March 14, 2009

It's Been a Year!

0 comments

I have been Gluten Free for a year and feel I have mastered my diet.
 
I feel fabulous physically and I have learned a lot about Celiac Disease. I know I still have problems (mental/anger issues) when I am invited to parties and there is nothing I can eat, but I feel I will have that mastered by next year. My poor feelings get hurt and my first instinct is anger!
 
I have really enjoyed creating my own recipes and modifying the recipes in my recipe box. I have to thank my husband for his full support and my mom and dad for theirs. My mom is the best cook I know. She always has a way to make an entrée Gluten Free which truly makes me feel loved!
 
Learning about different ingredients and foods was actually fun. It was like experimenting (for those of you who like science) and creating which I am good at. I have tried to eat and tried to make different gluten free meals and now know what products to stay away from. I should make a starter "STAY AWAY" list to warn people about what's nasty!
 
My goal for the next year is to dwell on the positive. What do I have to offer other people who are Gluten Free? Nothing gourmet! I never claim to be a gourmet chef. I just want other anti-glutie's to have easy delicious Gluten Free food like I enjoy.
 
Cheers and here's to another year of Gluten Free food!

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a disease of the small intestine. The small intestine is a 22 foot long tube that begins at the stomach and ends at the large intestine (colon). The first 1-1/2 feet of the small intestine (the part that is attached to the stomach) is called the duodenum, the middle part is called the jejunum, and the last part (the part that is attached to the colon) is called the ileum. Food empties from the stomach into the small intestine where it is digested and absorbed into the body. While food is being digested and absorbed, it is transported by the small intestine to the colon. What enters the colon is primarily undigested food. In celiac disease, there is an immunological (allergic) reaction within the inner lining of the small intestine to (gluten) that are present in wheat, rye, barley and, to a lesser extent, in oats. The immunological reaction causes inflammation that destroys the lining of the small intestine. This reduces the absorption of dietary nutrients and can lead to symptoms and signs of nutritional, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies.

I found this information at the link below.
http://www.medicinenet.com/celiac_disease/article.htm

BTW I dont claim to be an expert or doctor. This is information I have found or what has worked for me.