What is Functional Medicine?

I have often referred to, Dr. Cynthia Costa D.C. who is a chiropractor and functional medicine doctor.  Most people know about chiropractic medicine but the term functional medicine has only recently begun to be used in reference to medical care. Just yesterday, my husband, who has be seeing Dr. Costa for 4 ½ years, asked me what a Functional Medicine doctor was.  As I researched a complete explanation, I found pages upon pages of complicated definitions. I am attempting to put those explanations into simpler terms.  For a thorough explanation please go to The Institute For Functional Medical website.

What is Functional Medicine?

"Functional Medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention, and the treatment of complex, chronic disease." (Institute)

The terms Functional medicine, alternative medicine,and/or integrative

medicine are interchangeable. They all address the "whole person" rather than just the symptoms being presented. Each and every one of us is as individual as a snowflake. None of us has the same generic background or the identical make-up.  None of us have the same background story and history. Who are we, where and how did we grow up, what kinds of physical events shaped our lives up until now, what symptoms do we have, what medical and emotional issues have affected our lives, how do we respond to stress, what are our sleep patterns -just a few of the many questions functional medicine doctors address while figuring out the best approach for “you” to begin healing.

"By taking in account the patient's medical history, environment, and lifestyle and combing this information with bio chemistry tests the doctor can consider the long-term health goals of the patient as well as the current chronic medical issues." (Institute)

'The focus of Functional Medicine is "prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and prescribed combinations of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques."' (Institute)

Dr. Mark Hyman: Chairman of The Institute for Functional Medicine:

DR. Mark Hyman

     After 15 years of practicing functional medicine and witnessing the extraordinary clinical results from applying this new operating system to chronic disease, I am clear this must be the model for medicine going forward...(Hyman)

... I believe that functional medicine is one of the most important ideas of our time- an idea that can help relieve the unnecessary suffering of millions." (Hyman)
     From heart disease to diabetes, from depression to dementia, from attention deficit disorder to autism, from asthma to autoimmune disease, from digestive disorders to cancer, we must change not only how we do medicine, but the medicine we do...(Hyman)

Note:

Please note chiropractors do not prescribe prescription drugs.

References: 
Dr. Mark Hyman, Why Functional Medicine? (October 18, 2014) Retrieved from http://drhyman.com/blog/2010/12/10/why-functional-medicine/

The American Chiropractic Association, What is Chiropractic ( 2015)  Retrieved from  https://www.acatoday.org/ level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=61

The Institute of Functional Medicine. What is Functional Medicine?(2015) Retrieved from

https://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatisfm/

Reading Food Labels

On a recent shopping exercise with one of my clients, I was reminded that reading food labels is one of the most important steps in learning to live gluten-free and/or allergen free. Reading food labels is second nature to me now BUT it was not always that way. 

My goal with this post is to make this as simple as possible. I have 2 references below for a more detailed explanation. 

This random label is a great example of what to look for when reading food labels. There are some correct things about this label and some blatant mistakes. Reminder, the * Top Allergens are (wheat, soybean, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, fish and crustacean shellfish.)

1. The 1st thing I do when looking at labels is look under the main ingredient list for the word: "CONTAINS." This immediately alerts me to the food allergens in the ingredients. 
Note:WHEAT after the word "CONTAINS".
Stop...I do not have to go any further. WHEAT=GLUTEN

2. If there is no "CONTAINS" then I go back to the beginning of the           ingredient list. 

3. I look for words in BOLD. These are usually allergen alerts.
 Note: WHEAT on the first line.
 Stop... WHEAT=GLUTEN.

4. Let's pretend that neither the "CONTAINS"  or BOLD is there. Can you find any mistakes? 
 a) Line 7 & 8: palm oil, soybean oil, and/or 
                                 interesterified soybean oil
 SOY is a top 8 allergen and should have been either be BOLD or Under "CONTAINS"

 b) The last line for all us Gluten-Free people out there. 
                                malted barley flour, yeast
Though barley is most definitely gluten (wheat, barley and rye.)The FDA does not consider it a top 8 allergen therefore it doesn't need to be BOLD or under "CONTAINS." 

