(My First Gluten Free Thanksgiving)
In September of 2008 I was diagnosed by an antibodies blood test with Celiac disease. Following an endoscopy, the biopsy results came back negative. However, feeling better after eating gluten free and getting severely sick when I did happen to eat gluten was enough proof that I should stick to the diet.
For a year before my diagnosis, and triggered by food poisoning, I suffered from symptoms including severe diarrhea and constipation (a strange combination), bloating, gas, weight gain, fatigue and especially migraines. I also had very thin nails and was borderline anemic. I think it's important to share this information, however unpleasant, because my symptoms finally made sense with a diagnosis of Celiac disease, yet could all be explained by other causes.
In my quest to find what foods work best for me and not feeling very healthy even after eating a strict gluten free diet for over a year, I credit Elana's Pantry for planting the grain-free seeds that have led to my current research of the SCD and GAPS diets. For a year I've cut out sugar and grains, limited my dairy intake, eaten home made yogurt, added lots of fats and take high doses of probiotics. The results are amazing! I have tons more energy, lost 20 pounds, rarely get headaches, my muscle aches and pains have mostly disappeared and my stomach is pretty normal. My nails are back to being strong and I can actually donate blood again with total confidence.
Surprisingly, eating gluten free, sugar and grain free actually makes it easier for me to eat well. It does limit what I can eat, especially when I eat out and it certainly is a pain for my friends who are nice enough to cook for me. But I've always wanted to be a natural and healthy eater. The food I choose to eat now is real food made from whole, natural ingredients. Now I'd rather skip the (GF) UTZ cheeseballs and eat a handful of almonds and raisins. I never thought I would say that! But knowing that the food I eat continually makes me feel good holds sway over the foods that don't.
I meet more and more people who have Celiac Disease or know someone who has it. I am much more aware now about food intolerances, allergies and alternative nutrition. It is very important for me not just to eat gluten free but to also eat the best for my body. Changing foods and eating habits can be very hard. I want to put what I learn out there so that other people can find answers and support, and recipes!
Please note that I am not a doctor and I am not certified to give nutritional or medical advice. Information found on this site is a compilation of personal experience and research using the internet, websites,magazine articles and books.
