Before being diagnosed with celiac disease, I didn't even know there was such a diagnosis. Unknowingly, I delighted in eating whatever I wanted. Pizza with a thin crust topped with green olives, breadsticks with cheese, cinnamon rolls with delicious creamy luscious frosting...food galore! If you're reading this right now, is your mouth watering? You're very welcome! :) I was in foodie heaven, not realizing that in the not too distant future, my body would reject the very foods I loved. The culprit: GLUTEN. The protein in things like breads and doughnuts.. No, wait.. the protein in almost EVERYTHING I was eating was wreaking havoc on my insides.. manifesting it's wrath on the outside, as well. Acne, hair loss (which is an ongoing battle) hives and feeling sick all over!!
Once we had the answer to what was making me feel so horrible, the real work of fortifying my digestive system against the damage that had taken place, had to begin and has had to continue. I cried the first time I couldn't have just a regular slice of pizza, or a bowl of regular pasta. I cried! Looking back on it, it was quite hilarious that I cried... I mean, really! What I learned is to be very informed and aware of how I felt when I was sick because of the gluten.. ( I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy) and stick to a gluten free diet! One of the people I have recently had the privilege of interviewing is Alice Bast, President and CEO of Beyond Celiac based out of Pennsylvania
Alice herself suffered debilitating effects from celiac disease and didn't know what it was. Once she became well informed, she didn't want others to go through the struggles she went through.
I have only met Alice and her team virtually, but let me tell you, they are a powerhouse in Philadelphia at Beyond Celiac! They are concerned and understand how important diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease is, and how awareness helps you to alleviate symptoms and get you back on track to a healthy, happy YOU!
