-------------------- When faced with pain you have two choices....either quit and accept the circumstances, OR make the decision to fight with all the resources you have at your disposal. Posts: 1000 | From PA | Registered: Mar 2011
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Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
New Chapter Berry Green does not contain gluten:
posted
If it's certified gluten free, then it's OK (let's hope), but I wouldn't buy one that doesn't SAY it's gluten free.
While harvesting barley or wheat grass, the harvester COULD accidentally pick up a grain or seed. Not real likely, but possible. The grasses are OK.
The New Chapter above does mention organic oats, so I would assume those are certified gluten free oats. Not all oats are OK.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Thanks a lot for the suggestions, guys!
I ended up ordering the "plant fusion" and also a "vega complete whole food health optimizer". I found the "vega" one on Azure's link, but I ended up ordering it from Amazon because it was cheaper there. The "plant fusion" was cheaper at vitacost, which is kinda annoying because now I have to do 2 orders.
posted
Ive tried Vega a while ago....I have to say I remember NOT likiing it at all....but I dont remember what I put in it as mixers so it could have just been me.
Maybe look on Amazon and read the reviews.
Posts: 844 | From CA | Registered: Apr 2010
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The Oats might contain gluten. I would react to that for sure :-( So if youre sensitive beware.
Posts: 844 | From CA | Registered: Apr 2010
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posted
YES to the VEGAN product! I found it a couple of weeks ago and have been using it ever since! I use both the Whole Food Optimizer and the Sport version.
Get more info. about the products on myvegan.com. The guy who created the product line is a Professional Ironman Triathlete - so that grabbed my attention!
IMO, this stuff tastes great!
Posts: 151 | From North East | Registered: May 2011
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
A lot of the commercial green drinks contain spirulina which you can search online. The world health organization says it could be the food of the future to save people from starvation because it is very high in protein (18 grams per oz) and vitamins and minerals. It also helps with many diseases and improves your energy.
If I were you I would just buy spirulina and make your own smoothies. Spriulina also binds with heavy metals so you have to be sure you buy from a good source, not from China. It will move heavy metals out of your body but it will also take them up where it was grown. I buy from Hawaii.
I make an ice cream like smoothie with yogurt, frozen blueberries and maybe half a ts of spirulina. Originally I got it for my son because it is supposed to help with diabetes but I like it so much I take it myself.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
beware of oxalates in greens! they are neurotoxic.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
Spirulina is not an algae. It is a prokaryote. It is a bacteria that happens to use photosynthesis to make energy. The same is true for super blue green algae. It is not an algae at all from a biological point of view. They are microorganisms, not plants.
Comparing the nutrient content in spirulina, it is very poor compared to the content in chlorella. The protein content is lower. None of the precious ingredients are in there.
Take care.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
I guess it depends on what you read - Not to say you are wrong GIGI. It is interesting.
"Spirulina is different from other algae and is similar to bacteria in many ways, occupying a niche between plants and bacteria. Spirulina is similar to cyanobacteria in structure (spiral shape, unlike true plant plankton), which can be toxic. Spirulina Blue- Green algae are recognized by the body (fish in particular) as a bacterium, causing an increase in antibodies, which in turn increases disease resistance.
Spirulina is not Chlorella; Chlorella is a green micro-algae and does not have the same anti-viral, anti-cancer and immune stimulating properties of Spirulina. The Chlorella cell wall is made of indigestible cellulose, just like green grass, while the cell wall of Spirulina is made of complexed proteins and sugars. "
The United Nations World Health Organization says this about Spriulina:
Benefits of one tablespoon a day
Spirulina offers remarkable health benefits to an undernourished person. Its rich beta carotene can overcome eye problems caused by Vitamin A deficiency. The protein and B-vitamin complex makes a major nutritional improvement in an infant's diet. It's the only food source, except mother's milk, containing substantial amounts of an essential fatty acid, GLA, which helps regulate the entire hormone system.
One tablespoon a day can eliminate iron anemia, the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is the most digestible protein food, especially important for malnourished people whose intestines can no longer absorb nutrients effectively. Clinical studies have shown it helps rebuild healthy intestinal flora.
