Yeast can be a problematic food for many of us. Between yeast allergies, intolerances, candida, and dropping the ingredient for the dietary benefits, there are plenty of reasons to leave yeast out of your diet. Whatever has driven you to remove yeast from your diet, we’ve got a few tips to help you out.
Change your major carb source
We’re not going to suggest that you drop carbohydrates altogether
like many popular diets around but changing your major carbohydrate source will
be helpful in eliminating yeast from your diet. This is much easier than it
seems. While there are a lot of yeast filled carb sources, such as bread, pastries,
breaded food and pasta, but there are also solid yeast-free carbs to choose
from. Try swapping your bread and pasta for rice and potatoes.
If you insist on enjoying baked goods on your new diet (we
can’t blame you!) then opting for wheat-free flours is the way to go. Try potato-based
flours, spelt or other flours that don’t contain gluten.
Avoid fermented goods altogether
That means vinegar, alcohol and any other foods that contain fermented ingredients. It’s also best to remove fruit, fruit juice and dried fruit from the diet for this reason. If you’re avoiding yeast to beat candida you should really avoid sugar and sweeteners altogether.
Sugar is what the candida feeds off, so while avoiding
yeast, you should also seek to starve the candida by avoiding sugar in all
forms. That includes fructose, sucrose and other forms of simple sugars.
Skip the Soya
Much of the soy used is fermented, and since the ingredients lists don’t exactly give you a detailed history of each ingredient, it’s best to just avoid the ingredient altogether. Once you aim to get rid of soy from your diet, you may be surprised to see just how frequently it is used as an ingredient in pre-packaged food. Another reason to enjoy home-cooked meals and avoid processed stuff.
Yeast-Free = Healthy?
It’s not the most usual diet but going yeast-free can be very beneficial to your health. But it’s not that eliminating yeast alone is healthier for you (unless you have a yeast allergy or yeast intolerance). Going yeast-free coincidentally means swapping sugary snacks and baked goods for more nutritious options, like nuts and seeds, meat, vegetables and fish.
Every
journey has a first step, and the destination can seem like a distant dream.
You may even see someone who has achieved exactly what it is you’re looking to
do and wonder how they got it so easily. But, the truth is, they won’t have got
it easily. They will, at some point, have found themselves in the exact same
position that you are now; casting envious glances at someone else. The one
thing you all have in common is where you are now. The beginning. The potential
difference could be whether you choose to start that journey.
It
can seem intimidating to walk into a gym as a beginner. Surrounded by people
further along the journey than you, lifting weights or doing exercises that
just seem totally beyond your capabilities. This is, likely, the reason that
many newbies are turning to the home workout. Being able to work out in your
own living room, without the pressure of watching eyes, is a great way to begin
your fitness journey. You can build up base strength that will enable you to
make the step up to the gym when you feel ready.
To
help you take that first step forward, we’ve put together this full-body
workout you can perform at home. All you’ll need is a relatively heavy object
to help you complete a couple of the exercises. These five exercises are
specially selected ensure each major muscle group is worked on.
Standing with legs slightly outside shoulder-width, slowly lower your bottom to the ground while keeping a straight back. Bring the movement down as far as you feel comfortable doing before slowly returning to a standing position. The slower you do this movement, the more muscle activation you will experience. Repeat this movement for three sets of 12 reps.
Start in a straight-armed plank position. Slowly lower your upper body to the ground until your upper arm becomes parallel with the ground. Once you reach this position, pause for two seconds before slowly pushing through the chest to bring yourself back to the starting position. Repeat this movement for three sets to failure (the point where you can no longer perform the exercise)
To exercise the other part of your upper arm, grab a can of food and hold it by your side with your palm facing forwards. Now, slowly bring the can up towards your shoulder in an arching motion until you reach the peak of your range. Here, squeeze the bicep muscle before slowly lowering the can back to the starting position. Repeat this motion for three sets of 12 reps.
