Why Gluten Free?
For many people a gluten-free diet is simply a lifestyle choice, it just makes them feel better! For those who have Celiac disease or who are Non-Celiac gluten sensitive, like we are, the only current treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that needs to be taken seriously. It is not the latest diet fad!
The exciting news is that research on Celiac disease and Non-Celiac gluten sensitivity is occurring daily. A great resource is an organization called, Beyond Celiac, www.beyondceliac.org. Please visit this site to learn more and support their great work that promotes awareness, advocacy, and action.
Our Journey with Gluten
Alex was diagnosed with Celiac disease her senior year in college by an internist and a gastroenterologist. Since then it has been honestly confusing when a gastroenterologist in another city told us she did not have celiac disease! Regardless, her reaction to gluten is swift and consequential. Cooking and serving food to family and friends is our true passion, so we decided to start this blog to reach others who either have celiac disease, are gluten sensitive or just want to explore yummy and delicious gluten free food! Thanks for taking this journey with us! To your health! Love Laura
Curbing the Consequences of Gluten
My reaction to gluten is neither cute nor fun but I have learned over time to cope with my symptoms. The truth is unless I am eating at my own home, or I am at a celiac friendly restaurant the chance of cross contamination is high.
As far as my symptoms go, I typically get a rash on my hips and back within 8 hours of consuming gluten. My stomach will distend causing me to appear extremely bloated. My scalp with flake and sometimes bleeds. Occasionally, I will get physically sick but that depends on the extent of the contamination. The last symptom is anxiety. The days following exposure I will be on edge. The anxiety could be because I simply don’t feel great, or it may be a symptom in its own right.
The way I heal from a gluten exposure is simple. Get plenty of rest and water and follow the B.R.A.T. diet when needed. The B.R.A.T diet calls for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast (gluten free toast in my case). I try to get off this diet as quickly as possible as it does not contain many nutrients, but the high starch does a great deal to help with the physical symptoms. For my rash I do have some creams prescribed for me by my doctor but for the most part I try to not put any lotions on my body that contain perfumes or harsh chemicals. My mantra when dealing with exposure is keep it simple.
I hope this helps anyone who is dealing with any level of sensitivity to gluten. If you have any tips or tricks that you would to share, please do not hesitate to reach out to us on the contact page. To your health, Love Alex