Monday, February 27, 2017

Beet Juice for Gallbladder & Aorta, Medicine Pantry Staple

Beet juice is a super medicinal food and a jar should be kept in every pantry.
Beet  juice contains many important and effective phytonutrients , vitamins and minerals.  Beet juice can relax our arteries and can stop a gallbladder attack cold in its tracks.



For those of use with chronic gallbladder issues, beet juice can instantly stop a developing gallbladder pain attack.

For those of us with chronic cardiovascular disease or connective tissue challenges, beet juice acts as one of the worlds most effective anti-inflammatory foods, decreasing the likelihood of aortic dissection.

The National Institute of Health's Library of Medicine contains some intriguing papers about the potential health benefits of beet root with respective to cardiovascular, digestive and even cognitive health!

Gallbladder and aorta foods.  Beet juice should be in everyone's pantry.
National Public Radio (NPR) suggests that beet juice can support muscle growth and may be good for those avid gym-goers in a recent article.

Moreover, beet juice has been shown to lower blood pressure!  Because beets contains dietary nitrates (NO3) and biologically active NO2 and nitric oxide (NO), taking the juice may relax blood vessels, potentially 'de-stiffening' the cardiovascular system.

Beet juice can instantly stop the sharp pain of a gallbladder attack through combination of mechanisms.  The nitrous oxide relaxes blood vessels, the anti-inflammatory compounds eases auto-immune responses and the betaine helps in digesting fats in your digestive system triggering the attack.

Anti-inflammatory foods like beets can promote excellent digestive and cardiovascular health.
I personally have received testimonies from those who were developing pain and who stopped at the market to purchase a jar of beet juice (unsweetened of course is best but all beet juices contain significant amounts of sugar).  Once they drank the juice the pain rapidly subsided.  Sometimes all it takes for the pain to dissipate is a bile salt, betaine, pepsin or other substance that may help facilitate fat metabolism or transport.

Anyway, you will always be able to find a jar of beet juice in my pantry, and of course, fresh market beets in season in the vegetable bin.


Sunday, February 26, 2017

Cabbage & Butternut Squash Roast, Whole Foods Pantry for Gallbladder & Aorta Health

Wednesday's are the weekday we head to our Farmer's Market.

Aorta & Gallbladder supportive dinner - coconut oil roasted cabbage & butternut squash

Selecting and buying whole, real fruits and vegetables is the first of many steps we take in our aorta and gallbladder health dietary journey.

For too long we have continued to fill our bodies with highly processed foods containing inflammatory or carcinogenic substances, such as; sugars, omega 6's, sodium, nitrites and other toxic compounds.

Packaged and processed foods may be convenient but they are disguised foods; foods that can wreck havoc on your cardiovascular system, gallbladder, pancreas and liver.

As shown here in the pantry vegetables, fruits & nuts make up the bulk of our purchased foods. #Aorta health #gallbladder health #WholeFoods
So many studies have pointed to results of enhanced aortic and digestive health arising from a simple whole foods diet.

And whole foods do not have to be boring.

They can be heartier and tastier than most all those other 'packaged' meals.

Tonight's whole food dish from the Farmer's Market was cabbage and butternut squash roasted with coconut oil, salt, pepper, poblano sauce and garlic.

Quick and easy to make, the textured coconut oil caramelized cabbage combines nicely with the tender sweet butternut squash.

Simply slice washed cabbage and butternut squash, lightly brush with coconut oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake at 380F for approximately 45 minutes or until done!

Full of fiber, phytochemical, vitamins, minerals, protein and other health supporting nutritious substances, whole foods are the main staple in our kitchen pantry and refrigerator.

As shown here in the refrigerator vegetables, fruits & nuts make up the bulk of our purchased foods. #Aorta health #gallbladder health #WholeFoods
Dump the processed foods.  If a box or package contains more than one or two ingredients then it may be leading you down the path to painful gallbladder spasms or rigid, plaque filled and dissection prone arteries.

