Do you have the genes for celiac disease? Find out if you have the genes associated with celiac disease. It’s easy with MyCeliacID — the first do-it-yourself saliva-based genetic test dedicated to celiac disease. If you do have the genes, MyCeliacID will tell you your risk of developing celiac in your lifetime. If you don’t have the genes, it is highly unlikely that you will develop celiac disease in your...

This can often be alleviated by including enough fiber in your diet. The goal is to get about 25 grams of fiber daily (for women) or 35 grams of fiber daily (for men). Take it slow when adding fiber and let your body get used to the new foods. Some high fiber foods that may help you are whole grains, figs, apples, green leafy veggies and flax seed. Also helpful: Aim for at least 64 ounces of water daily Some yoga poses...

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute scientists have identified the three protein fragments that make gluten – the main protein in wheat, rye and barley – toxic to people with coeliac disease. Their discovery opens the way for a new generation of diagnostics, treatments, prevention strategies and food tests for the millions of people worldwide with coeliac disease. When people with coeliac disease eat products containing...

Salicylates are chemicals found naturally in all plants, although the amount of salicylates varies from plant to plant. For plants, salicylates act as a natural preservative, protecting against rotting, and against harmful bacteria and fungi. For humans, salicylates are a major ingredient of aspirin and other pain-relieving medications. They also are found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as many common health and...

Organic foods are certified by law to be free from over 3000 toxins including 73 pesticides classified as potential carcinogens. These chemicals including pesticides, insecticides and fungicides are designed to be strong enough to kill insects and plant diseases; there is no wonder that they are very toxic to the human body. It is not only agrochemicals that are of concern. Many heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury...

Omega 3 fatty acids have gained attention in the past few years and can aide in a variety of health related concerns. Vital to our brain development, growth and overall health, these essential fatty acids are not synthesized by the body meaning we need to have an adequate intake from our food or supplements. Nutritionally important fatty acids are ALA, EPA and DHA. DHA and EPA are produced by micro-algae which are consumed...

Probiotics are similar to the ‘good bacteria’ that colonize our gut keeping our digestive system in balance. Bacteria are usually thought of as unhealthy micro-organisms that we need to eliminate but these particular bacteria are very important in maintaining healthy digestion and a strong immune system. Probiotics help the good bacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora. When unfriendly yeasts, bacteria...

Digestive enzymes are present in the digestive tract and saliva and play an essential role in aiding the complete digestion of food. These enzymes work by breaking down macromolecules such as proteins and carbohydrates into smaller building blocks like amino acids, fatty acids, glycerol, starch and sugars. These enzymes are produced by the body and are secreted by the salivary glands, glands in the stomach and pancreas,...

Chronic pain can be a debilitating disorder that seems to come and stay for no apparent reason. Difficult to diagnose and lasting for months on end, it can drag you down making you feel miserable, irritable and cranky. If you find yourself suffering from pain for longer than 3 months you should seek treatment as you may be suffering from chronic pain. Chronic pain is different to acute pain because there isn’t always...

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to harmful triggers such as damaged cells, irritants or pathogens and it usually marks the body’s initiation of the healing process. Inflammation is not the same as infection. Infection can be the cause of inflammation however inflammation is actually the body’s response to the infection. Without inflammation the body would never heal. Wounds and infections would lead...