Series: Going Gluten-free Part 1: Symptoms

[caption id="attachment_545" align="aligncenter" width="200"] The first step in diagnosis is listening to your body.[/caption]

About three years ago, I was in rough shape. I had an avalanche of symptoms, but no doctor was able to pinpoint the source of my suffering for quite some time. After getting down to about 94 pounds, my diagnosis finally came after I did an elimination diet and brought the findings to my doctor (who was little to no help after giving my official diagnosis). Having gone through this journey of healing, I can tell you firsthand how important getting a diagnosis is. If it feels like World War 3 just broke out in your stomach and you're dealing with slews of other seemingly unexplainable symptoms, you might be Gluten Intolerant or have Celiac Disease.

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and usually oats due to cross contamination in the farming fields. When someone who has Celiac Disease ingests even the smallest amount of gluten, mayhem occurs and the body responds by attacking itself with an auto-immune response. Gluten wipes out the villi in the small intestine creating lots of problems for adequate digestion, absorption, and balance of flora in the gut. Gluten has even been shown to affect the skin, brain, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. Below are the most common symptoms I have seen regarding gluten intolerance and CD.

I’m sad to say that I’ve correctly told  6 acquaintances I was sure they had Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance before a medical professional did. Though it is getting better, the average amount of time it takes for a correct diagnosis is about 10 years. Mine was 20 years. If you think you have Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance, don’t be discouraged if a doctor is unwilling to test you for it. Keep looking until you find a doctor with knowledge on the subject and start keeping a food diary. As much as I don’t like the idea of self diagnosis having had to do it twice for myself (life threatening soy allergy and celiac disease/gluten intolerance) sometimes it is a necessary measure as the medical community is falling short in these areas. For a list of diseases and conditions associated with Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance, click here. A;so see my Resources page for more links and information.

When dealing with symptoms, attitude is key. Remember that the pain is temporary and you will get better. There are tons of great gluten-free foods out there for the picking and eating. The hardest part is behind you. I'll be shouting out my favorite gluten-free products in the next post along with how to get through the diagnosis.

What do you think? Have you experienced any of the above symptoms? Do you have a diagnosis story? Share it below! I'd love to hear from you. Also feel free to send me an email at sprinklesandallergies@gmail.com

(I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. Please consult with your health care professional to determine what is the best course of action for you. And of course, listen to your body!)

The Importance of Diagnosis: Going Gluten-free

[caption id="attachment_539" align="aligncenter" width="421"] The road to health: Gluten-free (Photo credit Dreamstime.com Free)[/caption]

Recently, I've been asked by a few readers to do a series of posts outlining a gluten free guide/survival crash course for beginners. In the next few posts, I'll be covering the following. If you're wondering about going gluten-free, the main thing to remember is:

It is not hard!---No matter what anyone else says! Going Gluten-free is a breeze.

The next posts will be broken down into 3 main posts including:

1. Symptoms: This is crucial, as they will lead to a correct (and much needed) diagnosis of Celiac Disease or Gluten intolerance.


2. Diagnosis: How to talk with your health care professional regarding classic Celiac Testing, and also testing for gluten intolerance--something many patients are left to do on their own with no real guidance. Here's where the research I had to do myself came in super useful. Food diaries and elimination diets are really very helpful.


3. Treatment: Implementing, and sticking to a Gluten-free Diet is key. Focus on what you can eat instead of what you can't. Going Gluten-free is surprisingly easy, and most people I've diagnosed even before the doctor's did said they were astounded at the huge selection of GF products available these days. They're right! It's such a positive thing!


4. Vital Importance: I'll be outlining how undiagnosed Celiac or Gluten Intolerance can lead to terrible diseases, mental disorders ranging from ADHD to schizophrenia, and even Multiple Sclerosis. I went 20 years without a diagnosis and am lucky I didn't have much irreversible damage, save my nervous system.


5. Healing: Having a diagnosis of Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance IS life changing in more ways than just a diet. It changes the way you approach life as a whole. Focusing on filling your body with good nutrition, calming practices (meditation or yoga), and doing things you enjoy all help one to find balance again after wondering if the world is upside-down or not. Remember, you are always stronger than you think. You will thank yourself later for the changes you make today.

Stay tuned! Post one of three will be posted tomorrow. If you'd like some information about going gluten free sooner, please feel free to email me at sprinklesandallergies@gmail.com  I've been gluten free for three years now and have had no choice but to become a complete expert on the subject. Thanks again for asking for the post topic. Supporting each other makes the whole thing that much easier.

[caption id="attachment_540" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Being gluten-free does not rule my life. I am a stronger person because of it. I still dream big. Nothing holds me down, especially not a little gluten ;)[/caption]