Yes it matters if it is or is not, but you do not need a reason to go gluten free.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease and if left untreated (or undiagnosed), causes many other autoimmune diseases, malabsorption of vital nutrients and destroys your body from the inside out. There is no end to the damage it can cause, both physically and mentally. You are also in a ridiculously hiring risk category for all types of intestinal and colorectal Cancers. Think about it - your stomach lining is being destroyed - and then the rouge cells regenerate into new rouge cells and that is your exact equation for Cancer. Finding out is not easy - the average diagnosis takes 12-17 years to obtain. Mine took 35. I like to consider myself special!
So what if you *think* you have it - or at least have every symptom known to man and your doctors can't pinpoint what is wrong with you - other than to tell you they don't know. Get an endoscopy - forget the blood tests. They are 85% inaccurate - I know - my initial blood-work came back fine!
If you have any suspicions at all - go completely gluten free. Please educate yourself or fine a mentor who can explain the ins and outs of where and what gluten is. Try it for 2 months. I bet your life will change.
I have been diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases, have had many surgeries and have quietly suffered for too many years. Much of the damage that my undiagnosed Celiac has caused me, internally, is irreversible. I am at peace with that - after much boohooing. My goal now is to salvage and keep healthy, what healthy parts I have left. ;-)
Being gluten free is not some fad diet. For many of us - it is not even a choice - but a basic life necessity.
I try each and every day to model healthy eating choices for my family and a positive attitude toward this awful and intrusive disease I was born with. Even though some days I am totally exhausted from preparing everything fresh and doing a load of dishes 2 or 3 times... I know I am making a positive impact on my children. My daughter's gf transition was much easier than mine. She was excited to have me for a gf buddy!
Tell yourself each and every day - I am worth it. I am worth each and every sacrifice I will have to make to go gluten free. I am worth all of the research, dedication and perseverance it will take to not *fall off the wagon*. Medical science is not the only cure all in this world, for some things. Sometimes overcoming yourself, which can be your worst obstacle, is the hardest thing to do.
This can be done in an inexpensive manner - with as much of an initial investment as you want up front (purchasing equipment to help with baking and blending, etc.), or as little. This can also break the bank. It is what you make of it. I know I rearranged many of the little things... in order to make this work for me and my family. I also know many of you are intimidated by finances - and this is a real concern. I am sure, with some planning ahead and co-oping, you can make this work. Place orders with your friends for bulk items that won't go bad. Scour the internet for the best deals, coupons, and shipping rates! Ask for help on HOW DO I DO THIS. There will always be someone (me!!) willing to lend some free helpful cost saving advice! Surround yourself with people who will be respectful of your lifestyle. Pack your own meal if you want to go somewhere and there is no gluten free menu, but you do not want to miss that special event!! Get creative... Be inspired.. You are worth it!
Live your healthiest life now - you only get one chance! XOX
No comments:
Post a Comment