Hives aren’t pretty…
I once went to my annual checkup only to have the doctor ready to call authorities because of all the bruises she’d found under my clothing. I told her it was from scratching my hives. Yes, bruises from scratching myself!
She wouldn’t believe me. So I told her it wasn’t normal scratching, but the “AAAAHH! I’m going insane from this terrible itching” kind of scratching. Now, kudos to her for being so in-tuned to signs of abuse, but it really WAS the result of hives.
Hives had been an issue with me for years, I told her.
I think stress brings it on, I told her.
I take Benadryl nearly every day, I told her.
My husband actually can’t stand to watch me in such misery, I told her.
After some convincing, she finally believed me and referred me to a dermatologist. Unfortunately, poor diet and food triggers were never discussed…
A whole-wheat, whole-life kind of girl
Fast forward many years… to two months ago: Chronic inflammation and skin issues are raging out of control and I had to do something different. I was seeing the benefits going gluten-free was having on a friend’s health and read countless articles regarding inflammation triggers. But how do I make such a huge lifestyle change at my age? Always a “whole wheat, whole life” kind of girl, I loved all breads but they never loved me back. Even so, I had been a “gluten-glutton” for over 5 decades (as my waist-line can prove.) The pleasant smell of homemade bread hot from the oven was all too familiar. In fact, here in the Midwest that “deliciousness” is served at almost every meal.
To make a major change of habit, one has to make a major change in thinking. For me, that meant I needed to look at bread — and gluten — for what it does TO me and not FOR me.
Note to those of you who have celiac disease and can’t even tolerate a crumb of gluten without severe intestinal side effects: My heart goes out to you. Thankfully I only have a sensitivity to wheat. A sensitivity means your symptoms come in the form of abdominal pain, reflux, gas, nausea, diarrhea or constipation. Life’s little annoyances, right? Along with that, you may also have other symptoms, like fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, stuffy head, and even bouts of depression due to gluten. I realized I’d been dealing with “all of the above” all my life. Do you think you might have a sensitivity to gluten? Read The Fourteen Most Common Signs of Gluten Intolerance.
Meanwhile, my dear (falsely accused) husband is eating almost anything without a problem. He doesn’t know why I need to make such drastic changes. After all, he’s watched me eat “normal” foods for years so why can’t I now? But after seeing the problems with inflammation progress from rosacea and hives… to eczema, dermatitis, and even some hair loss, he agrees, something HAS to change. Why NOT try gluten free, nothing else is working. Maybe the effects of eating gluten, along with other foods like milk and edible nightshades, are to blame for these visibly crazy reactions in my body. It’s time to ditch the gluten.
Fast food, gluten-free style
To make any change in habit, a replacement needs to be found for whatever is being taken away. Now fruits and veggies fill my fridge more than ever. My morning toast is now a GF cracker or oatmeal with my fav toppings. Sandwiches? Go topless and bottomless — I’m talking buns;) When my friend is ordering fast food, she asks for her sandwich meat to be wrapped in a lettuce leaf. Since that’s not always an option, ask for a fork or you’ll be picking up that hamburger and all its toppings with your fingers. I know. I tried. It wasn’t pretty!!
Some fast food restaurants do offer some gluten-free alternatives. My local sub sandwich shop doesn’t have GF bread, so I either get a salad or I order the sandwich “fix’ens” which is the meat, veggies, and toppings layered into a sandwich box.
Take a pill? No thanks
A life of chronic inflammation can eventually cause diseases and conditions including some cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and hay fever. Since inflammation needs to be well-managed, NSAIDS are often recommended, but too much of anything isn’t good. NSAIDS are hard on your stomach. I’ve already done damage to mine by using acid-reflux medications, so for me it’s not even an option. Controlling my diet is a healthier choice.
Maybe your issues are more than just gluten…
If you’re going gluten-free to help decrease inflammation, remember there are other foods that make pain and symptoms worse. Fatty red meat, dairy, soy, and peanuts are just a few that can increase inflammation in the body. Also food additives like MSG, sugar, and aspartame. Even vegetables from the nightshade family like peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes (not sweet) are problems for some of us. So if you’re thinking about ditching gluten, don’t believe every GF product is right for you. Read the labels and make informed decisions.
Health is a process, be patient
I still have lingering issues but things are definitely looking up.
These things take time, I know… poor health doesn’t happen overnight, good health is worth the effort. Improvement is a process that comes from patience, getting educated, and making right choices, time after time.
Sometimes I’m strong: sometimes not…but knowing the quality of my life is gradually improving keeps me going. After all, what price can we put on more quality time with family and friends?
Aa healthy life is more golden than all the rolling wheat fields in the Midwest.
So thanks, but no thanks;
I’ll pass on the bread… and the Benadryl, too.
Happy eating, happy feeling, friend!
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Do you or someone you love live the gluten-free life? You can share what you’ve learned in the comments below.
