Okay, let’s cut to the chase…

Following a Gluten-Free Diet can be a big pain in the butt!

To avoid ingesting gluten, you have to: read food labels carefully, ask the waiter lots of questions, politely say “No thank you” when offered a doughnut or piece of birthday cake, and you may even have to learn to cook your favorite Asian dish from scratch. Lots of adjustments are made when committing to following a strict, 100% Gluten-Free Diet. It takes time and effort to learn the ins-and-outs of this eating plan because gluten is used as an additive in so many different food items.

If you have Celiac Disease, you need to remember the cost of NOT eating Gluten Free (currently the only treatment for this disease).

Left untreated, having Celiac may result in:

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Osteoporosis
Anemia
Increased risk of infertility or miscarriage
Lymphoma
Cancer of the intestinal tract
Depression
Foggy Brain

Eating any amount of gluten (even the smallest crumb) can cause an autoimmune reaction and damage to the small intestines.

The anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies can cause inflammation and havoc in any area of the body. Yes, of course, the small intestine will be damaged, but tissue damage also happens in the brain, the liver, and in the nerve ending all over your body. Depending on your age, it may mean delayed growth, discolored teeth, or noticeable issues with your skin (acne, psoriasis, rashes), or alopecia which is a loss of hair either on your head or all over the body.

So is eating Gluten-Free worth all the effort?

I say, YES!

Especially if being Gluten Free helps you feel better. It will be totally worth it! Most people quickly learn to identify potential sources of gluten and easily recognize which foods are safe and which are off-limits. Is it ever easy? Not really, but it truly does becomes second nature.

Contact me for help if you struggle to follow a 100% Gluten-Free Diet. Considering the potentially serious health concerns of NOT avoiding gluten, it will be worth your time and effort. Your best health is worth your every effort.