Last July, I was diagnosed with celiac's disease. In case you are unfamiliar with this disease, it is an autoimmune disease, not an allergy or an intolerance. My body lacks the enzyme that breaks down the protein gluten found in wheat, rye, barley, and some oats. This means that I am now on a gluten free diet, for the rest of my life.
I have been a victim of "stomach issues" since I can remember. My mother and grandparents tell me that I was not able to eat properly since birth, and I recall times when I was 6 years old when I suffered from horrible stomach pains. I has been a relief to know my diagnosis as well as my treatment plan. Unfortunately, this means that I have not been properly nourished my whole life, and that I will have problems being properly nourished the rest of my life, as my lower digestive track is in a chronic state of inflammation. Sounds like fun?
I bring this up in my blog today because I have had some very interesting experiences with this disease so far. I am now the diva at the table at restaurants. I have to ask questions, and I need to talk to managers, and I need to know ingredient lists... waiters are not always fond of me. The funniest thing I have encountered has been when I take part in the Lord's Supper at church. I can no longer take of "the body portion of supper," as it is bread. This leads to some interesting looks from the deacons who distribute the bread and juice. I am tempted to get a t-shirt made that says "I am spiritually sound, I just cannot eat bread," or something along those lines. These poor men probably think I have a massive spiritual awakening between the bread and the juice, because I have one but not the other.
Another interesting aspect of this disease, is that people around me want to help me eat as normally as possible. I get tips on where to buy gluten free food. I get referred to blogs about gluten free recipes. I even have people tell me which restaurants have gluten free items on their menus. I really appreciate this about the people I surround myself with. I wonder if I had a different kind of disease, like Crohn's, if I would get the same kind of support?
It scares me though, some research out there says that it can take up to 5 years for the inflammation in my gut to heal. I also read recently that if I were to accidentally ingest gluten, it can effect my body's neurological responses, like memory and reaction times. A little worrisome...
In case you are wondering about some cool gluten free recipes or tips... Schar gluten free bread items are better tasting than Udi's; rice flour actually fries chicken better than wheat flour; Betty Crocker GF brownie mix is the best brownie mix out there; and they do make GF soy sauce.
