Got Colitis? Skip Tequila, Go for the Worm: Scientists believe they have a cure for Crohn’s disease and celiac, and it involves using parasitic hookworms.  Here are some other surprising natural options for managing autoimmune disease.

Are we killing ourselves with hygiene?

Clean bottled drinking water, sub-zero refrigeration, anti-bacterial gels, dirt-free playgrounds, and sanitized kitchen counters- what do all these things all have in common?

If you guessed that these things all help to prevent disease, then guess again.

According to scientists, our standards of cleanliness are backfiring, killing healthy microscopic parasites that our bodies need to thrive.

Unlike people living in impoverished countries, where bug-ridden sacks of grain are commonly dealt with, we, with our clean, white processed bags of flour are nevertheless exclusive in our propensity for developing autoimmune diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disorder (IBD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and asthma.

Dish out the dirt.

The hygiene hypothesis implies that modern-day medical technology and sanitary standards, such as vaccines, antibiotics, purified water, and refrigeration have caused autoimmune disease by disturbing the body’s natural balance of healthy parasitic worms.

Worm therapy was part of standard medicine in previous centuries.  So it comes as no surprise to supporters of the hygiene hypothesis that autoimmune diseases were nonexistent in earlier times, arriving on the medical scene only in recent years.

According to Dr. Joel Weinstock, chief of gastroenterology and professor of immunology at Tufts University, instances of IBD went up from 1 out of 10,000 in the 50s, to 1 out of 250 in modern days.

Read more about Crohn’s disease here- Crohn’s- 9 Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) Myths to Ignore

Open up and say…well, you might want to close your eyes.

Beginning in October 2011, research participants will volunteer to swallow pig whipworm eggs, as part of a study focusing on treating autoimmune disease. By introducing worms into the digestive systems, scientists hope to find a cure for digestive disorders.  By the end of the year, the whipworm larvae will have passed through the intestines, and scientists hope to find enough evidence to further the advancement of worm therapy for immunological diseases.

In the meantime, swallow this…

Gut Bugs:Winning the Bacteria Battle

Gastrointestinal Surgery for Crohn’s (IBD) and B12 Warnings

Ten Foods to avoid if you have Inflammatory Bowel Disorder

5 Ways to Prevent Diverticulosis-Diverticulitis Gastro Illness

Sources:

Worming Your Way to Better Health- Science News

Parasitic Worms: A Retro Cure for Autoimmune Diseases? Fox News

Worm treatment: Worm treatment trials underway for autoimmune diseases – OrlandoSentinel.com

Hygiene Hypothesis

Images:

kate*’s photostream, lilli2de, Shelly and Roy, Arlington County

The Diverticulitis Disease Diet: Diverticulitis, a digestive disease that causes diarrhea, stomach cramps, colon infection, and gastrointestinal bleeding, is prevented by following these health tips…

What’s the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis (dahy-ver-tik-yuh-lahy-tis) and diverticulosis (dahy-ver-tik-yuh-loh-sis) are both part of diverticular disease, a digestive system disorder involving the diverticula, or “pouches” that line the lower part of the colon.  If you have diverticulosis, then you might never suffer any of the symptoms of diverticular disease.  A colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or barium enema is required in order to diagnose diverticulosis.

However, if diagnosed with diverticulitis, then you might experience symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomachaches, fever, and urinary problems, indicating an inflammation of your diverticula (colonic pouches).

What are the risks of diverticulitis?

Your physician may diagnose diverticulitis by taking an X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, or blood test, in addition to colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy; then, medical intervention, possibly surgery, is crucial in order to prevent the following complications:

• Diverticular bleeding (burst blood vessels)
• Obstruction in the colon
• Abscess (pus pocket)
• Fistula (abnormal connection)
• Peritonitis (abdominal infection)
• Sepsis (widespread infection)
• Rupture in colon

Gastrointestinal Surgery for Crohn’s (IBD) and B12 Warnings

What is the best way to prevent diverticulitis?

Following a diverticulitis diet is the single best way to avoid severe damage to your digestive system, and prevent a trip to the operating room.  Here are some helpful tips:

1- Increase fiber intake.

Scientists are uncertain what causes diverticulitis, but they do know that it is most common among people who consume low-fiber diets.  Prevent diverticulitis or diverticulosis by including both soluble and insoluble fibers in your diet.  Eat generous helpings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with every meal.

