next stage of their journey and the many healthy options that are available to them. I introduce whole foods and tasty menus, and reassure them that many of their favorites are still available to them, just in different ways.


Initially, I recommend a diet rich in


Saying Goodbye to Gluten: The Emotional Journey


By Marie Mammone, ND I


’ve just had a diffi cult discussion with a patient about a diagnosis of Celiac dis- ease. For those unfamiliar with Celiac, it’s an autoimmune disorder damaging the small intestines, prompted by an inability to digest gluten, a protein found in many grains. I have just informed her that the treatment is a gluten free diet.


We arrived at this place after testing, an important step to confi rm the diagnosis prior to undertaking the structure of a gluten free food program. Her response was familiar, “Oh, no, if I can’t eat gluten, what can I eat?” As a naturopathic physician and a lover of food, I’m no stranger to this response. Upon hearing the gluten free pronounce- ment, and that this will be a lifetime com- mitment, people go through a gamut of emotions.


The initial emotion is often one of grief; a sense of a loss of power and indeed a loss of the actual foods that were once so en- joyed. No bread? No pasta? What on earth will I eat?!” I tell them that their attitude is important and they will be able to eat many foods including fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, real cheese and rice, but no grains or fl ours that contain gluten. I also remind them how easy it is to fl avor food with herbs for tasty meals, to dispel visions of bland, boring, and unappealing choices.


The next wave is fear that comes from external reactions. “What will my family and friends think? How and where will we enjoy meals together? Will I now be consid- ered “high maintenance?” Once the initial panic subsides, however, I am able to gently and supportively walk patients through the


How You Eat Affects How You Feel Do You Suffer from Anxiety


Reduce Your Joint Pain Chronic pain is often caused by inflammation in the body. A poor diet will commonly contribute to joint aches and pain. Working with a nutri- tionist to improve your diet and lifestyle can greatly benefit how you feel on a daily basis.


Do You Experience Chronic Holly Niles, Clinical Nutritionist Call NOW!


860-519-1916 to schedule a nutritional consultation with a nutritional expert!


34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 305 • Bloomfield, CT 06002 • (860) 519-1916 Info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com • IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com


14 Natural Nutmeg - March 2017


Digestive Discomfort? Are you ruled by your gut? Do you experience bloating, gas, abdominal pain? How we eat and what we eat can greatly affect how we feel throughout the day and night. Our Nutrition Team can teach you how to eat healthy without ‘going on a diet’.


or Depression? Many people don’t know that most of our mood modulating brain chemicals are produced in our gut. If our gut is inflamed, our mood is often affected. By learning how to eat in a healthier and more nourishing way, we can improve our mental health.


Our Approach Our approach to nutrition is to help our clients find practical ways to enjoy making healthy changes in their life. Being on a diet is never fun and rarely brings about long-lasting changes. But learning how to change your lifestyle to include more whole foods can bring about huge benefits in how we feel.


vegetables, fruit, and proteins, something I would tell anyone who is interested in improving their health. I usually see relief when the realization occurs that stir frying and steaming are easily accomplished and can produce very delicious results. Whole grains are also allowed, but generally they’re different from what the patient is used to. Rice and quinoa are good fi rst choices that can be adapted to more familiar foods like cereal, pasta and pizza crust. Gluten free fl ours, baking mixes, rice and corn pastas, cereals, and crackers are now available in a lot of the supermarkets and of course in health food stores and Whole Foods stores.


By this time, the initial fear has subsid-


ed, but we’re not out of the woods yet. The food choices have been addressed, but what about all of those other non food concerns? I approach them individually.


As regards to what people think about their new eating habits, I mention that if someone presses them to eat something that will cause distress, an explanation of the reason for refusal generally takes care of things. If not, I remind them that nothing is more important than that they feel good.


Also, high maintenance is not an issue because the acceptable choices are readily available in almost any eating establishment. If you communicate with friends, family and restaurant servers in a friendly and cheerful manner, you can easily survive (and even enjoy!) a trip out. Have you ever heard of a restaurant that doesn’t serve fruit, vegetables or meat?


The internet is a very useful tool for identifying and locating restaurants that accommodate gluten free diets. Many restaurants now are aware of gluten issues and have gluten free items. Burton’s Grill at The Evergreen Walk location in South Windsor, like all the Burton’s restaurants, is an example. To receive a gluten free menu, just ask for it. In Rocky Hill, consider trying Elizabeth’s, all menu items can be prepared gluten free. In Cromwell, consider La Piastra for pre-packaged gluten free meals when you don’t have time to cook. Furthermore, the number of gluten free restaurants and even grocery aisles and bakeries is constant- ly expanding as awareness grows around


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