February 14, 2007 was the day I went completely gluten free, months before I received a diagnosis of celiac disease.* I was so ill that I couldn’t leave the house and I was unable to follow through with our Valentine’s Day plans and decided that with or without a diagnosis I was committed to the gluten free diet for life, starting today.

My path towards a diagnosis was long and painful. I surpassed the average of 11 years that it takes to get diagnosed with celiac disease in North America (compared to 3 weeks in Italy!). What started with frequent tummy aches, digestive problems and excruciating stomach pains as a child turned into bloating, fatigue, depression, brain fog, irritability and mood swings as a teenager and continued into my adult life.

I was diagnosed with IBS as a child (1/3 of celiac disease patients have been previously misdiagnosed with IBS) and depression as a teenager (85% of patients with celiac disease have atypical, non gastrointestinal symptom presentation.)

It is estimated that 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, but 97% remain undiagnosed. Celiac disease is the most underdiagnosed disease in North America today, with an incredibly low 3% diagnosis rate. This has led to the metaphor that diagnosed celiacs represent only the visible tip of a much larger undiagnosed iceberg.

I’m happy to report that on my 2 year anniversary of being gluten free I’m happier and healthier than I’ve ever been! Within days of going gluten free I was feeling better than I had in years and within months I was nearly free of all my symptoms. I remain healthy and happy as long as I adhere to a 100% gluten free diet. Cross-contamination with gluten causes debilitating symptoms and the effects can last for up to 2 weeks, so I take my diet very seriously, as should anyone with celiac disease.

My goal as a nutritionist is to educate the public about celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity and to help those who think they might be affected by either of these conditions achieve a proper diagnosis. My passion is helping those who are newly diagnosed adapt to the gluten free diet and lifestyle with ease. I hope that my recipes inspire and motivate you to cultivate your health!

*It is important to continue eating a normal, gluten-containing diet before being tested for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity so you don’t receive a false negative. You cannot (accurately) be tested for celiac disease if you are on a gluten-free diet.

For more information about my services as a Holistic Nutritionist and Wellness Coach please visit www.cultivateyourhealth.com

Filed under:
Blog & Recipes by Crystal Di Domizio RHN