Gluten Intolerance/Celiac Diease Basic Information

Celiac Diease is commonly referred to as gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, and oats. Celiac is defined as relating to the abdomen or abdomen cavity. The symptoms of gluten sensitivity are not limited to abdomen issues such as irritable bowel disease. Gluten sensitivity is an autoimmune disease that creates inflammation throughout the body. Gliadin, a glycoprotein found in gluten, attacks the small intestine lining causing damage to the tiny villi, which absorbs nutrients.

 The New England Journal of Medicine listed 55 diseases that can be caused by eating gluten. These included anemia, cancer, fatigue, canker sores, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Gluten was also linked to neurological diseases, including anxiety, depression, and migraines. A skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis is also caused by gluten intolerance. It is an itchy, blistering rash that usually occurs on the torso, scalp and buttocks.

For millennium our diets consisted of wild game (meat), fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. During the Neolithic period (9500 BCE) humans began cultivating wheat. Our bodies were not designed to digest gluten and break it down into individual amino acids.

 Gluten intolerance is genetic, 30% of people of European descent carry the gene, with higher numbers of people of English, Irish and Mediterranean ancestry.  People with type O blood are more likely to have gluten intolerance and 60% of people with gluten intolerance are women.

Gluten sensitivity is a very serious condition. Read all food labels. Gluten is found in soup mixes, salad dressings, sauces, vitamins, as well as lipstick and stamps. Even Play-Doh contains gluten!


written by Johnny

"The healthiest response to life is joy. Deepak Chopra"

Holidays on the 'FRINGE' with Stocking Stuffers and Recipes.

FRINGE is filled with one of a time gifts for all ages. Located in Bergen Park next to the King Soopers, Fringe is perfect for the last minute hostess gift, stocking stuffing or a delightful gift for a grandchild. The red and white polka dotted cocoa set is one of Sharon's (the proprietor) favorites.
Recipe for Creamy Hot Cocoa
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 cup white sugar 1 pinch salt 1/3 cup boiling water 3 1/2 cups milk 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.

So many family memories and traditions are about the Christmas Tree. The stories of cutting down or picking out the Christmas Tree are family experience that can bring laughter and joy as the years go by. Each decoration that adorns the tree is a story and a memory and reflects the unique personality of the family. Fringe carries whimsical and vintage looking ornaments to add to your tree trimming tradition.

Kid Easy Recipe for Pecan Turtles
Miniature pretzel twists
1 package (13 oz.) Rolo chocolate candies
Pecan halves
Place pretzels onto foil lined cookie sheet. Place a Rolo candy on top of each pretzel. Bake at 250 degrees for 4 minutes or until candies are softened (candies will retain their shape). Immediately place a pecan half on each candy and press down so candy fills pretzel. Cool slightly and refrigerate until set.
 
  "And the stockings were hung by the chimmney with care" Fringe has a variety of seasonal gifts that are just the right size to fit into those stockings. Make your Holiday shopping less stressful - visit Fringe in the King Sooper's shopping center. 303-674-1294

A Gluten-Free Tour with Johnny

Johnny is one of the people in my life that I see at least twice week. We exchange "hi, how are you", "beautiful day," etc. Johnny is always in the natural foods section at the King Soopers in Bergen Park (Evergreen, Colorado). Saturday Johnny was in the lobby with exactly what I needed. Recently I discovered I was gluten intolerant. I love breads, pastries, cereals, pancakes and crepes. I bake muffins every weekend, I have a sandwich for lunch everyday, and toast before bed. The first few days after learning I was gluten intolerant I discovered that most of the foods in my cupboard and frig contained gluten.
Johnny is a nutritionist and knew every item in the store that did not contain gluten. As he took me down each aisle he also pointed out foods that contain gluten, like soups, spaghetti sauces, and even some yogurts. In a short walk through King Soopers I learned so much about what to eat and general nutrition. I bought most of his suggested food items and he was right they are good.
Johnny has an extensive knowledge of healthy foods and vitamins and continues to take classes. He moved to Colorado from L.A. and is married to a chef. They met a few years ago and realized they had gone to Junior High together. (I love those kind of stories)
If you have a question ask Johnny, he's one of our mountain gems!