Introducing ‘Arbonne’!

On the heels of recommending several ways you can fine-tune your ingredients, I came across a list of foods & additives to avoid when eating gluten-free – a list that extends to beauty products and toiletries.

I thought this was rather fortuitous.

I picked this particular flyer up some time ago at Whole Foods – another very helpful resource, by the way, for a variety of special diets.

Here are some of the items on the list:

• Binders
• Caramel Coloring
• Coatings (i.e. anything breaded)
• Dextrins
• Dispersing Agents
• Emulsifiers
• Fillers
• Flavorings
• Grain Alcohol (beer, ale, rye, scotch, etc.)
• Homeopathic Remedies
• Hydrolyzed Protein
• Malt or Malt Flavoring
• Modified Food Starch
• Mono & Di-Glycerides
• Preservatives
• Soy Sauce
• Spices (if anti-caking agents are used)
• Vegetable Gum (when made from oats)

Pretty daunting, huh?

As if this list isn’t long enough, it’s equally smart to consider your toiletries and beauty products.

That’s right – along with over the counter and prescription medications, everything from toothpaste and other non- ingested products also need to be taken into consideration.

Which is why I’m excited to share with you a product line you may not be familiar with – Arbonne!

While I’m not in the business of selling beauty products, per se, I believe this particular company is another fabulous resource for anyone on a gluten-free or vegan diet.

Arbone products use botanically based formulas that are formulated WITHOUT gluten or animal products.

In fact, they are certified vegan, which means they also don’t use animals for testing.

In addition, these personal care products are formulated WITHOUT formaldehyde-donating preservatives, PABA, parabens and petroleum based ingredients such as mineral oil, phthalates, petrolatum and benzene.

One more reason to highlight these products and make them available to you!

Now, I’ve heard two different schools of thought when it comes to toiletries and other beauty products.

One is that, since you aren’t ingesting your shampoo and conditioner – it’s not a concern, since they are not absorbed into your digestive tract.

The opposite point of view is to simply avoid any products that contain wheat or gluten, or whatever you might be allergic to.

Period.

I used to follow the former line of thought.

But personal experience taught me that I need to be more careful, that my body is, in fact, sensitive to gluten, wheat – and even almonds – in any form.

You will find a link to Arbonne beauty products on the Links page.

By the way, their line of nutritional products are also formulated without gluten, plus NO cholesterol, artificial flavors, colors & sweeteners, and saturated or trans fats.

The entire line has products in ten different categories for all ages and genders – including anti-aging, aromatherapy, baby, sun protection and a spa detox.

I like that they are botanically based, pure and safe, but you can’t buy them just anywhere.

So, check it out!

I will do my best to answer any questions you might have, and if necessary – track down the answer!