A huge variety of negative gastrointestinal symptoms are caused by hidden allergies to gluten, the type of protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.  Prolonged exposure to these proteins can caused irreperable damage to the lining of the small intestine that can prevent nutrients from food from being absorbed properly–this is know as enteropathy celiac disease. It can also cause severe problems for your immune system. If it remains undiagnosed celiac disease can lead to serious problems. Unfortunately, thousands of people with celiac disease go untreated every year due to misdiagnosis. They sometimes receive diagnoses of irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.

While being diagnosed with a gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity isn’t something anybody would hope for, please recognize that you will eventually be able to acclimate yourself to this new lifestyle, and when you do you will enjoy far greater vitality and health. While it is still a challenge to adopt a strict gluten elimination diet, it is now much easier than it used to be. Celiac disease has received greater attention from both doctors and the media, and now you can find a much wider selection of gluten-free options in even mainstream stores, making it very difficult to avoid gluten in everyday life.

The growth of natural grocery chains like Whole Foods helped spread improved appreciation of the gluten-free cause. Since then many supermarkets have followed their lead to include more explicit signage for gluten-free products and even entire sections devoted to such foods, making it easier for people suffering from gluten intolerance all over the world. You can even find some gluten free pasta, bread, rice, and cereal.

Research and learn the specific manufacturers who have come to specialize in gluten-free products. Two of the more common and popular are Amy’s Natural Foods for frozen dishes as well as Bob’s Red Mill for hot cereals and the fundamental flours you need to bake without gluten-containing ingredients. The main thing is to focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables. These will provide vital nutrients that can help your body to heal the damage to your digestive system done by years of unwitting gluten poisoning. Also, stay away from modified food starch, as there is some speculation that these substances can exacerbate symptoms. In general, you just want to avoid grain products, although you may be able to eat oats or brown rice. Your doctor will likely be able to provide some literature on what to eat and what not to eat on a gluten free diet.

One inevitable stress of battling your gluten allergy symptoms with such a strict diet will result from the many self-absorbed souls who will not exercise an appropriate patience and understanding for the needs of the person with celiac disease. Try not to let them get to you. Be patient with their ignorance and hopefully your kindness and patience results in greater service and understanding over the long term.When it comes to food intolerance, gluten is probably ranking number one so over the next few years it seems things will get easier for you.

It is much easier now than it was a couple decades ago. It used to feel like people looked at you funny if you mentioned gluten intolerance or celiac disease. People were bewildered at the prospect of not being able to eat something as simple and fundamental as a slice of bread. Despite the occasional ignoramus, today you will generally experience far greater patience and understanding.

So yes, there will be challenges. But over the long term, you will find the improved health and improved vitality you enjoy from your newly gluten-free lifestyle will far outweigh any of the stresses.  Your body will be better able to absorb the vitamins and minerals that you need to remain healthy and strong