What I Was Eating Was Killing Me

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Comments Posted on May 02, 2013 Last Updated May 02, 2013 Posted by Clea

Me but better – before and after my diagnosis of Celiac Disease

What I Was Eating Was Killing Me

What you eat could change your health. It truly changed mine.

It makes logical sense. If we stop to think about it. When we become hurt or sick we often evaluate external factors for the causes and make changes to external factors to heal and prevent the same from happening again.

We tend to be very focused on these external factors. Taking control of them. What about internal factors?

Our food choices are just as important as the medications and supplements we take for overall health since foods can protect against and prevent disease.

What’s Our Health Care Plan?

Do you ever stop to think about how the foods you eat could also be included in your health care plan?

Struggling with my own health, moods and energy levels, chronic skin issues, brittle hair and finger nails that wouldn’t grow, I was diagnosed with an auto immune condition and sent on my way with steroid medications.

I don’t like not having control of my body. The steroids and other meds left me feeling numb and completely disconnected from my once energetic, athletic and lean self.

I wasn’t feeling some of the aches, mood issues and chronic fatigue symptoms as much. but to be honest, I wasn’t really feeling much of anything anymore. I was taking all of these meds and going through additional tests but I still wasn’t really ever feeling better. I was terrified and overwhelmed. I did not want the rest of my life to look and feel like this!

What We Eat Could Change Our Health

I felt there had to be another option. I couldn’t just sit back and feel like this. I began reading everything that I could about auto-immune conditions and alternative, integrative treatments. I soaked up books, research and enrolled in classes.

Along the way I learned about preventative medicine. The concept that lifestyle and our choices can help us to heal and to prevent disease. The idea that we can PREVENT disease, be proactive, rather than simply treat disease once it’s already settled in.

I began cooking and preparing wholesome meals. I began to learn about the connections between how we treat our bodies and our health. I began to explore how my body responded to different foods.

Perhaps it was intuition or instinct. Do you ever have that gut feeling, that something BIG is about to happen?

I’ll never know exactly what drew me to nutrition and certainly what brought me to that day when years ago I remember waking up and just feeling different. Different good. Different, I can’t remember the last time I felt this good…and Christmas morning as a kid, or the first sunny days in a long, long, long time.

I had been eating clean for over a month. Cooking from scratch. Increasing my fresh vegetables and fruits. Staying away from the processed stuff. My own variation of the elimination diet. And you know what, it was working…and then,

The Alarm Bells Went Off

I was feeling so good, I started to re-introduce a few of the foods I’d removed. When I got to wheat and gluten…there it was. Clear as day. All of my feeling good feelings evaporated and once again I felt lethargic, exhausted, weak, but far worse than before and now my stomach was in knots and then my skin started to break out again.

No! Not again, I thought. After feeling so good I couldn’t possibly go back to feeling miserable again. But this time I listened when the bells and whistles went off. I read about wheat and gluten. I read about inflammation and its role in our health. And finally I read about another auto-immune condition, Celiac Disease, that is triggered by gluten.

I read the common symptoms for Celiac Disease. Again I got that feeling that I was on to something important.

At first, I struggled to get my doctors to listen to my new findings. But I was persistent. I reintroduced gluten consistently for 4 weeks and I went in for testing and a little more testing.

I have Celiac Disease. And this was a very good thing to know. Because all of that cereal I’d been eating, bagels, sourdough bread, soy sauce – had been slowly killing me.

I was nearing 30 and just figuring this out? Yes, in fact later diagnosis is common. It seems that hormones (such as during pregnancy) and stress often trigger an onset of Celiac Disease.

Celiac Disease is genetic! How could no one else in my family be aware of this? Well, we’re not alone in not knowing.

Current stats (National Foundation for Celiac Awareness) tell us that 1 in 133 people in the U.S. have Celiac Disease, however 83% of people with Celiac Disease remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions. More facts from the NFCA:

Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.
Celiac disease can affect men and women across all ages and races.
5-22% of celiac patients have an immediate family member (1st degree relative) who also has celiac.

For me, the diagnosis was a positive step forward. No more steroid medicines. No more uncertainty. A clear definitive diagnosis. And the blessing that each day I was feeling a little bit better, a little more myself. I just had to eat and live gluten-free…(another story)

And the rest is history. I’ve been eating, living and thriving gluten-free for almost 10 years now.

