Living the GF Life

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Okay, guys! I may be going all into living this gluten free life.  Seven months ago I was tested for my allergies and among the seasonal allergies that I already knew of wheat and peas was one of the allergic reactions I had.  When I was in my teens, I had an allergy test with the same results but didn’t think anything of it. When I was 16, I didn’t care about my allergies and until that day didn’t realize the effect of ignoring my allergy had on my body.  I used to say regularly, “My stomach hates me,” after every meal.  I would get horrible headaches, itchy scratchy throat, constant post nasal drip always clearing my throat.  I always associated the throat and nasal to my known indoor/outdoor allergies.  I never thought it could be from the things I was eating.  My stomach aches the doctors could never figure out until now; I did a blood test for Celiac Sprue disease, elimination diet which I realize I was lactose-intolerant, but no one could tell me why I would bloat and have horrible stomach pains. I also had terrible acne and scarring.   That was about eight years ago. So, when I went to the doctor months ago and brought it up to a new doctor led me to get allergy tested.  Do you know how good it feels for someone to tell you your not crazy?

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Wheat Allergy

According to the Food Allergy Research and Education,

Differences between Wheat Allergy and Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance

A wheat allergy should not be confused with “gluten intolerance” or celiac disease. A food allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a specific food protein. When the food protein is ingested, in can trigger an allergic reaction that may include a range of symptoms from mild symptoms (rashes, hives, itching, swelling, etc.) to severe symptoms (trouble breathing, wheezing, loss of consciousness, etc.). A food allergy can be potentially fatal.

Celiac disease (also known as celiac sprue), which affects the small intestine, is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to gluten. Usually diagnosed by a gastroenterologist, it is a digestive disease that can cause serious complications, including malnutrition and intestinal damage, if left untreated. Individuals with celiac disease must avoid gluten, found in wheat, rye, barley and sometimes oats. Learn more about celiac disease>

People who are allergic to wheat often may tolerate other grains. However, about 20 percent of children with wheat allergy also are allergic to other grains. Be sure to ask your doctor whether foods containing barley, rye, or oats are safe for you or your child to eat.

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Living the GF Life

Now I am living the Gluten-Free life. Not because I have a gluten intolerance because it is easier than living wheat free. Gluten-free products (the real deal certified ones) contain no wheat. I don’t have to think about it and as a mom of three that makes my life easier. From skin care, shampoos and conditioners, and of course foods I try to buy gluten free products. As a result, I no longer have the ailments I had before; my skin is so much clearer now, and I feel better.

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Gluten-Free Allergy Expo

I will be attending the Gluten Free & Allergy Expo in Secaucus, NJ at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, October 15-16,2016. I am so excited to visit because we are going gluten-free for the holidays. We’ve been doing it now for consistently I say five months and there’s not turning back now. I can’t way to see all the different vendors and gluten free options that are available to bake and cook. It’s going be an exciting new adventure I am going to have to Snap or Instagram Story all the interesting things!

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I would love for two of my New Jersey friends to go too! Just click on the giveaway link and Enter to Win! Drawing will be on Monday at NOON

You can also get your tickets here!

 

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18 Comments on “Living the GF Life”

  1. I got very excited when I saw the title of this post on Facebook! I went GF two years ago after struggling with constant nausea, headaches and even awful anxiety. My doctors said I was crazy, and they wanted to put me on antidepressants and medication for my anxiety. I eventually took myself off of gluten and amazingly, all of my symptoms went away!

    • WOW! That is such an awesome testimony! Food and nutrition has a direct link to our body functioning properly when you fuel yourself correctly so does your body. Thank you for sharing!

    • It kills me how uneducated doctors are on this, I wish they had to re certify every few years and learn more about nutrition. I am so glad that you are able to live a happier healthier life because you went with your instinct and listened to your body.

  2. Oh wow I’ve been hearing from a lot of people they are cutting out glutan as well. If you ever need gluten free shake recipes I sell them.
    They are very filling and good.

  3. I have heard so many different things about GF. My coworker is living the GF life now and she feels so much better. Often times I wonder if my fiancé should get tested to see if he has a wheat allergy or to see if he should be eat GF. I am happy to hear that you are finding a solution to your problem! Best wishes.

    • Getting tested can confirm or rule out some things. At the GFAF Expo they had testing there on site. It was one of the most popular booths.

  4. Might be an odd question, but…

    I get allergy shots. My allergy shots have been terrible since I was a kid. Would food allergies show up in the allergy testing they do? If so, then I could help my allergies through diet as well as shots.

    • Yes, I too have been receiving allergy shots since I was four years old. The same prick test they gave me for my indoor/outdoor allergies is the same they did for my food. There has been research and links to diet and allergies. I would look into it.

  5. We’ve started taking gluten out of my daughter’s diet. She gets headaches and stomach aches after she eats. It seems gluten related, but it is too early to tell yet for sure. I hadn’t thought about considering that she might have a wheat allergy! Thank you for sharing. Now I can ask her doctor to get her tested.

    • It may be a part of the issue or she is just intolerant but it would be nice for her in the future and you to find out what the cause of her digestion issues. I pray that you find a simple resolution.

  6. I know several people who have had to go GF for a number of reasons. We have not had to cross that bridge but I will be sharing that as resource for those I know who do have to life that lifestyle.

    • Thank you for sharing for those and that is good that you are restricted on what you eat. It initially is quite a hassle and change of lifestyle!

    • It took stages but now I just feel so much better gf it has to be a new lifestyle change. Although, I did receive some pills that have enzymes to help digest gluten I am waiting for something really yummy to give it a try.

  7. I’m glad you figured out what was wrong. Dealing with food allergies can be difficult. So much processed food can cross contaminate or be labeled as something else and you can be unknowingly consuming what makes you sick. My mom was just diagnosed with a gluten allergy and I see how she had to struggle to change her diet. Good for you for sticking to the GF diet!

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