A couple of weeks ago while researching nutrition and fitness “stuff”, I came across a podcast, The Paleo Solution, Episode 95, that I found very interesting. Robb Wolf, the author of The Paleo Solution, was interviewing Dr. William Davis (a Cardiologist) who wrote the book Wheat Belly. Okay, so what were they talking about? To put it simply, Dr. Davis was talking about the negative health effects from eating wheat (and gluten) and how eating a gluten free diet can change your life. I was amazed at some of the incredible examples and science based reasons of why we should NOT EAT WHEAT!! But, I know what you are thinking. The FDA says we should eat whole wheat, whole grain foods… and what about the food pyramid or I mean, food plate… yada, yada, yada. I was eating the same “healthy” diet and had all of the same questions too until I listened to the podcast interview. It has changed my way of thinking.
Now, I don’t have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. I do however, have a family history of celiac disease. Since celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune condition, I was really curious to see if I notice any changes in myself and my overall health by eating a gluten free diet. PLUS… I am always up for a challenge and love improving my health and well being.
So, this is the first blog in a series called, Is Gluten Free For Me? about my own personal gluten free experience . Each week I will post my comments, thoughts, experiences, opinions, tips, and strategies, etc… from eating a gluten free diet.
My hope is that you will decide to take this challenge with me. Or, maybe you are already eating a gluten free diet and you would like to share your experience with us. Please post your comments, thoughts, opinions, tips, questions and strategies, etc… and don’t forget to share this information with your friends and family. Lets take back our health together!!
PS… Just to give a little background information about celiac disease and what gluten is…
According to the website www.ciliac.org, Celiac Disease (CD) is a lifelong inherited autoimmune condition affecting children and adults. When people with CD eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Even small amounts of gluten in foods can affect those with CD and cause health problems. Damage can occur to the small bowel even when there are no symptoms present. Gluten is the common name for the proteins in specific grains that are harmful to persons with celiac disease. These proteins are found in ALL forms of wheat (including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn and faro) and related grains rye, barley and triticale and MUST be eliminated.
Invest in yourself and keep moving forward!
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Since my gluten-free reemgin began after diagnosis for intolerance ; I’ve sought nutritional direction and assistance with finding a new path for cooking. However, baking has never been high on my list of favorites, mostly because my own consumption of wheat flour-based desserts was never enjoyable and their creation just as unsatisfying. In this book, the ingredients, steps, methods and results are all TOP NOTCH. Great attention and just-enough explanation has helped me create very delectable cakes and pies that I would have never bothered attempting before. As with most recipe books, the paperback version is void of helpful photos. However, it has given my family and friends another glance into the challenges of eating gluten-free; it’s great for sharing recipes with those who’d cook for those with intolerances/allergies.
I’m hearing more and more about the benefits of deleting gluten from our diet. Apparently, the way wheat “foods” are processed is what is making people intolerant. I have a friend who discovered he has Celiac Disease and has had to drastically modify his diet. He feels so much better now! Interested to read the rest of your posts!
I’m a 24 year old guy with celiac. I swtehcid about a year ago. I write a blog, hear TONS of other people’s stories, and do lots of research. Everyone is different! but, here is what I can generally say: It comes in waves:2 weeks: Most people notice a change in their everyday type symptoms after about a week or two.2 months: This is where you start to feel better overall and your longer term symptoms decrease, like rashes, energy level, amount of sleep, etc.6 to 12 months: Depending on how bad your intestines were, it will take at least 6 months to heal. This will be when your body starts to absorb all the nutrients again. Overall, you will start feeling great and back to life as you knew it. You will be cured of the disease, until you cheat on it again. Stick with it! Once you are a couple months in, the benefits will keep you highly motivated. I don’t care for normal people foods anymore, although I had a miserable time resisting during the first few months. Your whole life will change for the better!