When I was 21 my sister was diagnosed with Celiac Disease after a long ordeal with health problems far worse than mine. Many of our symptoms were similar so she suggested I be tested, as Celiac Disease is hereditary. I tested negative to the blood test as well as a small intestine endoscopy.
Frustrated with my painful symptoms and lack of answers, I chose to eliminate gluten from my diet anyway. Soon I began to feel like a new person. The stomach aches were gone and the eczema was greatly improved.
Going GF was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. Eight years ago it was essentially unheard of, and there were few products in the stores that were without question GF. I experienced frequent feelings of frustration, isolation and...just being freakish.
Although my eczema was greatly improved by following a GF diet, it was not gone. As a result of going Gluten Free, I became aware of the many additives in our food. I have gradually been eliminating processed foods, particularly those with unnatural ingredients, from my diet and that of my family's. My eczema is now completely under control.
People often ask "What do you eat?". To them I answer: Everything! Life doesn't end with the elimination of Gluten. In fact, my life is more rich and fulfilled now that I feel well and, surprisingly to some, eat better than I ever have before.
It has taken nearly a decade to change my diet, and there is still MUCH room for improvement. But that's life - A continuous process of improvement, right?
