Second Tuesday

I’ve been doing research on gluten intolerance and sensitivities.  Like with many “diets,” there is controversy about this one, too, ranging from “gluten intolerance issues do not exist” to “some have a legitimate health issue and should exclude gluten” to “no one should eat gluten because gluten is so bad for you.”  What’s the answer?  Of course, I don’t have the perfect answer.  However, some research I read stated that if you feel you may have a gluten sensitivity based on symptoms, see a doctor or try going gluten-free for a couple of weeks and see how you feel.  If your symptoms go away, perhaps you do have a gluten sensitivity or something as serious as Celiac.  Of course, you should consult an expert.

What are the symptoms of gluten intolerance or Celiac?  They are as follows:

• Weight loss or weight gain
• Nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorbtion e.g. low iron levels
• Gastro-intestinal problems (bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
• Fat in the stools (due to poor digestion)
• Aching joints
• Depression
• Eczema
• Head aches
• Exhaustion
• Irritability and behavioural changes
• Infertility, irregular menstrual cycle and miscarriage
• Cramps, tingling and numbness
• Slow infant and child growth
• Decline in dental health

Given that I have several of these symptoms and have tried so many things that haven’t work, I have decided to try a gluten-free diet for two weeks.  How did I come to this decision?  First, several friends have limited or completely erased gluten out of their diet and have been raving about how they look and feel.  You might say, “Come on.  Gluten-free diets are a fad!”  Maybe.  Maybe not. (Click here to read an article from the Mayo Clinic on why it seems gluten intolerances, including Celiac, are on the rise.)  Additionally, I just read Kimberly Snyder’s The Beauty Detox Solution, where she discusses several recommended changes to your diet, including eliminating gluten, which will impact both how you look and feel.  I liked her book because she did not force her opinion.  Rather, she shares data and personal experience along with alternative solutions to some of her suggestions should you feel you cannot change everything she recommends.  As I stated in a previous blog, several research studies disagree with some of her claims, but not all.  I will leave that research to you.

I’ve already made it through Day 1 just fine.  Since Kimberly Snyder’s recipes are gluten-free and tasty, I’ve decided to refer to her book for now.  Yes, it requires planning and preparation, but it is worth it.  I made a grocery list, did my shopping, and spent about 90 minutes making 4 of her recipes so I would have food for several days.  I’m even going to serve one of them at March’s Second Tuesday!  One thing many have warned me about is that if you do go gluten-free, you must plan.  You know those mid-afternoon cravings?  Most immediate options involve foods containing gluten, so I will make sure I carry gluten-free snacks.

I will keep you posted on my progress.  In the meantime, I will continue my research, which includes Dr. Frank Lipman’s Spent and Total Renewal.