Gluten-Free Diet: Alternatives to Wheat in Menu Planning

If you suffer from celiac disease or a milder form of wheat intolerance allergy, planning a menu can become significantly more difficult. However, with growing numbers of people reporting some level of food allergy symptoms (wheat & being allergic to peanuts being quite common), it's becoming easier than ever to eat well without feeling too restricted.

Cutting Out the Wheat when allergic to wheat

Here are some alternatives to wheat to build a healthy, delicious, and gluten-free diet around. And of course, we recommend that you see a gastroenterologist as well,  since these doctors specialize in celiac disease and are the best ones to diagnose it.

 

Rice Flour

Rice flour is an excellent alternative to traditional wheat-based flours. This fine, starchy flour can thicken sauces and soups and is also a great substitute for using in baked goods. Just like wheat flour, rice flour's mild flavor will not overpower your dish.

Corn Tortillas

In Arizona, corn tortillas and authentic Mexican tortillas can be found everywhere, at any grocery store. Plus, these easy-to-find snacks are extremely affordable. Corn tortillas are a great alternative to flour-based wraps and breads. The sweet, earthy flavor complements just about anything, so you needn't stick to eating these only when making Tex-Mex food!

Baked Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips are a delicious gluten-free snack on their own. With a bowl of salsa or guacamole on the side, you can have a yummy snack that will satisfy your cravings. Tortilla chips are also extremely versatile in the gluten-free kitchen. Crushed tortilla chips make an excellent breading alternative for dishes like fried chicken and coconut shrimp. Plus, ground tortilla chips can work as a thickening agent for sauces and soups while offering a slightly sweeter flavor than flour.

 

Quinoa Pasta

Up until recently, those who avoided gluten had a difficult time finding an alternative to wheat pasta in the grocery store. However, quinoa pasta is now widely available in major outlets across the country. Quinoa pasta requires about the same cooking time as traditional wheat pasta, and its flavor and texture is basically indistinguishable from the original.

  

Brown Rice

Brown rice is an excellent and nutrient-rich alternative to gluten-filled side dishes. You can enjoy brown rice on its own or use flour produced from it to make breads and pastas.

 

Popcorn

 Popcorn is a delicious gluten-free snack that is extremely filling without necessarily being heavy on the fat and sugar. With just a little salt and olive oil, a big bowl of popcorn can be deeply satisfying.

 

Tamari Sauce

Many people are unaware that soy sauce contains gluten, which when combined with the ubiquitous noodles can make Chinese food a minefield for wheat allergy sufferers. Luckily, there is an alternative to soy sauce called tamari. Like soy sauce, tamari adds deliciously savory 'umami' flavor to any dish, yet contains no gluten whatsoever. If you're an avid sushi or oriental food lover, tamari will be your new best friend.

 

Gluten-Free Oats

If you like your morning oatmeal, gluten-free oats provide the same texture and flavor as the traditional version. Plus, these oats can serve other purposes as well. For instance, if your meatloaf recipe calls for breadcrumbs, gluten-free oats make an excellent substitute.

 

Suffering from a wheat allergy can make life complicated in the kitchen, but if you want to avoid the unpleasant or dangerous symptoms, then it's essential to cut out gluten completely. Luckily, these days there are many alternatives, and so there's no need to feel your enjoyment of food is being restricted by your dietary requirements.

“This blog originally posted @ https://allergyarizona.net/gluten-free-diet-alternatives-to-wheat-in-menu-planning/ “

Allergy Testing & Holistic and Medicinal Treatment

●       Pediatric allergies and pediatric asthma

●       Immunodeficiency

●       Food Allergies

●       Skin Allergies also known as allergic contact dermatitis (contact eczema)

●       Nasal Allergies also known as Allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial)

●       Asthmatic bronchitis

●       Occupational Asthma

●       Insect hypersensitivity

Those who suffer from allergies  know the discomfort and anxiety that such a condition brings. While most allergic attacks can be prevented and easily managed, thousands of Arizona still suffer from allergies on a regular basis. The presence of allergens in our desert environment and foods, plus the lack of sufficient awareness about allergies play a major role in the increasing number of allergic attacks.

Don’t let allergies take over your life or your children's!

Typical Allergy Symptoms Seen in Phoenix:

●       Adverse reactions to insect stings, drugs, and food

●       Eye tearing, itching or red eyes

●       Coughing, wheezing and difficulties with breathing

●       Problems in the immune system that lead to frequent infections

●       Sinus infections

●       Itchy skin or red bumps on the skin, hives

●       Anaphylactic shock

●       Angioedema

With over 20 years of experience, you are sure to receive special medical attention from our top rated Phoenix allergists and asthma specialists who have deep understandings of allergies and asthma, and their underlying causes.