2- Take care when eating seeds and nuts

Until recently, doctors universally advised patients of diverticulitis to avoid eating small, whole foods such as nuts, seeds, and corn.  Modern medicine is in disagreement on that theory, with some experts advocating eating sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, corn-on-the-cob, and raw, unsalted nuts, as they are high in dietary fiber, vitamins, and healthy oils.

Still, others advise staying away from nuts, seeds, and corn, in addition to dried fruits, beans, rinds, and seedy fruits such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries.

Crohn’s- 9 Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) Myths to Ignore

3- Avoid constipation.

Constipation may lead to diverticulitis; large, heavy stools put pressure on your colon, causing your diverticula to expand during a bowel movement.  Over time, frequent stretching of the diverticular walls may lead to a rupture, which requires surgery in order to avoid infection.

4- Drink water throughout the day.

Avoid dehydration, maintain a healthy metabolism, and expel impurities by drinking fresh water during and between meals.  Avoid or reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and salt, as they contribute to dehydration by releasing bodily fluids.

5- Exercise.

Lack of exercise is associated with higher risks of diverticulitis, although scientists are unsure if sedentary lifestyles directly cause diverticulitis.  Daily exercise is effective at preventing constipation and improving your metabolic rate, so if you have diverticulitis or diverticulosis, then thirty minutes of aerobic activity should be part of your daily prevention plan.

Related reading:

101 Helpful Sites for Kids ‘n Teens with Crohn’s (and their Parents)

On the Run with Crohn’s? 6 Ways to Ease Public Restroom Anxiety

Gut Bugs:Winning the Bacteria Battle

Dressing after Crohn’s Surgery- 5 Post- Ostomy Fashion Tips

Sources:

Prevent Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Diverticular disease

Diverticular Disease Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Diverticulitis- PubMed Health

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)

Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net, theimpulsivebuy, euthman

Brain health and vitamin B12 deficiency: Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining cognitive health and addressing mild memory problems related to aging. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common health problem for senior citizens who suffer the beginning stages of dementia.

Atrophy

Brain atrophy is what happens when brain tissue disintegrates.  In the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of age-related dementia, a reduction in the brain’s gray matter correlates to symptoms such as memory loss, disorientation, paranoia, and uncharacteristically aggressive behavior.  In addition to losing brain volume, some elderly individuals also lose bone mass.

B12- the Brain Vitamin

In a recent study, elderly test participants who had vitamin B12 deficiency scored poorly on cognitive skills and memory testing, compared to their peers.  In addition, MRI scans indicated that senior citizens with low B12 levels also had less brain mass than peers who had normal levels of vitamin B12.

Cognitive Decline

This is not the first time that researchers found a correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and cognitive health.  In 2008, Oxford University scientists discovered a link between elevated levels of homocysteine (an indicator of low vitamin B12 levels) and brain shrinkage.  Homocysteine is an amino acid that increases your chances of developing heart disease and stroke.

Digestion

As you get older, your body slows down, and stops producing  as many stomach acids.  Unfortunately, your body still needs stomach acids in order to digest essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B12.  People who lack sufficient stomach acids- the elderly, people on strong heartburn medications- lack the ability to digest vitamin B12 naturally, and must receive vitamin B12 supplements in order to prevent vitamin deficiency.

Elderly Care

In order to detect vitamin B12 deficiency, doctors recommend that elderly individuals receive regular blood testing for homocysteine levels and active vitamin B12, particularly if they exhibit any symptoms of cognitive decline, such as short-term memory loss.  If diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency, then your doctor will prescribe vitamin B12 injections or sublingual vitamin B12.

For extra vitamin B12, or as an alternative to painful injections, a popular option is to supplement with over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin B12.

Related reading:

12 Ways to Avoid Alzheimer’s Disease

Ten Bites to Better Brain Power

Can Aerobics Cure Alzheimer’s Disease?

Feed your Brain Something You’ll never Forget

Sources:

Low Vitamin B12 Level in Elderly May Spur Dementia

B12 shortage linked to cognitive problems

Low Vitamin B12 May Speed Brain Shrinkage

Brain and Body Shrink Before Alzheimer’s Sets In

Images:

C Jill Reed, Vince Alongi, sabertasche2

The ABCs of the Best Vitamins for Energy: Learn which vitamins and minerals are best for keeping fit, building muscle, boosting energy, maintaining your immune system, and improving athletic performance.

