For Gluten-Free try Arepas!

I am trying to get back to the gluten free route again. I have strayed, and unfortunately seem to be having some terrible tummy problems. I was reading in Jonny Bowden's book "Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth" about IBS, and he suggested cutting out: gluten, dairy and sugar. I am pretty good at the dairy and sugar thing, but I need to get back on track with the gluten-free living. He also suggested secondarily to cut out red meat, citrus, caffeine and alcohol.



Anyhoo, I am getting off topic. So I was at the grocery store the other day and found some ready-made arepas, and threw them in my basket to give them a try. They are made from corn, so no gluten! Yay! A friend suggested I throw them on the george foreman and grill them to make a sandwhich, which I did, for about 5 minutes to get them crispy, works awesome for sandwiches! The packaging suggests toaster, which I tried today, not as successful. Still tasty, but the little buggers are so thin that they fall thru the grating in the toaster :/ A toaster oven would work awesome too with them I bet! And a regular grill would be great too I bet!

This is the brand I tried, maybe they are only available in South Florida grocery stores (?) but looks like you can order online :) If you see them, or ones like them give them a try! Is a quick, tasty gluten-free snack or meal! Can throw anything on one for open face (chicken, avaocados, butter and honey) or throw two together for a full sandwhich. Can go sweet or savory. Endless possibilities!

http://www.larealfoods.com/

Latest Research Finds link Between IBS and the Brain

Stanford University researchers have argued a case for moving Fibro from the field of rheumatology to neurology since their researchers see Fibro as a neurological problem. Now comes this article (link below) from UCLA that finds the same shrinkage in gray matter in areas of the brain controlling attention and pain for IBS, which many Fibro suffers also experience. 

A link between the brain and chronic pain has been identified in other disorders, such as lower back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia and hip pain. The study on IBS suggests that, like these other conditions, the problem may be due to the brain's inability to inhibit the pain response.

 http://www.latimes.com/news/health/boostershots/la-heb-bowel-20100722,0,2369726.story

Turmeric for Fibro and CFS!

I looooove Indian food, and found an article about it stating that turmeric is a proven anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, and some research shows it can boost your immunity, help with IBS and arthritis!

Not gonna argue with keeping more Indian dishes in my diet! This page also has links to some good recipes with turmeric - YUM!

http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2010/06/09/turmeric-for-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.htm?nl=1