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Mini Spa Date: Pedicures 101

June 30, 2014 by

pedicurehomeDo you love going to the spa or the nail salon to get yourself pampered, but don’t feel like spending the time or money on a pedicure?

It’s sandal and flip-flop season, so make sure your toes are painted, feet are pampered, and you’re putting your prettiest feet in those new shoes. So, what are you waiting for? Get some friends together, open some wine, and host your own mini spa party!

Here are the steps to create the a perfect at-home pedicure:

1. Remove any old polish.

The first step to a great pedicure is removing any old polish you may have left on your toes. Use cotton pads or cotton balls with an alcohol-free or acetone-free polish remover. Removing old polish will give you a great fresh canvas for your next pedicure!

2. Cut your nails and file.

If your nails are long or jagged, give them a good cut and file before you soak them. Cut your nails straight across and not too close to the skin to avoid infection and prevent ingrown toenails from forming.

After trimming your nails, it’s time to file! Go for a traditional square shape by filing in one consistent direction. Use an emory board or a professional filing tool, but make sure you use a file that’s soft. You can finish the filing with a soft buffing to add extra shine and softness to your toenails.

3. Soak those feet!

Grab several large bowls—one for each of your guests—and fill them with warm or hot water. Include some yummy smelling bath salts, essential oils, salt, flowers, or any other spa essentials you love and dip your feet in! Leave your feet in the bowl for at least 10 minutes to ensure that your skin is soft, hydrated, and ready for scrubbing.

4. Give your cuticles some love.

Put some cuticle remover on your nails and rub it into your skin. After waiting 30 seconds to 1 minute, use an orangewood stick and push each cuticle down gently. You want your cuticles to meet the base of your nail. Don’t force them down! Use a soft circular motion and leave them alone after that.

5. Scrub, scrub, scrub.

Make sure your feet are smooth and silky before you move onto the rest of your pedicure. After your feet have soaked, take them out, dry them off, and start scrubbing them with a foot scrub, file, or pumice. Take away all of the dead skin that’s lingering on the balls of your feet, the bottoms of your feet, your heels, and on and between your toes.

It’s especially important to refrain from scrubbing your feet too hard! Once the dry skin layers are gone, your feet should be scrubbed enough. Often times, people scrub down to raw skin, exposing soft areas of the feet and exposing them to infection and irritation. Be gentle with your feet!

6. Moisturize!

It’s now time to moisturize your feet! Applying moisturizer will keep your feet hydrated, without cracks, and more beautiful longer. Find a scented foot moisturizer that’s soothing, relaxing, and tough enough to get into your skin. Massage the cream into not only your feet and toes, but also up onto your ankles and calves. Rubbing these areas will increase blood flow and circulation for healthier legs.

7. Time to polish.

Before you put polish on your toes, apply a thin layer of base coat. Remove any oils and moisturizers that may have lingered on your nails. Then, pick your favorite color for summer and apply! We recommend adding at least 2 coats of color to ensure that it looks bright and rich on your nails. If you mess up, use an orangewood stick to clean up any errors or smears.

Put on a layer of topcoat and let your nails set and dry. If you have an at-home nail dryer, set your feet under it so the thinners in your polish evaporate and the polish can harden and set. If not, make sure you air dry your nails in a cool, dry spot. If you’re in a humid place, the humidity will cause your polish to turn sticky and wet. After your nails have dried, finish them off with more moisturizer and finishing sprays.

Love giving yourself pedicures at home? Share your favorite nail tools, tricks, and tips with us below.

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , ,

Ask the Doctor: Questions About Reconstruction Surgery Years After A Mastectomy

June 27, 2014 by

<img src="image.gif" alt=A pink rose" />This week, Dr. Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q: I have been cancer free for 4 years, and have been very undecided about reconstruction. My surgery removed the underside of my right breast. I am very lumpy and the scar is very hard. Would I need to have a reduction in the other side or can the surgery site be repaired? I am “usually” a D in size currently. Also, is this surgery considered a “tummy tuck” type operation?

A:  You have several potential options, depending on your present physical situation, and your wishes.

I’m assuming you are radiated (please correct me if I’m wrong). With this in mind, an implant to increase the size of the right breast is not likely to work. Increasing the size of the right breast with a DIEP flap (I assume this is what you meant by “tummy tuck”) is potentially a large operation for a lumpectomy defect, but sometimes it is actually the best option.

