By Averil Bernard Click here to subscribe.
Jane, not her real name, was super excited about her experience with starting a gluten-free diet. “I feel less bloated, the mental fog is gone, I no longer feel drained after meals and I just feel better,” she said excitedly. “A friend encouraged me to try it and I’m so glad I did”. So, is this all in Jane’s mind or is there a scientific explanation for what she is experiencing?
According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), “Research estimates that 18 million Americans have gluten sensitivity.” “Gluten sensitivity or intolerance is a condition that causes a person to react after ingesting gluten. Symptoms vary widely and can include gastrointestinal problems, joint pain, fatigue and depression.” This suggests that there are a whole lot of people who experience negative reactions to gluten and Jane may very well be one of them. Watch the video via the link below for valuable details about the topic.
I did a two month gluten elimination diet to explore the possibility that I could be sensitive to gluten. Like my friend Jane, I felt less bloated, more focused and overall a whole lot better during my three gluten-free weeks. Once I started to reintroduce gluten containing foods the symptoms of gluten sensitivity returned. It’s important to note that not all gluten causes the negative symptoms mentioned above but mainly gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye. So, I eliminated just the ‘bad gluten’ from my diet.
I’m not a doctor so I can’t diagnose myself with a sensitivity to gluten but I sure prefer the way I felt on a gluten-free diet. I guess at some point I’ll get tested but for now I’m just content with feeling better. How about you? Could you be one of the 18 million?
Video-Learn More About Gluten Sensitivity.
For informational purposes only. Not intended as medical advice.