#1: Vitamin A

Orange veggies (carrots, yams, etc.) that are high in vitamin A are excellent for maintaining good eyesight, but that’s not all.  Vitamin A also helps your body build protein, which is essential for strong, healthy muscles.  Vitamin A also helps your body store energy by aiding in the production of glycogen.

#2: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Thiamine is one of the most important vitamins for generating muscle growth and boosting stamina during a workout.  That is because vitamin B1 helps your body to digest protein and deliver oxygen to your muscles through hemoglobin.

#3: Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Riboflavin’s impact on athletic performance is threefold:

• Riboflavin helps to boost energy by converting glucose.
• Riboflavin aids in extracting oxygen from fatty acids.
• Riboflavin moves hydrogen ions through the Krebs cycle, which is essential for protein synthesis from amino acids and reproducing DNA.

#4: Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Of all the B complex vitamins, niacin is perhaps the most crucial for converting the calories from foods we eat into energy.  Niacin aids in metabolizing protein, carbohydrates, and fats, in addition to supporting your nervous system, supporting healthy hormones, and maintaining cholesterol in already healthy cholesterol levels.

#5: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Pyridoxine helps your body digest proteins and carbohydrates.  The amount of B6 you need correlates with the amount of protein foods in your diet.

#6: Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is crucial for maintaining a healthy nervous system, sustaining cognitive functioning, and increasing stamina. Cobalamin benefits your body by aiding in the following biochemical functions:

• Nervous system health: By protecting the myelin sheathe of your nervous system, vitamin B12 helps you maintain normal body coordination and movement.
• Cognitive health: by assisting in red blood cell metabolism, vitamin B12 supports delivery of oxygen to the brain.
• DNA synthesis: Vitamin B12 helps to protect cellular and tissue health.
• Stamina: Vitamin B12 helps your body convert fatty acids into energy.

#7: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that supports your immune system.  Because vitamin C dissolves rapidly in water and muscular tissue, athletes with the most muscle require more vitamin C than non-body builders, and must supplement their vitamin C intake accordingly.

The health benefits of the antioxidant vitamin C are numerous; they include:

• Fighting against free radicals
• Metabolizing amino acids, particularly collagen, a protein that is responsible for “gluing” muscular tissue with bone
• Increasing oxygen intake by absorbing iron
• Producing and releasing vital hormones, including testosterone

#8: Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps your body extract calcium from foods such as dairy products, salmon, and dark leafy greens.  Calcium helps your body produce strong bones, muscular tissue, and aids in muscular contraction.  Vitamin D also helps you digest phosphorus, which is also essential for proper muscular functioning, in addition to the synthesis of the energy molecule, ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).

#9: Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in wheat germ, healthy vegetable cooking oils, nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens, and many breakfast cereals.  Vitamin E benefits muscular health by reducing free radicals.

#10: Biotin

Biotin is instrumental in digesting amino acids and increasing stamina.  Bodybuilders who consume raw egg whites may become deficient in biotin because of avidin, a naturally occurring protein in eggs.  In addition to developing biotin deficiency, athletes who eat uncooked eggs expose themselves to the risks of salmonella food poisoning.

#11: Electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, and chloride)

Electrolytes are essential for hydrating the body during excessive perspiring from exercise or exposure to extremely hot, dry weather.  Electrolytes include minerals such as sodium, magnesium, and chloride, the loss of which lead to dehydration symptoms such as muscular cramps, heatstroke, and mental disorientation.  Athletes should opt for drinking water fortified with electrolytes, as your body is unable to produce these minerals naturally.

#12: Creatine

Creatine is an amino acid that occurs predominantly in fish and poultry.  Creatine supplements help your body convert energy from phosphorus, and are popular among athletes who favor sports that require quick, intense bursts of energy, such as bodybuilding, sparring, kickboxing, or sprinting.

Related reading:

Boost Athletic Performance, Part 1- 4 Foods and Nutrients

6 Food Cravings that Signal Vitamin Deficiency

11 Easy Strategies for Eating Healthy on a Tight Food Budget

Sources:

B-Vitamins and Athletic Performance

Top 10 Vitamins for Bodybuilders

Nutrition Supplement: Vitamins and Diet for Athletic Performance

What is the Krebs Cycle?

Does Niacin Give You Energy?

