Nutrition and Health Information

1. Back to Basics: Gut Health Definitions

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Zonulin: GI Friend or Foe?

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Zonulin is an inflammatory protein that was discovered by Alessio Fasano and his colleagues in 2000. This protein regulates the permeability of the gut lining. Friend:  When pathogenic bacteria is present, zonulin is triggered and performs its part in protecting us by temporarily opening up or loosening up the tight junctions of the gut lining to release the bugs through diarrhea, helping us get rid of the bacteria. After the pathogenic bacteria exits the body, zonulin levels decrease and the tight junctions return to closure. Foe: No one is able to digest gluten. Six percent of the global population are gluten sensitive (not the same as allergies or intolerances). This is separate from those who have celiac disease. For the six percent who are gluten sensitive, gluten is a stronger trigger for zonulin. The result is higher than normal levels of zonulin for these individuals. With higher levels of zonulin, tight junctions remain permeable allowing toxins, undigested food, etc....
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Tune Out Toxins and Toxicants

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Toxins is another key culprit in wreaking havoc on gut health. If ingested or inhaled, toxins  can result in dysbiosis leading to leaky gut or intestinal permeability. The truth is that toxins are everywhere. We cannot completely avoid them.  However, there are a few areas where we can at least escape some of them. First of all, let's look at the difference between the two words toxins and toxicants.  Toxins are poisonous substances that are naturally produced by plants,animals and insects. Toxicants are potentially poisonous and are either naturally produced or synthetically made. The major areas we can decrease our ingestion, inhalation or application of toxins and toxicants are the following: 1. Food 2. Cooking ware 3. Beauty products 4. Household cleaning products 5. Dental care products The following are a few companies that have certified determination of ingredients that are toxic and safe: 1. United States Environmental Protection Agency 2. Made Safe 3. BeautyCoun...
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Lentil Potato Loaf

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I am thankful for having the honor of growing up in a loving, Christian home...and a especially an Adventist home.  So, if you grew up in the Adventist circle, you know all about the infamous "Special K Loaf"...or sometimes known as cottage cheese loaf.  It's a favorite in potlucks for sure!  Amazingly, there are so many versions of recipes out there for this popular cottage cheese dish. In addition, depending on who's version or conglomeration of versions you use, the saturated fat content can be astronomical.  However, I am a believer in moderation, so it definitely doesn't hurt to have it once in a while.   I was determined to make a spin-off version of this wonderful dish with maintaining flavor, but decreasing the saturated fat content.  The outcome is a lentil potato loaf. I have been working on this recipe for a couple weeks and I was able to fine tune it by the time Bible Study was at my house last Tuesday.  I made it for the gals and w...
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