If you don’t mind being smaller than you were, reducing the size of the left breast may well be your best (and simplest) option to get better symmetry. That’s probably all I should try to say without knowing more details about your particular situation. We’d be happy to have our nurse Chris or PA Kim call you to discuss your situation further, if you wish. Thanks for your question, and have a great day!

Q: I had bilateral mastectomy in 2011, but didn’t have insurance. Now that I do have insurance, can I get reconstructive surgery? And how do I go about it?

A:  Thanks for your question. There is no time limit to when you can have reconstruction surgery. Your next step would be to start researching what kind of procedure would achieve your goals. If you’d like a permanent reconstructive procedure, the ones we offer might be what you are looking for. We use excess tissue of your abdomen, buttock or upper thigh and transfer that along with it’s blood supply to build a new warm natural breast.

Richard M. Kline, Jr., MD
The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

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Raw & Vegan Foods in Charleston

June 25, 2014 by

Vegan foodAre you a vegan or vegetarian? Maybe you just love incorporating fresh, raw foods into your everyday diet? Charleston is a great place to find healthy, vibrant foods and some of the tastiest vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

Here are some local spots where you can find fresh and delicious vegan and vegetarian fare in and around Charleston:

Dellz Uptown

This vegetarian restaurant offers vegan-friendly American and international cuisine. Takeout is available upon request. Try the house specialty Thai bowl! It’s a local favorite, plus it’s gluten-free and vegan. All menu items at Dellz can be made vegan.

Address: 511 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843-641-0352
Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, 5-8pm, Sat 8:30am-3pm, 5-8pm, closed Sun.

Dellz Vibez

Located around the corner from Dellz Uptown, this juice bar serves smoothies, juices, hot drinks, and soups daily. There are many delicious vegan options available! Grab something to sip on or eat on-the-go.

Address: 569C King St (at Cannon), Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843-577-8900
Open Mon-Sat 7:30am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm.

Alluette’s Café

Alluette’s offers a friendly atmosphere and tasty vegan and vegetarian options for lunch and dinner. Enjoy American Southern cuisine in the heart of Charleston. Try their vegan desserts, too!

Address: 80 A Reid St (at Meeting St), Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843-577-6926

Black Bean Co.

Black Bean Co. is considered an “energy food” restaurant, serving American organic food in a fun, friendly spot. Enjoy breakfast options, Rainforest Alliance brand coffee, vegetarian wraps, gyros, salads, and countless vegan and raw meal options.

Address: 429 King St (near downtown), Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843-227-0990
Open Sun-Thur 8am-9pm, Fri-Sat 8am-10pm.

Cafe Paradiso

Address: 51 S Market St (at E Bay St), Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 678-777-3129
Cuisine: Vegan-friendly, American, Non-veg
Serves meat, veg options available. Lots of sandwiches, salads, breakfast, and coffee. Has veggie burger, veggie sandwich, falafel pita and vegetarian salads. Everything is either vegan or easily made vegan. Has outdoor seating. Inexpensive.

CO

Enjoy a modern interpretation of traditional Vietnamese fare in this warm, inviting restaurant. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, including an entire vegan menu prepared by the chef.

Address: 340 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-720-3631
Open Sun-Thur 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm.

Gathering Cafe

This family-owned restaurant is a favorite in Charleston. You’ll find lots of American and Italian specialties, make from seasonal, organic, and local food sources. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available to enjoy!

Address: 1124 Sam Rittenberg Blvd (at West Ashley), Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 843-297-8380
Open Mon-Sat 11am-3pm, 4:30-9pm.

Earth Fare – Charleston

This healthy supermarket offers local and organic produce, fresh salads and a hot food bar, bulk food staples, vegan-friendly groceries, and natural foods.

Address: 74 Folly Road Blvd (at S. Windemere Shopping Ctr), Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 843-769-4800
Open daily.

Three Little Birds Cafe

Head to Three Little Birds for all-day breakfast food, a lovely outdoor atmosphere, and vegan and vegetarian options, including burgers, salads, vegan cheese, and spelt breads.

Address: 65 Windermere Blvd (at Folly Rd), Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 843-225-3065
Open Tue-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 9am-2pm, closed Mon.

Are you a vegan or a vegetarian? Know of any great food spots in Charleston? Share them with us below.

