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On this week’s episode of Health + Happiness, Joy and Vivien discuss whether it’s healthier to cut back on gluten and talk about the dangers of using cotton swabs to clean your ears. Here’s a brief recap of what we learned in Episode 9. In case you missed it, you can watch the full episode here.

Thinking of Going Gluten-Free? Read this first!
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. Recently, people have been avoiding the nutrient for a variety of reasons (weight loss, to clean up their diet, for fear they’re sensitive to it). So, the million-dollar question: To gluten or not to gluten? Although the protein has gotten a bad rap, it’s not well deserved—unless you have celiac, a condition in which people cannot break it down. If you’re having digestive issues, it’s worth a visit to your doctor to determine the cause. You may be able to welcome bread, pasta and other gluten-containing foods back to your diet. (Note: Don’t avoid gluten products before your appointment, as that can skew the results of any tests your doctor may run.) And if you do have to steer clear of gluten, try quinoa. My favorite quinoa recipes: Quinoa Yogurt Parfait and Sweet Potato Quinoa Pancakes.

Health or Hype?
When you’re dining out, it’s better to splurge on the breadbasket than dessert. Joy says: Hype! She believes it’s better to go for dessert. Here’s why: You may fill up on the meal and have less room for dessert when it comes time to order. Not to mention, you can also split dessert with a pal. Just some food for thought!

Now Hear This!
Wax protects your inner ear from bacteria, and using a cotton swab to clean your can simply push it in deeper. You shouldn’t put anything in your inner ear canal because it can irritate delicate skin, increase the risk for infection, damage the eardrum or hurt the hearing bones. In fact, if you look at the packaging, you’ll even see a warning label advising you NOT to insert the cotton swabs into your ear. Your ear does a good job of cleaning itself and only the outer ear needs looking after (do so gently with a cotton swab or washcloth). If you have any of the following symptoms: clogged ears, muffled hearing, discomfort or prolonged itching, see your M.D.

Two Ingredients or Less
Recipes that call for just two ingredients or less? Yes, please! Bonus: These recipes all feature chocolate. Joy shares her Dark-Chocolate Stuffed Raspberries, Chocolate Protein Pudding, and Dark Chocolate Crunch Bars.

From Junk Food to Joy Food 
Joy remakes Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap perfect for a quick deskside lunch or an outdoor picnic and the classic Caesar Dressing with a healthy twist.

5 Key Nutrients
Are you getting enough of these important nutrients: vitamin D, calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium, which work together to protect your bones, support your immune system, control blood pressure, boost muscle function? Try a super salad that offers all five nutrients.

Joyful Note 
Take time to reflect about how you react to obstacles. Do you complain or adjust to problems? Be open to change and be optimistic. Your reactions can make the difference between setback and success.

Here’s hoping your week is filled with health, happiness and a daily dose of Joy. To catch up on episodes of Health+Happiness, click here.



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