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Recently I had this guest post submitted to me, and I found this article very useful! I have a few loved ones who suffer from gluten intolerances. Not Celiac disease like the author, but other diseases in which gluten does not cooperate with their bodies. I have seen them struggle with the drastic lifestyle changes they’ve had to make. I found this article to be a very transparent day in the gluten-free life. I hope others can find this article to be as useful as I did.
Body vs Gluten, How to Tolerate the Intolerance
I want to make navigating the gluten-free life easier for those that are struggling. I know that I was completely overwhelmed the day I was diagnosed with celiac disease and still remember exactly where I was when the doctor called.
Driving the underpass on Mississippi Street in the left-hand turn lane waiting to turn onto Broadway in Denver.
I hung up the phone and the tears streamed down my face. I swore it was the end of my life. And in many ways it was. The end of my life as an exhausted, depressed, full of diarrhea, hours on the toilet self. It was also the beginning of something truly beautiful. The new life that I was given as a result. It was the beginning of a life that I am now grateful to live each and every day. I was given new eyes that day and within a few weeks, I became a different person than before. I felt alive and healthy. I remember thinking, “I wonder if this is how everyone else has always felt?”
The gluten-free life isn’t a choice for many of us. It is a medical necessity.
I am part of the 1% of the American population that has been diagnosed with celiac disease. Despite popular belief, celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease, not a food allergy. Although it is much easier to describe as a food allergy to those that do not understand, it is far from a simple allergy.
Celiac disease is triggered by consuming gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, or barley. When people with celiac consume gluten, their immune system begins to attack itself. People with celiac disease that continue to consume gluten or are left undiagnosed are in danger of more serious health consequences such as another autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, certain types of cancer, and thyroid disease. If you are like me and suffer from celiac disease, the only way to protect your health is to maintain a 100% gluten-free lifestyle.
I also realize that many choose the gluten-free life for a myriad of other reasons. Some people have an intolerance to gluten. Some find that they simply feel healthier by avoiding gluten. Whatever reason you are choosing to abstain from gluten, I want to help! I was diagnosed with celiac over six years ago and am here to let you know that it does get easier and better. The overwhelming feelings you have will get better with time.
Here are a few key pointers I have adopted from day one:
- Snacks: always, always, always carry a snack with you. Never leave home without one! Whether you take an apple with you, a bag of nuts, or a bar, make sure you always have a snack just in case. It is better to be prepared!
- Eating: If you are going to a party and you do not know what food will be served, eat before you go. Again, better safe than sorry! Remember that your health is a huge priority and you need to take it seriously.
- Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you are out to eat and the menu isn’t clear about what you can eat, ask the waiter. If he doesn’t know, ask if you can speak to the chef. You have to learn to be an advocate for yourself.
- Support: If you do not have anyone else in your life that is gluten-free, find support online! The internet has provided an enormous amount of resources that did not exist years ago. Even when I was diagnosed over six years ago, there were not the number of resources or people diagnosed as there are now. Take advantage of the online community you can find.
- Patience: Have patience with yourself as you learn this new way of being. Particularly if you have celiac disease, you are going to have really frustrating days. You are going to have days where you get “glutened” and you are sick on the toilet for hours on end. You are going to have days where all you want is that chocolate donut that your co-worker brought to the office. Remember that your health is a priority and learning is the name of the game.
If you are the loved one of someone who has to be gluten-free, thank you! Seriously, thank you. It is critical that we have support as we navigate this large, crazy, glutenous world.
Please reach out with any questions or help that I can provide for you. I want to help you feel less alone and less overwhelmed with the gluten-free life!
If you loved this article written by Carrie check out more of her work by clicking on the links below! Or you can even contact her personally with any questions, concerns, or just to talk with a friend who may understand what you are going through.
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