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Cell Phone Etiquette to Reduce Your Stress and Theirs

June 23, 2014 by

using a cell phoneIt seems that everywhere you look, people are completely glued to their cell phones. From the moment they wake up to the time they try and fall asleep, they’re constantly texting, emailing, and calling people.

We’re all guilty of being stuck on our phones, especially because they really are very useful! We know we shouldn’t be using them all the time, and it can be a difficult habit to break, but here are some common cell phone guidelines to keep in mind:

Don’t text or email during meetings—and turn your ringtone off!

It’s hard to get away from your phone, especially at the office, but put it away, turn it off, or at least keep it on silent during work hours. Staying on your phone is very distracting to others and can disrupt your productivity.

If you absolutely need to use your phone, take it outside during your break or lunchtime and make your phone calls, text whomever you need to, and take that time to have fun on your phone. At all other times during the day, try to keep your phone away.

Keep your conversations quiet in public.

If you must use your cell phone in public places, such as on the bus, in restaurants, coffee houses, and stores, remember to stay as quiet as possible. Try not to broadcast your conversations, particularly if they’re stressful conversations, business-related, or very personal.

If you know your conversation won’t be quiet, leave the building if needed. Also, try not to use your cell phone when waiting in line. Everyone else is waiting with you, so why annoy them? Just turn your phone off completely in certain public situations because texting is even just as annoying.

Avoid texting while walking.

Try to avoid texting, emailing, or playing on your cell phone while walking. It’s dangerous to do, especially if you’re walking down the street or through a crowded area!

When you’re distracted on your phone, you can forget to avoid huge obstacles in your way, such as other people, cars, signs, doors, and more. Not only is texting while walking dangerous, but it’s also a nuisance to others as they have to avoid you when passing by.

Turn your phone off at parties.

There’s nothing more important than face-to-face contact, especially at parties with your friends and loved ones. We suggest either turning your phone completely off, or at least storing it in your purse or pocket (and not feeling tempted to reach for it!) while attending dinners, get-togethers, and when spending time with others.

Don’t even try putting your phone under the table while eating dinner or grabbing coffee with a friend! The interference will cause others to get distracted, and they’ll know that your mind and thoughts are elsewhere.

After work, put your phone away!

When the workday ends, it’s your time to unwind and decompress. It’s unhealthy to stay “plugged in” 24/7. Make sure you really cut down on your phone usage at home, most importantly during nighttime hours. If you’re still staring at your phone screen or dealing with work, your body will have a more difficult time trying to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Try turning your phone and email off during the weekend, too. That’s your time to enjoy life and do fun things with your kids, your spouse, and your friends. Relax, kick back, and enjoy your free time without the buzzing, ringing, and distractions from your cell phone.

What are your favorite tips for staying unplugged? Leave them below!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , , ,

Ask the Doctor: Is there any surgery for a Tram flap patient with a belly bulge, no hernia?

June 20, 2014 by

<img src="image.gif" alt="Pink Flowers" />This week, Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q. Is there any surgery for a Tram flap patient with a belly bulge, no hernia? Breast reconstruction was great and there were no complications. I have heard that mesh can be used, does this flatten the belly, or would I be at risk for complications such as a hernia?

A. Hi Karen, Thank you for your question. If your tummy bulge is due to the TRAM flap procedure then it is possible that repair of the bulge using mesh could help flatten your tummy or repair the bulge. We normally check for a possible hernia by ordering a CT Scan of the tummy wall before planning this type of procedure. The findings help us determine what is the best approach and if we need to use permanent mesh or some other type. If there is no hernia then repairing the bulge should not risk creating a hernia. Depending on the situation, it is possible that the bulge could come back. Prior to this type of repair you should make sure you do all you can to avoid being overweight, as your weight can impact the success of the repair. I hope this answered your question.

Dr. James Craigie

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical care you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

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Camping Around Charleston

June 18, 2014 by

KOACharleston is a beautiful place to visit and explore, especially during the summer months. There are countless activities, wonderful views, plentiful sunshine, and gorgeous scenery. Many people come to Charleston for the beaches, the small town charm, and the Southern hospitality, but did you know that we also have some great camping grounds in our area?