Adenosine Triphosphate

Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net, istolethetv

Pre-Workout Foods that boost athletic performance: Discover which healthy, nutritious foods boost energy, protect your immune system, and increase stamina.

Get motivated

Following an exercise regimen is crucial for optimal health.  Not only is it necessary for maintaining or losing weight, but it is also essential for managing conditions like depression, chronic pain/fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and even diabetes.

Post-bariatric surgery patient must also follow a physical fitness program.

Get moving

To get the most out of your daily workout, make sure to eat the right foods.  Eating healthy, nutritious pre-workout snacks will help to boost energy, prevent exhaustion, and minimize sports injuries.

Here are four foods that health experts recommend for athletic performance:

1) PB & J

For optimal energy before a sports meet, munch on something with lots of complex carbohydrates and protein. Old School peanut butter and jelly sandwiches get a nutritious update when you substitute whole-grain bread in place of pasty white sliced bread, organic all-natural peanut butter for the sugary processed kind, and 100% fruit spread instead of syrupy-sweet jam.

Also read: Boost Energy and Beat Fatigue All Day Long- 8 Sure-Fire Tips

2) Fruit and Yogurt

Yogurt contains active live cultures that are beneficial for breeding healthy “good” bacteria in your gut.  Opt for low-fat plain yogurt, and flavor it with fresh fruit and granola. In a hurry?  Toss it in the blender, whir it around for a minute, and pour yourself a refreshing fruit smoothie.  Some delicious yogurt concoctions to try are berries ‘n mint, cinnamon apple “a la mode,” and date-nut shake.

Also read: 7 Days of Refreshing, High Energy Smoothies without Caffeine

3) Dark Chocolate

We kid you not.  According to research from Wayne State University, dark chocolate contains ingredients that help boost sports performance.  Small doses of chocolate, combined with daily exercise, enhance muscle tone by 50 percent.

Also read:  6 Food Cravings that Signal Vitamin Deficiency

4) Honey

Carbohydrates such as glucose provide energy.  Before going on a long bike ride or running a marathon, you need an extra dose of healthy sugars to give you the stamina you need to get the most out of your workout.  Honey is whole, all-natural blend of healthy sugars that delivers pure energy.  Also read: Marathon Runner to eat only McDonalds Food- her 31 Day Menu

Related reading:

Eight Great Juices that Heal and Protect your Body

Sources:

Dark Chocolate May Help Boost Athletic Performance

Honey Heightens Athletic Performance

5 Ways Nutrition Can Boost Athletic Performance

Images:

brockvicky, Chocolate Reviews, megan.chromik, Benson Kua, janineomg, Steve-h

Healthy Recipes for the Gluten Intolerant: This fall, cook up easy healthy gluten-free recipes for celiac disease, including warm, delicious wheat free bakery goods that are safe for gluten allergies.

What are the symptoms of celiac disease?

Celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, is an autoimmune disease.  People with celiac disease have a strong, negative reaction to all foods containing gluten.  Celiac disease symptoms vary by patient; some people with celiac experience little or no symptoms, while some suffer from severe malabsorption or mineral and vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 deficiency.  Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, rapid weight loss, and bloating.

What foods contain gluten?

Gluten is a protein that acts as a binder in certain grains, including wheat, barley, rye, and spelt.  Safe grains for people with gluten intolerance or gluten allergies are rice, corn, amaranth, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and teff.

Six Gluten-Free Fall Recipes from Six Famous Food Blogs:

1) Pumpkin Pie

For many, the fall season doesn’t officially begin until you take your first freshly baked pumpkin pie out of the oven.  This pumpkin pie recipe, from the Gluten-Free Easily, solves the question, “How do you make a pie crust without using flour?”  That’s because this custard pie is crustless!  Enjoy all the smooth, rich creaminess, without the flaky, burnt crust that you weren’t really going to enjoy, anyway.

2) Sweet Potato Cornbread

This cornbread recipe from Gluten-Free Goddess turns out a mile-high, crunchy loaf of cornbread.  The added sweet potato puree adds moisture, volume, and an air of festivity!

3) Gluten Free Carrot Muffins

These bright, golden carrot muffins are healthy, delicious, and inexpensive to make.  Gluten Free Works uses organic ingredients, fresh grated carrot, and gluten-free flour mix to bake these light, airy muffins.

