BRUMI1968

Hey all! Does anyone know anything about exercise balls? I've got two - one is small 55cm maybe - and says it's for folks under 5'3. The other one is 65 cm maybe - and that is for my height. BUT...when I sit on the bigger one, my legs don't make a 90-degree angle - and aren't they supposed to?

Question: What is the danger of using the wrong-sized ball? Am I better off with too big (I could underinflate), or small.

I have short legs...maybe that is my problem with the 90-degree angle thing.

Thanks.

-Sherri

P.S. I'm 5foot9

Last Christmas, my in-laws and I all went to Molokai, Hawaii for ten days in a house. There was one tiny store, one slightly less tiny store, and thankfully, a healthfood store (the tiniest of them all). My husbands dad baked bread every day, but other than that, it went well. I don't know what kind of island you're going to, but often the visitors you're with will become obsessed with mango, papaya, avocado, etc. and might not even have that much gluten around.

Admittedly, when I went I did not know I was celiac. I ate some of the bread...man was it good. Gary even tried making it from spelt since he knew I didn't eat wheat, and that was thoughtful.

Anyway, good luck to you. Which island are you going to? And where are you going from?

I was reading today how long-chain carbs can cause bloating and intestinal discomfort. The website was talking about sports drinks, actually...but said that fructose often causes people problems. Granted, most times it causes problems are going to be in sports drinks or other drinks (think high-fructose corn syrup), but for some, it may be from eating too much fruit.

If you do either sports drinks or sport things (fructose, maltodextrin, amylopectin, and amylose are names of sugars), that could be the problem too.

-Sherri

I think you can eat lower glycemic fruits ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. Otherwise they ferment and feed the yeast.

I think I added back fruit a bit premature, and am going to have to go off it again for a week to get back on track.

Good luck.

Can you elaborate on the "bristol scale"? I just jot down what I eat and when, then how I feel and IF I had odd poop. I'd like it to be more extensive. Maybe if it were put in Microsoft Acess as a database with a pretty entry form, it might be easier. I've actually decided I should have a book I carry around with me, since you never know when you're going to be eating.

I think I'll make a new one:

time, what ate, how much

activities beyond normal stuff

mood

bowel habits

energy levels (this one really fluctuates for me)

misc. things (canker sores, swollen lip, dizzy, etc.)

Hmm. this book sounds big.

I have tried those computer programs that are supposed to analyze your calories and nutrients and whatnot, but I like the free ones and they're never very good -- they want you to enter the values for all the foods - what's the point, then? Plus, a lot of them focus on prepared foods, which I don't eat.

anyway, good post. I look forward to seeing what others say.

I think banana is pretty high in carb, if you can eat that...and it has its own container - you have to respect a food that brings its own tupperware.

I eat lots of nuts.

I used to get so nauseus when waking because I had gotten hungry in the night. I started waking up at 5am and having a bowl of cereal, then going back to sleep. Thankfully, I seem to have gotten over that since you're right, it seems with Celiac we are constantly in the kitchen messing the place up. Celiac has given me dishpan hands.

Amazake (sp?) rice and almond shakes are good and have a good kick to them - that's what I used when I was dragging myself all over town while killing yeasties (was exhausting - but the drink helped).

I ditto the protein thing. Ever since I started having protein with every meal, I feel so much better. What about apples with almond butter. I put two drops of stevia and a dash of cinnimin in there to add spunk. Yum.

I hope you feel better. I know it really sucks to not have the energy to do anything.

Gas-X relieves symptoms, but not causes. And, for me, it tends to cause constipation.

It did remind me that activated charcoal can help - but along with air and gas it also grabs vit/min and takes them out of the system - so you wouldn't necessarily want to use it forever or in excess.

I say find out what's bloating you, and put an end to it. It has changed my life - literally. In fact, last night I was bloated for the first time in weeks. I was so crabby. How did I live like that for so long? (no, I'm not sure why, though I ate some dried fruit yesterday and the day before; and I was stressed yesterday - that never helps.)