These health benefits have made it an excellent food for rapid recovery of children from malnutrition related diseases in Mexico, Togo, Romania, China, Rwanda, Zaire, India, Ukraine and Belarus.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
While you guys are busy bickering and arguing over the taxonomy of spirulina, I wanted to announce that I have finally received my beloved container of Vega: Vanilla Chai flavor.
I shall write my review below. Please tell your friends and family.
So first the UPS guy came with a brown Amazon box. The box was small and not too heavy. I opened the box, and there it was: A brand-new, glistening container of Vega: Vanilla Chai flavor. It was beckoning for me to open it, but I resisted at first.
Finally I gave in to the temptation and opened the container of Vega: Vanilla Chai flavor. After you unscrew the cap, you'll find a safety seal underneath. This one was pretty easy to remove. I hate the other types of seals that never seem to come off. Like the seals on top of those organic tofu containers. Has anyone successfully opened one of those without using a knife? Dang that's so annoying.
So I followed the instructions and mixed 2 scoops of the powder with a cup or two of water. One surprising thing is that these scoops are BIG! They almost seem like twice the size of the average powdered-drinks scoops.
The really awesome thing is that this powder mixes wonderfully with water. With a few stirs everything was uniformly mixed, without me having to spend 5 minutes trying to break down the big chunks, like I have had to do with other powdered-drink mixes.
The texture and consistency of the drink was good, IMO. It wasn't too thick and wasn't too watery. It also smelled pleasant enough.
The taste? I don't know. I wish I knew what it tasted like. I messed up my mouth last night and I can't taste a **** thing. ****.
I can say this for sure: It doesn't taste any different than the water I drank today.
But seriously, you know what I'm super excited about concerning this drink? The nutritional content is superb! It is gluten free and sugar free, high in protein, and low in carbs. It has a lot of fiber � including the special types of fibers that feed the beneficial probiotics. Also it contains multiple strains of probiotics, and even contains broad-spectrum digestive enzymes.
Two scoops is 240 calories, and 26 grams of protein, which I think is awesome. I am going to happily drink this whenever I feel like I'm not eating enough, or whenever I don't have time to prepare a meal. This seems like a perfect food supplement for anyone struggling with Lyme or candida.
So far I give this product 5 stars out of 5. If my taste buds start working again in a few days from now, I might come back and write about the taste. Also, if the taste is horrific, I might have to penalize it one star.
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BTW, you guys know I was just kidding about the "bickering and arguing" part, right?
JSYK, today I ordered the chocolate flavor of the Vega, plus the sports version, plus some kind of weird "shake" version. I should be getting them in 1 or 2 days.
I had two servings of the Vanilla Chai today. That's almost 500 calories!
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posted
Thanks... I react so badly to Vit C that I probably couldn't take it. Sure is pricey! But lots of good stuff in it!!!
Very annoying that Amazon won't let you see the ingredients of products. At least I can never find it.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
I agree that it's weird that Amazon doesn't show the ingredients. That's one of the few things that Amazon is lacking in.
I almost wanted to switch to vitacost instead of Amazon because vitacost has all of the nutritional information available. But look at this: I ordered from both Amazon and vitacost at the same time last Thursday, and my Amazon order came today, but the vitacost order is coming on Thursday! boo.
Today I ordered some more Vega stuff from Amazon... and it will arrive before the vitacost order I did last week! It's like the turtle vs the hare.
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-------------------- IgM- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgM- 41+
IgG- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgG- 41++ Posts: 610 | From Lymeville | Registered: Nov 2010
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
quote:Originally posted by Fuel1212: Did you hit the lottery?
Naw. The only reason I have any money left is because I haven't seen an LLMD yet! After that, you better believe I'll be counting pennies!
But really, since Amazon always has free shipping, the frequency of orders is irrelevant. I know the Vega stuff is pricey, but when you look at it like a "meal replacement", then it doesn't look so bad.
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posted
I was just joking with you.. you know that.
If you figure it out it is very cheap as a meal replacement. It comes out to be less than a dollar a meal when you buy in bulk.
I can't wait to try these! I need some breakfast stuff. This would be easily digestible and give you a good vitamin and mineral punch for your day.
Fuel
-------------------- IgM- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgM- 41+
IgG- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgG- 41++ Posts: 610 | From Lymeville | Registered: Nov 2010
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Dang.