We have 5 clinics valleywide which offer treatment plans for children and adults of all ages that are being affected by symptoms of allergy or asthma.  Please contact us today at 602-242-4592 so that we can help you STOP the persistent allergic reactions and other immunologic problems!

Why Choose an Allergy Doctor over your regular Doctor or Naturopath?

Your relationship with your Phoenix allergy doctors should be a relationship you can trust. You want to know for certain that you or your child will receive the best care available for asthma and allergy symptoms in Arizona. In the realm of allergy and asthma, where difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis are always a possibility, you're putting your life in your doctor's hands.

An Allergy Doctor Versus A General Practitioner

The benefit of seeing an allergy doctor is that a specialist's focus is on allergy symptoms, triggers, and treatments. A general practitioner has a broad overview of many health conditions, but an allergy doctor has unique exposure to and experience with allergies. By having a narrower focus, a specialist is able to give you better insight into the causes and remedies for your condition.

A Variety of Techniques

Your allergy doctor should be familiar with a variety of testing and treatment techniques to meet your unique needs. Our Phoenix area locations all perform allergy scratch testing, food allergy testing, asthma management, and allergy/immunotherapy to help you navigate life with these sometimes-chronic conditions.

Multiple Arizona Locations

Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates, P.C. is an allergy treatment practice committed to providing the latest and most comprehensive treatments for both adult and pediatric patients. Our team of Arizona of allergy doctors is eager to work closely with each of our patients to provide the most effective diagnostic methods and treatment.

Choose A Board-Certified Allergy Doctor

Quality care begins with professionally trained doctors who specialize in treating allergy, asthma, and immunology. We are fortunate enough to have two allergy doctors in Phoenix who meet those qualifications. Both Dr. Fadia Habib-Khazen and Dr. Housam Alasaly are medical doctors, certified in allergy and immunology, that specialize in children, families and adults.

If you're looking for an allergy doctor in Phoenix, Glendale, Avondale, Anthem, or Scottsdale, give our offices a call. Our trained professionals are here to help you feel better. Schedule an appointment to consult with  allergists and Immunologists, Dr. Habib-Khazen and Dr. Alasaly  Aside from our main clinic in Phoenix, we have satellite offices in Glendale, Avondale, Anthem, and Scottsdale   Be Free from Allergies! Please call today 

What Allergy Sufferers Should Know Before Moving to the Desert

If you suffer from allergies –particularly if they are severe-, you might think moving out to the desert will help relieve your symptoms. However, what seems like the perfect solution might actually wind up making your allergies worse, or causing you to develop new ones. While you might not have the tree pollen you’re allergic to, deserts often have winds that whip up dust and sand. In addition, many desert communities have added golf courses to attract vacationers and retirees, which means extra grass pollen, dust, and spores are kicked into the air every time the greens are mowed or otherwise manicured. Lastly, while you may have left behind what you were allergic to back home, your immune system may inevitably develop sensitivities to the trees and vegetation in your new desert home, leaving you miserable all over again. 

Why does this happen? Blame the fundamental cause of allergies: your immune system. An allergy develops when your body’s immune system mistakes something harmless –such as ragweed, grass, tree pollen, or dust- for a harmful pathogen and mounts a defense against it. It’s that immune response that causes the classic allergy symptoms that make you so miserable. When you move to a different climate, you might be able to escape your allergies for a few years. But as you grow accustomed to the new climate and environment, your immune system may find new potential allergens to latch onto, which starts the allergy cycle all over again. 

So how can you make your transition to a new location as smooth and symptom free as possible? Check in with your doctor or an allergist at an allergy and asthma clinic. They can discuss your symptoms with you, educate you on potential allergy risks in the area you will be moving to, and recommend a course of treatment that may help mitigate your symptoms.

Things Your Immunologist Wishes You Knew About Allergies

It goes without saying enduring allergy symptoms is a miserable experience. Add to that allergy ignorance, and you’re looking at long-term suffering. Fortunately, that suffering can be alleviated. Unfortunately, your Glendale Asthma & Allergy Clinic may assume you have the necessary information to address the situation when, in fact, you’re seriously in the dark.

Shed some light on stubborn allergy symptoms with these potentially missing links:

If the immunologist at your local allergy and asthma clinic could get in your head, you might discover…

• You may be taking the wrong medication
  Avoiding the doctor with over-the-counter (OTC) oral antihistamines isn’t helping. Prescription steroid nasal sprays and prescribed antihistamines work significantly better.

