The more we learn about nutrition, the more we realize that food  components of foods are not our enemy. Fat and carbs, for instance,  are not the enemy.  However, the type and amount of fats and carbs you consume can either bring you closer to, or further from, healthy physical balance.  Now we realize the same  is true for that old stand-by bad guy, salt.  Your body requires salt to live, but most people consume far more than needed, which taxes the organs in their effort to excrete the additional salt from our systems, leading to bloating and cellular damage.  Table salt (mainly sodium chloride) has been linked to diseases such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Table salt is a product that has been chemically cleansed with all beneficial  minerals and elements removed in the process.

Eliminating salt from your diet is not the answer. Exploring more natural alternatives can go a long way to helping us retain a balance.  Himalayan Salt is composed of natural elements that our bodies need for proper functioning. Salt is one of the essential elements for electrical impulses and general conductivity within the body.  Salt is not the bad guy. But changing the type of salt you consume and becoming aware of the quantity you are eating can improve health and help prevent common diseases.

Does someone you love have a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance?  Do you have a vegan Valentine?  Discover Enjoy life Boom-Choco-Boom bars! Boom-Choco-Boom bars are gluten free, dairy free, soy free, egg free, nut free and vegan.  Best of all, they taste great!   In addition to the dark chocolate bars, they also make rice “milk” chocolate bars.  Our favorite is the “milk” chocolate with crispy rice. We’re so happy a trusted company like Enjoy life took on the daunting task of making allergen-free chocolate, allowing us to be able to offer a variety of treats for special dietary needs.  Happy Valentines Day from the gang at Meadowsweet Market/juniperfoods!

If you haven’t cut trans fats out of your diet yet, now”s the time!  Mainstream medicine, restaurants, and even city governments are warning to stay away from trans fats completely for a healthier diet. Trans fats are now known to boost bad cholesterol, decrease good cholesterol, gum up arteries, and set off inflammation throughout the body, which can trigger a host of problems, from stroke to diabetes (It’s not only sugar, but other poor diet issues that cause type 2 diabetes).  Simply put, eliminating trans fats from your diet now will improve your health.

To start:  check the labels of all processed (packaged) foods in your kitchen, including chips, crackers, cookies,  microwave popcorn, candy peanut butter and snack bars. If the ingreidiants include hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated oils, the product contains trans fats EVEN IF the label says 0 grams trans fats (zero can mean less than 1 gram. This is a deceitful labeling practice that is employed to get around labeling laws that require trans fats to be list on the nutrition facts of all products).

Luckily, giving up trans fats does not mean giving up your favorite snack foods.  Meadowsweet Market offers a variety of great tasting snacks that are truly free of trans fats.  And browse juniperfoods quick and easy snack items that are free of gluten and other allergens.

 Americans are increasingly turning to naturopathic medicine to help them manage chronic conditions such as celiac disease  and food allergies.

Naturopathic medicine is based on six guiding principles:

1. First, do no harm; provide the most effective care available with the least risk to patients at all times.
2. Respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being.
3. Identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than eliminate or suppress symptoms.
4. Educate, inspire rational hope, and encourage self-responsibility for health.
5. Treat each person by considering all individual health factors and influences.
6. Emphasize the condition of health to promote well-being and to prevent diseases for the individual, each community, and our world

Nutrition is the backbone of naturopathy, and diet is a vital part of healing and sustaining the health of both body and mind.  People who are managing celiac disease and food allergies can benefit greatly from the emphasis placed on nutrition in naturopathic care. Addressing food-related conditions like celiac disease and food allergies and sensitivities, requires comprehensive education on nutrition, as well as experience using dietary changes to treat chronic health issues.  For more information on finding a naturopathic  doctor in your area, visit http://www.naturopathic.org/AF_MemberDirectory.asp?version=2

by Nikki Ver Steeg RD, LN

Registered Dietitian and Certified Wellness Coach

Singaram Gastroenterology

Elimination diets are used when a food allergy is suspected.   Typically an elimination diet removes potential allergens from a diet and then gradually add them back in.  To maintain adequate calorie intake in some individuals, a whey protein powder is used.

Singaram Gastroenterology maintains the highest level of specialized treatment in the region with exceptional patient-focused care. For an independent clinic with a personalized focus for your specific condition,call Singaram Gastroenterology at 605-310-2000.

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by Nikki Ver Steeg RD, LN

Registered Dietitian and Certified Wellness Coach

Singaram Gastroenterology

Lactose is a sugar that is found in milk and milk products.  When lactose intolerance is an issue, there are many good lactose free products available which can be substituted into the diet.  Usually people who are lactose intolerant can tolerate small amounts of lactose containing foods and fermented products like yogurt.. 

Singaram Gastroenterology maintains the highest level of specialized treatment in the region with exceptional patient-focused care. For an independent clinic with a personalized focus for your specific condition,call Singaram Gastroenterology at 605-310-2000.

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You don’t have to spend a lot of money to cleanse for health and detoxification. Teas are a delicious and gentle way to cleanse and detoxify the body. Yogi teas are organic herbal and green tea blends inspired by the ancient sciences of Ayurveda and Kundalini yoga.

Yogi Detox Tea is a unique blend of cleansing herbs and comes in regular or peach flavor. The peach tempers some of the spicier herbs, and the dandelion works to rid the body of excess water weight. I drank 1-3 cups per day until I used the whole box, and felt great! Detox tea has no harsh laxative herbs, so I didn’t have to plan my day around my cleanse! The bagged tea was easy and  economical. I had a really good experience with this tea.

Try a Yogi Tea Detox for yourself and let us know what you think!

Body detox, or cleansing, is often thought of as an invasive, uncomfortable process. It doesn’t have to be, however. There are many types of natural cleanses that work gently with the body to  assist the organs of elimination and restore natural balance.

Some herbal tea blends may help eliminate toxins and increase energy. Flor Essence is a gentle detoxifier that is based on the original Native American formula for Essiac tea. Brewing it yourself is the most economical way to try this popular cleanse. According to the manufacturer, Flor Essence is gentle enough to be used every day to support the body’s daily detoxification.

Cleansing is a popular way to help detoxify the body and shed those winter pounds. There are many different types of cleanses designed to support/assist the many organs of elimination, including the liver, kidneys, and colon. Cleanse kits are a convenient option because one box can include all the supplements you need to perform the cleanse.

But what does one eat while cleansing? Generally, the advice is to avoid processed foods and eat mostly whole, raw foods.  Many popular cleansing diets, such as The Fat Flush Plan by Ann Louise Gittleman, and the Detox Diet by Elson M. Haas, also suggest avoiding common food allergens, such as gluten and dairy, to possibly reveal food sensitivities that may contribute to a lack of energy and weight gain. You are assisting the colon by eating easy-to-digest grains and avoiding lactose. Temporarily eliminating common food allergens during a cleanse “lightens the load” on your digestive system, making your cleanse more effective. An allergen-free diet is a healthy diet!

by Nikki Ver Steeg RD, LN

Registered Dietitian and Certified Wellness Coach

Singaram Gastroenterology

Cross contamination continues to be a concern in a home that is not all gluten free. One particular area that is often forgotten are the jars of peanut butter, jelly, mayo, etc. These jars are easily contaminated by others using regular bread and “double dipping” when spreading these items. It is best to buy these in squeezable containers or keep separate jars for those who are gluten intolerant. Other sources of potential cross-contamination could be cutting boards, counters and toasters. 

Singaram Gastroenterology maintains the highest level of specialized treatment in the region with exceptional patient-focused care. For an independent clinic with a personalized focus for your specific condition,call Singaram Gastroenterology at 605-310-2000.

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