We Are What We Eat

Our food choices are just as important as the medications and supplements we take for overall health since foods can protect against and prevent disease.

Most of us eat between 3 and 5 meals a day. That adds up to a lot of food. Just as we consider what types of fuels we put into our car at the gas pump, it’s important to be mindful about what foods we’re eating to fuel our energy levels and keep our minds and bodies functioning at their best.

Food is just as important to health as other lifestyle factors – smoking, lack of exercise, stress – all contribute to how our body looks, feels and functions. When we understand how the food we eat can affect our body and relearn how to listen to the signals our body is sending us, we can use this as a guide to making better food choices.

Every May is Celiac Disease Awareness month. Here’s to a month of celebration, awareness and spreading the word about Celiac Disease!

Do you have a health story or Celiac Disease story? Everyone’s story is unique! I invite you to please share with us in the comments below.

In Health,

P.S. Still trying to understand what gluten IS, exactly?

Read our quick and easy definition in this post - what is gluten?

© Copyright Clea Shannon 2013

Eat Inspired Today™ LLC

Join me on Facebook at Live Inspired Today or find me here.

Sign up to receive my ezine with the latest Hip, Simple, Fabulous™ recipes, healthy inspiration, upcoming cooking classes and event announcements.

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Why Me? Syndrome

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Comments Posted on May 01, 2013 Last Updated May 02, 2013 Posted by Clea

May 2013 National Celiac Disease Awareness Month

When we’re not feeling well, it’s easy to start a self-pity party, curl up and simply say “Why Me?!”

It’s important to take note of our symptoms, listen to our bodies and be our own advocates for health.

Feeling unwell and not certain why? Sometimes food is at the root of our health problems! It was at the root of my own. Years ago, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. It turns out that the food I was eating was slowly killing me!

May is Celiac Disease Awareness month. Listed below are 11 common signs that you may be gluten intolerant or have Celiac Disease. Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?

1. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and even constipation (especially in children after eating gluten).

2. Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS or unexplained infertility.

3. Migraine headaches.

4. Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips.

5. Chronic skin issues, “chicken skin” on backs of arms, rashes, acne or Dermatitis Herpetiformis.

6. Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings and ADD.

7. Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten.

8. Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo-like symptoms or a feeling of being off balance.

9. Tingling or numbness in fingers, toes and extremities.

10. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis.

11. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.

If you’re concerned that you may have Celiac Disease, it’s important to consult a medical professional, health coach or nutritionist for testing BEFORE you attempt to remove wheat and/or gluten from your diet.

Do you recognize any of these symptoms in your, a family member or friend? 83% of those with Celiac Disease remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Please share this post. Help us spread awareness and end the uncertainty!

Uncertain where to start on your road back to health? Need a health advocate? Let me know how we can support you in the comments below!

In Health,

P.S. Still trying to understand what gluten IS, exactly?

Read our quick and easy definition in this post - what is gluten?

© Copyright Clea Shannon 2013

Eat Inspired Today™ LLC

Join me on Facebook at Live Inspired Today or find me here.

Sign up to receive my ezine with the latest Hip, Simple, Fabulous™ recipes, healthy inspiration, upcoming cooking classes and event announcements.

*Ready to feel your BEST? Contact me to schedule your complimentary wellness break-through session.

Ingredients for Health – Chia Seeds

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Comment Posted on Nov 09, 2012 Last Updated Nov 19, 2012 Posted by Clea

The many healthy benefits of chia seeds.

ANCIENT SEEDS OF STRENGTH

These tiny, healthy seeds can trace their origins back to ancient times. In Mayan chia meant “strength.” And yes, in more recent years these were the same seeds sprouted and used for chia pets!

Here are just a few of the delicious and powerful reasons to include more of these unique seeds into your day:

BENEFITS

Loaded with Healthy Oils – Chia seeds are an excellent source of plant-based omega-3. Ounce-per-ounce they contain more omega-3 than salmon!

Plant-Based Protein – Chia seeds are one of nature’s most complete sources of plant-based protein.

Calcium Rich – By weight, chia has more calcium than whole milk.

Improve relaxation and circulation – Chia seeds are loaded with magnesium.

Gluten-Free and Grain-Free – Chia Seeds are both and therefor wonderful for those with Celiac or following a Paleo Lifestyle.

