Going Dairy Free

So, you are not just gluten-free, but dairy-free, too

"What?! First, no gluten and now no dairy, either?" You may be asking in tears and frustration. If this is the case, don't worry. I'm here to help. So, take a deep breath and exhale knowing that there are now plenty of great-tasting dairy-free alternatives on the market and going dairy free may be the next best thing for your health since going gluten free. A casein-free diet (casein is the protein found in milk and is also used as a binding agent in some cosmetics, paints, and nail polish) has been found to be very beneficial for a number of reasons - from those with autism to anyone with an auto-immune disorder or wishing to avoid one.

Below is a list of foods that contain casein taken from Living Without magazine:

• All bovine milk products


• Milk - White or chocolate


• Cream


• Half & half


• Yogurt


• Sour Cream


• Cheese


• Butter


• Sherbet


• Ice Cream


• Ice Milk


• Creamed Soups and Veggies


• Soup Bases


• Puddings


• Custard


• Whey

Casein-Free Alternatives

• Rice Milk


• Soy Milk (not a fan of soy personally)


• Hemp Milk


• Coconut Milk


• Any nut milk - almond, cashew - especially homemade


• Pareve Creams and Creamers


• Sorbet


• Italian Ices


• Ghee (ensure it says Casein Free as not all brands are - see www.spunkycoconut.com to learn how to make your own)


• Coconut Butter


• Coconut Milk


• Earth Balance "Butter" Spreads - also in soy free


• kosher pareve foods


• Foods certified as kosher non-dairy or pareve


• Note: for a non-dairy alternative to powdered milk, there are rice, goat, and coconut milk options available. You just might have to purchase on-line as it's a difficult item to find

Foods/Items that MAY contain casein

• Margarine


• Tuna fish


• Dairy-Free Cheese (most brands)


• Cosmetics


• Medicines


• Nail polish


• Paints


• Lactic Acid


• Artifical Flavorings


• Semi-sweet Chocolate


• Hot Dogs


• Lunch Meats


• Sausage


• Ghee

See our blog www.g-freeliving.blogspot.com for more information. Thanks!

Removing Gluten

Wheat, rye, barely, and oats are difficult to digest and, in many people, they cause inflammation. Research has also found there are toxic amino acid sequences found in these gluten-containing food often create negative health conditions. And when one consumes gluten-containing foods, damage to the villi in the digestive system can occur. Once your villi are impaired, food is able to "leak" out of the intestines and into the blood stream. This condition is commonly known as 'leaky gut.'

If you are suffering from intestinal problems, muscle or joint pain, headaches or migrains, skin rashes, loss of tooth enamel, depression or anxiety, fatigue or even neurological problems such as loss of balance or forgetfulness you could be suffering from a food intolerance or allergy. And based on the fact gluten increases inflammation, anyone suffering from an auto-immune condition should definitely be gluten free.

Below is a list of items containing wheat and gluten. Please note that there are many delicious gluten-free versions available and g-free living can be quite tasty and enjoyable. So do not see this as a "death sentence," but rather a "life sentence." For more information, please check out our other blogs on living g-free and recipes.
www.g-freeliving.blogspot.com and www.n8wellnessrecipes.com.


Foods to Avoid:

• Bread and biscuits
• Breadcrumbs
• Cake flour and mixes
• Cake, brownies and cookies
• Coffee creamers
• Chow mein noodles
• Doughnuts
• Flavored rice and pasta mixes
• Flavored instant coffee and teas
• Ice cream cones
• Pasta
• Pizza
• Pretzels

Flours to Avoid:

• Barley
• Bleached All-Purpose Flour
• Brown
• Bread
• Durum
• Enriched
• Graham
• Granary
• High Gluten
• High Protein Gluten
• Oat
• Wheat
• White

Everyday Products to Avoid:

• Lip stick
• Chapstick (some flavors contain vitamin E which contain gluten)
• Children's stickers
• Playdough
• Stamps and envelopes
• Soap, shampoos, and conditioners
• Hairspray and gels
• Toothpaste
• Cosmetics
• Medications
• Household appliances - toasters, ovens, waffle irons (use separate ones for GF)
• Kitchen utensils (use separate ones)