From a standing position, take a long step forward with one foot and put one hand on the front knee. With the other hand, take the can and slowly pull it in towards your midriff using your back muscles. Then stretch the back muscles to force the can back downwards towards the ground. Repeat this exercise for three sets of 12 reps.
Bodyweight
Squats
Sets: 3
Repetitions: 12
Starting
in a standing position, feet planted firmly, shoulder width apart. Stretch your
arms out straight in front of you and, maintaining a straight back lower your
bum to the ground. Once you reach a point where you can no longer lower, hold
the position for a second, then slowly return to the standing position. Keep
tempo slow to ensure the muscles are being maximally activated.
Press-Ups
Sets: 3
Repetitions: Until you can no longer
perform the movement with correct form
Starting
in a plank position with arms straightened, slowly lower your body towards the
ground, being sure to keep your back and legs straight. Stop when your upper
arm becomes parallel with the ground. Hold this position for 1 second before
pushing through your chest to return your body to the point where arms are only
slightly bent.
Bicep
Curl
Sets:
3
Repetitions: 12
For
this one, grab your weighted object in one hand, hold it down by your side with
your palm facing forwards. Now, using the bicep, draw the weight upwards in an
arc towards your shoulder. Once you reach the peak of the movement (where you
can bend your arm upwards no further), tense your bicep muscle. Then release the
squeeze and follow the upwards arc back down towards your side.
Bent
Over Row
Sets: 3
Repetitions: 12
Take
the weighted item in both hands and bend over at the hip so that your back is
at a 45 degree angle to the ground. Extend your arms down towards the ground
with the weight in your hands, slowly bring the weight upwards towards your
midriff taking your arms past parallel and squeeze your back as if you’re
trying to pinch a pen between your back muscles. Hold for a second then slowly
lower the weight back to the ground.
Importance of allergy testing
Before embarking on a new diet or exercise routine, you should consider allergy testing. Allergy testing will help you identify any substances which could cause symptoms which may make it incredibly challenging to perform the above exercises. Allergy symptoms include wheezing and shortness of breath which make exercise difficult. We offer allergy testing to suit all budgets.
It’s almost the end of the year and after enjoying some well-deserved celebrations with family and friends, many of us are now looking to the future. A festive time of feasts and merriment has us looking for ways to get our health back on track this January and maybe even help us lose a few pounds of holiday weight.
Diets, a gym membership, and sobriety are all common options to help you get back to your optimal health. But have you considered a food allergy and intolerance test to help you improve your health this January?
Why allergy tests are more important than ever
Allergies are becoming more and more prevalent throughout the world. While you may expect to be safe from any surprising allergies, cases of adult-onset allergies are rising. People who thought they knew all there is to know about their dietary needs are being shocked by adverse reactions developing in adulthood.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, and getting an allergy
test before any surprising reactions, is far more preferable to waiting for a one
to crop up unexpectedly.
Why Right After the Holidays is Perfect Timing
As we’ve all indulged in foods that we might otherwise
restrict during the rest of the year, it’s quite possible that you may have
developed a food intolerance over the festive period. Research has indicated
that excessive consumption of a food item or ingredient can cause an intolerance
to develop.
While you may have been enjoying a daily mince pie and leftover turkey, your digestive tract might not have been so pleased. This is why testing for food intolerances especially, is ideal right after the holidays. It can help highlight foods that you should avoid altogether for a period while you get your health back on track.
Get Tested to Maximise Your Health
If health is your top priority this year, get started on the right foot with a food intolerance and allergy test. Keep yourself safe and maximise your diet by tailoring it to what your body wants.
We all enjoy an alcoholic drink or two with family and friends over the festive season. But those with allergies and intolerances can have a tougher time finding a drink that doesn’t lead to uncomfortable or potentially life-threatening symptoms. Particularly if you have a yeast intolerance or allergy, yeast is a primary ingredient in the production of these beverages.
Fermented Alcoholic Drinks
The problem for those with a yeast allergy is mostly with fermented drinks. All alcoholic beverages use yeast to help with the fermentation process. It’s used to turn the sugars into ethanol. No yeast, no alcohol.
