May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month and a great time to spread awareness about the disease. Celiac disease is a gastroenterological, autoimmune and digestive disorder. It is complex and is linked to hundreds of symptoms; some people have many of them and some people have few to none. That’s why it can take years before it is diagnosed. In fact, most people living with celiac disease are undiagnosed. I became very sick at 18 months old and suffered from a wide range of symptoms, particularly those related to my gastrointestinal tract. I had anemia, severe weight loss, was malnourished and…

With Mother’s Day approaching, why not make an epic breakfast in bed for the special mother or “like a mother” lady in your life (or yourself)? Homemade is best made, so show you care by preparing a wonderful nutrition-packed meal to fuel and pamper her. Here are some delicious ideas to get you started. 1. Assemble a mouthwatering breakfast sandwich Create a savory breakfast sandwich by layering your mother’s favourite sliced cheese, sunny side up egg, sliced bacon (or turkey bacon), sliced tomato and lettuce between two slices of Queen Street Bakery Romano bean sliced loaf. Comparable to a sourdough,…

You’ve heard the term 'superfood' before, but what does it really mean? According to the Harvard School of Public Health, “a food has a superfood status when it offers high levels of desirable nutrients, is linked to the prevention of a disease, or is believed to offer several simultaneous health benefits beyond its nutritional value." For example: Salmon is considered a superfood because in addition to other nutrients it offers, it has a notable fatty acid nutritional profile which supports heart health. Blueberries are considered a superfood because of their rich antioxidant profile—antioxidants help support a healthy immune system. Living…

Adhering to a special diet can be challenging, especially if it means giving up foods you love. Learning how to make good substitutions and experimenting with new recipes is key. Why not make it your new year’s resolution to stick to your special diet. After all, it’s better to stick to it than to get sick. Here are some tips to help you out. Create a support system Food allergens such as gluten, dairy and nuts are so common today, which means you are not alone. Speak with family members and friends about your dietary needs when the time is…

Even people with the strongest digestive systems get overwhelmed around the holidays due to an excess of processed foods, sugar and alcohol. Individuals with digestive disorders and chronic diseases can be particularly affected. Research has suggested these conditions (and chronic diseases) are the result of an overgrowth and imbalance of intestinal microbial flora, which consists of bacteria that help keep you healthy. This research dates back to the 1920’s when doctors like Dr. Ilya Metchnikoff recommended fermented milk (kefir) and yogurt to promote healthy gut bacteria. What should you know about the gut? You’ve probably heard about the “gut microbiome” by…

The holidays are approaching and you might be wondering what to serve family and friends. If you’re new to gluten-free living, making your holiday dinner free of gluten might sound more like more of a feat than a feast, especially if you’re accustomed to using wheat flour in your stuffing, bread, gravy and desserts. Don’t sweat it! There are loads of gluten-free recipes for these dishes that can replace or eliminate gluten-containing ingredients altogether. The best part is no one will even notice. Cooking from scratch is the best way to stay safe and if you buy anything that is…