• You waited too long
  Starting medication prescribed by your allergy or asthma doctor after allergies set-in makes treatment difficult.

• You need some personal space from your pet
  Keeping them out of your bedroom will make a huge difference – as will a HEPA air purifier.

• Your pet’s NOT hypoallergenic
  He might shed less hair, but you could be allergic to dander or saliva.

• You DO need those expensive bedding covers
  Pillow and mattress encasings between 2-4 microns prevent dust mite migration for those with dust mite related allergies.

• Neti pots work
  Even allergists use them.

• You can’t outrun allergies
  No matter how far away you move, you could develop allergies anywhere at any time. And if you’re allergic to one kind of pollen, it increases your likelihood of developing allergies to other (new) pollens.

• You don’t have to suffer
  Though you might feel like it, you won’t die from allergic rhinitis. But suffering through them without visiting the immunologist won’t win you a medal. Untreated symptoms could end up costing you more in sinus and ear infections – and lost sleep. Stop waiting for spontaneous remission and get help. 

Tired of sneezing your way through the day? Find an allergy and asthma clinic near you today!

It’s a NEW YEAR!!! Time to quit suffering from allergies

The army of allergy sufferers in this world know how difficult it is to live with their symptoms throughout the year. Although there are spikes in various allergens within your local environment at different times of the year, leaving allergies untreated means you are often miserable. That's why it is important to trust your health to your Scottsdale Allergist at a local allergy or asthma clinic

Living with Allergies

This is a tall order for anyone who didn't grow up with allergies. At any time, your body can react to allergens. Sometimes, the symptoms get so severe that you don't want to get out of bed. Here are a few: headaches, shortness of breath, a feeling that your chest is swollen, clogged ears, a constant drip in the back of your throat, a scratchy feeling, swollen glands, blurry, itchy, and watery eyes, and constant fatigue.

Allergies have the power to affect your whole body. Oftentimes, it takes mind over body just to get through the day. And, if you have had allergies for any period of time, a daily antihistamine is not worth much more than a sugar pill. It only works on a good day when you believe in it. That's the placebo effect. The rest of the time, the antihistamine is worthless.

Long-term solutions to allergies, whether seasonal or year-round, come with time. Trust your care to a talented allergy and asthma specialist. Our doctors are caring people who want to review all of your medical history and treat you as a whole patient. There will be things that you need to do to adjust your diet and remove allergens from your home. The total effect of medical treatments and small lifestyle changes will be worth it. Without the effects of allergies, you will have more energy and start to enjoy life again.

Ask us how allergy relief begins. Our allergy doctors can help.

Are You Exposing Yourself to These 10 Common Skin Allergy Triggers?

Is your allergist in Scottsdale constantly helping you battle skin allergies? It may be because you are constantly exposing yourself to common allergy and asthma triggers.

No touching!

Contact dermatitis, skin allergies characterized by rashes or skin irritation resulting from allergens coming in contact with your skin, affect up to 3 percent of adults. Its triggers are often common – and sometimes surprising.

When it comes to skin allergies, are you your own worst enemy?

1. Perfumes.
   Not just Chanel No. 5, we’re talking shampoo, soap, detergents, dryer sheets, air fresheners, and more. Only products labelled “fragrance-free,” not unscented, are immune.
    
2. Nickel.
   Found in items from jewelry, watchbands, and glasses, to the zippers and buttons on your clothes, this common allergen can be worsened by sweat. To avoid sensitivity, items must be coated.
    
3. Latex.
   Gloves, rubber bands, waistbands on pants, and more can contain latex, resulting in reactions from itchy eyes and rashes to difficulty breathing and vomiting.
    
4. Dyes.
   To avoid contact dermatitis, a patch test is required prior to the application of hair dye or henna tattoos containing para-phenylenediamine (PPD).
    
5. Clothing.
   Formaldehyde resins, used in clothing elastics and fabrics for waterproofing, shrinkage, and wrinkle resistance, can cause burning eyes, skin rashes, and chest tightness. Cotton, polyester, nylon, and acrylic are typically more lightly treated.
    
6. Cosmetics.
   Preservatives such as formaldehyde, parabens, and thimerosal used in cosmetics can cause skin irritation at the site of contact.
    
7. Creams and ointments.
   Neomycin, used in antibiotic and anaesthetic (pain relief) creams, ear drops, and eye drops, can irritate the skin. Not sure if that’s you? Try a patch test.
    
8. Sunscreen.
   Common sunscreen ingredients can cause allergic reactions, including PABA (para-amino benzoic acid), oxybenzone, salicylates, benzophenones, and cyclohexanol. Reactions may be on contact for some, or for others only following sun exposure.
    
