The Millstone Times

HEALTH 

 WELLNESS

&

THE CHALLENGES OF A GLUTEN-FREE DIET Following a gluten-free diet requires you to become educated on all the hidden sources of gluten, as well as educating everyone you live with. To avoid all gluten, you must read labels carefully. You must avoid not only wheat but its derivatives: durum, graham, kamut, semolina and spelt. The same goes for barley derivatives: malt flavoring and malt vinegar, as well as rye, MSG and soy sauce. Read labels regularly. Manufacturers change ingredients without notice. Just because a food is labeled wheat-free doesn't mean it's gluten-free. And just because a food is labeled gluten-free doesn't mean it's calorie- free. Some manufacturers add sugar, saturated fats and preservatives to their gluten-free offerings to make them taste better, and that adds calories. You can still eat a balanced diet when you're trying to avoid gluten. Gluten-free diets allow you to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Beef, chicken, fish, lamb, pork and dairy products are also naturally gluten- free. (But watch for additives.) Following a gluten-free diet is a major commitment. It can be difficult to maintain a balanced diet while eliminating the many foods that contain gluten. It's not a step you should take unnecessarily. Eliminating gluten from your diet may help reduce your concerned health symptoms as well as eliminate digestive woes, but it's only likely to help if gluten is a problem food for you in the first place. The Celiac Disease Foundation provides a list of foods to eat and those to avoid on a gluten-free diet, it may be helpful to reference when planning your meals.

QUESTION:

We have always heard of UV protection from the sun but now they are talking about harmful blue lights. What does this mean to me and my health? ANSWER:

UV is short for ultraviolet, a color on the light spectrum. This light is electromagnetic radiation, which is present in sunlight (even through cloud cover), and also produced by electric arcs, and specialized lights such as mercury-vapor lamps, tanning lamps, and black lights. UV light is associated with suntan, freckles and sunburn on skin which are the familiar effects of over-exposure to it, along with higher risk of skin cancer. It has similar effects to your eye and is known to be responsible for cornea burns and cataracts.

Dr. Steven Linker, OD

Less known is the effect blue lights have on your health. Blue lights are found inside and outside in your environment. It is naturally emitted by the sun but also comes from fluorescent bulbs, and LED screens like your computer and phone. Blue or Blue-violet is very close to Ultraviolet and is penetrating and harmful to your eyes. Is has been linked to damage to the retina, causing long term visual impairment such as Macular Degeneration. It has been estimated that without protection, by the year 2050 over 265 million people could suffer with this condition. While we are all susceptible to these rays, children are particularly vulnerable. Their eyes are developing and they are exposed more-so due to their lifestyle. They are three times more exposed, spending more time outdoors. Their pupils are larger, letting more harmful rays in and a younger lens is more crystalline and transparent, letting in more light than an adult. Visionaries in the optical field have come up with a clear solution to harmful exposure to UV and blue rays. They have developed no-glare protective lenses that filter out the harmful rays. We carryCrizal Prevencia No-Glare lenses which provide 25 times more UV protection that going

without eyewear. Not only does it help protect the sensitive tissue, it also reduces glare which aids in night vision. I invite you to visit my office for an exam to discuss your eye care health and the same for your family. We take most medical insurances and have a wonderful selection of frames should you need glasses. A visit to us may be your first line of ocular defense!

Check out our website for more information!

www. TheMillstoneTimes.com 47