I wanted to look up some of the stranger ingredients in the Vega product, and I began with Maca root.�
Maca is known as a "sexual enhancer" and "nature's Viagra". There are even studies which show that it's effective - and at the same dosages that are in the Vega product!
I'm young, healthy, and single... I don't need no "sexual enhancer"!! Plus I try to struggle for purity, for religious reasons.�Hopefully I won't feel any side effects... otherwise I'll have to look for another product.
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posted
I love the Vanilla Chai flavor. The Sports version is very good as well. I tried the Chocolate and did not like that as much
Believe or not, I got mine at Whole Foods for just $2.00 more expensive then through vitacost. So if you have a Whole Foods close by and are in a hurry to get some W.F.'s might be an alternative to mail order.
Love, lover, love the stuff and feel it is one of the cleanest foods out there - drink wise that is.
Posts: 151 | From North East | Registered: May 2011
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Triathlongal: Have you noticed any kind of viagra effect from the maca root in the Vega products?
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
My tastebuds seem to be working today, so I am now able to finish the rest of my review of Vega: Vanilla Chai flavor.
The taste is... well.... it's more like a "bleh". It's not really a "yuck" or an "eww". It's definitely mostly "bleh".
I don't think it's desirable or pleasurable at all, but at the same time it's not gross. I don't think I should detract an entire star because of the taste, so my final review of the product will be: 4.5 stars.
Tomorrow I'm expecting the other flavors to arrive.
BTW I've been having 2 drinks a day (4 scoops total per day) and I don't think I've noticed any viagra-like effects from the maca root. One really awesome thing is that I had a TON of energy today! I wonder if that has to do with the Vega drinks.
So far I'm really excited about this new drink. My only worry is about the maca root, and I hope I don't start walking around with a permanent boner because of it.
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posted
James1979; No viagra type of effect for me - none what so ever. I have been doing the drinks for about 3 weeks now.
What do you mix yours with?
I use the 365 brand Rice Milk with no sugar (its the only brand that I can find with no sugar added) with a 1/2 bananna and it makes a big difference in regards to the taste. I have been doing it that way for the past couple of weeks. I also find the Sport version to taste better then the meal replacement.
I too am finding my energy levels are creeping back up since adding the drinks. I have one for lunch and then one after dinner.
Posts: 151 | From North East | Registered: May 2011
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posted
Thanks for a great thread. A couple of months ago I started using a "Super Green Food" smoothie each morning as suggested in "The Lymye Diet" book by Dr. Nicola McFadzean. This has become one of the best things I have done for my nutrition, and especially my gut.
In addition to the "green food", I add protein powder, 2 Tb. flaxseeds, 4 oz almond milk and 2 oz Aloe Vera Juice, either frozen fruit or Almond butter, and ice. I dont opt for the fruit too often because I am battling thrush. Be sure to grind the flaxseeds first to release the nutrients. You might be suprised how good this tastes with the almond butter.
For the "green food" we first started using Nonogreens, which appears to be a good product but is pricey. We have since been using Trader Joe's "Super Green Drink" which is about $20 for 30 servings. I am trying to eat a mostly gluten free diet, but do occasionaly cheat. This Trader Joe product is not gluten free. I have not found any problem or issue with this for me. To me it seems that a generally gluten free diet is better for me, but I appear to be not so sensitive to gluten that occasionally cheating is a problem. Have others noticed this? Or comments please...
I found a website that discusses and compares green drinks:
posted
Thanks for a great thread. A couple of months ago I started using a "Super Green Food" smoothie each morning as suggested in "The Lymye Diet" book by Dr. Nicola McFadzean. This has become one of the best things I have done for my nutrition, and especially my gut.
In addition to the "green food", I add protein powder, 2 Tb. flaxseeds, 4 oz almond milk and 2 oz Aloe Vera Juice, either frozen fruit or Almond butter, and ice. I dont opt for the fruit too often because I am battling thrush. Be sure to grind the flaxseeds first to release the nutrients. You might be suprised how good this tastes with the almond butter.
