Gluten is not a staple in the Asian world or in their foods and never has been. Even the inclusion of soy and wheat is “an American idea.” How absurd!

KA-ME has delicious gluten-free, single-serve rice crackers as well as lightly-salted ones which I really enjoyed and would purchase again.

The company manufactures more products and many in Asia, yet these are the only two I tested and can comment upon.

Miranda Jade
www.glutenfreehelp.info.

You can order a copy of the Winter print edition of the Journal of Gluten Sensitivity to read my article, “U.S. Has Yet to Define ‘Gluten-Free’ for Food Labels,” in which I take up the critical subject of the FDA’s gluten-free labeling regulations.

The Journal of Gluten Sensitivity is a print and online quarterly newsletter co-edited by the founder of Celiac.com, Scott Adams. It publishes articles geared toward those on the gluten-free diet for reasons of celiac disease, gluten intolerance, as well as wheat allergies, keeping readers up-to-date on the latest scientific research and developments in the gluten-free arena. I am honored to have my article included in its Winter publication.

Check out the link below to subscribe to the newsletter:

http://www.glutenfreemall.com/catalog/journal-gluten-sensitivity-celiaccom-paper-edition-online-edition-year-subscriptionissues-celiac-disease-newsletters-p-469.html

Tina Turbin
www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

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     We review a lot of gluten-free companies and products, but it isn’t very often that we come across a body product line that is gluten-free.

Green Beaver is a Canada-based company that truly believes in being gluten-free. From kids’ products to women’s lip products, this company is sure to have something for everyone. This company takes pride in making sure their products are certified organic as well. Green Beaver understands that pesticides accumulate in fatty tissue (bioaccumulation) and are endocrine disruptors. As many of us know, repeated contact with even small doses of pesticides can cause build up in the body which possibly can cause immune and nervous system disorders years after exposure. Using certified organic products can be very beneficial for those with celiac or gluten-sensitivity due to our weaker immune systems.

We tested many of Green Beaver’s products. One of our testers fell in love with the Star Anis toothpaste. He said that he had tried other anis(anise)-flavored toothpastes, and they always tasted very artificial to him. Green Beavers Star Anis toothpaste tasted like real licorice!

     Most important, we always want to protect our children. Green Beaver has a wonderful children’s line complete with a bubble bath. It is gentle enough to use on your kids but still gets the job done. The products are all naturally scented so you don’t have to worry about overwhelming scents. We found them to be very light and pleasing.

Some people who are celiac or gluten-sensitive don’t see a reaction from gluten touching the skin, but why take the risk? With your pores opened from the heat of your shower, whatever you use on your hair or body is sure to get into your system. Green Beavers line of body products for adults is no ordinary organic gluten-free line. It also works! I find that most of the body products at my local health food store just don’t get the job done. My hair is left feeling dry and my skin isn’t moisturized well enough.

     One of our testers said that the lavender shampoo and conditioner were just what she has been looking for. The shampoo really cleaned her hair, and the conditioner gave her that deep-conditioned feel that she normally only gets from salon conditioner. She also thought the body lotion was excellent. It is very thick so she wanted me to warn you that “a little bit goes a long way!”

My favorite product of Green Beaver would have to be their lip shimmers. They moisturize your lips so well and leave them with just the right tint of color. Having a gluten-free product to put on your lips is a must. We all lick our lips and eat food throughout the day. We are bound to get any lip product into our mouth.

When it comes down to it, if you are going to be on a gluten-free diet, remember that everything that touches your body can get into your system. Green Beaver has taken the initiative to ensure these healthy choices are readily available to us.

Green Beaver is truly at the top of our list now.

Miranda Jade

www.Glutenfreehelp.info

One of my lovely readers purchased Cajun Choices Shrimp, Crab and Crawfish Boil and put her own spin on it. Take a look at what she has to say and check out the Cajun Choice review.

“I love to use my “Crab Boil” for other things besides a base for soups. I actually put it into a salt shaker and sprinkle it on top of chicken, fish, vegetables, etc.  I also like to add it to my gluten free flour when i’m breading my chicken to make chicken tenders. I like to use it in replace of salt because of the added spices, which increases the flavor to any dish.”

Miranda Jade

www.glutenfreehelp.info

Clan Thompson’s Celiac SmartLists—a food SmartList and a drug SmartList—are a series of programs which provide information regarding gluten for thousands of products, including a “Comments” section for people to provide additional information.

These SmartLists are available for Windows, Macs, SmartPhones, Palms, Pocket PCs and Blackberries.

Tina Turbin

http://www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

     With celiac disease awareness on the rise, more and more companies, such as Hope Paige, are coming out with useful products for the celiac community.

     Hope Paige is not an ordinary medical bracelet company. Whether you want a waterproof bracelet, one with charms, one to wear to work, or one to go with your wedding dress, this is the company for you. Unlike most medial bracelets I have seen, Hope Paige bracelets are unique accessories offering a wide range of sizes and prices. They offer items for all ages.

     You may be thinking, “Why would I need a medical bracelet if I’m celiac, gluten-sensitive or have a dairy allergy?” You would be surprised at how many drugs these days have gluten, dairy, etc. in them. If something were to happen to you (or your child or other loved one) requiring immediate medical care, you most likely wouldn’t have the time or be in the condition to express your needs. This could be detrimental to any celiac’s health.