I use Shi Kai...and for skin care I use MyChelle. (they don't do makeup however; but all their skincare products are gluten-free) Smashbox makes all gluten-free makeup, but it is only available in department stores (I live 90 miles from nearest source)...use it anyhow, though. Actually, I don't know if they do animal experiements or not...I don't think so...but I'll have to doublecheck. Check out My Chelle, though.

-Sherri

I was perpetually bloated. So I

1. quit gluten (obviously)

2. quit all grains

nope, still bloaty...felt better though

3. went on Candida cleanse diet (Body Ecology Diet)

all bloating went away.

I think it was the quitting all sugars, including fruit, that did it. I did this for a little over a week stringently, then added back some low glycemic fruits like applees and berries. I still eat no dairy, no grains, no beans of any kind; and no starchy veggies really.

I also eat raw sauerkraut, which is supposed to help digest proteins and fats, and DOES make your skin look great.

I also take Florastor most days - it is a yeast rather than a pro-bacteria, but it is along the same lines as acidophilous, etc.

I also think it's possible to bloat from too much or anyway the reintroduction of good bactria into your digestive tract, especially if you're not doing anything to kill off the bad stuff.

that's my experience.

That's too funny about the crossword puzzle...so I can do the crossword for 2 hours instead of walk for 1? I can just see crossword puzzle classes popping up at small boutique gyms across the country. Hysterical!

Realty check!

Open Original Shared Link

You get most of your minerals from stuff you eat.

Open Original Shared Link

Always a good idea to do some checks on the internet of myths before you spread them.

I don't think I'm spreading "internet myths". Rather, I think you and I have chosen to put our faith in different medical opinions. Gunn Sikk is a respected nutritionist, and he is certainly not alone in believing that distilled water is detrimental to our health. Dr. Weil is also respected. It's our choice, not being scientists who have studied such things, to use our reason, our research, and our use own anecdotal experiences and to search out medical realities and medical authorites that make the most sense to us.

This board is about sharing ideas, not accusing people of spreading propoganda and myth when their opinions differ from ours.

I don't think it's productive (or kind) to respond with "...is a mindless thing to say." That kind of language just shuts down dialogue.

I think it's very important to find what works for you. Eating three meals a day w/o snacks does not work well for me -- I need small meals and lots of them.

I will tell you that when I quit eating grains and beans, I dropped a pound a day for a while. I've got my husband on a temporary grain-free diet (though he eats dairy and beans): he's been on for seven days and has lost 4 pounds.

Anyway, I agree with the finding when you feel good, as opposed to when you weigh a certain amount; but it sounds like you've already got that all figured out.

Have fun walking - I LOVE walking...(my dog walks too slow for it to be much exercise these days, but when I walk without him I get to breathing and burn some calories).

-Sherri

Hi guys! My-Chelle is a GREAT skincare line that contains no gluten. I decided to change from Dr. Hauschka's because they include wheat germ oil in their products, though they claim they are gluten-free after processing. No sense taking risks, I say. So I tried My-Chelle. It all smells wonderful, is natural, is fruit based, and seems to work really well.

Just thought I'd let you know. Food co-op or google Mychelle and you'll get to their website.

Being a research buff, I had to look this up. According to an internet source which I forgot to write down, it breaks down like this

CALORIES BURNED IN 30 MINUTES OF ACTIVITY:

Bicycling:

leisurely/moderate: 300

fast w/o coasting: 450

Walking:

3 mph: 124

4 mph: 188

5 mph: 300

(That was calculated for a 125# person).

HOWEVER, that said, walking has many benefits over bicycling. 1. less bugs getting killed and getting in your teeth and stuff ... 2. your hair doesn't look weird after the helmet or wind has had its way with it. AND IMPORTANTLY, 3. walking is weight bearing exercise and cycling is not, and perhaps the tip top reason - you spend time with your dog who otherwise would be pining away for you in the heat at home under the kitchen table or lying on the bathroom tiles. Also, seeing birds and animals and stuff, smelling the air (good or bad I don't know where you live), and saying hi to neighbors and the like. Walking rules the roost.

KEEP WALKING!

I dream of opening such a place in Montana one day in the next five years. I'll check it out.

p.s. I don't live in Montana right now.

Hi. From what I understand, you need to go on a specific diet for a short period of time to kill off the yeast. What I did was called the Body Ecology Diet. You might want to check it out from the library because it sounds like it might really help you.