c) Barley is one of the most difficult ingredients to spot since it can fall under several names:
                      Barley Grass
                      Barley Hordeum Vulgare
                      Barley Malt 
                      Malt or Malt Flavoring
                      Malt Barley
                      Pearl Barley
                      Caramel Coloring ( Can be made with malt barley)

I have written in detail about the pitfalls of reading food labels for allergens and gluten-free foods on pages 22-24 in my book, Gluten-Free Living 101: A Step by Step Guide. 
The FDA has very specific details about allergen labeling on their website: this can be found at Guidance for Industry: A Food Labeling Guide (6. Ingredient Lists.)  For specific information about gluten-free food labeling go to the FDA website, Gluten-Free Labeling of Foods. The FDA has detailed explanations of how foods must be labeled. Below is an example of the label requirements from FDA site. 

"FALCPA requires food manufacturers to label food products that are made with an ingredient that is a major food allergen in one of the following two ways:"

To learn about gluten-free labeling for restaurants and bakeries, please go to my post written in January 2015, Gluten-Free Labeling in Restaurants and  Bakeries detailing the new FDA laws labeling laws in reference to gluten-free foods for restaurants and bakeries.  

Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse

You think I had been through enough after being ill for almost 8 weeks with a gluten reaction to construction materials.  BUT no - I decided I needed a 21 day colon cleanse and another 21 day liver cleanse and Dr. Costa agreed. 

I am on day 17 of the colon cleanse, Repairvite, which I have done several times before.  This is the first time I am finding it a real challenge to stay on. For those who don't know this cleanse, a person uses Apex Energetic supplements made specifically for this cleanse. Food is limited to chicken, turkey, fish and beef, all veggies except nightshade, yams, and low glycemic fruits. In addition fermented food helps the process.  The food should be prepared simply and preferably organic. 

I had such a strong detox reaction during the first week. I barely wanted to leave the house. I suffered from the jitters, brain fog, fatigue, and intestinal issues (I save you the details). The second week was better but far from being pleasant. This week I am so tired of eating meat or fish for breakfast and eating the same kinds of food. I rarely eat beef ( maybe I taste it 3 times a year) but I decided to make a beef stew to change things up. Guess what- I don't like most beef and the stew was no exception.  So I find myself eating butternut squash curry soup for breakfast this morning. 

The liver cleanse is much easier. I get to start the day with a Clearvite cleanse and vegan protein powder. I can eat any gluten-free grains, beans, nuts and seeds (NO peanuts). I am looking forward to it. The reason I am doing a liver cleanse is because I had to take antibiotics and other medication will I was ill. Since my liver was kind enough to deal with all that I thought I should return the favor and clean it out. 

Gluten-Free Korean Food by Suji's Korean Cuisine

   Suji's Korean Cuisine: Taste of Korea
   "Born in Korea" "Made in America"

Amazingly Delicious Gluten-Free Korean Food

I was first introduced to Suji's Cuisine at the Natural Food Products West in March. Suji's was the favorite line of all those I was with at the Expo.  I waited to introduce it because it was not ready to launch in stores until now. 

Suji Park is a restaurateur who initially opened a New York style restaurant in Seoul. She has grown her business by expanding her restaurant chain and creating a food development company. Her food is influenced by Korea, Japan and the United States. Now she has created an all natural ingredient and gluten-free line of Korean Sauces and Meals. 

