The protein powder aisle can seem to stretch for miles. The many claims and labels on containers can be mystifying and overwhelming. Although these products are not a necessary part of everyone’s diet, protein needs are higher in those with inflammatory conditions and gut damage. In my practice, I consistently find that people are struggling…
All posts in Living that Gluten-Free Life
How to Fix a Nutrient Deficiency
Nutrient deficiencies are very common on a gluten-free diet regardless if you have celiac, gluten-sensitivity, or are gluten-free for another health reason. Depending on the vitamin or mineral and its specific roles, correcting a deficiency could support your… Digestive function Metabolism Thyroid Energy levels Bones Cognition and brain function Hormone production Immunity Tissue repair If…
15 Ways to Increase Fiber on a Gluten-Free Diet
Gluten-free diets are notoriously low in fiber. Many gluten-free products, especially packaged items such as crackers, breads, baked goods, and flours tend to be lower in fiber than their gluten-containing alternatives. Fiber feeds our gut microbes, who turn around to keep our gut lining healthy, balance our immune system, and decrease inflammation. Fiber also helps…
Tips for Low Iron Levels (plus a high-iron recipe)
Celiacs, especially when newly diagnosed, are very prone to nutrient deficiencies due to how gluten causes damage to the small intestine (where nutrient absorption SHOULD occur). Iron is one of the most common. In fact, unexplained iron deficiency anemia is a major sign of celiac disease and often a clue that helps people get screened…
Why to Test for Celiac BEFORE Going Gluten-Free
Maybe your digestion’s been on the rocks lately or you’ve been seeing signs of inflammation, such as joint pain or skin issues. One of the first pieces of advice that a quick Internet search will give you is to go gluten-free. But before you put the bread down, please get tested for celiac disease FIRST.…
5 Reasons I Don’t Recommend Juice Cleanses
The hallmark of most “cleanses” or “detoxes” out there is…restriction. Juice cleansing, where you drink nothing but juice, fits perfectly into this. Although the word “detox” has been co-opted in many cases simply to sell ways of dieting, your body actually does have very real detoxification pathways. Ironically, these pathways actually need MORE nutrients to…
How to lower stress and prime your digestion before a meal
Life is busy. And stressful. Stress effects the entire physical body, and if you’re someone prone to digestive issues, you know how much it can mess with your gut. The scientific literature, too, continues to confirm that the relationship between the gut and brain, often called the gut-brain axis, is an extremely intimate one. …
5 Fall Foods for Gut Health
Fall gives us so much more than pumpkin spice lattes. It delivers a bounty of delicious, gut-healthy fruits and vegetables! Here are five that are in season now and are excellent for your gut. Leeks Leeks are an incredibly rich source of prebiotics, which are the types of fiber that feed the beneficial bacteria in…
Can gluten affect your hormones and fertility?
The short answer is yes. If you’re a woman with celiac or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), gluten can have a significant impact on your hormones and fertility. Even though the majority of people with celiac are women, the connection between women’s health issues and gluten is frequently overlooked. Here’s what you need to know about…
The Ultimate Guide to Fiber & How it Affects Gut Health
Did you know that we aren’t able to break down or directly use fiber? That’s right, fiber is entirely food for the trillions of microbes in our gut, called our gut microbiome! They eat the fiber, and make by-products called short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that, among many benefits, are incredibly anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive. That…