More than a celebrity diet trend, going gluten-free can be a game-changer for your health. My European origins and love affair with Italian food haven’t made my gluten-free journey easy, but the benefits far outweigh the cost of passing up the pasta. While I did lose weight after giving up gluten, that was not my original intent.
Our family chiropractor suggested a gluten-free diet for my 12 month-old son after I mentioned some peculiar behavior. His normally sunny temperament changed soon after he became more interested in solid foods – he would become upset for no apparent reason, and would bang his head on the floor out of frustration. While many tried to tell me that was normal behavior for some kids, I knew in my heart that it wasn’t normal for mine.
Within two weeks of taking gluten out of our diets (nursing meant I couldn’t have it, either), I felt less sluggish, less congested, and less bloated. My son was back to his jovial self and stopped hitting his head on a regular basis. After a weekend with grandparents in which I was a bit too permissive, he had part of a hotdog bun, a brownie, and some crackers. Twelve hours later, his behavior had done a complete 180. The slightest transition set him into a clingy crying fit (which included banging his head on anything within reach, including my head), and left him nearly inconsolable. The following two days of mayhem led my husband and I to stand firm: Never again. No more gluten.
So what is gluten?
Gluten is a substance in some grains – especially wheat – that gives dough its elastic, gooey texture. Through the process of food manufacturing, it is also present in many non-wheat items such as lunch meats, salad dressings, sauces, soups, and candy. French fries dipped in your favorite condiment? Gluten dipped in gluten. In addition to causing gut inflammation, gluten has also been known to have neurological effects. Migraines, depression, anxiety, symptoms of AD(H)D, insomnia, and brain fog are a fraction of the known problems for those sensitive to gluten.
How do I know if I’m sensitive to gluten?
The easiest way to find out is to give it up for one month. Those seasonal allergies may actually be tied to gluten sensitivity. Stomach issues, heartburn, headaches? They just may stop harassing you after a few weeks without gluten. Been in a funk for no reason? A case of the blues you just can’t shake? Gluten could be the culprit. The first two weeks are the hardest; you feel deprived and punished when you have to say no to someone’s homemade cupcakes or the bread appetizer at your favorite restaurant. You have to answer annoying questions and say, “No thank you,” on a semi-regular basis. It gets better, and soon you feel empowered to make healthier choices for yourself!
How will I survive?
Believe it or not, most restaurants are very accommodating to gluten-free diets. They often have separate menus or can easily tweak a recipe to create options for patrons with allergies or food sensitivities. Grocery stores are beginning to carry gluten-free breads, cookies, crackers, pasta, cereals, and anything else your heart desires! A quick web search will most likely reveal gluten-free bakeries in your area. My son and I rarely feel deprived, and after the initial transition phase I doubt you will either!
I’m in my fourth gluten-free month, and it has led to a much healthier lifestyle for my entire family. We don’t keep unhealthy processed foods in the house, I buy quality ingredients for family dinners, we save money by eating at home, and I’m back in my skinny jeans!