If you’re an avid camper, or if you’ve never gone camping before, consider taking a trip this summer or fall to Charleston for some camping fun! Whether you enjoy camping in a tent, or you have an RV, here are some of the local camping sites and parks to check out this summer:

Campgrounds at James Island County Park

For those who love the simplicity of tent camping, to those who want the comfort of a cottage, the James Island County Park campgrounds have it all. Enjoy the beauty of nature and the lovely paved walking trails around the park. James Island County Park offers fully furnished camping options for people who prefer to stay in a cottage. These amenities include full kitchens, bathrooms, televisions, Internet, multiple bedrooms, and gorgeous porches to take in all of the meadow and river views. If you prefer to stay in your own tent and stay closer to nature, there are lush grounds to set up camp, have picnics, and enjoy the scenery. All visitors have access to water fountains, biking, skating, and boat and bike rentals.

For more information, call 843-795-9884.

Fain’s RV Park

If you love RV camping, you’ll truly enjoy your stay at Fain’s RV Park. Loved and recommended by all in Charleston, these camping grounds are well-maintained and close to all kinds of local attractions to keep you and your family busy during your stay. The grounds are close to outdoor recreational activites, Givhans Ferry State Park, the Fort Moultrie National Monument, the Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club, and Devils Fork State Park. With so many options for activities and fun, Fain’s RV Park is the perfect spot for people with a variety of interests and hobbies.
For more information, call 843-744-1005.

KOA of Mt. Pleasant

This KOA in Mt. Pleasant sits on the grounds of a true antebellum plantation. You can relax and enjoy your time on 377 acres of privately owned South Carolina Low Country land! Set up camp by the lake and then check out the area’s other plantations and beautiful gardens. The KOA offers hayride tours that are fun for the entire family. Take a walk to the Blackbeard’s Cove Family Fun Park for mini gold, ride the go-karts, or hang out at the lakefront.

For more information, call 843-849-5177.

Oak Plantation Campground

The Oak Plantation Campground has plenty of space for RVs and traditional camping alike. Enjoy true southern charm and a friendly welcome from the staff. Just a short walk from Charleston, you can explore the historic plantations, the downtown district, shopping, golfing, and our beautiful beaches during your stay. There’s plenty of great amenities at Oak Plantation, including 250 campsites, modern facilities, a park, a clean pool, a convenience store to grab your essentials, and more.

For more information, call 843-766-5936.

Do you love camping? Share your favorite campsites and parks around Charleston with us below!

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , ,

7 Great Ways to Support a Friend Who Has Cancer

June 16, 2014 by

best friendsIf you know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to be there for her during the journey through treatment, recovery, and beyond. Your friend or loved one needs friends, supporters, a shoulder to lean on, and people around them that will keep their spirits high, keep fun in their lives, and take their minds off of their battle.

It’s important to help your friend have some fun, let loose, and keep her positive and happy during this difficult time. Here are some fantastic ways to support a friend with cancer during her journey:

1. Be a great listener.

This is a learning experience, not only for your friend, but for you, too. Most people want to give unsolicited advice to friends when they’re going through rough times, but the best thing you can do for a friend with cancer is to listen.

If she wants to talk about her diagnosis, her fears, her dreams, and her worries, then let her. It’s important to be a confidante and a trusted friend who will listen, no matter what subject may come to light. Let her talk out her decisions. Let her cry to you, laugh with you, and get frustrated with her cancer. Don’t give advice, rather sit there and let your friend talk out whatever is bothering her.

Consider taking notes for her and ask if she needs someone to come with her to appointments and treatments. You can help her document important information so she can focus on other things.

2. Create a Facebook page for her fight.

Social media is so powerful. Create a Facebook page that’s dedicated to your friend’s fight and her journey. Celebrate her milestones, gather support, and ask your friends to share their well wishes on the page. Take photos of your friend at different stages in her journey, having fun with her family and friends, trying new things, and doing whatever makes her happiest.

If you don’t want to create a Facebook page, there are dozens of websites that are created for cancer support, survivor networks, patient websites, and more. You can even start a blog, too! Be a cheerleader for your friend during this difficult time.

3. Send her daily inspiration and surprise her with gifts.

Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest impacts in someone’s life. While your friend goes through this journey, send her small gifts every week. Don’t just send her gifts on special milestones or goals; every day is a special day for someone who’s battling a disease like cancer. These gifts will take her mind off of the cancer and will boost her spirits.