Rich in antioxidants – Chia seeds are extremely high in antioxidants and unlike fruits (such as blueberries) which are seasonal, chia seeds are always readily available.

Filling – When chia seeds expand they help to satisfy hunger and in turn, reduce cravings.

Regulate Digestion – Their high fiber helps to keep food moving smoothly through the digestive process and improve colon function.

Balance Blood Sugar – The chia seed’s unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber helps to slow down our body’s conversion of starches into sugars. This helps us to convert our food more efficiently into a steady, lasting source of energy.

Highly Shelf Stable – their unique antioxidant profile allows chia seeds retain their nutrients for over two years (unlike flax and sesame seeds which quickly degrade).

Aging Prevention – The antioxidants in chia seeds have been shown to prevent and reduce signs of aging and reduce inflammation.

Assist with Calcium Absorption – chia seeds contain essential trace minerals magnesium and boron, used in the absorption of calcium and other vitamins.

Curb Cravings – nutrient dense foods, such as chia seeds, prevent and reduce cravings by satisfying our body with the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Easily Digestible – Chia seeds soft outer shell makes all of these amazing nutrients readily accessible- unlike flax seeds, which need to be ground or thoroughly chewed in order to access the nutrients within their tough outer shell, chia seeds may be eaten whole.

Ready to enjoy the benefits of chia seeds? Type chia seeds into the search box on my blog to find my latest Hip, Simple, Fabulous™ recipes and uses for chia seeds. Make sure to try the Heavenly Chocolate Chia Pudding recipe - it’s a family favorite!

MORE USES

Thicken and Improve Texture – Chia seeds are hydrohpyllic, meaning that when exposed to liquid, it forms a gel-like coating, which increases the chia seed’s size and weight.

Chia Seed Gel:

Add 1/4 cup chia seeds to 2 cups of water. Mix well.
Let stand and mix again in 15 minutes.
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 10 days. Add to your smoothies, salad dressings, sauces and baked goods. It is not gritty and will not change flavor. (The overall ratio for gel is 1 part chia to 4 parts water)

Healthy Alternative – Easily replace fats, oil or eggs in baked goods with chia gel.

Chia Egg Replacer:

For one egg equivalent – Add 1 Tablespoon chia seeds to 3 Tablespoons water
Let sit for 15 minutes. Stir. Use as you would eggs in baking.
1/4 cup of chia seed gel = approximately 1 egg

Replace Oils in Baking:

Make chia gel (recipe above).
Replace 1/2 or all of oils in your baked good recipe.
You may need to slightly increase baking times, as chia seeds increase moisture. Great for gluten-free baking!

Natural Preservative – Antioxidants in chia seeds act as a natural preservative to retain freshness in baked goods.

Easy Additions for a quick nutrient boost:

Sprinkle over yogurt, cereal, applesauce or oatmeal
Mix into pancake batters and baked goods recipes (see above)
Add to nut butters – cashew, almond, peanut, etc.
Toss into salads
Add 1/2 Tablespoon to baked goods
Add to smoothies, dressings, soups and puddings

Increase Flavor – The chia seed’s hydrophyllic property and neutral flavor bring texture and help to magnify existing flavors of the foods to which they are added.

Share some of your favorites and feel free to ask questions in the comments section below. What’s your favorite way to eat chia seeds?

Be well,

You won’t want to miss my Hip, Simple, Fabulous™ Holiday Tips…Join me! Find me on Facebook or Twitter @HipSimpleFabGF.

© Copyright Clea Shannon 2009-2012

Eat Inspired Today™ LLC

Join me on Facebook at Live Inspired Today or find me here.

Sign up to receive my ezine with the latest Hip, Simple, Fabulous™ recipes, healthy inspiration, upcoming cooking classes and event announcements.

*Ready to feel your BEST? Contact me to schedule your complimentary wellness break-through session.

On Finding Faith and Gluten-Free Communion Bread Recipe

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Comments Posted on Oct 08, 2012 Last Updated Apr 18, 2013 Posted by Clea

This Sunday morning I shared in communion for the first time in over 8 years. And yes, it was gluten-free! Let me explain.

It all started with a bucket list…

This summer our family made a Summer Bucket List. It contained everything from the usual – beach day, sleepover, bonfire – to the somewhat unusual – find a church home.

