11/07/2024
(Kateâs Gluten Story) In my late 30s, I grappled with puzzling symptomsâhair loss, skin issues, achy joints, and overwhelming fatigue. My mood fluctuated, but I was determined to find answers.
Despite being strict with my diet, I had only loosely reduced gluten. By âloosely,â I mean that while I wasnât intentionally eating gluten, it often crept into my mealsâhidden in sauces etc. In 2021, I decided to take a gluten sensitivity test through Vibrant Labs. The results were eye-opening: I had significant sensitivity to gluten. Previous stool tests had suggested the same, but I had dismissed them.
In 2022, I made the bold decision to eliminate gluten entirely. I started telling restaurant staff that I had a gluten allergy/celiacâbecause, letâs be honest, they donât take it seriously otherwise.
The transformation was astounding. My thyroid numbers stabilized, and the autoimmune-like symptoms I experienced began to fade. Though never officially diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, I had often been on the verge.
Looking back, itâs hard to believe that my bloating and SIBO diagnosis could be traced to gluten. The connection became clear: gluten triggered inflammation, damaging my intestinal barrier and raising zonulin levels, which loosened the tight junctions between my gut cells. My immune system, confused and reactive, attacked not just gluten but my own tissues.
Embracing a gluten-free lifestyle felt liberating. The fog lifted, and I began to reclaim my health. My gut microbiome improved, and the dysbiosis that had wreaked havoc on my body started to resolve.
I share my story to inspire others to question gluten in their diets. Remember, 99% of people with gluten sensitivity donât even know they have it. If you struggle with unexplained symptoms, consider eliminating gluten for 4 to 6 weeks and see if you feel better. Sometimes, the answers lie in simple changes. What began as a confusing array of symptoms transformed into a powerful journey of self-discovery and healing. Do you have a Gluten Story?
