Gluten and Dairy Free Holiday Cooking Class

The holidays are not far away and if you're like me, my favorite part of this season is preparing wonderful food that I know my family and guests will love.  Nothing makes me happier than making a beautiful table and filling it with mouth watering dishes that do not put our bodies into a stupor afterwards; dishes with a little something different, that will have guests raving and satisfied but not feeling like they need to be wheeled out when it's time to leave.  Last year, my tables were laden with a gluten and dairy free fare that left us all feeling very satiated and happy.

I want to share these dishes with you so you can create your own gluten and dairy free holiday dinner without feeling intimidated.  On Sunday, November 16th at 5:30 PM I will be doing just that with a cooking class. I will be demonstrating how these dishes are prepared and then, of course, you will enjoy eating them.   Bring your spouse or a friend, it's more fun!  The menu and the particulars are below.

Menu

Tarragon Shrimp Salad

Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hens

Savory Quinoa Stuffing

 Rosemary Sweet Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts

Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie

Coconut Whipped Cream

Date & Time: Sunday, November 16th 5:30-8:00 PM

Location:  The beautiful Blue Heron Studio in Laguna Canyon
Cost: $60 per person/$110 per couple

Ingredients are organic whenever possible and carefully hand picked.  Although you will experience some hands on, my classes are more in the format of a cooking demo.

 Notes:

• Space is limited to 12 Guests so please register early to ensure your place at the table.  Payment received reserves your spot.
• Because of the nature of the class, the fee is nonrefundable but is transferable.
• Classes are casual and always lots of fun!

Menu is subject to change depending on availability of ingredients.

Blue Heron Portal Studio, 3337 Laguna Canyon Rd. A, Laguna Beach, 92651: www.blueheronportal.com

The United States of Sickness

We are rated in the top 10 of the sickest nations in the world with the highest medical costs.

Toxins, Sugary Foods, Stress, Lack of Exercise, (The Unknown X Factor)

Underlying factors such as toxins, over consumption of highly processed sugary foods, increased stress, little to no exercise are all contributing factors but there is something perhaps more insidious that most of us are unaware of.

What I’m Seeing in My Functional Medicine Practice

I'm seeing more clients with digestive problems combined with arthritis and hypothyrodism which are both autoimmune diseases.  An autoimmune disease is when the immune system gets hyper-vigilant due to its desire to cool inflammation somewhere in the body. Our immune system which is supposed to protect us, over does it and starts to attack a gland, organ, or joints in the process. The inflammation that it's trying to cool, most often originates in a compromised digestive tract and/or detoxification system (liver).  Other autoimmune diseases including, MS, lupus, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Diabetes, Psorisis have increased causing both physical and emotional pain and are often debilitating.

Autism, ADHD and mood disorders which include bi-polar, depression and anxiety, are not considered autoimmune disorders but are also on the rise in astounding numbers which is disheartening and can be extremely costly.

Inflammation and Links to Genetically Modified Foods (GMO’s)

 There is a common link that is beginning to appear between disorders of the brain and the autoimmune system. The link is inflammation, which is actually nothing new but we have not done a very good job getting to the source of the inflammation. The biggest source may actually be from our food.  Food that has been genetically modified may be damaging our digestive systems, increasing the toxic load on our livers, and disrupting our hormonal systems, all of which influences brain function and overall health.  

Knowledge is Power

There are 7 GMO crops that are abundant in the American food supply either directly or indirectly: Corn, Sugar Beets, Soy, Alfalfa, Canola oil, Cottonseed, Papaya. For starters, avoid soy,canola and cottonseed oils and eat only organic sources of corn, soy and papaya. Unless specified, sugar is from the sugar beet.

See the movie Genetic Roulette and go to http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com to find out more. 

To your health and well-being!
 Cindy

Making a difference for those on the Autistic Spectrum

There are multiple etiologies for autism.  It is important to cast a wide net to discover as many areas of abnormality as possible to determine which treatments are best. 

The three Ps of Autism:

• Predisposing factors - genetic, nutritional, environmental, etc.
• Precipitating factors - vaccines, illness, etc.
• Propagating factors - oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, etc.

Common imbalances that are seen in autism include: 

·                                 derangement of the immune system via gut imbalances

·                                 compromised methylation ability

·                                 compromised sulfation (lowered glutathione)

Potential Treatments:

1. Restore intestinal Health and Balance
2. Treat Food Sensitivities (gluten, casein and soy) to rid of opiate –like peptides
3. Eliminate sources of toxins & support body’s own detox process (methylation & sulfation)
4. Restore balance between excitatory and inhibitory transmitters in the brain (use of GABA-L-theanine)

Removing potential toxins:

• Dietary changes-remove gluten and possibly casein
• Eating organic, especially animal products
• Eating GMO free
• Filtered water is a must
• Assess environment

Repair the Gut:

  Remove irritants-allergenic foods-mainly gluten-possibly Casein

•   Test for and get rid of yeast and bad bacteria overgrowth
•   Test for and remove pathogens and parasites

 Heal the Gut with:

•   IgG, 
•   Glutamine
•   Re-innoculate with Probiotics
•   Use Enzymes and HCL to aid in digestion
•   Vit D

Adequate Sleep-Ca/Mg, valarian root, melatonin, L-theanine

Helpful Testing Options:

Blood/Serum: Homocysteine levels-measure of compromised methylation (liver & brain)

Test for celiac disease and/or gluten and casein intolerance, Vit D status, folic acid levels RBC magnesium and folate.

Genova Labs-Organix Testing   

Genova Labs--Gut permeability, pathogens, and function

Genova Labs: Gene testing

To help you implement the 3 P's of Autism, please call me  @949-370-9843.  

www.alivingbalance.net