For the "green food" we first started using Nonogreens, which appears to be a good product but is pricey. We have since been using Trader Joe's "Super Green Drink" which is about $20 for 30 servings. I am trying to eat a mostly gluten free diet, but do occasionaly cheat. This Trader Joe product is not gluten free. I have not found any problem or issue with this for me. To me it seems that a generally gluten free diet is better for me, but I appear to be not so sensitive to gluten that occasionally cheating is a problem. Have others noticed this? Or comments please...
I found a website that discusses and compares green drinks:
posted
Wated to mention..and maybe this should be a seperate thread but....
I was noticing alot of neuro. issues with my hands and feet when I would drink Rice Dream. I usually get those symtoms when I ingest gluten but Rice Dream is suppose to be Gluten Free.
Well I did some research and came across a Celiac Support Board and someone had the same problem and contacted the company. Acording to the poster, they were told that Rice Dream is within the goverment standards to be labled gluten free but there could be small trace amounts of gluten in it!
Now, I am not sure how accurate that statement is but I cannot drink it without getting symptomatic. I switched over to 365 brand and have no issues.
Never had gluten issues before lyme and hope to get healthy enough in time to eat it again - but for now I cannot even have a small amount!
Posts: 151 | From North East | Registered: May 2011
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
I just got the chocolate flavor and one of the "sports" versions today. Also I found out that although I meant to order the "shake and go smoothie" version, I must have forgotten to order it. I ordered that one today.
I didn't realize that the "sports" version was all carbs! It has 0 grams of protein and lots of carbs. If I had known that, I would've have gotten it. It can't be good for candida. It even has the simple sugars like "brown rice syrup." Sheesh. I'm being so careful that I don't even eat brown rice at all... what am I going to do with the syrup?!
Oh well, I'll save that bottle with hope to use it one day when I'm healthy again.
As for the chocolate flavor... YUCK! I really didn't like it. Whereas I removed only 1/2 a star for the unpleasant flavor of the Vanilla Chai version, I'll have to remove an entire star for the Chocolate version.
When it says "Chocolate" on the bottle, you'd expect it to taste like chocolate. Then when it doesn't taste like chocolate, you get disappointed. That's why I had to remove an entire star for that one.
But concerning the "Vanilla Chai" version... well... nobody really knows what "vanilla chai" actually tastes like, so it's not like it causes broken expectations. You understand what I'm trying to say?
One thing I do know: I've been having 2 of these drinks every day, and my energy has SKYROCKETED!!! No joking.
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posted
James;Okay that is weird because I use the Sport version of Vega and my specs read different then yours..
My Sports vega has a small amount of carbs only 5 grams and does have protien - 20 grams per serving. I don't see brown rice syrup anywhere on the containter.
The Whole Food Optimizer has a lot of carbs - 23 grams which is why I use that one sparingly.
Double check on your Vega Sport..That is odd..
Posts: 151 | From North East | Registered: May 2011
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Thanks for pointing that out, triathlongal.
I finally found the problem. You have to order "Vega Sport Performance Protein", instead of just "Vega Sport Performance." Dang. What a small detail.
Too bad it has negative reviews on Amazon because of the bad taste, but I'm ordering it anyway. I'm very impressed by these products.
BTW I got a couple of containers of PlantFusion, and I thought it was very gross. Also I'm not too enthused about the ingredients or the nutrient profile. It also has 4 grams of fructose, which I think is bad for anti-candida diets. In general, I much prefer the Vega products.
And just in case anyone is wondering: I have been having approximately 2 servings of Vega every day for about a week now, and I have not experienced any kind of Viagra effect. For now, I'll just assume that the Maca root will not have that big of an effect on me, thank God. I will not mention this "maca viagra" stuff anymore, unless I notice some big changes. I'm glad that this was not a problem.
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Hey peeps, I have an update on the greens/protein drinks.
I finally got my hands on some "Vega Sport Performance Protein", and although it was negatively reviewed on Amazon, I really didn't mind the taste at all. It wasn't a good taste by any means, but I think it was easier to down than many other drink mixes.
It think it's AWESOME!!! 5 STARS!!! The nutrient profile is excellent. Each scoop has 110 calories, and usually I used 2 scoops in a drink, so that's an easy 220 calories. Plus 2 scoops was 34 grams of protein (I think). It has a lot of fiber, is very low in sugar, and has tons of other healthy stuff in it.
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