Surprise Benefits Of Going gluten-free

[Libbyanne]

YES YES YES!!!! I am in love with my arms. I feel them all the time and I can't believe that they are MINE!!!! They used to be everywhere on the backs of my arms and on the first warm day when I wore a short sleeve shirt, I noticed it. I was thrilled! My 4 year old son, who has tested negative on his bloodwork (but I think he has a gluten intolerance too) has them so bad all over his arms and legs. He's scheduled to go back to his pediatrician in May for a weight check, and I really think I am going to ask if I can try him on a gluten-free diet, just to see what happens.

In addition to that:

I am regular for the first time in my life, no more constipation.

I am not gassy anymore.

I am not bloated.

I don't get disgustingly full after every meal, only to be hungry an hour later.

I only get canker sores now when I've accidentally ingested gluten.

I am more focused at work.

I sleep better.

I don't have joint pain anymore.

My minute per mile average when I go running went from over 12:00 per mile to about 10:30 or so! The last time I ran was around the time of my diagnosis, and I didn't start up again until March, wow! What a difference!

And finally, the biggie: I've lost almost 30 lbs! I went from a snug size 14 to a 6 (and even a 4 in a couple of instances!!). I can get into all of my pre-pregnancy work suits again! YAY!!

I still get frustrated at times, like the other day when my coworkers celebrated a birthday at Olive Garden and I could only eat salad. However, the benefits so outweigh the risks, that on more than one occasion I've said that my diagnosis has been the best thing that has ever happened to me.

mamaesq - I'm not sure where you live but I know most Olive Garden's have a Gluten Free menu and it's good stuff! I've ordered off it twice with no problem! This link should take you to the gluten-free Menu - Open Original Shared Link so you can either look it up online or, if you're at the restaurant just ask the server for their Gluten Free menu. The servers I have had seem very educated about it and always ask if I need the croutons left off the salad, etc.

Hope this helps!!

[spinsterwitch]

Having some of my symptoms come back recently (and not knowing the cause) reminds me of all the things that I appreciate when I'm not glutened

- energy

- I didn't lose weight, but I did lose size

- no more burps, farts, & heartburn

- my libido returned (I hadn't realized how much it had cranked down)

- ability to concentrate and care about responsibilities (depression lifting?)

- decrease in nasal allergy reactions

- complete elimination of tingling hands

- decrease in PMS and menstrual symptoms

- blessedly regular BM

Going to have to figure out where I'm getting the gluten right now, as I want all that to come back again.

Peace,

Kari

[pele]

YES YES YES!!!! I am in love with my arms. I feel them all the time and I can't believe that they are MINE!!!! They used to be everywhere on the backs of my arms and on the first warm day when I wore a short sleeve shirt, I noticed it. I was thrilled!

I know what you mean. I love my new smooth skin, it is amazing.

Thanks to those who replied with the same experience. I wonder how many, if any, dermatologists are aware that there may be a connection between gluten and those tiny bumps. I hope everyone reading this thread will tell their dermatologists! And I hope someone will do some scientific research on it, too.

[sickchick]

I feel more 'grounded' than I have in 15 years

[mamaesq]

Libbyanne- I actually checked out the menu before we went, but nothing sounded good to me. I used to stuff myself with the chicken parmesan or chicken alfredo, and the thought of getting grilled chicken and veggies seemed less than appealing. My sister has eaten there since she went gluten-free and had a great meal, but I was being fickle I guess! Thank you though for thinking of me!!