Send her a vase of her favorite flowers. Write cards, send emails, and drop notes in her mailbox. Text her inspirational quotes when she wakes up and before she goes to bed. Create special gift boxes, such as spa gifts to pamper herself, a stack of classic novels, fun magazines to take to treatments with her, a handmade blanket, or a basket of wine and chocolate. Sending her favorite things will make her feel loved and cared for.

4. Throw a head shaving party!

If your friend is going through rigorous treatments and needs to shave her head, don’t let her do it alone. Do it together! Consider shaving your head in honor of her and invite your friends to do the same. Host a head shaving party so everyone can be together and celebrate the occasion.

Bake a cake, invite your friends, and ask them to donate to a fund in her name to support her treatment and medical costs. Host a potluck and ask everyone to bring one of your friend’s favorite dishes. Buy beautiful scarves and wigs you can all try on and take home as party favors. Snap some photos of the group and post to your Facebook page for support!

5. Take a cooking class together.

Grab a group of friends and attend cooking classes together with your friend who’s battling cancer. Don’t feel like going out to learn the art of cooking? Create your own home cooking party with your favorite ingredients.

You can help keep your friend’s strength up with healthy, hearty meals that are full of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Include as many organic, seasonal ingredients as possible. Help your friend plan ahead and create meals for the next few days or the week. Food prep will help keep her life less stressful, and when she’s hungry, all she has to do is heat up her meal and go!

6. Exercise with her.

Exercise is very important for those battling cancer. It’s important to keep your body—and your mind—strong and stress-free. Go for long walks together. Jog or run together around the neighborhood or in the park. Take yoga and practice meditation. Try a unique or one-of-a-kind fitness class, like paddle boarding or something that’s relaxing, fun, and a great workout! Whatever you choose, try to get your body moving, have some fun with your friend, and keep her mind in the present moment.

7. If she has kids or pets, help her out.

For someone battling cancer, it can be difficult to keep up with everyday tasks and help keep everyone’s minds off of cancer and her battle. If your friend has kids or pets, ask if you can help her with making life a bit more normal for her.

Take her kids out for meals or fun activities. Give her a “girls night out” and arrange for childcare for her. Take her pets for walks and to get groomed. Go with her kids to their appointments, pick them up from school, and get them out of the house when she just needs some time alone or needs to rest. Be her go-to person when she needs to make life more normal.

Have you helped out a friend with cancer? Share your favorite ideas to help someone who’s battling this disease below!

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I Have Had Breast Cancer Three Times–Am I Still A Candidate for Reconstruction?

June 13, 2014 by

Spring-flowers-pink-pretty-1-jpgThis week, Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q: I have had breast cancer three times. A lumpectomy (right) in 2001, a mastectomy (right) 2003, and mastectomy (left) 2008. I’ve only received radiation in my right breast. Am I still a good candidate for the reconstruction?

A: Thank you for your question, I’m sorry you have had to go through breast cancer   three times. Depending on your overall health and any other types of surgery you could  be able to have breast reconstruction. As you may know already it is not extremely rare for women to have breast cancer in one breast and later have it in the other side. It is definitely less likely than having it on one side only. It is also not unusual for women to undergo bilateral breast reconstruction. To determine if you should undergo surgery we would need to have a bit more info about your overall health. My office can contact you if you like.

Dr. James Craigie

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical care you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

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Gift Shops & Tasty Treasures in Charleston

June 11, 2014 by

Butterfly ConsignmentIf you’re visiting Charleston soon, or you’re a local that’s searching for some new shopping options, here’s a list of great shops in our beautiful downtown district.

Whether you love shopping for clothes, one-of-a-kind treasures, gourmet treats, and more, or you’re looking for a new unique class to take, Charleston has it all. You’ll love visiting these lovely stores in our town:

Charleston Cooks!

This kitchen retail store offers the best in kitchen equipment, gadgets, tools, and everything you need to make your low country kitchen great. Charleston Cooks! also features a teaching kitchen and offers weekly cooking classes for all residents of Charleston.

Butterfly Consignment Boutique

Our favorite consignment shop in Charleston offers designer and couture consignment pieces. You can find inexpensive fashions and affordable yet chic clothing, shoes, jewelry, bags, and more. When you join the boutique in the afternoon, you’ll also receive a complimentary glass of wine to sip as you shop!

