So a few weeks ago I did my blood panel with Vibrant America. I joked that something crazy would come back but I didn’t really believe that because my blood has always been pretty good. But I was in for a shock when I found out I am Celiac. I thought at first it was just intolerance, then more research and another test showed that I was in fact celiac.
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Two and one-half million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications.
So I began this journey and nutritional changes to a gluten free life. No I know I am not alone in this – I have family and friends that suffer from celiac as well as gluten intolerance. We also know that gluten is an inflammatory protein, meaning it causes inflammation. So many of our patients and clients that suffer from autoimmune disorders like Lyme, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc have removed gluten from their diet even though that have no sensitivity to it. But A sensitivity is a whole other ball game compared to celiac. A sensitivity or allergy is generally not kicked off by cross contamination or a hint of gluten. But celiac’s means that I can’t have things that are gluten free naturally, but maybe next to or cooked with gluten containing items. Key is like a fryer, I can’t have French fries if they are in a fryer with fried chicken or anything battered in flour. WAH!!!
So while this journey is seriously first world problems – here a little video diary of my first few weeks dealing with it.
(Also – when I say Corey loves it when I cry…it is because he thinks I am cute when I cry and I CRY ALL THE FREAKIN’ TIME so it is sort of comical. He is not an insensitive jerk! ? He has been super supportive with this whole thing.)
Meghann Feldman
