Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a reaction to gluten (the germy protein of wheat, rye, barley, and some other cereals) that causes the first part of the small intestine to form an abnormal bowel lining, resulting in malabsorption. This lifelong disorder affects both children and adults, and while it is usually discovered in childhood, it may not be recognized until advanced adult life. Onset of symptoms in most children begins under one year of age, peaking between seven and twelve months. Symptoms include diarrhea, failure to thrive for no apparent cause, vomiting, weight loss, appetite loss, short stature, distended abdomen, abdominal pain, muscle wasting, pallor, and many more.

Strong evidence of the disease is the disappearance of symptoms when gluten is removed from the diet. Symptoms always reappear when those grains are reintroduced.

Most of the complications of celiac disease are due to malabsorption. Vitamin B deficiency occurs in children with celiac disease, and rickets and osteoporosis may develop due to malabsorption of fat -soluble vitamin D. Anemia, liver damage, and low blood proteins may occur; and adult sufferers may develop cancer.

DIETARY SOLUTIONS

Celiacs may eat breads made from rice, corn, millet, and buckwheat, as well as cooked or commercially prepared cereals made from these grains. Puffed rice, puffed millet, rolled corn, and tapioca are also helpful.

Coffee substitutes prepared with malt, wheat, rye, barley, or oats should be carefully avoided, along with thickenings in desserts, soups, and candies. Processed meats, canned chili, and hamburgers must be avoided, since many contain gluten meat extenders. Steak sauce, flavoring syrups, cocoa mixes, and gravies, all commonly contain gluten, as well.

TREATMENT

Recovery is always the evidence of success in treatment. However official or highly recommended a diet may be, if the person is still unwell, it is not right for them. THEY MUST CONTINUE TO EXPERIMENT WITH DIET UNTIL SYMPTOMS DISAPPEAR. Eating out is especially hazardous, since well-meaning cooks can overlook foods where a small amount of gluten might be present.

We recommend removing all foods likely to cause sensitivities or allergies for the first two weeks to make certain this is not a part of the problem. Prepare breakfasts from fruits and gluten-free whole grains; lunches from vegetables and whole grains; and a light supper from a small serving of well-cooked rice and dried or fresh fruit.

Bananas are a good source of carbohydrates for children with celiac disease, and may be used fresh, as frozen popsicles, blended with other fruits into smoothies, or even as fruit leather dehydrated in the oven. Millet burgers may be made from cooked millet, celery, and various herb seasonings such as sage.

Millet bread may also be made by cooking millet as one would oatmeal, placing it in refrigerator storage containers, and molding it after cooling. Then slice it, roll in unsweetened shredded coconut, and bake it. Breads should be cooked long enough for the starches to undergo a good degree of dextrinization. Yeast breads should be light and dry - never moist and sticky.

BREASTFEEDING IS THE IDEAL FOOD FOR INFANTS UNTIL THE AGE OF SIX MONTHS. At that time a few fruits can be added, one at a time, about every five days. Beets, carrots, and peas can be slowly introduced, followed by well-cooked and finely blended cereals given in very small quantities - just a spoonful at first. One food at a meal is best when used as a supplement for mother's milk.

Note: This article presents principles designed to promote good health, and is not intended to take the place of personalized professional care. The opinions and ideas expressed are those of the writer. Readers are encouraged to draw their own conclusions about the information presented.

By: Dr. Agatha Thrash
3ABN World January 2014

HEALTH NEWS ~ AUGUST

I can hardly believe summer is almost gone and fall is around the corner.  Here is a great recipe to try while summer is still here and all the fresh fruit is available.

Fruit Salad

One recipe Whipped Topping (See April’s Newsletter)

Fresh fruit of choice, but here are some ideas:

Blueberries  
Pineapple
Apples               
Bananas
Strawberries  
Honeydew
Kiwi  
Papaya
Grapes  
Orange
Raspberries  
Cantaloupe

Cut up fruit and place in bowl.  Add whipped topping and mix with a big spoon and chill. Serve with toast or popcorn and enjoy!

It would be well for us to do less cooking and to eat more fruit in its natural state. Let us teach the people to eat freely of the fresh grapes, apples, peaches, pears, berries, and all other kinds of fruit that can be obtained. 7T 134

Fruit is so good for us, we need to be sure to eat it every day and a variety.  Did you know that…?

The pomegranate is referred to in 11 Old Testament books. This shows the importance of this fruit.

In Exodus 28:33 we read that the hem of the high priest’s robe was embroidered with pomegranates. Pomegranates were used to ornament the pillars in King Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 7:20). The spies who went to explore the land of Canaan returned with a single cluster of grapes so large that two men had to carry it on a pole. They also had some pomegranates and figs to prove that the land was fertile (Num. 13:23). Yes, the pomegranates grew in abundance in Canaan. So the pomegranate is a special fruit!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE: Sweetest medicine. Eating 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher...Composed of 92% water; it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

BANANAS: Contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial n umber of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

A banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one  of the best value foods around; so maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time!

I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit!

In the New York Times science section (July 17, 2007, page 6) it says:

"People who choose organic fruits and vegetables to avoid pesticides and other chemicals may have another reason to buy organic. A new study finds that organically grown tomatoes have higher levels of flavonoids, which may protect against cardiovascular disease."

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”  Romans 12:1

Let’s present our bodies a living sacrifice by eating to the glory of God. We need to have clear minds to hear the Holy Spirit talking to us and to have healthy bodies to do His will and get the work done so we can go home to heaven!