There are a few options that those avoiding yeast can still drink on a night out though. But be warned, this is mostly anecdotal, and there is still more research needed.
Distilled Spirits – the Non-Allergenic Saviour
Because distilling a drink usually removes most yeast by-products from the liquid, the vast majority of them are considered yeast-free. The consensus is that the distillation process removes all but the most minute traces of yeast from these drinks.
Clear liquors such as Vodka and Gin are common choices for those avoiding yeast. They’re also considered the best options for avoiding a hangover because they’ve been refined. The refining often removes undesirable congeners which are also believed to contribute to hangovers. So, opting for a clear spirit could be a doubly wise choice for the yeast intolerant drinker. You could end up experiencing fewer side-effects of alcohol than those without any intolerances or allergies at all!
It’s not a Perfect Science – Yet
While the expectation is that distilled drinks shouldn’t be a problem for those with Yeast allergies, there has been very little research into it. If you are allergic to yeast, its best to discuss further allergy testing with your allergist or doctor before adding any of these drinks to your diet.
It’s not too late for you to bake your very own Christmas pudding before the big day! This allergen-friendly recipe is devoid of any nuts, gluten, soy and dairy, making it the perfect dessert for any family – whether you’ve got an allergy sufferer or someone with a food intolerance. The vast majority of people can enjoy this moist and boozy Christmas pudding.
2 heaped teaspoons baking powder (ensure it’s gluten-free if necessary)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
200g dried fruit, finely chopped
4 tablespoons date syrup (you can substitute another sweetener)
60g coconut oil (olive or vegetable oil will also do)
Generous amount brandy/sherry (use vegan/gluten-free if necessary. Or substitute with apple or orange juice)
Instructions
Place the orange zest, grated apple, dried fruit, cinnamon, ginger and mixed spice in a bowl. Then add a generous amount of brandy or sherry, until roughly everything covered.
Keep the fruit covered in the fridge for around 24 hours, to allow the flavours time to develop.
Place your coconut oil in a large bowl and melt it over a saucepan of boiling water, or in the microwave (skip this if you’re using an already liquid oil).
Once melted, add the milk to the bowl of oil along with lemon juice, vanilla, salt and ground walnuts.
Sift the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda into the mix.
Add the dried fruit mixture, and add a tiny splash more milk if it’s looking a bit too dry.
Next, grease a medium-sized deep glass bowl or pudding basin and transfer the pudding batter into it
Place the bowl in a pan (one that’s bigger than the bowl) and fill it up with cold water to roughly halfway up the bowl.
Then, cut out a circle of baking paper and place it directly on top of the pudding batter so that it’s completely covered.
Use some foil to cover the top and fold it around the edges of the bowl.
Then, place a lid on the pan and bring it to the boil.
Then turn down the heat and cook on low for around 2 hours.
Leave the cake to cool for a bit before continuing to take it out of the bowl.
Carefully remove the foil and baking paper. Use a blunt knife around the edge of the bowl to help the pudding come away from the sides (this is much easier once the pudding’s cooled down).
Now turn the bowl upside down on a plate and shake until the pudding pops out.
Keep it covered in the fridge and serve either hot or cold. Both are lovely! The pudding should keep for a few days, but not much longer.
Christmas is a whirlwind of presents, food, and drink. For many people, it is a non-stop conveyor belt of social events, family visits and car journeys. All the while you’re making the most of the “it’s Christmas” excuse to gorge on all of your favourite foods. For the general population, this isn’t a problem, but if you’re living with lactose intolerance, you have to think twice before letting loose.
There are so many foods that are entirely off-limits for those with lactose intolerance, here we take a look at a few which might make you more sympathetic to anyone you know living with this condition.
Mince Pies
It’s almost considered the best practice to always have a box of mince pies in the house ready for all visitors to have with a brew. When it comes to snacks at this time of year, it doesn’t get much more festive than the humble mince pie. However, for people living with lactose intolerance, a mince pie represents the potential for diarrhoea, bloating and headaches. The majority of pre-packaged mince pies contain butter which will trigger or aggravate symptoms of lactose intolerance. Fortunately, there are plenty of lactose-free recipes on the internet.