Conceptually, you need to attack on ALL fronts simulteneously. Putting good bacteria/yeast into your system isn't going to work if there are bad bacteria/yeast taking up all the space. Thus, you have to starve them out.

this means:

no grains

no sugar

no fruits

no sweet veggies (carrots, peas, sweet potato)

no starchy veggies (potatoes, winter squash, carrots)

no vinegar

no mushrooms

no cheese

no beer (gluten-free, of course)

Even the sugar in fruit is going to feed the yeast.

As they die off, you might feel like death warmed over - I know I did. After one week of doing this, I actually had to have a dose of something to pick me up, so I had an almond shake with rice and almonds. It worked as a pick-me-up.

Lifelong changes should include:

no sugar

only eat fruit on empty stomach (or it ferments and feeds yeast)

That's what I remember. I felt a lot better after doing the diet, and still do a modified version of it now. Again, the name of the book is: THE BODY ECOLOGY DIET, and I highly recommend it.

Bully4You~ I work downtown on Commercial. This is all still new to me... today is day 3 to be gluten free... I have actually found it pretty easy so far. I love fruit and veggies, and I just threw in rice yesterday for my dinner. I am going to go check out the Harvest bread store. They make gluten free bread on Thursdays according to their web sight.

What are you studying at Fairhaven. I was going to go into elementary education, but ended up getting married and never made it back. I was even considering starting up again, but not sure I am cut out for all the testing .

I didn't know about Harvest Bread gluten-free. I actually quit all grains about a month ago; but had I known beforehand, I would've checked it out. Be cautious of cross contamination - but it sounds like something to give a shot.

At Fairhaven you invent your own "concentration" (degree), and I haven't gotten to that point yet. I go very slowly - one or two classes per quarter - I like it that way. Mostly I study writing, but also identity issues, the Middle East, and human ecology/sustainability. Fairhaven has very few tests; rather, they asses your progress on paper writing and projects. You also don't get grades; instead you get long praise and critique of your skills and your progress. It's an interesting place of about 300 students. I'm not sure what my ultimate goal is, since I'd like to become a farmer/rancher -- the llamas won't know if I have a degree or not, right?

Anyway, let me know if you need any help with anything and how the Harvest Bread Co thing goes. Also, if you want to go to the meeting.....

Take care.

Hi. Please be aware of an autoimmune disorder called Thrombocytopenia Purpura. It is NOT common, however, you should make sure you don't have it.

Easy bruising

Little tiny red dots where things touch you tightly, think seatbelt, pants waist, shoes (tops of feet)

Heavy periods or more than one period or early or late period - but MORE bleeding is what you're thinking

Bleeding gums, nose, etc.

If you have all of these or any of them, you should have your platelets checked. They are the things that clot your blood. In ITP, your spleen kills your platelets, and then you can bleed to death into your spine. Granted, this is VERY RARE to die from - mostly in older folks that are unable to seek help.

When I got it, I had bruises five inches long on either sides of my elbows, that I hadn't noticed. I guess I had them from resting my elbows on the desk. And I'd had two periods. What made me call the doctor finally was that my gums would not stop bleeding.

Anyway, like I said, this is RARE...well, it is certainly not common. And I don't mean to freak you out...but it's best to be on the safe side.

Good luck.

P.S. I bruise easily all the time -- in part due to genetics -- all the women in my family do. But also think Vitamin K, iron, Vitamin C, and, I think, zinc.

Hi just had to post a reply as well, I am a washingtonian also!! Born in Seattle, grew up in Bellevue, college in Mt Vernon, and Bellingham. Moved to Spokane for 2 years and no we live just north of Bellingham in Ferndale!! I work in Bellingham. I have been self diagnosed, and Dr. told me all my symptoms point to gluten intolerant, so stop eating it. This was yesterday. So I am fumbling my way along. This is my first post!! I do know that the Harvest Bread store makes gluten free stuff on Wed evening and Thursdays!!

If you need any advice or want to get together, let me know...PM me. Also, we've got a support group that meets at the Food Co-op, though I've never gone. We could wander in together, if you'd like.

