Still Suffering? A Quick Recommendation by Ann Oliphant, CNC

I wanted to jump on here briefly regarding ongoing sub-par-health--post gluten-free diet...after the previous feature post mentioning cosmetics, shampoos, and other personal care products that may continue to be causing symptoms in some celiacs and gluten intolerants, I also wanted to  mention the proteins in other grains. 

If you have given the gluten free diet a fair chance i.e.,  2-6 months and sometimes a full year;  it may be that a grain-free diet is what it is going to require. I know. Hard stuff.  We thought it was difficult enough avoiding the gluten-filled mine fields all around us, however, in order to completely eliminate the underground workings of these inflammation-causing proteins, it may take cutting out more than the gluten found in wheat, barley and rye. 

For further reading, here is one book/site suggestion:  http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/home/   There are some other good grain-free books and cookbooks out there as well.  I would suggest taking a look at  Elana Amsterdam's site, www.elanaspantry.com  Not only does Elana have great recipes but she has lived this.  Like many of us, she also has a personal story, a journey leading up to the necessitating of going completely grain free.

Remember when going gluten free was completely daunting?  Maybe it's the same with grain-free.
In time it all becomes second nature and you get to feel better, making it all worthwhile.

Ann Oliphant, CNC

Looking for Healthy Make-Up & Skin Care? Mineral Fusion Delivers! by Ann Oliphant, CNC

Sensitive skin most usually goes along with a sensitive GI tract....thus the need for make-up and skin care that cosmetically and dermatologically delivers exactly what you are looking for without all the "extras".  Extras such as parabens, talc and other chemicals that can set off an inflammatory response in those of us with sensitivity issues.  Mineral Fusion and their tag line of "minerals on a mission" prove it is possible to create healthier (and gluten free) make-up and skin care.

So many celiacs and gluten intolerants find they are not feeling as well as they think they could/should on a gluten free diet alone.  The missing link almost always is either in their dietary supplements or....what is going on their skin.  This would include anything you put on your body; shampoos, lotions, make-up and skincare products. This is why pharmaceuticals sometimes use the skin patch delivery method.  It is absorbed through your skin and eventually gets to your bloodstream.  I've heard a number of people say they were never really "well" until these final areas were addressed.  Thankfully, we have companies like Mineral Fusion who provide products without:  gluten, parabens, artificial colors, talc and, as an added bonus...no animal testing!

My favorite product-and also the favorite among the samples I handed out to other zero-tolerance-for- gluten girls is the lip gloss.  When you become so accustomed to being a bit over zealous and anxiety-ridden over what even comes within millimeters of your mouth, you do appreciate a good, clean lip gloss! Not just "clean" but also cosmetically speaking, it ranks right up there with the best.  No gooey, gloppy, hair magnet here-just great color and long-lasting shine.

The mascara was also big--who wants parabens any where near their eye?  No wheat germ oil (i.e. possible gluten itchiness reaction) either. Perfect.  Does everything you want it to too; no flaking, no smudging, no clumping and comes off easily with soap and water. 

The picture of the serum here in this post is a tube that is actually almost empty...which would be mine.  This goes on light and clear...contains all manner of good things like zinc, echinacea, gingko biloba leaf extract, aloe and rosemary not to mention magnesium, copper and natural peptides.  Good stuff without gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial colors and also never tested on animals. 

I really do love this line.  I've ordered from them before and just so you know, usually you will find an added sample or two of other products you might like tucked in your box.  Mineral Fusion can be found at Whole Foods and I believe Earth Fare carries some of their line as well.  You can always order online and see their whole product availability at www.mineralfusion.com . 

Age-Defying Treatment Serum

Minerals on a Mission!

"Enlighten" Lip Gloss

Mascara in "Graphite"