     On a lighter note, another beneficial purpose for these bracelets is keeping children gluten-free in non-emergency situations. When gluten-free children go on field trips, over to friends’ houses, etc., parents may rely on the additional backup from these bracelets to keep others properly informed. Allowing your kids to pick out their own style of bracelet is a lot of fun, and there is an easy engraving process on the site.

     Although GlutenFreeHelp.info is mainly for celiacs and those who live a gluten-free lifestyle, I know that many of our readers have other allergies or know people who do. Hope Paige can engrave any allergy on their medical bracelets. Whether you have an allergy to wheat, peanuts, penicillin or aspirin, Hope Paige will make you feel fashionable and safer “wearing your allergy.”

     Approximately 30,000 people a year in the U.S. are rushed to the hospital due to a food allergy. Spread the word of getting tested for celiac disease, and make sure if you or anyone you know has an intolerance or sensitivity to gluten that you order one of these medical bracelets. It’s amazing how something so small can save a life.

     With the holidays right around the corner these would make great gifts for your friends and loved ones. The variety of styles available enables these bracelets to be a fashion accessory for those with a more discriminating taste.

Check out the Hope Paige website to see all the fun designs here.

Miranda Jade

www.Glutenfreehelp.info

I often come across people having trouble replacing milk or dry milk in their GF recipes. Here’s a list of some simple solutions I’ve find. Your own opinions and solutions are always welcome, too!

-If you don’t require a lactose-free substitute, you can use powdered baby formula or buttermilk powdered milk.

-If you’re lactose-intolerant, use Vance’s DariFree powder in plain powder, a perfect substitute for regular dry milk. Other lactose-free substitutes include almond meal, Ensure (which is GF), Coffee Mate (which is also GF), dry rice milk powder, dry soy milk powder, a variety of nut flours, and last—but certainly not least—coconut milk (yum!).

-If you’re worried that dry milk may contain gluten, you can set your mind at ease. You can find plenty of brands of gluten-free dry milk, such as NIDO by Nestle or Carnation. You can call up the companies for more information regarding their facilities.

-The road to becoming a great GF cook is one of experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Try GF bread recipes without any milk or powdered milk at all and see how it comes out. Sample different nut flours as substitutes and see what works best. Trial and error is how some of the best GF recipes were developed!

Hope you find this helpful in your GF baking!

Tina Turbin

http://www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

Fulfilling the requirements of both the Canadian and U.S. government standards for gluten-free (http://glutenfreehelp.info) facility certification is no easy task. Ask Beth Armour of Cream Hill Estates, Canada.

Cream Hill Estates routinely undergoes painstaking and expensive tests to eliminate any and all possibilities of cross-contamination. The complicated and demanding process begins with the transportation of the select seed and crop of specific farmers via “proper” vehicles to the gluten-free facility.

The cost of the select seed is high. It is 99% pure, with only one non-oat seed per 25,000 seeds of oats. The fields must be proven gluten-free for three years with additional standards met such as distance to other lands and ditches. Inspectors visit regularly.

“Cream Hill Estates uses only equipment dedicated to further the process by high pressure air and industrial vacuum to eliminate any possibility cross-contamination,” Beth says. “Their trucks and storage bins are handled the same way.”

Cream Hill Estates tests their products at various stages in the lengthy and expensive process, and they are also tested at a laboratory certified by the Canadian government.
The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) has established a specific standard for growth, harvesting, and processing oats in Canada of 20 parts per million (ppm). Beth Armour says her oat flakes test under 5ppm. http://www.creamhillestates.com/

Adding gluten-free oats to a celiac person’s diet (http://glutenfreehelp.info/celiac-or-gluten-sensitive) is another test. It can be tolerated successfully with a gradual approach in recommended dosages. The additional fiber and health benefits will be a welcome addition to the celiac patient’s diet. It’s recommend that a quarter of a cup of dry rolled oats be the maximum for adult consumption.

Dr. Peter Green, MD, the head of the Celiac Disease Research Center at Columbia University (http://glutenfreehelp.info/gluten-free-info), recommends annual blood tests as well as “appropriate timed” biopsies for celiac patients who decide to add oats to their diet. Dr. Green supports the attempt to add oats to the gluten-free diet for additional fiber and increased variety.

Watch the video review I did on these Cream Hill Estates products here or below.

Tina Turbin
www.glutenfreehelp.info

This company has been around since 1929 and has remained in this family since its inception and will have many years in business to come. They offer raw nuts but also roast their own, select premium quality, and take care of their customers. Any questions, comments, or suggestions are always welcome, according to the family of owners.

As a third generation business, they are familiar with the topic and subject of celiac disease and will guarantee absolute satisfaction. They became educated on the topic and then decided to analyze their ingredient list and got facility certification ensuring no cross-contamination. They do random testing on their products, and now they are certified by a GF organization, which assures they are under 10 ppm, according to the owners.

They carry dried fruits and other snacks besides the nuts, ground nuts, and nut flours I like. Their list contains over 3,000 products. Worth taking a peek. www.nutsonline.com

Tina Turbin
www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

Sunshine Burger

Organic Sunshine Burgers come in several flavors: Garden Herb, Barbecue, South West, Breakfast and Falafel. All Sunshine Burgers are fully cooked and browned in the oven and come frozen to preserve freshness. You can find these burgers at Whole Foods as well as in many other health food stores and co-ops across the country.

For more information or recipe ideas, check out the link below!

www.sunshineburger.com

Tina Turbin

http://www.GlutenFreeHelp.info