TOP 10 GLUTEN FREE RECEIPES

TOP  10 GLUTEN FREE DIETS

NUTS: Nuts can be consumed in its natural form or pureed, some prefer to extract the milk by grinding them and also they can be eaten in the form of vegetables. Dried apricots, bananas diced, apples, dry fruits are essential for our health and maintaining balance.

RICE: A food that is gluten-free and also the staple food of many people. It is partially nourishing. Rich in fibers, wheat flour can be replaced with rice flour in cakes, bread, pastries, etc. There exists a form of rice which is called glutinous rice which doesn't contain gluten.

POTATOES: Rich in starch potato doesn't contain gluten. Potatoes can be consumed in the form of salads,or pureed and can be flattened like cakes, etc. Potatoes are important sources for glucides, proteins, and vitamins. It induces the secretion of insulin and has a tendency to increase weight.

ALMOND MILK

QUINOA: This grain originating from ALPS is a superfood without gluten. It is highly nutritious and contains all the amino acids essential for the proper functioning of the organs.

MILK PRODUCTS: As milk doesn't contain gluten it can be consumed by people who are intolerant to other products that contain gluten.

SOYA: Soya doesn't contain gluten. It is very rich in proteins and nutrients. It can be consumed in all forms. Tofu, soya milk, tempeh, miso(both fermented form of soya), etc. Soy sauce is the most sought after ingredient in the cuisine and restaurants. But instead of eating soya sauce consider Tamari as it is gluten-free soy sauce. The sprouts of soya beans are yellow in color and are very rich in proteins and nutrients.


CHOCOLATE: Good news for all those who are intolerant to gluten. But chocolate powder and chocolate bars can contain traces of gluten. Gluten helps to prevent the chocolate from sticking on to their aluminum foils.

THE CHESTNUT FLOUR: All forms of chestnut flours can be integrated into food preparations. The maroon colored chestnut has a unique taste. It is light in cholesterol, sodium, fats and it is a good source of manganese. Chestnuts can also be consumed either in salted form, sugar-coated, etc. 

BUCKWHEAT FLOUR: Replace the flour of buckwheat with the wheat flour. Buckwheat flour is very easy to make and it has a particular taste. If you like its unique taste you can incorporate them in bread, muffins, cakes, etc. 

Essential Oils and Thyroid problems

AROMATHERAPY

Essential oils like tea tree oil is very effective in clearing the throat chakra and regulating the functioning of thyroid glands. The throat chakra is also known as the vishudha chakra. Infusion of this essential oil helps to balance the throat region thereby regulating the production of thyroxine hormones.

 ESSENTIAL OILS

Other essential oils which are very effective in balancing the action of thyroid glands are sandal wood oil,lavendar oil,germanium oil,chamomile etc.

Lavendar oil helps to fight the chronic fatigue syndrome by relaxing the nerves and reducing the stress levels.Chronic Fatigue syndrome is one of the main symptoms associated with the malfunctioning of the thyroid glands as thyroid glands govern the energy production. Lavendar oil improves the functioning of the immune system which is necessary to fight the thyroid disease naturally. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be regulated with the use of these essential oils. These essential oils may be blended with the carrier oils to create a balancing effect.

Chia Seeds and their benefits

CHIA SEEDS A GLUTEN FREE DIET



Chia seeds belong to the family Lamiaceae and it is also a type of sage belonging to the mint family. Originally from Mexico  due to their medicinal properties this seed grains which are round in shape were preferrred by the Mayans and the Aztecs. Available in different varieties and colours like brown,white,beige and grey they are known to improve and enhance the intellectual abilities and also the endurance level of the body to fight diseases. 

Chia seeds are rich in proteins,fibres,essential fatty acids and Omega 3 fatty acids. They were the staple food for Mayans and Aztecs with beans,maize and Amaranth. Chia seeds are gluten free and rich in calcium,rich in phosphorous,Iron and Vitamin C. It lowers the absorption of glucose in the blood and regulates the secretion insulin. Chia seeds are found to be very effective in treating constipation as they are rich in fibre. 

