My Gluten Symptoms

Gluten affects us all in different ways. For me personally, hives are the most troubling symptom. I don't really get any of the stomach problems that many celiacs experience. Instead, I break out in hives. In addition to that, I usually get stiff joints, numbness in my hands, brain fog, and headaches. I also get crabby with everyone, probably because I'm so uncomfortable. People wonder why I'm so picky about what I eat! Who would want to do something to usher in symptoms like this? Still, the hives are the worst. I have had such terrible attacks that I seriously thought I would go crazy.

In addition, I've gained weight. Now, I'm working to lose it. Every time I get glutened, I retain a ton of water, and literally gain about 5 pounds in a day or so. This can be so discouraging. I've decided to stop eating most grains, and cut way back on carbs and sugar. I truly think this will really help.

Corn Intolerant

I seems that I may be corn intolerant or allergic as well as gluten intolerant. I never knew there were so many corn derivatives out there! I think everything in the world is made from corn. Even powdered sugar has corn starch in it. Bounce dryer sheets too! Amazing. Anyway, I've cut out all forms of corn, and guess what? No more itching! It's definitely worth it to me. I just hope the water retention will disappear soon too. I really think it will, once my body gets adjusted. I have a birthday party to plan on Saturday for my 6 year old. She wants the cake to be gluten free, so I'm going to try to plan an entirely gluten free party. Sounds like fun. My little one wants mommy to be able to eat at her party. She's so used to seeing me sit around unable to eat hardly anything at gatherings. I'll be posting the party menu this week. Maybe others can use my ideas.

This is my experience with gluten intolerance and Celiac Disease. I'm gluten free, and life is great! Not that I'm not facing some challenges, but here's where I'll meet each and every one. Hopefully some others will benefit from my experiences. I love food, and this has been difficult. At first I cried because I'll never have another regular cake for my birthday. Believe me, it's easy to get caught up in your own pity. At some point, you have to pick yourself up, realize you're getting healthy by giving up gluten, and rediscover a whole new diverse world of food.