Consider a non-processed, whole foods diet for your health and longevity.  Start today.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Roasting Vegetables for Aortic and Digestive Health

Vegetables roasting in the oven always fill thetownhouse with the best of food aromas.

Gallbladder and Cardiovascular Diet - Healthy, Hearty Veggies a Roasting
The vegetables we roast are handpicked from our Lakes Park Farmers Market every Wednesday morning where we usually purchase enough onions, potatoes (various types), zucchini, squash, mushrooms, beets, broccoli, cauliflowers, cabbage, carrots, Brussel sprouts, ginger, eggplant (for baba ganoush) grapefruit, oranges, apples, papaya, mango and pineapple for the week.
Gallbladder and aorta diet - Sliced Brussel Sprouts ready for roasting

Gallbladder friendly Brussel Sprouts ready for eating!

Farmers Market fresh foods are so affordable too.  We can purchase what we need of the above for just a little over fifty dollars.

I like to slice my veggies nice and thin, place them on a tray lightly coated with coconut or avocado oil, add a little salt, pepper and paprika and bake until cooked to my taste (I like a little on the browned-caramelized side) at about 400F.

Somedays I'll finish the tray of roasted veggies with a light broiling touch.

Gallbladder & Aorta Diet - I like to add coconut oil and smoky paprika to the veggies before roasting.
Healthy, hearty and aorta/gallbladder friendly foods are as close as the farmer's market and home oven!


Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Chickpea & Rice Super-burgers for Gallbladder & Aorta Health

Sometimes I just want a really hearty, mouthwatering burger.  Or two.  Or three.


Gallbladder diet.  Baked Chickpea & Rice Burgers.  Healthy Yum!
But I have to say no to real hamburgers.  They just are not right for my cardiovascular system, aorta and especially not right for my touchy gallbladder.

So what do I do?

Salmon burgers make a good substitute but still taste like 'fish' burgers.  Which is good but maybe not what I am looking for all the time.  Some days I just want a 'real' burger.

The closest faux-burger burger I've made to the real thing burger is my chickpea (garbanzo bean) and rice burger.

They are super good.  And filling and don't crumble apart like many vegetarian burgers may do.

Gallbladder diet.  Foods good for aorta and gallbladder - Chickpea & Rice Burgers.  Healthy Yum!
These chickpea and rice super-burgers are easy to prepare and cook.  Super easy.  And they are packed full of nutrients, vitamins, protein and phytochemicals.

Chickpeas contain on average about 15 grams of protein per cup and there is about a half a cup in each large burger!  Chickpeas also provide manganese and folate for a strong healthy body.  Of course chickpeas are famous for their fiber content (I like to soak my chickpeas/garbanzo beans overnight to remove phytic acid, a substance which can bind zinc in our bodies).

Heres how to make them.

Cook two cups basmati rice and two cups chick peas.  Make sure both the rice and chickpeas are soft.

I like to steam a couple peppers (red, green, banana or poblano) and onions, then dice them quite fine in size.

Chop several cloves of garlic and a thumb size chunk of fresh ginger root.  Sometimes I'll add a little turmeric too.

Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl along with a cup of organic masa harina.  Mix well.

If you are a vegan then add salt and pepper to taste and form the mixture into large patties.

If you are a vegetarian looking for a little more protein and binder then add three egg whites, mix and form into large burger-size patties.

Gallbladder diet.  Foods good for aorta and gallbladder - Chickpea & Rice Burgers.  Healthy Yum!
Place on a lightly oiled baking tray and bake at 385 F until golden brown, turning the burgers occasionally.  Sometimes I'll broil them for a minute or so to allow the onions and peppers to 'crispy caramelize' just a bit.

Serve hot with home made salsa!

Yum.

Chickpea and rice burgers will leave you satisfied every time (and aorta-gallbladder healthy too).


Saturday, February 18, 2017

Whole Foods Diet and Aorta-Gallbladder Health, Hearty Dinners

Hearty, healthy gallbladder and aorta meals can be quick and easy to prepare.
Whole foods diet for gallbladder and aorta! #Phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins, fiber, anti-inflammation
Tonight's meal filled me up with 'good for me' whole foods.  As all the foods were homemade from fresh ingredients the meal contained no 'processed foods' except for the organic tahini.