Bottles ‘n Brushes

This is Charleston’s perennial favorite! Bottles ‘n Brushes has been voted “Best Art Instruction” again. Join the friendly and experienced staff for a night of painting fun and delicious drinks. No matter what level of art experience you have, you’ll be able to create a gorgeous work of art while enjoying local beers, wines, or your favorite libations.

Carolina on King

This store serves as Charleston’s local welcome center! Stop by Carolina on King for information about the University of South Carolina, the athletics schedule, authentic USC merchandise, and unique Charleston gifts. Everyone is a Gamecock fan by the time they leave Charleston!

Colonial Candle

Colonial Candle offers handmade candles, made in the USA. This Charleston-based company has been proudly crafting candles for over 100 years! Find candles in over 75 signature fragrances and stored in Colonial’s signature oval jars.

Palmetto Moon

Looking for a true South Carolina gift or keepsake for a friend or loved one? Stop by Palmetto Moon for regional specialties, Carolina gifts, lifestyle apparel, and countless other affordable gifts.

Pink Dot Beauty Bar

Find the most popular beauty products, cosmetics, fragrances, and skin care lines at this historic Charleston store. Bring your next “girls’ night out,” bridal shower, or birthday party in the Beauty Bar’s gorgeous Special Events studio.

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier-Patissier

Third generation French Chocolatier, Christophe Paume, creates one-of-a-kind, breathtaking chocolate sculptures, treats, and gifts. This store also serves as a stunning café, featuring sandwiches, baguette, locally roasted coffees, French pastries, hand-painted chocolates, chocolate bars, and much more. Treat yourself with handmade chocolate from Charleston!

What are some of your favorite spots to shop, sip, and eat in Charleston? Share them with us below!

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Gluten: Concern or Craze?

June 9, 2014 by

glutenEverywhere you look—in the grocery store, on television, on the Internet—people are talking about gluten and gluten intolerance. We’ve also witnessed a surge in popularity of gluten-free diets and a myriad of competing claims of health benefits, or a lack thereof, when gluten is eliminated from our plates.

So, what is gluten? What purpose does it serve? Why has it become such a hot health topic? Here’s some information to keep in mind before you try going gluten-free:

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein that’s naturally found in grains, such as wheat and barley. This protein is highly abundant in many foods that we regularly consume in Western diets. Some experts believe that gluten is detrimental to our health and that we shouldn’t be eating it.

But, gluten is not bad for our bodies, rather many foods that do contain gluten are quite nutritious. Foods that are high in fiber, such as quinoa, whole grain products, brown rice, and buckwheat, have plenty of nutrients, vitamins, and essential health benefits that nourish our bodies and keep them functioning properly.

Do we need gluten in our diets?

Gluten is such a common nutrient and component of foods that we eat, but we don’t actually need to consume it. However, that doesn’t mean that you should go completely gluten-free right this second!

Before you start throwing out your bread and rice, keep this in mind: if you’re consuming gluten on a daily basis right now, your body is used to having gluten in it. If you completely cut it off, your body may take some time to adjust to the new changes in your diet. You can try going gluten-free, but make sure you ease into it. Make sure you read all nutrition labels, too, as many companies are jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon and label their less nutritious foods as “gluten-free.” Just because a box of cookies or junk food says it’s “gluten-free” doesn’t mean you should eat it all the time.

What is Celiac disease?

Some people suffer from a medical condition called Celiac disease. This disease is caused by gluten intolerance in the digestive tract. The body negatively reacts to gluten when consumed and sparks a negative immune reaction. People that suffer from Celiac are medically prescribed a gluten-free diet.

Some people also suffer from gluten sensitivity, which means that they need to be cautious of the amount of gluten they’re consuming, but they often times don’t have to completely eliminate it from their diets. Many people with gluten sensitivity do try gluten-free diets, with great success.

So, what’s the verdict?

Gluten isn’t completely bad for our bodies. It’s true that we don’t need gluten in our diets. It’s also true that many people suffer from gluten intolerance and sensitivity due to these proteins. However, the majority of us will be just fine eating, or not eating, gluten.

Either way, the bottom line is this: consume gluten in moderation, just as you would anything else in your diet. Make sure you’re eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, too. If you’re curious as to how a gluten-free diet will affect your body, then try one out! Get as many facts as you can, and listen to your body.

Have you tried a gluten-free diet? Do you suffer from Celiac? Share your stories below!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , , ,
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