Gluten: The Hidden Enemy

"Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye and barley. It is found mainly in foods but may also be in other products like medicines, vitamins and even the glue on stamps and envelopes." --Medlineplus

Who knew a simple question, two little words, would hold the answer to everything? “What’s gluten?” It is not uncommon for me to overlook something mentioned as an afterthought in nutritional guides, but with “awareness” growing to the forefront it’s hard to be blind. Why the hunger for knowledge about everything gluten hit me, I still don’t know. Having said that, I recall the day I lazily dragged my laptop across the sofa and decided to look up this elusive gluten and get to the bottom of it.

I should say that for most of my life I’ve been plagued by one ailment or another, even developing chronic conditions not usually seen in young adults. It caused my doctor a pause since my tests were immaculate and everything seemed to be in “working order” or so it seemed. My childhood? Well, that’s another story. I’d rather not travel back to my youth and the countless visits to doctors with varied problems: anemia, hives, abdominal aches, etc. It is much easier to start where the details aren’t so fuzzy.

For years, I struggled with (and was tested for) unexplained vertigo, severe bloating, sinus problems that just wouldn’t go away, insomnia… well, you get the idea. I’ve seen more ENT’s, neurologists and allergists than I’d like to recall. Quite a while back, I went to see a gastroenterologist. After a very uncomfortable endoscopy, he diagnosed me with acid reflux. Yes! Finally an answer. NOT! It was one let down after another.

Then I stumbled across this gluten “thing” and on a whim I Googled it. In that moment, time stood still. As I devoured the knowledge buried in cyberspace, I was dumbfounded to see that almost every single symptom of a gluten allergy was related to me! It was like a brief snapshot of my medical history.

After hours of exhaustive “symptom” research, I had to ask myself, “Is it possible that I’m allergic to gluten?” How can I have a healthy existence without whole grains?! Rather than consult with my over-confident doctor, who over the years has grown weary of me and my minor complaints, I decided to do my own at-home test first. Proud to say that after a tedious month of micro-managing my eating and staying gluten free, I feel better than ever! I mean GREAT is an understatement. Gone are the daily headaches and vertigo (that even a neurologist couldn’t figure out). Gone is the listless feeling and fatigue. No more digestive problems, bloating and shortness of breath. My head and sinuses are clear, my thinking focused and my concentration is no longer three steps behind the norm. Could it be possible? I wondered. Surely Dr. Gastro would’ve figured this one out.

Being my own test subject, I decided that the only real way to know if I was on the right track was to indulge in a chock full of gluten day -- formerly known as normal eating. Boy, did I pay for that. Not only did I blow up like the Michelin tire dude, I had a hard time falling asleep and I woke the following morning with my old friends: splitting headache, stomach pains and spinning room.

That day, I made the decision. Give the gluten up completely! No easy feat for a woman who devoured whole grains, rye bread, brown rice, pasta -- and what is breakfast without cereal or waffles? Oh, and I can’t forget the alcohol. No alcohol! A glass of wine or bubbly used to help me loosen up at networking events and cocktail parties. Now the mere thought of one drink comes with morning-after flashes.

That aside, I’ve discovered a very healthy way of eating for now sans gluten. And another revelation: Many restaurants serve gluten-free foods. I'm probably way yesterday but it's music to my ears. I’d love to say I miss having my favorite cakes, cookies and brownies but with the after-effects, it’s easier to say sayonara!

These days, I’m flying high on my newfound knowledge. But I’m left a bit peeved. How could something so serious have gone undetected? There’s no doubt that I now have the answer that’s eluded me over the years. Now the real work starts. A new journey is born. I’m setting out to learn any and all I can about gluten and living a gluten free lifestyle. Luckily I have a nutrition guru on hand to set me straight with the proper supplements and meal plans to keep my body fueled. I'll see doc soon and discuss this “thing” though I don't need confirmation anymore. My body doesn’t lie, and I feel amazing! Another day has passed without the debilitating headache and no more background nausea... That’s all the testament I need!