Suji's Gluten-Free Korean Food

Sauces: Gluten-Free

Korean Savory Sauce: Ingredients - Water, Gluten-Free Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Rice, Salt),  Pear Puree (Pear Puree, Ascorbic Acid), Rice Vinegar (Water, Rice), Garlic, Tapioca Starch, Toasted Sesame Oil, Black Pepper, 

Korean Spicy Sauce:  Ingredients - Water, Gluten-Free Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Rice, Salt), Brown Sugar, Pear Puree (Pear Puree, Ascorbic Acid), Rice Vinegar (Water, Rice), Garlic, Tapioca Starch, Toasted Sesame Oil, Red Pepper, Paprika Oleoresin, Black Pepper, 

Savory Bibimbap Sauce:  Ingredients - Water, Gluten-Free Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Rice, Salt), Brown Sugar, Pear Puree (Pear Puree, Ascorbic Acid), Rice Vinegar (Water, Rice), Garlic, Tapioca Starch, Toasted Sesame Oil, , Black Pepper, 

Spicy Bibimbap Sauce: Ingredients - Water, Gluten-Free Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Rice, Salt), Brown Sugar, Pear Puree (Pear Puree, Ascorbic Acid), Rice Vinegar (Water, Rice), Garlic, Tapioca Starch, Toasted Sesame Oil, Red Pepper, Paprika Oleoresin, Black Pepper.

Meals:

Korean Cuisine: Spicy Pork: Ingredients - Pork, Water, Gluten-Free Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Rice, Salt), Brown Sugar, Pear Puree (Pear Puree, Ascorbic Acid), Rice Vinegar (Water, Rice), Garlic, Tapioca Starch, Toasted Sesame Oil, Red Pepper, Paprika Oleoresin, Black Pepper, Rosemary Extract

Korean Cuisine: Savory Beef:  Beef, Water, Gluten-Free Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Rice, Salt),  Pear Puree (Pear Puree, Ascorbic Acid), Vinegar, Dehydrated Garlic, Sesame Oil, Spice Extractive, Spice, Ascorbic Acid

Bowls:

Beef Bibimbap Rice Bowl: Korean Style Beef with Rice, Kale, Carrots, Red Bell Peppers, and Shiitake mushrooms

Kimchi & Pork Bulgogi Rice Bowl: Korean Style Pork with Rice, Kimchi, Onion, Green Onion,in Spicy Sauce

Did You Know Gluten May Be In Construction Materials?

I have Hashimoto’s, which is an autoimmune thyroid disorder. Due to the similar molecular structure of the thyroid and gluten, gluten is a major trigger for me. Like someone with Celiac, I have to avoid gluten at all cost. I never eat gluten (on purpose). I don’t use any personal care products containing gluten and I try not to breathe in gluten molecules.  

At the end of March, we discovered a leak under our kitchen sink. It caused a lot of damage, so 3 cabinets, the sink, and all the flooring needed to be removed and replaced.  The demolition didn’t affect me but as the rebuilding began, my “allergies” started to go crazy.  I thought it was the dust that construction creates.

I was partially correct.  By the 2^nd week I was suffering from fatigue, a terrible cough, sinus issues, and a pain in the front of my neck that I thought was a sore throat. I went to 2 doctors. Both informed me I was suffering from a severe histamine overload.  They also told me the pain in my throat was my thyroid not my throat. My thyroid was so irritated and swollen that I was having difficulty swallowing.  

I knew I had not been “glutened” by food. The construction was nearly complete so it took me a day or two to realize there could be gluten in construction materials. I did a little digging and found a variety of articles about this:

Wheat flour is sometimes used in the plaster, plaster walls, drywall, glues of all kinds, chalk type products, to name a few. Wheat paste is used for “durability and stickiness.” The biggest issue is the plaster dust that lingers in the air for a long time and can travel all over the house. 

It has been 7 weeks and I am finally starting to feel better. I now have an air filter running in my house all the time. In addition, I have had to resort to nasal steroids and a myriad of supplements to support my thyroid and help reduce the histamine overload. 

http://www.fromhousetohomeboston.com/very-first-methods-to-home-remodeling/

These are 3 of the websites I visited:
 
Synkro Niciti is an artist website. Author Kat McDaniel wrote, Gluten Sentsivity for Construction Workers, Artists and Children: Building and Craft Materials, which details issues about how she was effected by construction in her home. This article had solid research and facts about various construction materials.

Green Builder Elements explores "green" ways to create building supplies. The article, How To Plaster Walls: Natural Clay Plaster Finishes, suggests, "Additional additives such as wheat paste help increase durability and stickiness." 