My gallbladder is no longer angry at me when I eat.

My hunger cravings are always satisfied.

I really wish I had started eating whole, non-processed foods (or slow foods as some may describe) when I was younger.

But today I know my cardiovascular system is holding its own, even with the enormous tear in my aorta's inner lining.  And I know my digestive system is working smoothly.  No more painful and debilitating 'hiccups' from my gallbladder or pancreas.

Tonights meal included: a homemade salad with spring greens, peppers, ginger, onions and more; homemade garbanzo bean hummus, split pea soup with new potatoes and onions; and homemade salsa.

#gallbladderlife #dissectionlife

Friday, February 17, 2017

A Heart Hearty (and Gallbladder Friendly) Dinner

Steamed asparagus and baba ganoush for dinner last night.
Foods for gallbladder and aorta health - steamed asparagus and baba ganoush

And the yummy, healthy meal filled me up.

Asparagus provide just enough 'chewy' texture (but not to chewy) to satisfy my primordial urge of, yep you guessed it, 'chewing'.

On the opposite end of the texture spectrum baba ganoush though packs a flavor punch, one filled with umami and other exotic flavors.

Asparagus has been shown to promote gallbladder health and is recommended by many health sources as a gallbladder friendly food.

Asparagus also acts as a diuretic, relieving edema and providing much needed antioxidants supporting both the heart and digestive system.

So next time you need a heart hearty meal, try steamed asparagus and baba ganoush!

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Aorta & Gallbladder Friendly Snacks - Baba Ganoush Yum

I stay hungry all the time.

Aorta and gallbladder friendly - healthy homemade baba ganoush!

Despite my touchy gallbladder I am finding homemade whole foods snacks like baked, gluten free corn chips and baba ganoush really satisfy my hunger urges without pain or inflammation that will damage y aorta or gallbladder.

Today I made fresh baba ganoush.

Dice a large onion, green pepper, large carrot, garlic (powder or fresh), nice size chunk of fresh ginger (the more the better for me) and yam and sauté in water until tender.

Bake two large market eggplant in the oven until completely tender.

Allow all ingredients to cool and then place in food processor or blender.  Add a couple large spoonfuls of tahini if you can tolerate tahini and two tablespoons of organic, cold pressed, unrefined coconut oil.
Aorta and gallbladder friendly - healthy homemade baba ganoush!
Salt and pepper to taste.

Blend away.

Homemade baba ganoush is full of phytochemical and nutrients, fiber and minerals.

So tasty too....

Monday, February 13, 2017

Gallbladder and Cardiovascular Diet - Vegan Feasts Can Be Hearty

My gallbladder and torn aorta pretty much demand that I eat a vegan diet.  Sometimes I do supplement the veggies with herring or sardines but for the most part I eat veggies.
Gallbladder diet & Aorta Diet.  Vegan dinners can be filling feasts!

Back when I first was presented with the fact that I'd no longer be able to consume cheese, butter meats, chips and processed foods I went through a 'grieving' phase.

I first thought going vegan meant going hungry.  I feared going vegan meant practical starvation but I was so wrong.

Today the vegan meals we fix are literal feasts.

The dinner featured here totally satisfied my immense appetite.  We had Basmati rice, fresh sauerkraut, cooks beets, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, cashews, walnuts, a cabbage & garden greens salad, chopped apples and chick pea veggie burgers.  Totally scrumptious, filling and amazing.

Best of all my gallbladder stayed happy and my torn aorta was content not to be hit with inflammatory processed foods ingredients.

Gallbladder life and aorta life don't have to be second place to the SAD diet.

In fact, whole and slow foods are not only healthy but will keep you coming back for more!




Saturday, February 11, 2017

Having a Hard Time Giving Up Chocolate on a Gallbladder Diet?

I love Chocolate!