Irish Cream
Brands such as Baileys have successfully established Irish cream drinks as a traditionally festive drink in recent years. Irish coffees are one of the most popular drinks at pubs and restaurants up and down the country at Christmas. Still, this incredibly tasty drink is yet another trigger food for people living with lactose intolerance. Baileys do offer a dairy-free option which is something to bear in mind for friends struggling with this condition.
Mashed Potatoes
Everyone has their own “secret” recipe for the best mashed potatoes ever. But, in truth, it often boils down to the addition of either butter or milk to make it creamy. While this makes for an incredibly rich, tasty mash, it is yet another example of one of the most popular Christmas foods being off-limits. When you’re preparing your amazing mashed potato, consider whether your recipe may be excluding someone from enjoying their Christmas dinner.
Chocolate
By this point, you’re probably wondering what on earth people with lactose intolerance get to eat. Well, it gets worse. Chocolate is loaded with dairy and, therefore, lactose. Chocolate is often the gift people turn to when they have exhausted all other ideas. So consider this when you’re buying that secret Santa selection box.
The Importance of Intolerance Testing
For many people, they could be experiencing the symptoms of lactose intolerance and not identified that as the cause or they may be suffering from another food sensitivity. The good news is that you can diagnose your personal intolerances with a test from Lifelab Testing.
We are very proud
to be celebrating two whole years of trading at Lifelab Testing today. While
our company may be relatively young, those behind Lifelab have well over 15
years of experience in the industry. We’re all very proud of the
accomplishments we’ve made in the short time Lifelab has been in business.
Lifelab Testing is
fuelled by a determination to help those who struggle from allergies and
intolerances. Born out of a team’s passion for assisting others in leading a
happier and healthier lifestyle, Lifelab Testing is determined to help people
understand the impact their diets have on their health.
Our Testing So Far
In just two years
we have conducted over 4,500 tests at our UK facility, for customers all over
the world. This year we grew from an average of 184 monthly tests to 192. Our
most popular allergy and intolerance test is the Complete Body Test – with
roughly 60% of all Lifelab results having been for this test.
The Complete Body
Test is a Lifelab Testing exclusive product. The test analyses a small blood
sample against 40 common allergens and 80 intolerances. Tested items include
wheat, meat, fish, fruit, nuts, pet hair and even dust mites.
We were up against household names such as Leicester City Football Club, Science in Sport and even Virgin Experience Days. It was an honour to see our name up on the board next to these fantastic companies.
UK’s Highest Rated Allergy Testing Company
According to Trusted Shops, Lifelab Testing is the UK’s highest-rated allergy testing company. We even have an overall rating of 4.38 (at time of writing). We use Trusted Shops as our chosen trust brand because of their Money-Back Guarantee for customer assurance, their restriction of reviews to verified customers only, and their requirement to keep those companies who use their badge accountable.
Allergy Awareness Awards
Beginning back in April (during allergy awareness week) we started the ‘Allergy Awareness Awards’. These awards are given to exceptional restaurants and cafes, nominated by our customers, who have shown to be particularly attentive and accommodating to patrons with allergies. They are then added to our ‘Recommended Restaurants’ page where you can search for a local allergy-friendly eatery.
To date, we have awarded 43 restaurants and cafes with the award. Lifelab testing hopes to expand this drastically over the coming years, to help guide people with allergies to enjoy eating out safely and without worry.
Looking to the future
We’re very proud of
how far we’ve managed to come in these two years, and are excited to see how
much more of an impact we can have on people’s health and wellbeing over the
next few years. Lifelab Testing is determined to achieve its overall mission of
helping people to live a happier and healthier life. We have invested heavily
in our people and technology, all of which provides gold-standard products and
services that you will not find anywhere else on the market.
Lastly, we want to
say a big thank you to our customers and followers for all your support, and to
the team here at Lifelab Testing for their continued efforts. Here’s to 2020
and beyond!
