is perfect for all skin types – from super oily, sensitive and acne-prone (like mine) to dry, mature or damaged skin.

Ingredients:Green Tea
Manuka honey (optional)
Vitamin E oil
Coconut oil
Turmeric (optional)

Instructions:

First heat about 1/4 cup of water to near boiling (I use a 900 watt microwave and heat for about 2 minutes).

Add a green tea bag to your cup of water. I like Yogi Tea Green Tea Super Antioxidant for drinking of course, but it’s also perfect for this facial mask recipe because it’s got added herbs that are full of antioxidants and other nutrients (grapeseed extract, amla extract, jasmine, burdock root, dandelion, irish  moss, alfalfa leaf, lemongrass and licorice root). I love the licorice root for brightening and reducing the look of red and brown spots.

Let it steep for about 60 seconds and then add a tablespoon of manuka honey. This is optional if you’re vegan or allergic to honey. I love PRI manuka honey in my tea, and it’s also perfect for hydrating skin and killing bacteria. This ingredient is perfect for acne-sufferers like myself.

Next, add a tablespoon of coconut oil (I’m using Spectrum organic coconut oil). I think everyone knows how great coconut oil is for all skin types. It helps with dry or oily skin, and doesn’t clog pores – especially if you use it as a rinse-off mask instead of a moisturizer. If your skin is over-producing sebum because you keep drying it out with acne medication, this will help! It’s also a natural bacteria killer.

Next, add a teaspoon of Vitamin E oil. I’m using a very concentrated version – Sundown Naturals Vitamin E Oil 70,000 IU. Because it’s so concentrated, it has major skin healing and moisturizing properties. But it’s also very sticky (like honey), so dissolving it in your face mask will help it apply easily (I also use it as a spot treatment at night to heal acne spots). There’s no mineral oil or anything in the Sundown Naturals Vit E oil – just pure Vitamin E!

Finally, add a teaspoon of turmeric. I’m using Simply Organic Turmeric, which is organic (hence the name!) and very inexpensive. So, here’s the deal with turmeric – it’s a great antioxidant and is really great at reducing inflammation (which is a major issue for those with acne). BUT – it will stain! You want to be careful not to get it on any clothing or nice towels. And it will stain your face unless you follow the mask with a good face wash or scrub. It’s so good for your skin, but if you have to go somewhere right after your mask, you might want to save it for cooking instead!

When you’re done mixing all the ingredients, let it cool for an hour or two. Don’t put it in the fridge, or it could harden up and then you’d need to heat it up again. It’s not going to be pretty, but your skin will thank you for it! You may have to add more of the thicker ingredients (honey, coconut oil, Vit E oil) if it’s too watery. Mine came out as a sort of watery paste that I was able to apply with my fingertips. I left mine on during my workout for about 45 minutes (mostly to test it for you guys – to make sure it wouldn’t stain my face and make me yellow forever!), but you only need to leave it on for 15 minutes or so. And voila! Happy skin face mask!

You can pick up all these products and mask ingredients at iHerb.com. As I mentioned before, I’ve been a customer for YEARS and I find that they pretty much always have what I’m looking for. They sell over 35,000 products, so I mean – if you need it, they most likely have it! Plus, they ship to over 160 countries. iHerb is also a Google trusted store and you can talk to customer service in 10 different languages. Pretty impressive! If you’re a new customer, click here to get $5 0ff your first order.

Smoothie Recipes and Tips

Smoothies are a delicious way to consume lots of fruits and veggies, and they’re the perfect way to start your day.

 Check out this video for awesome tips on how to get the most out of your smoothies - plus three recipe ideas for inspiration!

Mentioned Products:

Organic Hemp Seeds

Organic White Chia Seeds 

Organic Hemp Seed Oil 

Chloroxygen 

Sunwarrior Vanilla Protein Powder 

Other smoothie add-ins:

Sprouted Almond Butter

Klamath Lake Blue Green Algae

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant is considered to be a miracle plant because of its numerous curative and healing benefits. Aloe vera leaves are filled with a gel containing vitamins like A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and E, and folic acid.

