Gluten is a protein composite found in foods processed from wheat, this includes barley and rye as well. Gluten gives dough its elasticity which helps it rise and keep its shape. It is also what makes it so fluffy, light, and chewy - is your mouth watering yet? I know mine is! - Gluten is not only found in things we eat but can also in products like shampoo, lotions, different cosmetics, toothpaste, and many processed foods. YIKES!
Now I know what you are probably thinking, how awful right!?
I would be lying if I said I didn't spend many days during many meals asking 'WHY ME?' Why can't I be normal and eat whatever I want like everyone else? Well, I have come a long way since then. Though it is tough, and still requires a lot of effort on my part, Phil's, and anyone else willing to cook for me, I have realized something that I didn't think I ever would. Having to live gluten free has been a gift. With all of my struggles I have been through in the past, all of the tests and different doctors appointments, even my gallbladder removal, it all seems worth it because of how amazing I feel now!
You have no idea how good it feels to finally know the root of the problem and actually be able to control it!
This has made me more health conscious then I have ever been in my life and I am not only much healthier but I am happier!
I think I should clarify the whole 'gluten intolerance' thing now. There are several different forms of gluten sensitivity: Celiac Disease, wheat allergy, and gluten intolerance to name a few. Now, I have never been "diagnosed" with one or the other but by recommendation from the surgeon who removed my gallbladder, I was instructed to remove all gluten from my diet for 30 days to see if it made me feel any better. I was then told after 30 days bring gluten back into my diet to see if my symptoms returned. After the 30 days removal I already felt such an improvement and my symptoms had all decreased by 60% I decided to keep gluten out of my diet to see if I continued to get better and sure enough I did! It takes about 6 months to completely remove gluten from your system and with each passing week I only continued to improve.
Since I now have no gluten in my system there is no way to test for a gluten intolerance, but the fact that all of my stomach problems have since vanished that is proof enough for me that I am doing the right thing!
If you are wondering exactly how I was feeling that led me to seek medical attention let me share with you some of the horror of my past:
1. Nausea. All day, every day. So bad I would run to the bathroom thinking I was going to toss my cookies. Unable to eat because it was so bad I would rather starve then put any food in my mouth.
2. Pain, so much pain. Like I ate razor blades and was trying to digest them.
3. Bloating/gas. My only relief from the nausea was burping. Gross, sorry, but it was my saving grace. I would sit up in bed and make Phil pat my back little a little baby and burp me for just an ounce of relief.
4. Diarrhea/constipation. Gross, sorry again. It was like a back and forth battle, never knew which was next.
5. Depression. Dealing with this every single day starts to take a tole on you mentally.
Gluten intolerance is on the rise and has been popping up more and more since my recent discovery. So many people are living with this intolerance and aren't even aware of it. If I never had mentioned gluten to my surgeon I would probably still be on a quest to find answers. If you are having GI trouble and have been through the same route with tests and still no answers make the gluten suggestion to your doctor and see if they suggest the removal technique, if only to rule it out. IT IS SO WORTH IT!
I never would have made it through all of my trials and tribulations without the support of my family and God. They have been there for me every step of the way keeping me on my feet and giving me strength when I didn't think I could handle any more. I know that God never gives us more then we can handle and He has more than proved that with me. Though I was pushed to my breaking point at times, He has given me an amazing gift and a second chance to take control of my life, stating with the most important thing, my health! I have overcome so much and now I am able to pass on my knowledge and support to others going through similar situations. God is good!
I would love to elaborate or answer any questions you may have about being GF! Please feel free to email me :) Lcraddock07@gmail.com
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