Celiac.Com: Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Forum has an ongoing thread about how plaster dust has effect people with DH(dermatitis herpetiformis) and Celiac Disease. 

I would like to hear from those of you out there who have had experiences with construction materials. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Photo by the http://www.fromhousetohomeboston.com/very-first-methods-to-home-remodeling/

California Is Taking Away Parental Rights About Vaccinations : SB 277 & SB 792

This very detailed letter was sent to me by my friend who is as concerned as I am that the SB 277 & SB 792, California Law makers voted to pass a law that says it is NO LONGER the parents right to refuse vaccinations. If you don't have time to read it then please scroll to the bottom and copy the emails to all the legislators and send a quick email telling them what you think about this.

Thank you. 

Dear Family & Friends in California ~
I don't normally send out emails like this. But this is incredibly important to me, and if you care about retaining the freedom to have a say over what happens to your body, I hope you care about it, too. This is going to be long. As your friend, I am asking you to do me a huge favor and take the time to read it. THIS PERSONALLY AFFECTS YOU, whether or not you are the parent of a small child.

Yesterday, something happened at the Sacramento Capitol that you may or may not be aware of. California lawmakers, over hundreds of voices of protest, hours of oppositional testimony presented by two doctors and an attorney, voted to pass a bill that will strip parental rights and force people to vaccinate their children against their will. They voted on this draconian bill over the clear and loud voices of their constituents who were begging them not to. I watched it happen with my own eyes.
Whether or not you choose to vaccinate, whatever your feelings are over vaccinations, this bill is a terrible overreach on the part of the state. It will unfairly discriminate against lower income families. Parents who don't have the option to homeschool their children will effectively be forced to hand their child over to their pediatrician, sign a consent form against their will, and watch their kids undergo a medical procedure that they may have any number of reasons to disagree with.

If your child is one of the unlucky few and has a severe reaction and becomes permanently disabled or even dies, you have little to no recourse as a parent. You are 100% responsible for their bills. You have a snowball's chance in hell of winning in Vaccine Injury Court, which is is set up to be adversarial to parents and normally pays a pittance at best to people who have been injured or whose children have been killed by vaccines.
While the bill was watered down with a few amendments, it throws far too many people under the bus. Unless you have a child in kindergarten with a personal or religious exemption now (and if you want one, you better get it FAST), you will not be grandfathered in. Your only hope is to get a medical exemption.

There is no way to screen a child in advance for potential injuries. Until there is, it is unconscionable to force parents to take a risk that they are uncomfortable with and are 100% responsible for the consequences of if it goes south. If there is risk, there must be choice.
If you selectively vaccinate (even so much as withholding one vaccine), your child will not be able to attend daycare or school unless they are caught up to the current CDC schedule. There are hundreds of vaccines that are positioned to be added to the schedule and you will not have the choice to opt out of a single one of them unless your pediatrician agrees to give you a medical exemption. And most importantly - this bill will not prevent outbreaks. The measles outbreak last year came from the Philippines . Not a single school-aged child was affected, despite all the media hysteria and mainstream overreaction. I don't want to get into risk vs. benefits when it comes to vaccines and natural immunity from measles and other inflammatory diseases, but if you aren't already educated on the subject, start by researching how many deaths there have been in the US from measles over the last ten years. (Spoiler alert: the number is zero.) We do not have a public health crisis.
A little about medical exemptions. You only get them if your child has already suffered a severe reaction to a vaccine. I'm not talking about a rash. I'm not even talking about a seizure. Those are literally accepted as commonplace, acceptable reactions to vaccines and are often not reported. Doctors are not mandated to report adverse reactions anyway. The chances of parents obtaining medical exemptions are slim to none - and even then, it will normally only to be to the vaccine that the kid had a bad reaction to in the first place. Not the rest. The senators responsible for this horrible bill flat out lied yesterday to the assembly. It is not easy to obtain medical exemptions and no, most pediatricians will absolutely not give one to younger siblings if the older sibling had a reaction. Or, if like me, the parents have a history of adverse reactions.
A similar bill was recently defeated in my state - CA Senator Pan learned from the mistakes of Senator Steiner-Hayward and has used some very shady and unethical tactics to fast track this bill into law, including making sure oppositional voices in the senate didn't have the option to cast their no vote.
I want to be clear that this email is not being sent in the spirit of fear-mongering. I personally believe that vaccines can and do have their place in medicine and I have great respect for medical professionals. I believe in the use of allopathic and holistic medicine and acknowledge that they have saved and improved countless lives. If a parent decides that vaccinations are the best way to protect their children, I support and applaud that choice. It's their choice to make. The whole point is that it is up to the individual to decide the best course of healthcare for themselves and their small children. This bill seeks to strip that autonomy away. It lays the groundwork for doctors to make other decisions you might not agree with, including medicating you against your will. It's wrong, and it needs your help to stop it.
SB 277 is inches away from becoming law in California . The next step is for it be voted on the assembly floor and then it will be signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown unless he chooses to veto it. This is where you come in.
Copy. Paste. Send via email. To the FULL ASSEMBLY and VOICE YOUR CONCERN over FORCED VACCINATIONS for CHILDREN AND ADULTS!
NO ON SB 277 NO ON SB 792
Full Assembly Email list (COPY PASTE the entire list to the BBC Field of your EMAIL to make contact in a batch email)

