One huge reason why I wanted to include health and nurtrition in this blog is because Nejilka and I both have gone through huge diet, skin, and medical problems and changes within the course of a few years. Partly for health reasons, and partly for our dream. Along the way we've both heard many opinions, gone to doctors, and done lots of research ourself to find solutions. If anything to make a not so desirable situation tolerable. I want to put my personal experiences out there just incase someone else is going through the same things I am and feels kind of lost. You're never alone. Among other topics, our blog will talk about Asthma, Celiac disease, Chronic Allergies, Migranes, Acne, Weight loss and gain, etc.
I believe I was diagnosed with Celiac disease back in either 2009 or 2010 when I was still living in Texas. I just remember sitting in my Gastroenterologist's office nerveously awaiting my results from an Endoscopy and Biopsy I had gotten done not long before. A little background on my situation...I was having lots of medical problems back in 08 to 09. Everything I ate would hurt my stomach. I would eat and become bloated and crampy within a few minutes. I was burping for almost an hour after meals. I was also seeing a Migrane Specialist. Mine were so bad I had to be in a blacked out room curled in a ball. I couldn't stand without becoming sick and half my vision would be blurred and spotty. I feel like I was spending most of my high school years in a doctor's office. I was definitely the kid that missed so much school they almost couldn't walk the stage. After finally being fed up my family doctor referred me to a Gastroenterologist...skipping forward. I was finally diagnosed with Celiac disease and being lactose intolerant.
Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats. Back when I was diagnosed with Celiac disease it was still very new and most doctors didn't really know what it was or what to prescribe for it. Along with the doctors, the selection in most supermarkets was a small dingy corner of one isle marked "Gluten Free". Horribly unappetizing packaging and since most of the population isn't gluten free, the food wasn't fresh. Most of the things I tried in the beginning were experimental. I think the hardest part of it all is eating out. It's a constant struggle to go have fun with friends and when the topic of food comes up everyone turns to look at you with the "Well...what CAN you eat?!" face. No pizza. No burgers. No chinese food. Nothing that's quick and easy. For the most part, my whole diet consists of some meat, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and sweet potatoes. It does wonders if you're trying to loose weight, but the downside definitely outweights the good, feeling constantly fatigued and malnourished.
Four years later and I truly believe I'm just now starting to get the hang of my diet and what works and what doesn't. I'm learning how to control my hunger and cravings, and I'm constantly researching for new options. I recently found out they're working on a pill for Celiac disease and gluten sensitive people so fingers crossed that turns out to be a success. In the furture I'll share recipes, food, and products that work for me and that I've enjoyed.
Below are some facts about Celiac and a more in depth picture of what it looks like.
-Dom
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