Minerals found in aloe vera juice are copper, iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, potassium, chromium, magnesium and manganese. All these nutrients have tremendous health benefits.

Health experts regard aloe vera as nature’s most impressive and versatile herb. This herb is safe to use externally and internally. People across the globe use this herb for treating various health conditions from minor burns to cancer.

Here are the  health benefits of aloe vera.

1. Immune Booster

Aloe vera is full of antioxidants, which are natural immune enhancers that help combat free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable compounds that are bad for your health and contribute to the aging process.

Drinking aloe vera juice regularly gives the body a regular supply of antioxidants, which can boost and enhance the immune system.

2. Enhances Skin Health

Aloe vera is one of the natural herbs commonly used in skin care products. It soothes the skin, hydrates it, nourishes it and accelerates the regeneration of new skin tissue. By applying fresh aloe vera gel on your face, you can enjoy well moisturized, glowing and flawless skin.

In addition, aloe vera can be used to treat sunburned skin, blisters, insect bites, allergic reactions, minor burns, inflammations and more. Even people who have sensitive skin can use aloe vera without any problem.

3. Regulates Weight and Energy Level

Drinking aloe vera juice aids in natural cleansing of the digestive system. There are many food substances that can cause fatigue and exhaustion, which you can combat by drinking aloe vera juice.

When consumed regularly, aloe vera juice will also help increase your energy level and help you maintain a healthy body weight.

4. Cures Gum Disease

Aloe vera is extremely helpful for your mouth and gums due to its natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It also contains vitamins and minerals that promote cell growth and healing of bleeding gums and mouth ulcers.

When suffering from gum disease, just massage your gums with fresh aloe vera gel. You can also sprinkle some aloe vera powder on your toothbrush before brushing and within a few minutes your mouth will feel much better. Drinking aloe vera juice regularly also helps promote strong and healthy teeth.

5. Ends Constipation

Aloe vera juice has natural fiber that aids digestion and improves bowel movements. Being a natural laxative, aloe vera juice can also be used to treat constipation.

When constipated, drink two ounces of aloe vera juice daily. Remember that after taking aloe vera, it takes about 10 hours to get positive results.

6. Halts Inflammation

Aloe vera can be used externally to ease inflammation of joints and reduce arthritis pain. You can also drink aloe vera juice to reduce inflammation throughout the body. People who drink aloe vera juice for two weeks typically begin to experience a significant reduction of inflammation and pain symptoms.

Aloe vera is also considered an excellent home remedy for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Treats Acne

Aloe vera gel is used in a number of different skin care products to treat a wide variety of skin problems including acne.

Acne is a very common problem in which the sebaceous glands become more active and produce more oil. The oil combines with dead skin, dirt and bacteria to block the skin pores, causing inflammation and leading to acne.

The anti-inflammatory properties present in aloe vera help get rid of acne and pimples when the gel is applied on the affected skin twice daily. You can also use aloe vera skin care products to treat the scars and redness associated with acne.

8. Makes Hair Smooth and Shiny

Aloe vera has both emollient and moisturizing properties, which help make your hair smooth and shiny.  It even helps maintain the pH balance of the hair.

Plus, its rich nutritional profile promotes hair growth. It even prevents breakage, reduces scalp itching, and treats dandruff.

1. Cut 2 aloe vera leaves and extract the gel with a spoon or scooper.
2. Add the juice of half a lemon and blend the ingredients in a blender.
3. Apply this mask on damp hair using your fingers, starting from scalp till the hair ends.
4. Wrap your hair in a warm towel for 15 – 20 minutes.
5. Finally, wash your hair with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
6. Use this hair mask once a week or every fortnight.

9. Stabilizes Blood Sugar Level

Aloe vera juice can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar level and reducing triglycerides. For best results, drink aloe vera juice regularly for three months to see a significant drop in fasting blood sugar levels.

