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My Celiac Story | Life before & after


Hey! Today i'm going to be sharing my celiac diagnoses and journey with you all. It seems that celiac or even just an intolerance to gluten/wheat, is becoming more prevalent among people today. When I was first diagnosed, I knew nothing about the disease, except for the fact that my cousin had been diagnosed with it a few years prior and she couldn't eat anything.

| Life Before | I can recall always having issues with my stomach going as far back as 10 years old. I remember eating a meal and then having stomach pain almost immediately after. It didn't really matter what I was eating, (it typically always had gluten in it) the pain would. I remember feeling ill and crummy the majority of the time. My dad would bring me to the doctors but it didn't seem like any of them knew what was going on with me. I was told by doctors that I probably ate too fast, too much, too unhealthy, etc. None offered an explanation that made any sense to my actual symptoms.

| Diagnoses | I was officially diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2008, when I was 18 years old. I was just finishing up my first year of university and had experienced a lot of issues with my health this year in particular, due to the food that I was eating on campus. Still completely unaware that I had celiac, I continued to indulge in foods that we're causing damage and harm to my body. There is research that indicates celiac can be triggered by things such a surgery, pregnancy or even severe emotional stress. My first year of university was one filled with plenty of emotional stress, in both school, as well as life events. After going for blood work and a biopsy, I was finally, officially diagnosed with celiac disease. What this meant for me, I didn't yet know. In addition to this diagnoses, I was also informed that I had a severe allergy to dairy. Over the next couple of years, I would see multiples doctors, specialists, dietians and nautropaths. Through this, I learned that I am also allergic/intolerant to multiple other foods. I can no longer have red meat, refined sugar in large amounts, corn, coconut and all nuts. I have an eppi pen for mangoes, kiwis, and all nuts. After giving birth to my daughter I no longer had issues with corn or coconut, surprisingly! Odd.

The road that led me to where I am now, in a much healthier and happier state, was paved with hardships. Eliminating a large majority of foods from your diet, that you were once so familiar with, can be physically, emotionally and even spiritually challenging. I know this may sound silly, but it's the truth. I remember crying every morning during breakfast because I had absolutely NO idea what I was supposed to be eating, or better yet, what I could eat that wouldn't make me sick. I had to relearn how to eat, essentially. Learning to read labels, ask questions, cook and not be embarrassed to either send food back or bring your own food to parties/events, was a challenge.

| Life After | Life after my diagnoses, at first was tough. Like I mentioned, finding out what was okay to eat and remembering to always check ingredients was tough. I had issues with my kidneys my whole life and since being diagnosed with celiac, the doctors have given me a bit of an explanation for my kidney issues. It's all related to celiac. However, I am the healthiest I have ever been. My husband and daughter, thankfully do not have celiac, nor do they have any allergies. Living in a home with non-celiacs can be tough. There was a learning curve for both me and my husband - using two separate toasters, always making sure to wipe down the counter tops and always doing whatever possible to eliminate the possibility of contamination. It's always important to make sure that the food you're eating says Gluten free on it. I find this is the best way to avoid any possible contamination in the manufacturing/facility process. It's always best to do your research before you eat out. Return to restaurants where you know they will be accommodating to your needs. Honestly, after eliminating wheat/gluten (along with all my other allergies/restrictions) from my diet, I have never felt better. My energy levels have increased, I no longer experience headaches, bloating, or restless sleep. My overall mood has changed drastically as well. I am now no longer sluggish or in a depressed mood. Although, it's been a very beneficial change for both my physical and mental state, it can still be difficult. I am reminded of the verse in Psalms 73:26 that says, "My health my fail, and my spirit may grow weak, But God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever."

Gluten free / Dairy free MUST HAVES:

1) So Delicious dairy free ice cream

2) Gluten free Catelli Pasta (THIS IS THE BEST OUT THERE)

3) Kettle Brand Chips

4) Gluten Free Flamingo Brand Chicken Fingers

5) Enjoy Life: Gluten free soft snicker doodle cookies

6) PURE OATMEAL - by Rocket Foods

To Shop Rocket Foods go to the link below:

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