Gallblascular diet.  Cocoa nibs are low in fat, contain only cocoa and are anti-inflammatory which is good for the aorta and digestive system.
My gallbladder screams when I eat a chocolate bar though, reminding me that all the rich fats and oils in the processed candy are not what my body needs.

I have however found other ways to satisfy my cocoa cravings without causing that horrible, intense gallbladder pain or inflaming my already torn descending aorta walls.

The basic principle behind these two chocolate delights is one of 'non-processed'.  Actually both the unsweetened cocoa powder and nibs are processed but only minimally processed.  And there is just on ingredient - cocoa, not a whole hoard of probably taste good but not healthy sugar, preservatives, flavorings and oils.

Though this is just one particular example of the fundamental philosophy behind the Gallblascular Diet, the premise is consistent with all food items.

I find it is generally OK, even healthy, to eat 'whole' foods.

Foods with less than two or three ingredients on their packaging or preferable foods with no packaging at all are best for our aorta and digestive system - and our entire body.

Gallblascular Diet.  Satisfy your chocolate urge without gallbladder pain or inflammation from candy bars by using unsweetened cocoa.
I was so surprised and pleases about nine months into my Gallblascular Diet when I realized unsweetened cocoa powder and cocoa nibs were safe to eat.  No pain from the gallbladder, no inflammatory arterial damage to my cardiovascular system.

Gallblascular diet.  Unsweetened cocoa powder contains only cocoa and is actually low in fat and carbs.
In fact the flavanols in cocoa are reportedly quite healthy for us humans.

Try dissolving a spoonful or two in warm non-fat milk or if you are a vegan like me in almond or cashew milk.  If you can't tolerate the 'milks' then hot water works well too.

For a quick snack a small handful of cocoa nibs always quickly satisfies the chocolate urge.

Gallblascular diet.  Cocoa nibs are low in fat, contain only cocoa and are  anti-inflammatory which is good for the aorta and digestive system.
Remember, whole non-processed foods are what the Gallblascular Diet is all about.  Read the ingredients. If the package contains  lots of chemicals, preservatives, flavors, sugars, oils and other ingredients it probably is not good for you, your aorta or your gallbladder/pancreas.

Friday, February 10, 2017

Sugar Is NOT and NEITHER Aorta nor Gallbladder Friendly

Reducing body inflammation is crucial to aorta (cardiovascular) and gallbladder health.
Gallbladder and Aorta Diet - Eliminating Sugars can help reduce inflammation!

Sugar is one of the main drivers of increased inflammation in our bodies.

Reducing out sugar intake is so very important to our health.

Listed below are a few informative articles about the hidden dangers of sugar and inflammation.  I recommend reading them all and doing further research on your own about how you can eliminate sugar from your diet.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Healthy Living - I Want A Hot Dog But My Aorta and Gallbladder Say.....

Usually I am O.K. with my vegan diet.   Once in a while my whole body disdains all the whole foods and screams 'Hot Dog!'

Gallbladder diet.  Carrot dog with roasted eggplant. Healthy for aorta and digestive system.

Last night I fulfilled the hot dog desire.  In a healthy manner that is.

Though I'd never eat a 'real' hot dog, I do crave them occasionally. Vegan carrot dogs can be healthy for aorta & digestive system.
Some one had told me about carrot dogs a while back.  Nope, they aren't just like a real hot dog. They lack the terrible fats, hormones, chemicals, preservatives like sodium nitrite and other dangerous ingredients that 'real' hot dogs contain.

Actually they taste pretty darn good.  Maybe even better than a real hot dog. And are full of vitamins and minerals and fiber and good taste!

Here's how I made mine.

Wednesday is our farmers market day and I picked out about ten big fat juicy carrots.
Gallbladder and aorta diet. Carrots about to become 'dogs'. Healthy for aorta and digestive system.

After you wash and trim any bad spots away from the carrots, place them in a glass baking dish.

Bake your fat, plump carrots at 385F until brown. Healthy for aorta and digestive system.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake at 385 F until they are tender enough to press a fork all the way through.

