A recent study by the National Institutes of Health was reported in The New York Times today. The study found that those people who ate a low-carb diet and more fat actually lost weight and improved their HDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides. This caught my attention as it relates to my dietary experience and giving up gluten.
Read MoreGluten - Leg, Joint, and Body Aches
Leg pains, joint pains, and body aches are common symptoms of gluten sensitivity. It took me 44 years to figure this out. I remember complaining to my mom when I was young about my legs. They ached terribly and sometimes just wouldn’t work. Mom responded with a sympathetic smile and blamed it on typical growing pains.
Decades later I was faced with the same persistent complaint from my daughter as she climbed up the ladder to her loft.
Read MoreSore Throats, Ear Infections, and Gluten
Julia Child was my idol. I loved watching her on PBS, which was one of the few channels we received on our 9-inch black and white television. Julia entertained me as I was recovering from chronic strep throat and ear infections. I can still hear her lively voice as she whacked the rolling pin trying to flatten pastry dough. With genuine personality she raised the pitch in her delivery and confidently moved through an unexpected situation: “...and if the dough is too stiff, just bash it down with the rolling pin.”
Two points come to mind with that image. First, I was comforted by Julia’s shows. She made me forget how miserable I felt as a kid, sick with strep throat, ear infections, and congestion. I had a running prescription of penicillin at the local drug store.
Read MoreI got glutened!
Picture this...we arrive at our dear friend's home for Christmas dinner, turkey is ready to carve, and all precautions have been graciously taken to accommodate our family's need for a gluten-free meal. And what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a box of chicken stock used to moisten that gloriously golden bird. I looked at the ingredients and didn't see anything suspicious (except it didn't say gluten free). I made an immediate decision to risk it. After all, we were guests surrounded by our closest friends, and I felt as if there were a forcefield of love protecting me.
Fast forward to 1:15am and I realize that I've been glutened. I'm violently throwing up. Ugh! I'm frustrated, exhausted, and angry at being weak to this vile substance.
It has now been 36 hours since I was glutened. Today I have the energy to share with you. Beware of unqualified chicken stock.
The photo above represents the "gluten puzzle." Gluten intolerance is a multi-dimensional syndrome or disease. I will keep sharing my experiences in hopes that the puzzle is solved for others.
Gluten and Brain Fog
Brain Fog is a new phrase to me. Remarkably, three weeks after I stopped eating gluten/wheat, I noticed that my brain was different. I was thinking clearly and able to read through paragraphs with ease. I used to feel pressure in the front of my head when I had to "think." This was gone! Each day got brighter and brighter. The sun was starting to burn off the fog. Summers in Maine can produce a solid week of murky weather: boats are "socked in" and vacationers are grumbling. Well, I've spent 44 years feeling "socked in" and trying to cover up for my brain fog.
Now, I proudly read the New York Times each morning. I’ve read more books in the last months than I’ve read in my entire life. All those years in school trying to get by and reading just the cliff notes (sorry to all my teachers). I don’t know how I survived academia.....I truly slipped through the cracks and got by on being nice. I felt like the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz ..... If I Only Had a Brain....well, now I do! It is one of the greatest gifts.
Brain Fog is a common symptom of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Studies have shown there is a lack of blood flow to the frontal portion of the brain. That certainly explains how my brain used to feel. I always wondered if I had a learning disability that was never uncovered. Actually, I did, and it was caused by gluten. I love foggy Maine weather but not Brain Fog.
What are your experiences with gluten and brain fog? Leave a comment below to share with us.