4) Multigrain Bread, Gluten-Free

This Thanksgiving, serve up a loaf of warm, steamy home-baked bread in a snap, and stand back and take a bow.  Thanks to the Art of Gluten-Free Baking, you can have your multigrain bread, and eat it, too!  Taken from the Cooking Gluten-Free! Cookbook, this bread recipe takes only 45 minutes to rise!

5) Apple Crumble

This healthy, gluten-free Apple Crumble recipe, featured in the New York Times Recipes for Health, incorporates quinoa and gluten-free certified oats in the topping.  Raw brown sugar adds a light, earthy sweet taste to this cinnamon ‘n nutmeg spiced fall dessert.

6) Cinnabon-ish Cinnamon Rolls (Gluten-Free)

The magic in this Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll recipe is in the millet flour, or rice flour, if you prefer.  From Food.com, these doughy, pan buns pop out of the oven golden brown, and dripping with butter and syrupy goodness.  Resist the urge to gobble them all up before adding the cream cheese frosting!

Related reading:

15 Gluten-Free Glitterati, from Aniston to Zooey

Gluten-Free Bento Boxed Lunches for Celiac Dieting, Part 1

Gluten-Free Bento Boxed Lunches for Celiac Dieting, Part 2

Can a Gluten-Free Diet Ease Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Sources:

Celiac Disease Symptoms in Children and Adults

Seven Common Questions about Gluten and Grains

Images:

c3lsius_bb, FotoosVanRobin, ikeX, Vegan Feast Catering, Gudlyf, www.WorthTheWhisk.com, AcrylicArtist

Gastric Bypass Workouts– Lose Belly Fat! After having weight loss surgery, bariatric patients must follow an exercise program to keep losing weight and maintain weight loss.  Here are 13 reasons why…

Post Bariatric Surgery- Dust off your Running Shoes

Gastric bypass surgery is gaining in popularity, and it’s easy to see why.  Morbid obesity is one of the leading causes of death, and for many who weigh over four-hundred pounds, joining a health club just isn’t going to cut it.  Weight loss surgery, including gastric bypass, banding, and gastric sleeve, offers people who suffer with obesity a new lease on life, provided they follow a bariatric surgery diet and adopt a post-surgery approved exercise program.

Weight Loss Surgery: What 50 Post-Op Patients have to Say

After Gastric Bypass Surgery, but Before Picking up the Dumbbells

• Consult your bariatric surgeon before starting a new workout regimen.  It’s important to allow proper time for your stomach muscles to recuperate before trying to strengthen your abdominal muscles.
• Drink plenty of water before and after exercise, in addition to between meals.
• Don’t reward yourself by eating high-calorie foods.  Follow a healthy, balanced diet for gastric bypass patients while including fitness into your lifestyle.
• Don’t get discouraged if you miss a workout, or even more than a few; jump right back on the weight loss bandwagon!
• Be realistic about your exercise goals.  Start small, and slowly build strength and stamina.

10 Mistakes Gastric Bypass Patients Often Make

13 Benefits of Exercising Post Weight Loss Surgery

1. Strength training increases lean muscle, which in turn boosts your fat-burning metabolism
2. Following a fitness program is crucial for maximum weight loss
3. Stronger muscles mean more energy, and less back aches
4. Firm muscle tone reduces flabby skin, tightens tummy muscles after bariatric surgery
5. Improves flexibility of the joints
6. Strengthens your bones
7. Every day physical activities become easier to accomplish
8. Promotes healthier skin
9. Boosts immune system
10. Triggers mood-elevating endorphins
11. With increased weight loss and toned muscles, improves self-esteem and confidence
12. Relieves stress, anxiety, nervousness, depression, and panic disorder
13. Improves quality of life

Related reading:

Post Gastric Bypass- 5 Tips for Keeping the Weight Off

Tired of getting Dumped? 4 Ways to avoid Gastric Bypass Dumping.

Sources:

Physical Activity After Bariatric Surgery Improves Weight Loss, Quality Of Life

After gastric bypass surgery, are there specific exercise precautions I should take?

Bariatric Surgery- Obese people can exercise after bariatric surgery – Los Angeles Times

Strengthening Abdominal Muscles – Tips on Strengthening Abdominal Muscles After Surgery

Images courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net, mini true, dospaz

McDonald’s Diet for 2011 Marathon Training

Flickr

Training for a marathon requires a rigid schedule of exercise, rest, and a healthy eating diet of McDonalds menu food items, says 2011-marathon runner Emily Strunk-Helm.