As a yoga instructor with a background in engineering, this might have felt like a big leap for us. While I might describe myself as a mostly spiritual intellectual – I feel faith serves a purpose in our lives, believe in a higher power within this universe and that energy can neither be created nor destroyed…yet when it comes to God and institutionalized religion, I hadn’t yet found my place.

The concept of faith seems much more qualitative than quantitative. When my daughter expressed her sincere interest in returning to church, I had no reluctance to join her. I am 100% about supporting my daughter on her own unique path and I love the atmosphere, community and the inclusion that can be a reflection of a healthy, thriving church…So “Go to church” found a place on our bucket list right between “Plan a trip to Disneyland” and “Host a slumber party”.

Summer came and went and with only a few weeks left before the first day of school, I came upon our Summer Bucket List. We could tick off many of the summer’s best and favorite memories, but we had yet to make progress on our church home. We agreed to begin searching…

Of course, these days every search begins with a search engine – we poured over Bing and Google search results for:

local churches San Diego

progressive churches

open-minded churches

modern churches

And with our list in hand we decided to try a different church every Sunday.

When I shared with a few friends over the course of the last month that we were “trying on” different churches, many, to my surprise, expressed interest in our findings and our experiences. It seems many of us are searching these days.

We experienced many different approaches. For the most part we were welcomed, embraced and encouraged in our search.

One particular Sunday, I watched as others stepped forward to take communion. As someone with Celiac Disease I was reminded of the many factors that can leave us feeling like an outsider. I have never felt like a victim or spent too much time pining over the foods I once adored – instead it made more sense for me to simply move on, focus on what I COULD eat and in my case, learn to cook:-) But when we step back to think about the role of food within our community and society, we quickly realize that we use food to celebrate, to honor, to soothe and to connect with one another. The simple act of sharing food unites us and brings us together. And I was unable to partake in that one simple act. (In fact, my stepping aside caused all sorts of confusion!) We moved on to the next church.

Fast forward a little over a month later and many changes within our lives have made this journey to find our faith even more significant. While I wrestle with my precise faith I firmly believe in serendipity. Everything happens for a reason and after a major health scare coinciding with some foundation-rocking events in my family, we are each of us finding faith, strength and hope in new places and with new people. We are new to our church community but feel truly blessed and grateful for the outpouring of support, faith, hope and love. The prayers have been felt. And food played a role in helping us to feel connected, accepted, whole…

As it turns out, yesterday was World Communion Sunday. It seems very appropriate that on that day, I was able to take communion for the first time in over 8 years. The local church we have found offers gluten-free bread as well as the traditional loaf. In fact, they were kind enough to ask for my thoughts around how to improve gluten-free communion.

Whether we are gathering together for the Super Bowl or the Holy Communion, I want everyone to have the ability to share, gather and connect through food. So today I am sharing one of my own treasured recipes with our community. This is a thick, hearty bread with a crispy outer crust and often small air pockets throughout. Add rosemary for a lightly seasoned bread. Break this bread with friends, loved ones and neighbors. Dip it into soups and stews or slice and lightly toast, then top with fresh jam. Savour eat bite and remember that the foods we eat are often a reflection of how we treat ourselves.

What’s your favorite food to gather around? Share with us in the comments below.

May your week be filled with blessings and many reasons to celebrate,

Find me on Facebook here or follow me on Twitter @HipSimpleFabGF.

Hungry for more? Order your FREE Nutrition Book now.

Ready to feel your BEST? Contact me to schedule your complimentary wellness break-through session.

SIMPLY DELICIOUS GLUTEN-FREE BREAD

Makes 2 small loaves

(1 loaf = approx. 8 slices)

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cups almond flour
1 1/4 cups potato starch (NOT potato flour)
2/3 cup oat flour (sub quinoa flour if avoiding oats)
1/2 cup millet flour (may sub buckwheat if millet is unavailable)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 teaspoons xanthum gum (or sub 1 teaspoon chia and teaspoons water)
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1 1/3 cups water, warmed to 110-115 degrees F
2 eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon grape seed oil
1 tablespoon honey

2-4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)

METHOD

In the bowl of a stand mixer bowl, combine dry ingredients. Thoroughly blend at low speed.
Gently add warm water, eggs, 2 tablespoons oil, honey (and optional rosemary) to dry ingredients.
Using medium speed, blend together.
Oil a large bowl with 1 Tablespoon grape seed or other oil. Place dough into bowl, cover and allow to rise approximately 2 hours or until dough doubles in size.
Once dough has risen, preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Cut dough in half and form 2 small, irregular balls or ovals.
Make three 1/4″ slices into each.
Place 2 dough balls onto a pizza stone or baking sheet on the bottom rack of oven.
Bake 30 minutes or until bread is browned.
Allow to cool 30 minutes before slicing.

