Home Grown

I have always suspected I had an issue with wheat based foods. If not a full blown allergy then at least some intolerance.

The symptoms of a wheat allergy and an intolerance can easily be confused. Both can be gastrointestinal, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, cramps, abdominal pain and constipation. Some intolerance symptoms can masquerade as histamine responses, like rashes, eczema flare-ups, headaches, and congestion. Generally, an intolerance has a wider array of possible symptoms, including fatigue/lethargy, stiff, aching joints, depression, mood swings, and a variety of other ailments. Intolerance symptoms can also occur anywhere from immediately after eating a wheat product to a few days afterward, making it even more difficult to accurately diagnose. Because it is such a common substance, someone with an intolerance adapts to wheat or may become somewhat desensitized to “not feeling well.” Found here.

Since I have been on low carbs and eliminated common wheat flours, bread products, pastas, desserts, etc from my diet I did a bit of an experiment. I made biscuits for Steve and the kids about 2 weeks ago. I ate one very tiny biscuit. About 2 hours later I was fatigued to the point of exhaustion. I couldn’t think clearly. I felt like I was battling my way out of a fog. I could not focus to complete any task. My hands fumbled as if I was loosing my motor skills. I developed a headache and felt nauseated. I had to go lie down. This was an excellerated reaction. Commonly, before eliminating things from my diet I did go through periods of exhaustion and not being able to fully function and over time developed a suspicion it was something I ate. Now I know it is something I eat.

Eliminating other things from my diet has had equally dramatic reactions.

Coming off of caffeine was like coming off some drug addiction. Headaches, moodiness, restlessness – it was not an easy ride.

Refined sugar brought about a similar reaction but the symptoms were not as prominent.

Potatoes and rice make me feel sluggish.

I was really beginning to think I was going to be diabetic as everything I ate in the last six months sent me into an altered state and my glucose levels bouncing all over the place.

Now that I have figured out what is going on with my body I am helping myself to a better me.

I am now close to 20lbs lighter. And to put the cherry on top – people are noticing! The change can be seen!

Paying close attention to the signals my body was sending me and being able to link the reactions to things I ate have really begun making a change in me.

I still crave chocolate cake but the reaction I know I will have scares me. Scares me to the point that I don’t give in to temptation and eat any of it. I can walk away and not look twice.

Can you even imagine that?

I can walk away from chocolate cake.

I can!

Don’t forget about the Gone Country giveaway. Thanks to those of you who have shared your stories!

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