Alcohol has many effects on the body, with various pitfalls and even a few purported benefits. Once it enters your system, it starts working on multiple organs. The heart, liver, brain are just a few. If you’re frequently drinking too much, the organs affected can begin to develop long-term health problems.
Many of us are
blissfully unaware of how alcohol actually affects our bodies. So we’re going
to fill you in on 13 facts (and a few myths) on this celebratory substance
enjoyed in many countries around the world.
13 Alcohol Facts
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning that it slows down brain activity. However, it first behaves like a stimulant in small amounts, which is why some people become more sociable or upbeat to start with.
Alcohol triggers the release of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that’s associated with anticipation, pleasure and satisfaction.
Alcohol is one of the most misused substances (both legal and illegal) with roughly 1 in 8 Americans meeting the criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder.
According to a study in 2015, light-eyed Americans (of European descent) are more likely to misuse alcohol than dark-eyed Americans of European descent.
Research has indicated that rates of alcohol use and high-risk use increased between 2001 and 2013, despite the popularity increase in health.
Teens who started drinking before the age of 15 are more likely to develop a dependence on alcohol later in life.
A study that explored drinking around Italian families found that young Italians who drank at family meals while growing up were much less likely to develop unhealthy drinking habits in later life.
People who have more muscle mass and less body fat are more tolerant of alcohol, due to muscle absorbing alcohol faster than fat.
Long-term drinking is more likely to result in adverse health consequences for women than men, even if women drink less for a shorter period.
Alcohol-related deaths are the third leading cause of preventable deaths in America. Roughly 88,000 people die each year in the States from alcohol-related causes.
Alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of dementia.
Drinking red wine (in moderation) is considered good for the heart. It contains resveratrol, a substance that helps lower cholesterol, stop blood clots and even prevent blood vessel damage.
While red wine in moderation can be beneficial, dark drinks are more likely to cause a hangover than clear beverages. Opting for vodka over whiskey might be a good idea if you don’t want to write off the following day.
That’s a lot of
facts about alcohol. But there are a lot of myths surrounding the substance as
well. Here are a few myths that many of us still believe;
Top 5 Myths
1. “It’s OK to get drunk every now and then.”
Drinking enough to get heavily drunk is considered binge drinking, which is associated with severe health problems such as unintentional injuries, cancer, and heart disease. Regardless of how infrequently you do it, if you have 4 to 5 (or more) drinks in a single sitting, you’re putting your health at risk.
2. “Wine or beer won’t make you as drunk as hard liquor.”
Moderate
consumption of some alcoholic drinks can have health benefits, but this doesn’t
equate it to being ‘risk-free’. There are many groups of people for whom the
risks can vastly outweigh potential benefits. Such as those who;
are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
are taking prescribed anti-depressants or other psychoactive substances.
have AUD, alcohol dependence, or a family history of either
have heart failure or a weak heart
have liver or pancreatic disease
have previously had a stroke, heart failure or a weak heart.
plan to drive or operate machinery
take other prescription medications that interact with alcohol
4. “Drinking is only a problem for those who can’t hold their
liquor.”
It can actually be
a good sign if you can’t hold your alcohol. Those that no longer feel the
effects of alcohol are probably developing a tolerance to it, which can mean
they’re at higher risk of developing a dependency.
5. “You can sober up quickly with a cup of coffee.”
This may be the
biggest lie surrounding alcohol – most likely due to a misunderstanding of what
causes the symptoms of a hangover. The idea behind it seems sound enough though
– since alcohol is a depressant, you should counteract it with a stimulant.
The symptoms of
feeling drunk or hungover are mostly due to your blood alcohol levels dropping,
rather than the psychoactive effects of the drink. Symptoms that aren’t caused
by the drop in alcohol are just your body working through it – it’s a matter of
giving yourself time to flush it out of your system.