Chia seeds can be sprinkled over the salades,mixed with yoghurts and also with porridges. Crushed chia seeds can be incorporated into cakes,smoothies,pancakes etc. They have a long shell life and can be preserved for months under room temperature. 

Chia seeds can be soaked in water or juice for a period of thirty minutes before consuming them. The gel obtained by soaking chia seeds are called mucilage as its outer cover absorbs water and contains soluble fibres. A very good source for proteins,fibre,iron,calcium and vitamin c for vegetarians.

Vitamin D and Auto Immune Disorders

Vitamin D not only plays a major role in keeping our bones strong but  also inhibits  the development of cells which may become cancerous . It makes our immune system strong and maintains
 all the vital funtions of our body and controls all the organs of our body.

According to the international scientific studies more than 90% of the population are deficient in vitamin D. This poses a very great risk of developing a list of diseases spanning all the organs of 

entire human body. Vitamin D is considered as one of the important hormones our body needs and has a effect which is equivalent to that of steroids.

It is necessary to expose ourselves to the sunlight for a minimum of twenty minutes before 11 A.M in the morning of after 4 P.M in the evening as our skin has the ability to synthesize enough Vitamin D as sun is the main source of vitamin D . Those who are at a greater risk of developping vitamin D deficiency are people who are aged, infants, those who lead a sedentary lifestyle and those who work during the nights etc.

Deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to a number of diseases like

1. Thyroid disorders (both hypo and hyperthyroidism)

2.Diabetes

3. Rheumatoid arthritis

4. Prostrate Cancer

4.Autoimmune disorders

5.Colon cancer

7.Sjogren's syndrome

8.Osteoporosis

9. Heart disease

Supplementing Vitamin D with synthetic hormones which exceeds 2000UI may induce toxic effects in our body. It increases the calcium deposits in our blood by increasing the calcium deposits in our arteries,tendons and kidneys. In infants it may lead to loss of apetite, diarrhea, thirst etc.

HYPOTHYROIDISM NATURAL SOLUTIONS


WHAT IS HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism is a condition where there is a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Hypothyroidism is also referred to as Hashimoto's and it is an Autoimmune Disorder. Hypothyroidism is more common in women than in men. When the thyroid gland is attacked by the body's own immune system thereby destroying it or stopping it from producing necessary thyroid hormones then it is known as Auto-Immune Disorder. The TSH hormone(thyroid-stimulating hormone) produced by the pituitary gland is necessary for regulating the production of thyroid hormones. A TSH reading is necessary to detect the presence of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism may be a result of thyroidectomy (partial or full thyroidectomy). This results in permanent hypothyroidism which can be balanced by thyroid hormones supplementation.

THYROID GLAND

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck region. It's one of the important glands of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. The thyroid gland regulates the body temperature, metabolism, heartbeat and also monitors the calcium levels in our body. It is also necessary for the production of energy which is very much essential in our day to day activities.


CAUSES OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

There are a number of factors that cause hypothyroidism.

1. Treating the thyroid gland with Radio Active Iodine due to Graves or hyperthyroidism

2. Lack of Iodine in the diet

3.Thyroiditis which is due to the inflammation of the thyroid gland usually an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimotos. When the body's own immune system attacks the thyroid gland thereby destroying it from producing thyroid hormones then it is known as Hashimotos. First, a person may become hyperthyroid where there is an increase in the production of thyroid hormones followed by hypothyroidism.

4. If the pituitary gland is damaged due to radiation, surgery, accident then it may not be able to instruct the thyroid glands to produce necessary thyroid hormones.