Also, aloe vera supplements can help treat peripheral neuropathy (hands and feet going numb) associated with diabetes.

10. Lowers High Cholesterol

Some studies suggest that aloe vera gel can lower high cholesterol levels. When taken internally, the gel improves the quality of the blood and also lowers high cholesterol.

A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology suggests that regular intake of this magic potion can help lower liver production of cholesterol by about 30 percent. Consult your doctor for the proper dosage of aloe vera supplements to take for your specific cholesterol condition.

To conclude, due to the medicinal potential of aloe vera, it is essential to have this herb in your kitchen garden. This wonderful herb will help you solve many health problems at home without the need to go to the doctor’s office.

You can find Aloe Vera products at IHERB.COM

A natural approach to indigestion

A rational approach to indigestion

The term indigestion is often used to describe heartburn as well as feelings of gas or bloating after eating, stomach pains, or fullness in the abdomen. Medical terms used to describe indigestion include functional dyspepsia (FD), gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD).

These are among the most common complaints in North America, and yet several review articles have concluded that “the efficacy of current drugs on the market is limited at best.” The most popular of these drugs are acid blockers, which work by impeding one of the body’s most important digestive processes—the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) by the stomach.

Bad Block

In the digestive process, stomach acid initiates protein digestion, plus it ionizes minerals and other nutrients for enhanced absorption. Without sufficient secretion of HCl in the stomach, the pancreas doesn’t get the signal to secrete its digestive enzymes. But the manufacture and secretion of stomach acid isn’t just important for digestion. It also helps protect the body from invasion. Stomach secretions can neutralize bacteria, viruses, and molds before they

can cause gastrointestinal infection. So you can see just how much potential harm acid-blocking drugs can cause.

The Natural Approach

With chronic indigestion, the rational approach is to focus on aiding digestion rather than blocking the digestive process with antacids. Indigestion can be attributed to a great many causes, including both increased secretion of acid and decreased secretion of acid. In fact, most nutrition-oriented physicians believe that lack of acid—not excess acid—is the true culprit in many cases.

The first step is to eliminate common causes of GERD/NUD, including overeating, obesity, coffee, tomatoes, citrus fruit, chocolate, fried foods, carbonated beverages, tobacco, and alcohol. In many cases, simply eliminating or reducing these irritants is all that’s necessary to relieve GERD/NUD. Other tips include decreasing portion size at mealtime, chewing food thoroughly, eating leisurely in a relaxed atmosphere, and not eating within two hours of bedtime.

HCI supplementation can produce relief for many. Typically, when heartburn, abdominal bloating and discomfort, and gas occur within 15—30 minutes after eating, a lack of HCl is the cause. If such symptoms occur after 45 minutes, it’s usually a sign of lack of pancreatic enzymes. Keep in mind that pancreatic enzyme secretion is triggered by HCl in the stomach. So taking HCl can lead to improved release of pancreatic enzymes sometimes.

Digestive enzymes are the most effective treatment for pancreatic insufficiency. I have found the best results with multi-enzymes from vegetarian sources. They have a broader range of activity. Follow label directions for dosage.

More Natural Ways to Ease Heartburn and Acid Reflux

There are many promising, yet little-known, natural solutions to heartburn. The following are just a few that may offer help.

• Try a product with zinc and L-carnosine: This particular combination has been shown to protect and soothe the gastric mucosal lining.
• Chew DGL wafers: This specific form of the herb licorice has been shown to be highly effective at decreasing acid reflux, heartburn,
  and even ulcers.
• Drink aloe vera juice: The juice of the aloe plant has a healing effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
• Sip chamomile tea after meals: It has been shown to help reduce esophageal irritation.
• Make chewable papaya enzymes your after-dinner “mint” of choice: The enzymes in papaya naturally help quell digestive upset.
• Try eliminating gluten from your diet: Some people find that their heartburn and acid reflux disappear after they stop eating gluten.
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YOU can find all supplements from article at IHERB.COM