It’s not just the Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks can have negative consequences in everyone, but some people are more affected than others. For example, those with a barely, hops or yeast intolerance will find that a single pint of beer can cause uncomfortable side-effects like bloating or intestinal discomfort. Grapes, apples, pears and citric fruits can all be sources of unusual symptoms as well, as we can even be intolerant to these fruits. If you’re wondering whether you should be avoiding beer, lager or ale due to an intolerance or allergy, consider getting tested against their main ingredients.
Gingerbread muffins are perfect as a breakfast treat or healthy(ish) snack. This vegan muffin recipe can get very hot during baking, so make sure to let some of the steam escape before eating them. They’re moist, like banana bread or cake, and taste best once they’ve cooled and set a bit. While you don’t have to wait, they do reach peak scrumptiousness after around 30 minutes of resting.
These delicious ginger muffins are vegan, gluten-free and nut-free, so their moist, warm flavour can be enjoyed by most. They’re also completely devoid of soy, so those sensitive to soya products needn’t worry either!
Ingredients
250ml canola oil
250ml plus 2 tablespoons light agave nectar
375ml unsweetened applesauce
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
360g Basic Gluten-Free Flour Mix
3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
200g plus 2 tablespoons raisins or currants
Instructions
Preheat the oven on gas mark 4, then line a cupcake tray with 12 cake cases.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the canola oil and agave nectar, by mixing on medium speed for roughly 20 seconds.
Add the applesauce and ginger and mix for about 20 seconds.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour mix, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined.
Turn off the mixer and fold in the raisins.
Fill the liners to the rim with batter.
Bake in the centre of the oven for 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through.
Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before eating.
Before you commit to a food intolerance test you’re probably
wondering what you should be looking for that might indicate a potential food
intolerance. Different food intolerances manifest themselves differently in one
person than they may in another. But, there are a group of symptoms that are
generally recognised as associated with a potential food intolerance.
Here we take a look at some common symptoms and the
intolerance they could be indicative of.
Bloating
Bloating is caused by the excess production of gas during the digestive process. When you have a food intolerance, your body struggles to digest the problematic food which slows down the process. As a result, the enzymes spend more time breaking down the food which means more time spent producing gases. These gases then become trapped in the stomach leading to uncomfortable bloating. You may find that you experience bloating whenever you eat a certain meal or food. If this is the case, it is very likely you’re living with a food intolerance.
Intolerances that cause bloating: gluten, milk, eggs.
Brain Fog
Brain fog is the experience of fatigue and an inability to
focus on tasks for any period of time. This condition can be debilitating if
left untreated and can have a serious impact on all aspects of life. Brain fog
can be caused by a number of different factors including the foods you eat.
When you sleep, your brain takes this opportunity to recover from the oxidative
stress experienced throughout the day. To do this, it requires a good flow of
oxygen. When you have a food intolerance, your nasal passages can become
inflamed and restricted. This prevents a sufficient amount of air getting into
your lungs and oxygen into your blood. When your brain doesn’t get the oxygen
it needs, it can’t fully recover. This can leave you in a near constant state
of fatigue known as brain fog.
Intolerances that cause brain fog: wheat, lactose,
fructose.
Diarrhoea
Unsurprisingly, when your body realises you have eaten a food to which you’re intolerant, it tries to evacuate that food from your system as soon as possible. This means the normal digestive process simply won’t cut it. In an effort to expedite the process, your body will draw water into your bowels which combines with the food to create more fluid-like faecal matter. This aids its progress through the digestive system resulting in a near-immediate excretion. Diarrhoea can have significant negative health impacts, the water drawn from the cells to make the diarrhoea can leave you dehydrated and causes an electrolyte imbalance. It is vital to identify any food intolerance that might be causing you to have regular bouts of diarrhoea.
Intolerances that cause diarrhoea: peanut, dairy,
wheat.
How a Food Intolerance Test can help
Being aware of food intolerances is absolutely essential to maintain good health. When you know which foods you need to avoid, you’re able to plan your diet to avoid the symptoms above as well as other symptoms such as NAUSEA, HEADACHES, RASHES & OTHERS. You can find our range of intolerance tests, suitable to all budgets, here.
