Tell Me Why Again Please.

[thumper]

Ok I have reached a point where I have been gluten-free for 2 months and doing fairly good but I have lost sight of why I am doing all of this again. Following a gluten-free diet so could everyone chime in as to why I am doing this again ???

Thumper

[cruelshoes]

I'm not sure I understand the question. In reading some of your other posts, it seems that you went on a gluten and dairy free diet to control the "D" that was worsening your heart condition. You also mentioned that you may have DH. Presumably, by avoiding gluten and dairy, you are trying to avoid the symptoms that they create. Are you saying the gluten-free/DF diet has not helped you experience relief from your symptoms?

I avoid gluten because it makes me sick. So sick I cannot function.

[RiceGuy]

Well, to start with, the immune system creates antibodies in an attempt to destroy the invader (gluten), but unfortunately for us it destroys the lining of the small intestine instead. There are the enumerable complications which result from this, besides things like pain, digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, and a general inability to function as a human being. Those are what you might call the tip of the iceberg. The deficiencies cause various organs and systems of the body to fail, or otherwise not perform as they should. That then often leads to even more systemic diseases and disorders, such as cancer, thyroid disease, liver disease, fibromyalgia, cerebral palsy, neurological disorders, and all sorts of other chronic health problems. Celiac disease can and does eventually kill if not properly addressed.

So, unless you actually enjoy feeling like crap, you'll probably do well to adhere to the gluten-free lifestyle.

Some people do have quite a time at first due to withdrawal, but once you get through that, you'll likely do well enough not to care that you can't have certain things. I can honestly say I sometimes look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. As far as I'm concerned, the gluten-free diet is liberating, not limiting. I have sooo much more variety in my diet now, than I ever had before going gluten-free. In fact, I had never even tried most of the things I enjoy now. I was missing out, like most Americans are. And with gluten-free baking, I am actually enjoying things I couldn't have before, simply because they made me sick when prepared in traditional ways. Gluten-free bread is still bread, and it's still delicious. It's just not wheat bread. There's nothing wrong with that anymore than the difference between vanilla ice cream and chocolate ice cream. Both can be quite good, even though noticeably different. Some prefer one over the other, and it doesn't matter which.

Besides gluten-free breads, we also have gluten-free pasta, cakes, cookies, muffins, crackers, etc. I don't see a big gaping void in my diet just because they aren't made with wheat. I enjoy feeling well for the first time in my life far more than the smell or taste of wheat bread. I would usually drown it in peanut butter or margarine anyway

So, your question was?

[ravenwoodglass]

To live. And be able to enjoy living while you do.

You must be having a hard time right now. (((((((((hugs))))))))

If something in particular is giving you a problem please don't hesitate to post about it. It can be tough at first but it really is worth it in the end.

I hope things improve soon.

[imhungry]

"I have sooo much more variety in my diet now, than I ever had before going gluten-free. In fact, I had never even tried most of the things I enjoy now"

I and my family have enjoyed the new foods. In addition, we were able to figure out that our daughter is also dairy intolerant like me as I became more sensitive to dietary issues. She is stonach-ache free and that is wonderful for her!

I could not function and was really nearing being completely disabled due to how I felt. I could not do it anymore. I knew something was wrong, but not what for a long time.

So I do it to not feel that way and so I can support my family - daddy is a stay at home dad, bless his heart!