Enjoy!

Eat Inspired Today™ LLC

Join me on Facebook at Live Inspired Today or find me here.

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National Celiac Awareness Day

1

Comment Posted on Sep 13, 2012 Last Updated Sep 13, 2012 Posted by Clea

Have you heard?! Today (September 13th) is National Celiac Awareness Day…

Why today?

The Celiac Sprue Association, Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma and Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska introduced US Senate Resolution 550 to promote celiac disease awareness and to honor Dr. Samuel Gee, a pioneer in celiac disease research.

What now?

Let’s take a moment to build awareness in our own communities. Take a moment to post a link to this blog post to your Facebook or Twitter account. When you do, this handy-dandy infographic will appear – spreading the word to your friends and community.

What the Bleep is Gluten-Free?! Brought to you by Pure

Here are a few more valuable tools you may wan to share.

Symptoms and Reasons to test for Celiac Disease

My personal Celiac Story

Be well,

Find me on Facebook here or follow me on Twitter @CleaShannon.

Hungry for more? Order your FREE Nutrition Book now.

Ready to feel your BEST? Contact me to schedule your complimentary wellness break-through session.

Posts Tagged ‘Celiac Disease’

What I Was Eating Was Killing Me

What I Was Eating Was Killing Me

What you eat could change your health. It truly changed mine.

It makes logical sense. If we stop to think about it. When we become hurt or sick we often evaluate external factors for the causes and make changes to external factors to heal and prevent the same from happening again.

We tend to be very focused on these external factors. Taking control of them. What about internal factors?

Our food choices are just as important as the medications and supplements we take for overall health since foods can protect against and prevent disease.

What’s Our Health Care Plan?

Do you ever stop to think about how the foods you eat could also be included in your health care plan?

Struggling with my own health, moods and energy levels, chronic skin issues, brittle hair and finger nails that wouldn’t grow, I was diagnosed with an auto immune condition and sent on my way with steroid medications.

I don’t like not having control of my body. The steroids and other meds left me feeling numb and completely disconnected from my once energetic, athletic and lean self.

What We Eat Could Change Our Health

I felt there had to be another option. I couldn’t just sit back and feel like this. I began reading everything that I could about auto-immune conditions and alternative, integrative treatments. I soaked up books, research and enrolled in classes.

Along the way I learned about preventative medicine. The concept that lifestyle and our choices can help us to heal and to prevent disease. The idea that we can PREVENT disease, be proactive, rather than simply treat disease once it’s already settled in.

I began cooking and preparing wholesome meals. I began to learn about the connections between how we treat our bodies and our health. I began to explore how my body responded to different foods.

Perhaps it was intuition or instinct. Do you ever have that gut feeling, that something BIG is about to happen?

I had been eating clean for over a month. Cooking from scratch. Increasing my fresh vegetables and fruits. Staying away from the processed stuff. My own variation of the elimination diet. And you know what, it was working…and then,

The Alarm Bells Went Off

I read the common symptoms for Celiac Disease. Again I got that feeling that I was on to something important.

At first, I struggled to get my doctors to listen to my new findings. But I was persistent. I reintroduced gluten consistently for 4 weeks and I went in for testing and a little more testing.

I have Celiac Disease. And this was a very good thing to know. Because all of that cereal I’d been eating, bagels, sourdough bread, soy sauce – had been slowly killing me.

I was nearing 30 and just figuring this out? Yes, in fact later diagnosis is common. It seems that hormones (such as during pregnancy) and stress often trigger an onset of Celiac Disease.

Celiac Disease is genetic! How could no one else in my family be aware of this? Well, we’re not alone in not knowing.

Current stats (National Foundation for Celiac Awareness) tell us that 1 in 133 people in the U.S. have Celiac Disease, however 83% of people with Celiac Disease remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions. More facts from the NFCA:

Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.

Celiac disease can affect men and women across all ages and races.

5-22% of celiac patients have an immediate family member (1st degree relative) who also has celiac.

