‘When in doubt, go without.’
The problem with processed food is that you simply can’t be sure that it is gluten-free. The risk of cross-contamination is high, and no one at the big corporations is accountable for your health. Not to mention the fact that processed foods have been irradiated to make them shelf-stable, effectively killing any probiotics. Even certified gluten-free products are often low in nutrients, high in calories—and expensive!
So what should you eat? The Gluten Free RN is on the case with her best suggestions around finding organic, whole foods that contain the healthy fat you need to heal. She explains her revised, gluten-free version of the food pyramid and discusses how these nutrient-dense foods support the healing process.
Nadine provides a list of the best nutrient-dense foods, offering the benefits of each. She also speaks to the most appropriate vitamins and supplements available to solve your nutrient deficiencies. You are what you eat, so make sure you are filling your tank with nutrient-dense foods that will improve your health and quality of life!
What’s Discussed:
How nutrient dense foods support healing
- Regenerate villi
- Reduce inflammation of intestines
- Heal immune system
Why Nadine recommends staying away from gluten-free junk foods
- Low in nutrients, high in calories
- Risk of cross-contamination (processed in facilities with wheat products)
The best sources of nutrient-dense foods
- Whole foods, organic
- Farmers market (few/no fertilizers)
Why shelf-stable products lack nutrients
- Food dead from irradiation, no live probiotics
The risk of contamination in processed foods
- No one accountable at big corporation
- ‘When in doubt, go without’
Nadine’s revised food pyramid
- Fruits and vegetables at base
- Meat, fish and eggs
- Nuts, seeds and berries
The importance of eating healthy fats
- Heals intestines
- Absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K)
- Fix deficiencies
- Healthy brain cells, nervous system
- Balance hormones
Nadine’s recommendations around the best nutrient-dense foods
- Sweet potatoes
- Leafy greens (e.g.: kale, collard greens)
- Berries
- Coconuts
- Black molasses
- Avocados
- Pumpkin, chia seeds
- Meat and fish
- High-quality eggs
- Licorice root, peppermint tea
- Cinnamon
Nadine’s vegetable challenge
- Expand your vegetable repertoire
- Try one new veggie per week
Nadine’s suggestions around additional vitamins, supplements
- Good quality multivitamin
- Fish oil (i.e.: Nordic Naturals)
- Pre/probiotics
- Vitamin D
How to avoid cross-contamination
- Avoid bulk food bins
- Wash produce
Resources:
National Nurses in Business Association
Connect with Nadine:
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Books by Nadine:
Dough Nation: A Nurse’s Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
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