I've often felt less fortunate than other people with celiac disease, since unlike many celiacs, I get near-immediate and severe symptoms from ingesting even the tiniest bit of gluten -- well below the levels most manufacturers use to label gluten-free food.
But lately, I've realized that there's a silver lining to this gluten cloud: my symptoms help to warn me when a food that should be safe in fact contains some gluten, and therefore has the potential to harm my health.
But what if you don't get symptoms -- is it okay to eat occasional gluten-containing items then? Unfortunately, no. When you eat gluten, even occasionally, you're putting your health at risk in all kinds of ways, including raising your risk of cancer and other autoimmune diseases.
Perhaps my ridiculously high level of gluten sensitivity actually is helping me to improve my health, instead of simply making me miserable.
Do you have trouble sticking to the gluten-free diet? Here are some common reasons for failing to follow the diet, and tips for solving the problems the diet creates. Do you have any advice that's worked for you and might work for others? Tell us in the comments section.
Yes. It is a challenge to stay gluten-free when you do not have symptoms. But, ignorance is not bliss. Ingesting gluten still is causing damage which can lead to bigger problems down the road. It is also a shame that there are not more Dietitians who are knowledgeable about Celiac. That is changing albeit slowly. When making an appointment with a dietitian, ask how many Celiac patients she has seen in the previous year and if she has obtained continuing education credits on the gluten-free diet.
I agree that it is a particular challenge to follow the gluten-free diet when you do not experience symptoms after ingesting gluten. However, it is important to remember that damage is still occuring. Celiac is an autoimmunine disease in the same class as Lupus and Type 1 Diabetes. We do not have a cure for those but we do have a cure for Celiac. It is also a shame that there are not more Dietitians that are knowledgeable about CD. Before making an appt. with an RD, ask if she has continuing education credits on the gluten free diet and how many patients she regularly sees with CD. The American medical community is trying hard to play catchup with this condition. Please be patient – we are trying!