Running on McDonald’s Burgers ‘n Fries…

Emily Strunk-Helm of Arizona recently began a 31-day training schedule for the upcoming Long Beach 2011 Marathon, to take place on October 9.  The 36-year-old has pledged to raise money for the charitable organization, the Ronald McDonald House, by training for the marathon on a steady diet of foods comprised entirely of McDonald’s fast food items.

Flickr

…and McDonald’s Cookies, Pancakes, and gallons of Coke

Her role model, Joe McRunner D’Amico, finished in 28^th after running the Los Angeles Marathon last March, existing on a steady 30-day diet of McDonald’s menu items, including:

• 9 chocolate milks
• 24 Chicken Snack Wraps
• 24 servings of oatmeal
• 14 Fruit & Walnut Salads
• 23 hamburgers
• 97 hotcakes (pancakes)
• 63 cookies
• 23 32-oz. buckets of coke

And yes, he had fries with that- lots of them.

Nevertheless, he managed to raise $40,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicago & Northwest Indiana.

Flickr

McRunnerette Admits she Loves the Golden Arches

Emily, whose favorite McDonald’s foods are cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, and fries, sees nothing wrong with eating the foods that she loves, insisting that a McDonald’s meal is part of a healthy diet.

“To me, this is like a well-rounded meal,” she says.  “I’ve got carbs, I got protein.”

Flickr

Her Healthy Food Plan

Today, McRunnerette Emily Strunk-Helm hopes to raise $10,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix, Arizona.

As part of her 31-day training regimen, Emily will consume a diet consisting exclusively of McDonald’s food items, with the exception of bottled water and vitamin supplements.  Here is what she will eat in a typical day, as she prepares her body for the grueling marathon race:

• 1 Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
• 1 Chocolate Chip Cookie
• 1 Hot and Spicy McChicken Sandwich
• 1 small order of French Fries
• 2 large Diet Cokes
• 1 large Vanilla Cone
• 1 Crispy Chicken Ranch Wrap
• 1 medium order of French Fries
• 1 Apple Pie

Flickr

Her biggest challenge so far?  Running to McDonald’s every time she gets hungry.  Unlike other dieters who follow a 3-meal-a-day, plus snacks, food plan, McRunnerette prefers to eat chomp on small snacks throughout the day, not an easy feat if your entire menu contains fast-food restaurant meals.

Flickr

Related reading:

Fast Food Felonies, Part I: the Anatomy of a Chicken Nugget

Fast Food Felonies, Part II: Top 10 Fatty Offenders

Sources:

Eat only McDonald’s for a month…and run a marathon?  One woman’s crazy challenge.

Fast food, fast runner: ‘McRunnerette’ training for marathon eating only McDonald’s food

30-Day Challenge | Confessions of a Drive-Thru Runner

Fast food, brother’s memory fuels AZ marathon runner

Top iPhone apps for finding the nearest gluten-free restaurants or bakeries are great for celiac disease or food allergy diets, on iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.

Even More Gluten-Free Gadget Apps!

Yesterday, we reviewed the first five of our list, the 10 Best iPhone Apps for Celiac Disease.  And now, here are five more outstanding iTunes apps for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, finishing off our top ten list of iPhone apps for gluten-free products, and recipes for people with food allergies.

#6 Restaurant Nutrition

Restaurant Nutrition

Over 250 restaurants and 60,000 menu items fill this database for anybody trying to lose weight, avoid food allergens, follow a gluten-free diet, or just for people who want to choose healthy, nutritious food items while eating out.  This restaurant app is compatible with Google maps and Facebook.  Restaurant Nutrition, iTunes, Foundation HealthCare Network, Free

#7 Gluten Free Registry

Gluten Free Registry

For iPhone, iPad, and iPod, the Gluten Free Registry has an all-inclusive list of gluten-free restaurants, vacation resorts, bakeries, grocery stores, caterers, and coffee houses, including over 23,300 establishments in and outside the US.  Map out gluten-free desserts, and post your review. Preview menus from over 12,300 eateries.  Gluten Free Registry, iTunes, Gluten Free Registry LLC, $1.99

#8 Gluten Free Ingredients

FreeIngredients

Whether you suffer from gluten sensitivity, gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, you’ll appreciate this list of gluten-free foods that lets you automatically search for gluten-free pizza or gluten-free breads on Amazon and Google without having to type “gluten free” in the search field repetitively.  Gluten FreeIngredients, iTunes, Nations Software, $0.99