assemblymember.achadjian@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.alejo@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.allen@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.atkins@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.baker@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.bigelow@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.bloom@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.bonilla@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.bonta@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.brough@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.brown@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.burke@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.calderon@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.campos@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.chang@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.chau@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.chavez@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.chiu@assembly.ca.gov,
assemblymember.chu@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.cooley@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.cooper@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.dababneh@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.dahle@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.daly@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.dodd@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.eggman@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.frazier@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.gaines@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.gallagher@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.garcia@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.garcia@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.gatto@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.gipson@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.gonzalez@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.gordon@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.gray@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.grove@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.hadley@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.harper@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.hernandez@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.holden@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.irwin@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.jones@assembly.ca.gov,
assemblymember.jones-sawyer@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.kim@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.lackey@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.levine@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.linder@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.lopez@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.low@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.maienschein@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.mathis@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.mayes@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.mccarty@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.medina@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.melendez@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.mullin@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.nazarian@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.obernolte@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.odonnell@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.olsen@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.patterson@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.perea@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.rendon@assembly.ca.gov,
assemblymember.ridley-thomas@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.rodriguez@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.salas@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.santiago@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.steinorth@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.stone@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.thurmond@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.ting@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.wagner@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.waldron@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.weber@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.wilk@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.williams@assembly.ca.gov, assemblymember.wood@assembly.ca.gov

Find out who your assembly representative is. CALL THEM. Ask to be put through directly to them. Be polite. Be clear that you are their constituent. Ask them to please vote no.
Email or write a letter to Governor Jerry Brown today. Ask him to veto this bill.
Finally, and most importantly, please hold this in the light and all of those who are being asked to vote or veto this bill, please see them as listening to the deepest wisdom and guidance possible as to how to handle this bill. I ask you to please join me in the intention of the bill being stopped before it becomes law. As a mother. As your friend. I ask you to stand with me as a unified field.

Deepest love and respect to you all~


--
Marian Z Geringer
eZ Gluten-Free Life
GF Consultant. Speaker and Author
gfcoach@cox.net

Gluten / Gluten-Free Ingredients in Japanese Food: An Update

An updated post from 5/14/14
For those adventurous chefs out there, here is what you need to know about cooking Gluten-Free Japanese food:

Basic Japanese Ingredients that contain gluten:
Fish Stock Powder (hon Dashi): Contains *MSG or Mono-Sodium Glutamate.
Japanese Mayonnaise: Ingredients vary and may contain Gluten.
Imitation Crab:Can be made with wheat 
Miso:  Miso is a blend of fermented beans and grains. These grains may be barley, wheat or rye and therefore contain gluten. Read label for all ingredients.
Panko: Made with Wheat
Rice Vinegar: May Contain *MSG or Malt Barley 
Sushi: Ingredients in sushi vary and could contain Gluten. Ask before eating
Sushi Rice: When cooked may contain rice vinegar or wheat
Tempura: Made with Wheat