9. Household products.
   Skin irritation is common after exposure to adhesives (superglue) and organic solvents (charcoal lighter fluid, paint thinner, furniture stripper, and nail polish remover).
    
10. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
    Urushiol, a sticky substance found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, can cause redness, itchiness, hives, and blisters – but only in susceptible individuals.

Give your allergist in Scottsdale a hand. Put these items on your list of usual suspects. Take them out of commission and reduce your skin allergy risk today!

Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD. Top 10 Skin Allergy Triggers.  Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergy-photos/top-10-skin-allergy-triggers.aspx#01

Worsening Children's Allergies: Is Your Dishwasher to Blame?

Hate handwashing your dishes, relying on your dishwasher to make your daily chore list a little lighter? You could be contributing to your child’s allergy and asthma symptoms, according to a recent study *published in the journal Pediatrics conducted by pediatric allergy doctors.

A dirty discovery:
In the questionnaire-based study, pediatric allergy doctors focused on 1,029 children ages 7-8. The findings: Families who utilized hand dishwashing over automatic dishwashers experienced a reduced risk of allergic symptoms such as asthma, eczema, nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing, red eyes, and itching of the nose and eyes. Children who at more fermented or farm-fresh foods were also noted as exhibiting lower rates of allergies, with the lowest risk associate with those children whose dishes were hand washed and food was procured directly from farms.

Too much of a good thing:
According to the hygiene hypothesis, children in developing countries grow up in an overly sanitized world, their lack of exposure to even common microorganisms leading to immune system misfires. The result? Over reaction - allergies and asthma rather than a normally developed, properly functioning immune system.

Don’t scramble to the scrap yard…
Though results were deemed “interesting,” physicians at the University of California-San Francisco explained more research into lifestyle choices is necessary. Until a causal relationship is identified, pediatric allergy doctors urge patients and their families not to ditch the dishwasher yet.


* Published at www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/289832.php 'Fewer allergies among children in dishwasher-free homes"

Are You Currently Battling with Skin Allergies?

Is your allergist in Scottsdale constantly helping you battle skin allergies? It may be because you are constantly exposing yourself to common skin allergens or irritants triggers.

No touching!
Contact dermatitis, skin allergies characterized by rashes or skin irritation resulting from allergens coming in contact with your skin, affect up to 3 percent of adults. Its triggers are often common – and sometimes surprising.

When it comes to skin allergies, are you your own worst enemy?

1. Perfumes.
   Not just Chanel No. 5, we’re talking shampoo, soap, detergents, dryer sheets, air fresheners, and more. Only products labeled “fragrance-free,”     not unscented, are immune.
2. Nickel.
   Found in items from jewelry, watchbands, and glasses, to the zippers and     buttons on your clothes, this common allergen can be worsened by sweat. To     avoid sensitivity, items must be coated.
3. Latex.
   Gloves, rubber bands, waistbands on pants, and more can contain latex,     resulting in reactions from itchy eyes and rashes to difficulty breathing and vomiting.
4. Dyes.
   To avoid contact dermatitis, a patch test is required prior to the     application of hair dye or henna tattoos containing para-phenylenediamine (PPD).
5. Clothing.
   Formaldehyde resins, used in clothing elastics and fabrics for     waterproofing, shrinkage, and wrinkle resistance, can cause burning eyes, skin rashes, and chest tightness. Cotton, polyester, nylon, and acrylic are typically more lightly treated.
6. Cosmetics.
   Preservatives such as formaldehyde, parabens, and thimerosal used in     cosmetics can cause skin irritation at the site of contact.
7. Creams and ointments.
   Neomycin, used in antibiotic and anesthetic (pain relief) creams, ear  drops, and eye drops, can irritate the skin. Not sure if that’s you? Try a patch test.
8. Sunscreen.Common sunscreen ingredients can cause allergic reactions, including PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), oxybenzone, salicylates, benzophenones, and cyclohexanol. Reactions may be on contact for some, or     for others only following sun exposure.
9. Household products.
   Skin irritation is common after exposure to adhesives (superglue) and     organic solvents (charcoal lighter fluid, paint thinner, furniture stripper, and nail polish remover).
10. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
    Urushiol, a sticky substance found in poison ivy,     poison oak, and poison sumac, can cause redness, itchiness, hives, and     blisters – but only in susceptible individuals.

Give your allergist in Scottsdale a hand. Put these items on your list of usual suspects. Take them out of commission and reduce your skin allergy risk today!

Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD. Top 10 Skin Allergy Triggers.  Retrieved fromhttp://www.everydayhealth.com/allergy-photos/top-10-skin-allergy-triggers.aspx#01