The Gluten-Free Homemaker

I am becoming more and more aware of how important a healthy gut is to my wellbeing.  According to a book I’m reading by Dr. Datis Kharrazian, 60% of the immune system is located in the digestive tract.  I believe probiotics can be an important part of digestive health.  Here is a definition of “probiotices” from the Attune web site probiotic page:

“The World Health Organization (WHO) officially defines probiotics as live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”

Our digestive tract can be filled with good bacteria and/or bad bacteria.  Obviously, we want the good kind, and that’s what probiotics are for.  While yogurt does contain good bacteria, it is usually a very small amount compared to what we need.  Attune probiotic bars have 5 times the amount of probiotics found in one cup of yogurt.

I was asked to do a 14-day challenge, which included eating one Attune probiotic bar per day for 14 days.  The idea is that you will feel better after the 14 days.  Unfortunately, with my thyroid issues going on right now, it probably was not a good time to do this test. There are other big factors effecting how I feel.  And in general, I am not feeling good.  I can say that I felt well digestively during those 14 days, and I did enjoy the bars!

If you like chocolate, this is a great way to take probiotics.  I tried the milk chocolate and milk chocolate with almonds varieties.  It was just like eating a tasty chocolate bar, and if they hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known it was good for me.

Of course, my first question for Attune was about the gluten-free status of their products.  The ingredients in the probiotic bars are gluten free and they also have dairy free dark chocolate varieties.  However, they do produce other gluten-containing products.  You can read their gluten free manufacturing practices here.  The bottom line is that after taking measures to prevent cross contamination, they use an independent lab to have their gluten-free products tested to 5 parts per million. 

Giveaway

If you would like to try the 14-day challenge, please visit this page and then leave a comment on this post telling me which two flavors you would like to receive.  You must be a U.S. resident to enter.  Please remember to leave an email address if you don’t have a blog where I can contact you.  This giveaway will be open until Monday, May 24th at 11:00 p.m. eastern time.  One winner will be randomly chosen and contacted by email.  Once I have heard back, the winner will be announced on my Facebook fan page.

Disclaimer:  This product review was based on using complimentary probiotic bars provided by Attune.

Labels: giveaway, reviews