I was diagnosed with Celiac disease after the birth of my youngest child and have been gluten-free since. It seems crazy to me that I haven’t willingly eaten gluten in over seventeen years. The day I was diagnosed with this autoimmune disorder knocked the wind out of me, although the plight to actually getting my diagnosis is a very long story for another day. Despite the gut punch that I’d never be able to eat a lot of my favorite foods ever again, the final diagnosis was a huge relief. Although I’d had symptoms of celiac my entire life, the trauma of pregnancy and childbirth finally put me over the edge. I could barely get out of bed much less take care of three young children. So, getting the diagnosis was hard, giving up gluten was difficult but the benefit of living a gluten free lifestyle has been a game changer.

For those wondering, Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals when they consume gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In people with celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. The immune system mistakenly attacks the small intestine when gluten is consumed, leading to inflammation and damage to the villi, the tiny finger-like projections that absorb nutrients from food.

Okay, so that’s the official definition. Here’s what I experienced over the years…stomach cramps, bloating, canker sores, migraines, joint pain, numbness in my extremities, miscarriages, depression, anxiety, lethargy, mood swings.

The good news is that when I don’t eat gluten, I’m healthy. The bad news is that I can never have gluten, like, ever again. When I have gluten, even a little bit accidentally it hits me like a freight train- first with lethargy, a really bad mood, stomach cramps, and possibly a migraine and canker sore. I’ve even ended up in the emergency room after eating at a Thai restaurant. What I’d thought was gluten-free became what a physician thought might be appendicitis.

Eating gluten free is not necessary for everyone, but if you have symptoms of Celiac disease, it’s definitely worth looking into. Here’s some of my unprofessional advice if you’re concerned.

• Consult a medical professional-a physician, naturopath, or nurse practitioner- before beginning a gluten-free diet. Although many people are gluten-intolerant, the only way to accurately be diagnosed for celiac disease is to have a blood test and endoscopic biopsy. In order for these tests to be conclusive, you must have recently eaten gluten.
• If you are gluten intolerant and eating the protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats bothers you, don’t eat it. If you are diagnosed with celiac, don’t eat it ever again. It’s estimated that 1/8 of a teaspoon of gluten can cause damage to the villi of the small intestine for those with celiac disease. This can lead to malnutrition, osteoporosis, cancers, and an increased risk of developing other autoimmune disorders.
• Throw out the old toaster. Stat. In fact, don’t share a toaster with any family members who use it to eat bread containing gluten.
• Check ingredients and avoid products that could potentially be contaminated. This means don’t eat anything containing wheat, barley, rye, and oats (although oats manufactured in a gluten-free facility are likely okay). Also beware of products that are gluten-free but are manufactured on the same equipment as gluten as they can be cross contaminated.
• Avoid malt as it’s made from barley. This means no malted shakes or certain fancy chocolates.
• Only use gluten-free labeled seasoning salts, soups, and broths. Johnny’s and Lawry’s contain gluten.
• Soy sauce and teriyaki sauce contain gluten. There are gluten-free varieties sold at stores such as Fred Meyer.
• If you are religious, Communion wafers are made with wheat. Some churches offer a gluten-free communion option. For those who are Catholic as I am, however, the host must be made of wheat. The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration have manufactured a host that is of minimal wheat, which many parishes will serve if ordered. As it does contain minimal wheat, some celiacs still cannot tolerate it. Speak with your medical professional and pastor or priest. As for myself, I accept the wine but abstain from the host as it is still in accordance with the guidelines of my religious beliefs.
• If eating out, choose places that offer a gluten-free menu. Always make sure to alert your server that you are ordering gluten-free because of an allergy. Side note, celiac disease is not an allergy to gluten, it’s an autoimmune disorder. However, unless you want to explain what the disease is and draw more attention to the fact that if you eat gluten , you will be sick for possibly days, just say it’s an allergy.
• Check medication labels and ensure prescriptions are gluten-free. This includes visiting the dentist. Even though it’s written in my file, I always remind my hygienist that I need gluten-free polish and fluoride.
• Use hair, skin, and make-up products that are gluten-free.
• Research before you eat out and travel for gluten-free options. So many places offer gluten-free options, even internationally.

Happy National Gluten Free Day! Grab a package of gluten-free Oreos and enjoy the heck out of them!