For me, the diagnosis was a positive step forward. No more steroid medicines. No more uncertainty. A clear definitive diagnosis. And the blessing that each day I was feeling a little bit better, a little more myself. I just had to eat and live gluten-free…(another story)

And the rest is history. I’ve been eating, living and thriving gluten-free for almost 10 years now.

We Are What We Eat

Our food choices are just as important as the medications and supplements we take for overall health since foods can protect against and prevent disease.

Most of us eat between 3 and 5 meals a day. That adds up to a lot of food. Just as we consider what types of fuels we put into our car at the gas pump, it’s important to be mindful about what foods we’re eating to fuel our energy levels and keep our minds and bodies functioning at their best.

Every May is Celiac Disease Awareness month. Here’s to a month of celebration, awareness and spreading the word about Celiac Disease!

Do you have a health story or Celiac Disease story? Everyone’s story is unique! I invite you to please share with us in the comments below.

In Health,

P.S. Still trying to understand what gluten IS, exactly?

Read our quick and easy definition in this post - what is gluten?

© Copyright Clea Shannon 2013

Eat Inspired Today™ LLC

Join me on Facebook at Live Inspired Today or find me here.

Sign up to receive my ezine with the latest Hip, Simple, Fabulous™ recipes, healthy inspiration, upcoming cooking classes and event announcements.

*Ready to feel your BEST? Contact me to schedule your complimentary wellness break-through session.

Why Me? Syndrome

When we’re not feeling well, it’s easy to start a self-pity party, curl up and simply say “Why Me?!”

It’s important to take note of our symptoms, listen to our bodies and be our own advocates for health.

Feeling unwell and not certain why? Sometimes food is at the root of our health problems! It was at the root of my own. Years ago, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. It turns out that the food I was eating was slowly killing me!

May is Celiac Disease Awareness month. Listed below are 11 common signs that you may be gluten intolerant or have Celiac Disease. Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?

1. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and even constipation (especially in children after eating gluten).

2. Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS or unexplained infertility.

3. Migraine headaches.

4. Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips.

5. Chronic skin issues, “chicken skin” on backs of arms, rashes, acne or Dermatitis Herpetiformis.

6. Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings and ADD.

7. Fatigue, brain fog or feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten.

8. Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo-like symptoms or a feeling of being off balance.

9. Tingling or numbness in fingers, toes and extremities.

10. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis.

11. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.

If you’re concerned that you may have Celiac Disease, it’s important to consult a medical professional, health coach or nutritionist for testing BEFORE you attempt to remove wheat and/or gluten from your diet.

Do you recognize any of these symptoms in your, a family member or friend? 83% of those with Celiac Disease remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Please share this post. Help us spread awareness and end the uncertainty!

Uncertain where to start on your road back to health? Need a health advocate? Let me know how we can support you in the comments below!

In Health,

P.S. Still trying to understand what gluten IS, exactly?

Read our quick and easy definition in this post - what is gluten?

© Copyright Clea Shannon 2013

Eat Inspired Today™ LLC

Join me on Facebook at Live Inspired Today or find me here.

Sign up to receive my ezine with the latest Hip, Simple, Fabulous™ recipes, healthy inspiration, upcoming cooking classes and event announcements.

*Ready to feel your BEST? Contact me to schedule your complimentary wellness break-through session.

Ingredients for Health – Chia Seeds

ANCIENT SEEDS OF STRENGTH

These tiny, healthy seeds can trace their origins back to ancient times. In Mayan chia meant “strength.” And yes, in more recent years these were the same seeds sprouted and used for chia pets!

Here are just a few of the delicious and powerful reasons to include more of these unique seeds into your day:

BENEFITS

Loaded with Healthy Oils – Chia seeds are an excellent source of plant-based omega-3. Ounce-per-ounce they contain more omega-3 than salmon!

Plant-Based Protein – Chia seeds are one of nature’s most complete sources of plant-based protein.

Calcium Rich – By weight, chia has more calcium than whole milk.

Improve relaxation and circulation – Chia seeds are loaded with magnesium.

Gluten-Free and Grain-Free – Chia Seeds are both and therefor wonderful for those with Celiac or following a Paleo Lifestyle.

Rich in antioxidants – Chia seeds are extremely high in antioxidants and unlike fruits (such as blueberries) which are seasonal, chia seeds are always readily available.