5. Consuming lots of uncooked foods which are known to be goitrogenic like cabbage, cauliflower, kale, peanuts, radishes, cauliflower, corn, etc

6. Exposure to chemicals and toxins like pesticides, insecticides, etc.

7. Hereditary factors, age, and menopause increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism.


8. Increased consumption of soy or soy-based products.


SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

1. Fatigue

2.Weight gain

3. Fogginess

4. Depression

5. Insomnia

6. Irregular Menstrual cycles

7. Low body temperature

8. Vitamin D deficiency

9. Anemia

10. Slow reflexes

11. Arthritis

ALLOTPATHIC TREATMENTS

Synthroid or Levythroxine hormone supplements are usually recommended to treat hypothyroidism. There is no cure in allopathy for hypothyroidism and lifelong treatment with these thyroid hormone supplements is needed. Cytomel is prescribed to some patients who don’t feel normal after taking the only T4 hormones. Desiccated thyroid also is known as armor thyroid which is obtained from thyroid glands of pigs are prescribed for some patients who do not feel normal with the above said synthetic hormone treatments as it contains both T3 and T4.  But in spite of all these treatments, there are many patients who suffer from symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, depression, brain fog, menstrual irregularities, etc.

NATURAL AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Sujok therapy, Shiatsu, Reiki, Acupuncture, Acupressure, etc are some of the alternative therapies and treatments available to treat hypothyroidism naturally. These natural treatments take a very different approach to treat this disease by just not focusing on the particular gland or organ which causes this disease. Often a mind-body approach is used to treat the disease taking the whole body of a person into consideration.

TREATING HYPOTHYROIDISM NATURALLY

1. Regular practice of exercises like yoga, aerobics, walking, taichi, etc are necessary for the proper  functioning of thyroid glands

2.  Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor the thyroid hormone levels and also to correct the underlying deficiencies. Supplements may be needed to correct the deficiencies.

3.  Selenium plays a very important role in regulating the thyroid glands. Important sources of selenium are brazil nuts. But consuming more brazil nuts may induce selenium toxicity.

4.  Omega 3 supplements reduce inflammation as they contain ALA, EPA, DHA. Important sources of omega 3 are flax seeds, chia seeds, salmon fish oil, and walnuts.

5.  Vitamin C supplements are powerful antioxidants as they reduce free radical damage.

6.  Magnesium, calcium, and Iron supplements help to treat vitamin deficiencies.

7. Vitamin B supplements fight fatigue associated with thyroid problems especially vitamin B2, B3, B6, PABA, and B12.

8.  Evening primrose oil supplements reduce inflammation and reduce stress, pain associated with PMS and menopause. They contain an important compound called phenylalanine which is very effective in reducing pain and inflammations. EPO is  also rich in GLA (Gamma-Linoleic acid) and essential fatty acids. It keeps hair, skin, and nails soft as they contain omega 6 fatty acids.

9.  Detoxification plays a very important role in getting rid of chemicals, viruses, bacteria, fungi toxic metals, etc which may be one of the reasons for hypo or hyperthyroidism. Installing a water filter system eliminates all the chemicals present in water like fluoride, chlorides, bromides, mercury, which are known to deplete the iodine levels. Iodine is necessary for the proper conversion of T4 to T3 hormones.

10. Acupressure plays a very important role in treating thyroid problems as they clear all the blockages present in the glands and organs thereby restoring their function to produce the necessary hormones.

11. Practicing yoga mudras like ling mudra,shankh mudra, prana mudra, and Gyan mudra improves the thyroid function as it balances the five elements present in our body namely water, fire, air, space, and earth.

12. Drinking plenty of water eliminates toxins accumulated in the body. Eating fiber-rich foods with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables avoids constipation improves gut health as they provide roughage. Refined flours, sugary foods, carbonated drinks, MSG’S should be avoided

13.  Getting adequate sleep is necessary to reduce stress levels. Meditation relaxes the nerves and brain and creates a calming effect. Prayers and meditation help mentally as well as spiritually.

14. Reading lots of books related to the disease provides information about the alternative treatments, remedies available to treat the disease as it enriches the knowledge.