Question--

[jenvan]

So, I have been struggling hard the past couple of months with Celiac/related health stuff and my motivation...and am still waiting to "turn the corner..." But last night I was thinking about the positive effects Celiac has had in my life, besides the obvious health benefits. (Yes--there are some!) And I thought it might be cool to hear if any of you have positive effects you've realized over time.

One positive for myself-- After going gluten-free, my eyes have been opened to the carcinogens, chemicals in our food, cosmetics etc...and I am gradually phasing out the products in my home to all natural/chemical free ones. Had I not been diagnosed with Celiac--I might have remained oblivious to harmful things in my home or in my medicine closet. This will only serve to make me healthier and make me a more thoughtful consumer too.

Hope some of you can name others! I'm going on vacation tonight--so I'll be curious to see when I get back

[Jnkmnky]

As the parent of a celiac kid, I would like to add that all of the learning has been great mental gymnastics- keeping my mind from atrophying <- did I spell that correctly?

[rmmadden]

Jen,

What a great question!

I think with this disease it's too easy to focus on the negative. We can't eat this anymore and I'm feeling lousy because I ate that, etc. Lord only knows how much brain energy I've spent this past year constantly thinking about my health.

My postives are:

I am eating healthier......

I am exercising regularly......

I went to the doctor for the 1st time in over 20-years......

And I've met a lot of great people here on this forum who know how I feel.......

I've always been an optimist my whole life but, this past year I found myself with a real negative attitude because of the many questions regarding my health. Having celiac disease has taught me to be more appreciative of the many gifts I have in my life (Wife, Kids, Family, Home, Friends, Etc.) and give thanks for those gifts.

Hope you have an awesome vacation.

Cleveland Bob

[tarnalberry]

It has led me to try a wider variety of foods than I would otherwise have, even though I always pursued a wide variety of foods. I would have been less likely to try out raw foods without the gluten and dairy intolerance, and would have been less likely to ever develop a taste for dark chocolate.

[KaitiUSA]

I eat healthier and am more aware of what I put in my body.

I have a better understanding of what people go through and know not to take my health forgranted like I used to.

The list could really go on for a while. There have been way more positives than negatives in my case.

[jenvan]

Great thoughts--I echo meeting new people--here on the boards and in my city...and having an opportunity to help others. And similar to Tiffany--trying new foods. Previously I didn't eat tomatoes, beans or mushrooms...now I do I love them beans!

[frenchiemama]

I eat healthier, read labels more and I'm much more aware of what is actually in food and which things I don't want to put in my body.

It gives me something to think about and research when I'm bored.

It has made me really "listen" to my body for the first time in my life and really pay attention to my health instead of just assuming that I'll be fine.

[DylansMom]

For myself (although it is my son who had the disease) I have learned to rely more on the Lord and trust Him. He knew all this long before the doctors found it and ultimatlly He knew Dylan would be able to handle this. As well as me as his Mom and reading all the lables and learning. There are so many things I am discovering also with what we put in our bodies and my oldest son, who is not celiac disease (I haven't had him tested but he has always been in the 95% to 103% in height and weight for his age, so not concern there, he is my healyth ox. Hardly ever sick, and then Dylan with this and asthma...anyway) there are things just with gluten in general that have been linked to hyperactivity and other issues he struggles with, so I think he will be slowly becoming gluten-free too.

That's my 2 cents...you may want your change

[hez]

I have a gluten-free dessert almost every night! I have joined this board and found a wealth of opinions and information! I sometimes use my dictionary since there is no spell check.

[Rachel--24]

Oh...I have so many things to say here.

I'm learning to cook.

I'm eating WAAAY better than I ever have have in my life.

I'm starting to feel better.

I'm actually using my brain again instead of watching tv all day.

I appreciate little things in life that I never even noticed before.

I joined a gym....never thought I'd do that in a million years.

I have a strong desire to help others now.

As my weight constantly changes I always get to buy new clothes.

I'm way more health conscious now.

People have told me I seem alot less stressed and more happy now.

Oh yeah...I eat vegetables now and actually like them.

[Guest gfinnebraska]

I agree with all the above... I am WAY more health conscious than I was before!

The whole "read before you eat" thing does keep one on one's toes!! I also enjoy the fact, at parties, when I don't want to eat something I can just say, "Oh, sorry, I can't eat that..." Hahahahaha! Gets me out of MANY "icky" food situations. Plus, I tend to lose over the Holidays when everyone around me is moaning and groaning about how full they are and how much weight they are gaining! I can't eat the stuffing, gravy, pies, etc. For me Thanksgiving is a very light, healthy meal. I also don't take desserts for granted anymore. It is a VERY special occassion when I bake and enjoy a gluten-free dessert. I enjoy it and appreciate it so much more now. Having to be gluten-free just opens your eyes up and makes you see food differently ~ and it is a good thing!

[Canadian Karen]

I have come to really, really appreciate when toilet paper goes on sale......

Karen

[mouse]

I appreciate that my anger and temper are for the most part, totally gone. So, does my husband.

I also appreciate a toilet paper sale and then I really stock up, much to the chagrin of my hubby.

Armetta

[nettiebeads]

I'm with you in looking at the positive . Negative just brings me waaay too far down. I used to really enjoy baking, but doing the gluten-free thing makes me think more creatively. And I think I have a greater empathy and understanding of others who have any of the gazillion autoimmune disorders. I am better tuned to my body; I realize the importance of taking care of it with excersize and very proper eating, not that I do either of them as well or as often as I should. And I enjoy my veggies much more, and get excited at salad bars that have lots of choices of fruits and jellos so I can have dessert! (kids think I'm weird ) And I love this forum! It's the best thing that's happened to me since I developed celiac disease 9 years ago (besides my new husband)

[Carriefaith]

I've become more sensitive and understanding of other's health problems; I've become more interested and aware of foods that provide health benefits; I eat healthier; I've met some really nice people on this board! I feel better

[debmidge]

I agree with Carriefaith (my husband and I agree that is) that we've had an epiphany on other medical conditions which are "hidden." Such as hidden disabilities. So while I am interested in celiac disease I am learning more about other diseases. celiac disease has made us understand better what limitations other "hidden" diseases can have on the patient.

Specifically, for my husband, he went misdiagnosed for 25+ years and he is anorexic; the weight loss also reduced his musclature wherein his abdominal sheath was so wasted and thin that he herniated 3 times. Obviously, he wasn't absorbing all of his calories, nutrients and fats for many, many years. The positive side of this, in a macabre way, is that he has the cholestrol and blood pressure of a 20 year old.