Celiacs: Reduce your risk of heart disease

1 in 30 women will die of breast cancer but 1 in 3 women (as well as men) will die of a heart-related illness.

Celiac Disease is a genetic disorder that in general carries an increased risk for other illnesses but, research suggests that Celiacs are 30% more likely than the general population to die of an illness associated with the heart and vascular system. The reason behind this is summed up in one word: Inflammation.

The good news for those with Celiac Disease is that once you are stable on the gluten-free diet, your risk returns to that of the general population. However, as mentioned above, 1 in 3 people will die of a heart-related disease. 

So take care of your emotional & physical heart.

Read more about how in this post by GUEST BLOGGER, BRANDY WENDLER, RN, MSN, ACNP-BC:  Be True to Your Heart, Dear Celiac.

Stressed? Release Your Psoas.

Most of our immune system (75%) is in our gut, and a healthy psoas is meant to massage our organs and intestines as we breathe and walk.  During the fight or flight response (read more about "modern day bears" here), our intestines are told to shut down and all of our energy is diverted to the legs.  This amazing design lets us run away from lions and tigers and bears, ah ha.  If our body thinks it is in constant danger, and the psoas is chronically tight, chronic constipation and anxiety can ensue.

Do this simple pose on a weighted ball (heavy, but soft on the outside) or a rolled up blanket.  Rest for at least 90 seconds on the ball or blanket, then move to the right side, just before your hip bone, and then to the left side of your left hip bone.  It will release the psoas and many of the tight muscles it connects to.

See a full routine designed to release the psoas and the spine here:  Exercise & the Immune System:  Release the Psoas & the Spine.

Going on a First Date? Simple Tips to Make it Easy.

With food allergies or any serious, chronic health condition, it is easy to let fear construct unnecessary obstacles.  But remember, your condition is not a reflection of your character and your food allergies are not who you are.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Know your reaction to food:  it's hard to easily discuss something personal, when you aren't sure what it is you are discussing!

2. Rehearse your story:  you can't expect someone to be more comfortable with your story than you are, so get your story straight so you can move on quickly to other, more fun topics!

3. Be confident in your character:  we all have our stuff, food allergies / sensitivities are just one of those things.  It is not a reflection of your character.

4. Lead with your weakness: The perfect time to discuss your food allergies is right after you tell your date how happy you are that he asked you out.

5. Use you Food Allergy Filter:  How your date responds to your news might be a good test on whether or not he / she is a suitable partner for you. 

6. Leave your own baggage at the door:  You might want to overcompensate, feel ashamed, be defensive... if you have feelings that come up, ask yourself "why?", and then leave them at the door. Don't project your insecruities onto your date!

7.  Go have fun!:  Even though you must control your food, you don’t have to control your date.  Simply be aware of other areas in which you can be more flexible. For example, if you have a list of restaurants that can serve you, let him surprise you from that list.

Read more:  Love & The Tender Foodie - First Dates

Separate, Metal or Glass Utensils & Containers. Not Plastic.

Another common means of cross contamination is through plastic. Why? It's easy for allergen proteins to get stuck to plastic (and wood!), and harder to wash those proteins out. That includes cutting boards, spoons, spatulas and containers.

The safest way to keep annoying and often dangerous cross contamination out of your Tender Foodie meals, is to keep the allergen out of the house, or to keep separate containers, pans and utensils for everything.  But if this is not possible, opt for glass containers and metal utensils, and store them in a separate cupboard or above allergen containing products. Wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water if shared, and dry w/ a clean, dedicated cloth (towels trap allergens, too!).

DO keep a separate cutting board for your Tender Foodie, though.  Since cutting boards are made of wood and plastic, typically, this is the one item that should belong to your Tender Foodie alone.

NOTE: If your doctor tells you that you have a high risk of anaphylaxis, keep the allergen out of your home completely.

Don't Forget the Toaster & the Knife

Breakfast & lunch can be two times where cross contamination is high.  Why?  the peanut butter sandwich.  The toaster carries crumbs from regular bread, so for the gluten allergic or those with celiac disease, buy a 2nd, completely gluten-free toaster and store it in a separate cupboard. 

The knife can carry  the gluten crumbs right into the peanut butter, as well as the peanut allergens over to another piece of bread (gluten-free or not).  Using separate ustensils and separate toasters is essential. Also, if gluten is your beast, separate jars of anything, including peanut butter, sun butter, mustard, mayo, marshmallow spread, and jam - anything where the knife can be (double) dipped.