Basic Japanese Sauces that contain gluten: 
Chili Sauce: Can Contain *Modified Food Starch
Fish Sauce: Ingredients vary from brand to brand - Read labels
Hoisin Sauce: Contains Wheat
Hontsuyu Sauce: Contains *MSG & Soy Sauce.
Black Bean Sauce: Contains gluten.
Oyster Sauce: Can contains *MSG and/or Wheat
Plum Sauce: Is usually gluten-free but read ingredients to be sure. 
Ponzu Sauce: Contains *MSG & Soy Sauce
Soy Sauce: Contains Wheat
Teriyaki Sauce: Contains Soy Sauce
Wasabi: Prepared in a tube and can contain lactose (dairy) It is usually gluten-free

Basic Japanese Ingredients that are Gluten-Free (GF):
Jasmine Rice: GF
Mirin Sauce:  GF In theory, Mirin is fermented rice and does not contain gluten. Read the ingredients sometimes you will see other ingredients like Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein which does contain gluten. 
Nori Warps: GF
Potato Starch: GF
Saké: GF
Tamari Sauce: GF 

Brands: 
Eden Foods: Eden Mirin, GE Brown Rice Miso, Shiro Miso, 
Edward & Sons: Check out the link to see the variety of GF products they carry./
Kikkoman: Has many gluten-free Japanese products.

Mizkan: Mizkan Rice Vinegar, Mizkan Season Rice Vinegar, and Mizkan Mirin are Gluten -Free. Mizkan Ponzu is NOT gluten-free.
South River Miso: Eight varieties are made with non-gluten ingredients: Hearty Brown Rice, Dandelion Leek, Sweet Tasting Brown Rice, Azuki Bean Miso, Chickpea Miso, Golden Millet, Sweet White, Garlic Red Pepper Miso.

Mitsukan Rice Vinegar, Seasoned Rice Vinegar and Mirin ARE gluten free. Mitsukan Ponzu is NOT gluten free. - See more at: http://www.mizkan.com/Brands/Mitsukan/Mitsukan-FAQ.aspx#sthash.EDSHqciw.dpuf

 

Mitsukan Rice Vinegar, Seasoned Rice Vinegar and Mirin ARE gluten free. Mitsukan Ponzu is NOT gluten free. - See more at: http://www.mizkan.com/Brands/Mitsukan/Mitsukan-FAQ.aspx#sthash.EDSHqciw.dpuf

Go to Thank Heavens: The Gluten-Free Lifesaver, for a GF Hoisin Recipe  


 Notes:

* Modified Food Starch: In the United States Modified Food Starch is gluten-free, unless labeled otherwise. Modified Food Starch imported from another country will contain gluten.

*MSG or Mono-Sodium Glutamate is typically made with wheat especially if imported from another country.

* Soy Sauce can be replaced with Gluten-Free Tamari



Resources:

• University of Maryland Medical Center; Study from University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research Places Gluten Sensitivity on Center Stage of Spectrum of Gluten-Related Disorders; March 2010
• Celiac Sprue Association: Treatment of Celiac Disease
• http://www.ilovestickyrice.com/2014/01/28/is-sushi-gluten-free/
• http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/Gluten-Free-Condiments/f/Gluten-Free-Vinegar.htm
•  http://www.glutenfreeliving.com/gluten-free-foods/gluten-free-nutrition/gluten-questions-and-answers/miso/
• http://sumokitchen.com/10-essential-ingredients-for-japanese-cooking/
• http://importfood.com/sphd2291.html
• http://www.asianfoodgrocer.com/category/seaweed-nori
• http://www.japancentre.com/items/takara-hon-mirin--4
•  http://www.asianfoodgrocer.com/product/orchids-wasabi-paste
• Photo:  http://www.bubblews.com/news/735779-japanese-food-for-dinner