Why I stopped eating gluten

Lethargy, depression, tummy ailments – that’s what made me go gluten-free.

Except, I had no idea that eating food with gluten in it led to all the above symptoms/illnesses.

It was only when I was having terrible tummy trouble – went through loads of tests (blood, internal examinations) and thankfully found nothing sinister – that my doctor suggested a change of diet.

Now, I always thought I ate healthily – lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, chicken, fish and the carbs consisted of rice, potatoes and pasta.

Aha – but, on many days I was having Weetabix for breakfast, a sandwich or wrap for lunch and then pasta for dinner. All food rich in gluten.

What’s weird is that I’ve never had a problem with wheat or gluten products before – but I think I must have OD’d on the stuff because suddenly my body was saying “No more!”

Gluten, gluten – everywhere!
So – it’s fairly easy to identify the main culprits – bread, pasta, most cereals, noodles – basically anything made from wheat, barley and rye. But what is surprising is that you will find gluten in baked beans, ketchup and …OXO cubes – to name a few!

So, I’m experimenting with new foods – some gluten free varieties – they don’t always taste great…but trying a lot more to stick to more vegetables and protein – and upping my intake of seeds, nuts and fruits.

A few days on – I can already see a difference. Less lethargic, tummy seems to be settling down – and I’m shedding some of the pounds that nothing seemed to want to shift!

I’ll give you an update in a few weeks – but for now – no more toast for me!

Gluten is the protein content of wheat (including spelt, durum and semolina) barley and rye.

3 Replies to “Why I stopped eating gluten”

  1. Kate

    I have celiac disease myself, but my GI doctor told me that almost everyone who tries a gluten free diet feels better. Seems like a good enough reason to me! Good for you for finding something that helps you feel better.

    Reply
    • justjhoom

      Thanks for your support Kate. It’s amazing that one ingredient in food can make such a difference. I know there has been some bad press recently saying that people are jumping on the “gluten-free” bandwagon. But, surely if eliminating it from one’s diet is helping people to feel better then that’s a good thing. I can’t tell you how much more energy I seem to have – so glad I decided to take the plunge!!

      Reply
      • Kate

        Yeah, I think it’s silly! If people feel better, then they feel better. The only problem comes when people don’t understand that people who have celiac have to really avoid cross-contamination. But I think the “gluten free fad” has helped for the most part. At least MOST people now know what Gluten is 🙂

        Reply

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