Tags: celiac disease, gluten, gluten intolerance
Gluten-Free Goes Big! Posted on November 28th, 2011
After 30 years in the food-allergy business, it’s nice to see big food giants on the gluten-free bandwagon. From my observation, almost 90% of the population over the age of 50, has gluten intolerance, not celiac disease (which afflicts 1 in 250 people) but intolerance, which means a negative reaction to wheat flour products. This is the result of over-consumption or over-exposure to wheat, said to be “the staff of life.” Gluten intolerance can manifest as digestive issues, bowel issues, poor absorption, foggy thinking, fatigue, arthritis and inflammation. Avoiding wheat just makes good sense. Barley, oats and rye also contain gluten but, unless a person is full-blown celiac, these grains rarely cause reactions, thanks to infrequent exposure. General Mills and other packaged food producers are aware of the increasing interest in gluten-free products. Ten years ago, products made from rice, sorghum, tapioca and even manioc root were impossible to find. Now it is a different matter. In the last three years General Mills, makers of Cheerios, Betty Crocker and the Pillsbury Doughboy, has slapped gluten-free labels on over 300 products. Amy’s Kitchen, Glutino, Bob’s Red Mill and Udi’s Gluten Free Foods are reporting incredible growth. Notice the Gluten-Free Expo, recently held in Utah, where nearly 6,000 people attended the no-wheat Mecca. Nice to see food companies, finally, catering to our needs. It’s a big, ready, market, and a trend that is not going away any time soon. Should we all go gluten-free – you bet!
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/magazine/Should-We-All-Go-Gluten-Free.html?pagewanted=all
Tags: Lady Gaga, Thanksgiving
Lady Gaga Drops Jaws Posted on November 25th, 2011
There is no question that Lady Gaga is one of the most creative young women on the planet but did she go too far with her Thanksgiving Special on ABC last night? We stare in wide-eyed wonder at her outrageous costumes and over-the-top, ankle twister shoes, but was the flesh-colored dildo microphone really necessary? Young and old alike are intrigued with the real “Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta” otherwise known as Gaga. Even my 3-year-old grandson knows about Lady Gaga when he exclaims, “Lady Gaga in Mommy’s car, Lady Gaga in Mommy’s car.” Every time Gaga’s hit “Born This Way” rolls off the airwaves. But apparently the flesh colored, sex-toy mic had a few jaws dropping – as far away as India!
In more ways than one, the world has gone Gaga! Barney’s, the tony, upscale NYC retailer recently launched a “12 Days of Gaga” promotion, with different limited-edition items ranging from jewelry to candy and toys available each day at “Gaga’s Workshop.” A set of acrylic Gaga rings is priced at $18, while $285 will get you a pair of spiked, leather, fingerless gloves. For those in a seasonal mood, there’s a 21-inch stiletto boot-style holiday stocking for $65. And a generous 25 percent of sales generated by Gaga extravaganza will go toward the singer’s “Born This Way” foundation, which focuses on youth issues such as self-esteem and anti-bullying – all very noble.
In my work as a medical intuitive, I see a lot of people who are out of alignment as far as their creativity is concerned. Creativity keeps us young, healthy and engaged. Take a leaf out of Gaga’s book – switch on those creative juices, but puleeze – leave the flesh colored dildo at home!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/lady-gaga-titillates-india-with-microphone-choice/2011/11/01/gIQA8gjucM_blog.htmll
Tags: family, loss, November 11, Veteran's Day
Remember Veteran’s Day Posted on November 11th, 2011
Today is November 11th – Veteran’s Day. This is a time that we gather to think about those who have served in the call of duty to defend our country and other countries around the world. Wars have impacted my family in deep and lasting ways. During World War I, my great-aunt lost 2 brothers and her beloved fiancé. The shock and trauma she suffered affected her so deeply that she never recovered. My maternal grandfather was a “gunner” the same war. Like so many other young British soldiers, he was tragically killed leaving my grandmother to fend for herself and raise 2 small children. I can’t imagine the depths of pain she endured.
My father, a surgeon in the British Royal Navy during World War II, was aboard a naval destroyer chasing down German U-Boats when his ship was torpedoed. He was the last man off the ship as the raging, bitter cold waters of the North Atlantic nearly capsized their lifeboat. Imagine his fear, imagine his terror. These are just a few examples of how war affects people’s lives. We have much to be thankful for in our own lives. Think of the freedoms that we enjoy. This is a day to reflect on what sacrifices others have made on our behalf. We are free. Other’s around the world are less fortunate.