I walk my dog up at Hovander Homestead all the time. Where do you work? I own a small business in Fairhaven called Bully For You that does Girl Friday stuff, and makes movies for folks out of old film footage and photographs. It's fun. I also go to Fairhaven college.

Sorry...I got excited to hear from someone so close on the board. Yahoo. Let me know about the lunching/advice/meeting attendance.

Also, if you're going to be seeing a nutritionist, Tom Malterre is gluten intolerant and seems pretty knowledgeable to me.

Hello. Another Washingtonian here - life-long: born in Tacoma (Ft. Lewis actually), then Seattle, Whidbey Island, Snohomish, Sedro-Woolley, and now Bellingham. I keep moving North..."go west, young man"...only north and I'm not a man.

Olympia is a nice town - I was a page there while my mother was in the legislature (in the 80's), and we had friends live there as well. My Aunt lives in Lacey, and my neices live in Yelm.

Take care, and welcome.

HI all. I quit wheat/dairy about two years ago; then quit gluten about three months ago...and was doing lots of good for you food. I felt lots better, but was still bloated. So then I cut out all grains and beans. Better, but still bloated. The only thing that finally cut the bloated nonsense, was quitting all sugars, including fruits (for a short time). Within a day my bloating was so much better. It's possible that a lot of us have yeast and bacteria problems in our guts. We add probiotics, but we still happily feed the bad bacteria all their favorite foods. The idea is, you have to starve them out, then replenish with good bacteria/yeast. I added back fruit aq week or so later and am still good, though it is hard to watch it. Eating fruit on an empty stomach is best so that it doesn't ferment and feed the bad guys.

Anyway, quitting sugar is certainly an option for restoring intestinal health. Not easy though, that's for sure.

Check out Wax Orchards fruit butters -diabetic friendly - for killing the sweet tooth, and stevia.

You can try eating something really salty. Just a bite. Does it make the headache better? Then eat a bit more. If not, I don't know what to say.

Have you eaten MSG?

Are you dehydrated?

Have you quit caffeine or not gotten enough?

Where is the pain?

From the internet - a good nutritionist......

Sugar AINT SO SWEET-HERES WHY

If there's one topic in all of the G-Files I've ever done that just isn't getting through to people in the way I would like, it has to do with sugar. Mama mia, is this stuff ever junk for you.

Most people don't even know why it's bad for them. So I have to start off by saying that in order for the body to process sugar it needs to leach out of you all of the B vitamins and minerals: calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12. All this just to process it.

And this idea that we have to have it every day? There's no recommended daily requirement for sugar, so people who say they need it are really saying that they have to have it.

This leads me to my third point. If sugar just became available now as an item, it would be classified as a pharmaceutical product because it's crystalline pure and has addictive properties.

Think I'm kidding? Just ask someone to get off of sugar.

So am I exaggerating here? I don't think so. I punched out 124 ways that sugar can ruin your health, backed up by medical references.

Sugar can cause or contribute to the following:

Weakened eyesight

Premature aging

Obesity

Varicose veins

Osteoporosis

Cardiovascular disease

Pancreas damage

Headaches (including migraines)

Depression

Cancer

These are just 10 ways sugar can ruin your health. And it's not like you haven't been told about this. There's a plethora of books out there against sugar: Sugar Blues; Lick the Sugar Habit; Pure, White and Deadly; and Sugar Busters! are just a few.

Hey, I like a New York cheesecake like everyone else but this is not a product we have in moderation. The truth is it (having sugar) should be a rarity because quite honestly, sugar is junk. Take it out of your diet and you'll notice health benefits across the board.

In the studio

"I'm talking about sucrose which is 50 per cent glucose and 50 per cent fructose. Now as soon as you get into other types of sugars, such as dextrose, lactose, etc., from different derivatives, that's a different situation," Sikk said. "We're really talking about white, crystalline pure 10,000-year shelf life sugar."

When reading labels, some of the words you're looking to avoid are sugar, liquid invert sugar, glucose, fructose and sugar solids. Since labels are listed in order of abundance, if you see any of those words in the top three, try not to pick it up - unless you have the product very rarely.

By Gunn Sikk