Remove from the oven and perforate each carrot with a fork until well punctured.

Soak each carrot in tamari or your favorite marinade and place back in the oven.  I use gluten free tamari.

Allow carrots to continue browning or caramelizing, removing from oven every five minutes or so to rotate.
Gallbladder and aorta diet.  Carrots are ideal 'dog' alternatives, full of aorta and gallbladder supporting phytochemicals.

Once the carrots are brown and cooked remove from the oven and allow to cool.

I like soft corn tortillas with dijon mustard and kalamata olive spread.

Wrap your carrot dog in the corn tortilla, accentuate with mustard, onions, pickles and healthy spreads and enjoy!

Jonesing for a hot dog can be healthy if you think 'big fat carrot'!

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Symptom Free Sixteen Months No Gallbladder Surgery!

Its been sixteen months since my last gallbladder attack that almost put me in the hospital.
Gallbladder diet. Cabbage Boats with Split Pea Soup and Capers. Good for digestive and cardiovascular health.

My diet has changed from meat and dairy to vegan and fish sometimes.

Last ultrasound showed greatly reduced stone amount and no sludge.

So I'm continuing on with what works diet-wise for my gallbladder and pancreas.  Like reduced to no sugar, no dairy or heavy fats, no junk food, etc...  Like read all ingredient labels and better yet buy real food that does not have any added ingredients.   Think fresh from the farmers market.

Here is today's heart and gallbladder recipes:

Split Pea Soup - OK I know split pea soup does not sound glamorous but in reality it is hearty, filling, tasty and for me gallbladder and aorta friendly.

Gall bladder diet. Split Pea Soup in Crockpot. Good for digestive and cardiovascular health.
I soak my split peas in water overnight then cook them in a crock pot with a large onion the next day. Usually by early afternoon I can have a marvelous bowl of yummy, good for me food.

I season my split pea soup with a large soup spoon full of nutritional yeast and also tamari.

Yep, it looks like, well brownish sludge but I'd bet this simple soup would satisfy anyone's hunger.  And it tastes damn good!
Gallbladder diet.  Nutritional yeast makes a good condiment, adds flavor and depth to any food.

One of the other dishes I make with split pea soup is my cabbage boat.  Cabbage boat is tasty served either hot or cold.

First step in preparing cabbage boats is to roast a cabbage sliced in half in the oven until well cooked.
Gallbladder diet. Cabbage Boats - start with roasted cabbage layers. Good for digestive and cardiovascular health.

I baste with unrefined coconut oil occasionally while the cabbage is cooking.  My preference  is to let the cabbage cook till almost slightly 'crispy' but still pliable.

Once cooked I separate the cabbage layers and place on a tray with the 'bowl' side up, like a boat.
Gallbladder diet.  Kind of like a stuffed potato but its a cabbage boat! Add cooked split peas, nutritional yeast and tamari.

Fill the cabbage boat half way up with split pea soup, add nutritional yeast and tamari, and (if you can tolerate nuts or seeds) chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds or walnut (especially good toasted).

Add pepper and garlic powder or smoky paprika.

Yum!

Gallbladder diets can be hearty, healthy and good for your cardiovascular system too!

P.S. I use only unrefined, expeller pressed coconut oils or avocado oil.
Gallbladder diet.  Use only unrefined, cold pressed coconut oil.

And rather than use soy sauce I prefer tamari.
Gallbladder diet.  I prefer tamari over soy sauce.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Sleepless Gallbladder Fun

Short post today as we are off to the Fakahatchee Strand in the Everglades.
Gallbladder & Aorta Diet.  Roasted veggies make for healthy eating!
Many nights I find myself wide awake when the moon is high, somewhere between midnight and five in the morning.  Conversely as the sun rises I am ready to fall back asleep.

So this morning early I chopped up some fresh organic vegetables, coated them with a very light spray of coconut oil and placed in the oven to roast away.

Sure does make the house mornings smell good - kind of like an olfactory alarm clock.

