The effects of cutting out Gluten were not as instant as I had thought they would be but there is no denying that cutting out Gluten has definitely helped to sort out my health issues.
My stomach has finally deflated and I cannot express just how bloody lovely it is to not look and feel 9 months pregnant every single day.
The pain in my stomach has gone completely and again I think only other sufferers would truly understand the relief I speak of.
My energy levels while not through the roof have definitely increased and I can actually think straight now - my mind does not always feel dead.
But the thing I've noticed the most and am hoping and praying that it's not a fluke and will return is that my depression has lifted. It's bizarre to think that a Gluten Free diet could do that but it looks like it has. I actually wake up and look forward to the day now whereas I used to dread it.
Don't get me wrong I still have Narcolepsy so I sometimes struggle to get going in the morning and I still need to nap throughout the day but I no longer feel as though my batteries have died by 11am.
Another plus is that I am regular to the toilet - excuse the yuckiness. This has been an issue for me for years and I've switched between needing to take laxatives to needing Immodium for as long as I can remember. I even tried the Colon Cleanse tablets thinking that was the issue and those things are not something I would recommend anyone take unless you can stay at home literally all day and all night - you get my drift.
What I have been taking since day 1 of cutting out Gluten is a probiotic. I did some research and learned all about the damage Gluten intolerance can do to the good bacteria in the gut and the recommendation was a Probiotic that has a minimum of 20billion bacteria.
I chose a product - based on reviews - from Amazon called "Physis Advanced Probiotics" which has 50 billion viable bacteria strains.
It is 100% vegetarian/vegan safe and is Gluten free.
I admit I was sceptical about this Probiotic theory, I mean it made sense but then so did all the other fads I've been tempted by in the past but I am pleased to say this stuff works.
No more laxatives or Immodium for me, this stuff combined with Gluten Free food has sorted out my IBS and I've just ordered my second batch of it. I think I will continue using this for a long time to come.
If you're interested in the product here is the link to the one I bought
Physis Advanced Probiotics
If you have any of the following symptoms and think it could be a Gluten intolerance either go to your doctor (I lost faith in mine so decided to go this alone) and make sure it's not Celiac disease or cut out Gluten from your diet and see if your symptoms improve, but give it time as relief may not be instant.
- bloating or abdominal (stomach) pain
- flatulence and a noisy stomach
- weight loss
- tiredness and fatigue, which may be a sign of iron deficiency anaemia or folate deficiency anaemia
- tingling and numbness in your hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
- vomiting (usually only affects children)
- swelling of your hands, feet, arms and legs caused by a build-up of fluid (oedema)
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis - Itchy blisters or bumps on scalp, buttocks, elbows and knees but can present anywhere. (For me I get this along the insides of my fingers and until literally just now I did not realise what it actually was).
