December 5, 2013 is the last day I ate gluten foods. I made the decision to go gluten free after a visit to the Dr. I went in because I simply didn't feel good. I didn't feel particularly bad, but I didn't feel good either. I was tired all the time, felt depressed (and wondered if I didn't need medication), and had gained 25 pounds in the past 12 month with no changes to diet or exercise to explain the additional weight. I had been experiencing some sinus problems but nothing major, and had some problems with TMJ in the right side of my jaw. Magically enough after dealing with the jaw pain for almost a month, that disappeared when I called to make the appointment.
In discussing the issues I was experiencing, my Dr seemed to think I might be intolerant to gluten and based on my research since then, I believe she is correct. My symptoms are very mild. I dont think I am what is thougth of as a normal celiac. I didn't have the bowel problems that most Celiacs experience. However I will say that since going GF, I realize that there were more issues there than I had first realized.
According to http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2013/09/17/surprising-signs-of-gluten-intolerance some of the symptoms of gluten intolerance are:
1. Chronic fatigue
2. Chronic bowel problems that include diarrhea, constipation or bloating.
3. Autoimmune disorders
4. Migrane Headaches
5. Joint Pain
6. Irritability
7. Brain Fog
8. Weight Gain
There are other symptoms but these seem to be the most common. Before going GF, I had 7 out of the 8. Today I am still dealing with #8, but feel that the rest of the symptoms are gone.
In the last 6 weeks I have tried all kinds of GF products and plan to continue this blog by reviewing them. 2014 is also going to be the year of self awareness. I am going to do the things I need to do to make me healthy and happy with myself. I will also include details of that adventure in this blog as well.