My entire body is thriving on healthy, roasted vegetables.  My cardiovascular system and gallbladder are as happy as ever.

A year ago I'd never have used coconut oil.  But as my gallbladder and pancreas inflammation decreased from the lower fat, lower sugar and primarily vegan diet, I have been able to bring back a little healthy fat into my diet without those below the rib painful bouts.

So next time you are lying bed wide awake - think of those fresh organic vegetables in the pantry or refrigerator and consider warming that oven!

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Eating Out - Choosing Healthy Fast Foods for Heart, Aorta & Gallbladder

Quick simple tip of the day for those of us with touchy gallbladders and-or form aortas.
Healthy Eating Out - Aorta & Gallbladder Diet

When eating out try to find a restaurant serving 'steamed' foods.

I prefer steamed vegetables, sometimes with tofu but usually just alone!

For the meat eaters in the world, steam fish works very well as does broiled or grilled fish so long as no omega 6-rich inflammatory oils are brushed onto the meat.

Asian restaurants are one of my favorite eating out destinations. Here in South Florida there are a number or Asian restaurants serving high quality, fresh steamed vegetables.  You can even find organic, gluten-free and organic dishes too.

Eating out can be difficult when challenged with cardiovascular or gallbladder issues.

Steamed foods can be a simple, safe and delicious answer!

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Heart and Gallbladder Healthy Roasted Chayote

Need a quick, hearty and healthy dish?

Gallbladder and aorta diet.  Roasted/Baked Chayote (Mirliton)

The Gallbladder friendly and cardiovascular health supportive roasted chayote recipe will satisfy both demands.

Chayote is a squash originally native to Central America, however the plant is grown worldwide today as an important food source.

Nutrition-wise chayote is rich in Potassium, Vitamin C, Magnesium and B-6.

Vitamin C and B-6 are vital compounds for support of gallbladder and cardiovascular health.

Chayote is popular across the Gulf Coast region in the U.S. and is also known as 'milliton' in Louisiana.
Gallbladder and aorta diet.  Roasted/Baked Chayote (Mirliton)
My easy gallbladder diet recipe is as follows.

Wash chayote thoroughly and slice into longitundinal halves.  Scoop out the seed from each half with a spoon, leaving a small depression area in the squash for the spices.

Place sliced chayote in a glass baking dish and add a small amount of unrefined coconut oil or avocado oil in each scooped out area.  Chop fresh garlic and again, add in the depressional area of the chayote halves.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper and paprika.

Bake for 45 minutes at 350F and allow to cool.

Serve with a mild pepper sauce or tamari.

Enjoy and cheers to a life free from gallbladder pain!


Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Veggie Roast - Healthy for Heart & Digestion #Gallbladder #Aorta

Wednesday's healthy meal is a colorful veggie roast.

Healing Gallbladder & Aorta. Fresh veggies hand picked and washed
The farmers market provides an awesome opportunity to gather vegetables and fruits for the upcoming week.

I am always amazed with the brilliant colors mother nature chooses for food art found on the tree, vine and in the noisy marketplace.

My gallbladder and aorta both benefit from all the phytochemical abundant in fresh food.
Healing Gallbladder & Aorta. Chopped, diced and ready for the pan.
My spirit rejoices too in the pleasures of slow foods; the selecting, the washing, the preparation, the cooking and of course then the devouring.

This veggie roast is simple yet hearty, easy to make but delicious.

First, select your veggies.  Second, slice, dice or chop.  Third place the veggies on a very lightly oiled tray or in a glass baking dish (I use coconut oil but avocado and EVOO works well too!)
Healing Gallbladder & Aorta.  Veggie roast in the oven!

Finally, bake about 350F for forty five minutes or so until the veggies are just right.  I like mine a little caramelized so sometimes I may bake about 400F.
Healing Gallbladder & Aorta. Yum Yum Sizzling yum.

Your healthy veggie bake will satisfy any level of hunger, provide you with important nutrients and fiber and keep your gallbladder and cardiovascular system healthy and happy.

Adjust veggies as necessary to accommodate individual tolerances.