#9 Eden Recipes

Eden Recipes

Enjoy taste testing over 1,000 by Eden Foods, the leading manufacturer of healthy, organic natural foods.  Cruise through this iPhone app for allergen-free recipe ideas, organized by cuisine, course, specific diet, or key ingredients.  Eden Recipes, iTunes, Eden Foods, Free

#10 Food Allergy Detective

Food Allergy Detective

If you’re trying to control food triggers, but you don’t like constantly having to log in details like dates, times, or amounts, then this is the only food diary you’ll ever need!  Easily find out which foods you are allergic to by checking off only two categories- food and symptom, unless you want to add other important details, such as the time of day, food name, or date.  Nothing could be simpler.  Food Allergy Detective, iTunes, Evil Timmy, $2.99

Related reading:

Gluten-Free Bento Boxed Lunches for Celiac Dieting, Part 1

Gluten-Free Bento Boxed Lunches for Celiac Dieting, Part 2

Can a Gluten-Free Diet Ease Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Top iPhone apps for finding the nearest gluten-free restaurants or bakeries are great for celiac disease or food allergy diets, on iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.

Flick

Eating Gluten Free just got Easier

Let’s face it- celiac disease diets don’t lend themselves to spontaneous eating. If you’re trying to cut out gluten, nuts, dairy, or any other allergens from your diet, then you need to read food product ingredient lists carefully while shopping for groceries and preparing gluten-free meals.

But if you have an iPhone, iPod, or iPad, then you have a wealth of gluten-free information at your fingertips!  With the latest iPhone apps on iTunes, you can easily look up gluten-free recipes, the nearest gluten-free restaurants, gluten-free bakeries, and thousands of other eating establishments that serve specially prepared pizza, bread, cakes, and other baked goods for people with celiac disease or other gluten intolerance.

Here is the first part of our list, the 10 Best iPhone Apps for Celiac Disease.  Stay tuned for the second part, including list items #6-10, tomorrow!

#1 GF Disney – Gluten and Allergen Free Disney World

GF Disney – Gluten and Allergen Free
Disney World

If you’re planning a gluten-free Disney vacation, then you’ll want to download this Disney World app for people with celiac disease and food allergies.  Many of Disney World’s restaurants, shops, and food stands serve foods that are free of gluten, peanuts, dairy, and meat- great for vegetarians and vegans, children with autism, celiac disease patients, or anybody on a restrictive diet.  This iPhone app lets you find allergen-free foods while visiting Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Water Parks, and Downtown Disney.
GF Disney – Gluten and Allergen Free
Disney World, iTunes, GlutenFree Passport, $2.99

#2 Is That Gluten Free?

Is That Gluten Free?

This handy iPhone app lists over 23,000 gluten-free food products, featuring over 510 popular brands, such as Whole Foods. No internet connection is required. Is That Gluten Free?, iTunes, Midlife Crisis Apps, LLC, $3.99

#3 Don’t Eat That

Don’t Eat That

For use in grocery stores, easily look up food ingredients for poison alerts, allergies, drug interactions, or safety during pregnancy and nursing. No wifi is required to search this database of over 1900 food additives and ingredients. Don’t Eat That, iTunes, Celldial, Inc., $1.99

#4 Food Additives 2

Food Additives 2

If you’re on a restrictive diet for celiac disease, food allergies, asthma, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), or other chronic illness, then this app for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch is the one to get. Search food additives by name, International Numbering System, safety level, symptoms, and dietary restrictions. This app is fully searchable, requires no internet connection, and is also an excellent resource for vegans and people with vitamin B12 deficiency. Food Additives 2, iTunes, IGRASS PTY LTD, $3.99

Check this out: 101 Helpful Sites for Kids ‘n Teens with Crohn’s (and their Parents)

#5 Cook IT Alle Cook IT Allergy Freergy Free

Cook IT Allergy Free

An App Store “New and Noteworthy” feature, Cook IT Allergy Free includes over 200 recipes for people suffering from  celiac disease, autism, or various food allergies. IPhone app features colorful recipe submissions for people avoiding allergens such as gluten, nuts, dairy, or eggs. Cook IT Allergy Free, iTunes, My Allergy Free Recipes, LLC, $3.99

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