Hello, thanks for stopping by my blog. I hope you find something intersting, of use, or (at the very least) entertaining here. If you have questions or things you’d like to see more of, please let me know.
I have always loved to cook and eat, but when I started having stomach issues eating became less-and-less fun for me. When I finally had enough, I made a doctor’s appointment. This was after about 6 months of me tracking my eating and symptoms and still not being able to figure out my own problem. The doctor reviewed my food and symptom diary and suggested I remove gluten from my diet. I was really skeptical, I LOVE bread, pasta, pretty much anything flour-based. I was sick of being sick and willing to try just about anything at this point, so I cut out gluten. I also began doing research. I learned that people suffering from Celiac or Gluten Intolerance can suffer from any number of symptoms, that there are 100’s of possible symptoms of gluten issues, and that most sufferers go undiagnosed for several years! I couldn’t believe it.
Throughout my research, I realized that I had suffered many gluten symptoms over the past several years. I wasn’t sure if my migraine headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, bouts of depression and stomach issues were all a part of gluten or if it was just a random coincidence. I still don’t know if gluten symptoms can keep changing over time. What I do know is that I’ve been gluten free for a little over 2 months now, and I feel a whole lot better than I did. I have slip-ups now and then, particularly when I eat out, but this is a learning process and slip-ups are expected every now and again.
One thing that I’m really surprised about is how little I miss my former loves, particularly bread. I don’t crave bread at all, and I have only consumed ONE gluten-free bread in the whole 2 months I’ve been gluten free. Trust me, that’s a drastic change from my former eating self. There are things I do miss, like pizza and cookies, but it’s more the ease and comfort that I remember from those foods that I miss. Oddly, a symptom of gluten intolerance is actually craving the foods that make you sick (such as bread). This craving can last until you detox yourself from gluten. For people with Celiac or Gluten Intolerance, gluten can act like a drug, something you become addicted too. That could explain my pseudo-vegetarian, high-grain diet during college, a time when I also suffered through some odd gastro-intestinal issues. You can read more about Celiac symptoms (similar to Gluten Intolerance symptoms) at the Mayo Clinic’s website.
Although gluten free diets have become a bit of a fad, I wouldn’t recommend going gluten free without talking to your doctor. I’m not a health care professional, so please don’t take this as medical advice. From what I’ve learned, Celiac blood tests are 90% accurate. However, having a negative Celiac blood test doesn’t mean you don’t suffer from Gluten Intolerance, which there is no test for. The good news is – treatment for both Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance is the same… a gluten free diet.
My intentions for this blog is to explore gluten free food options. As I experiment in the kitchen, learn, and grow I will share with you readers. I appreciate any comments, questions, or feedback you provide. I hope you enjoy my blog.
-Angie