Dealing with Celiac Disease and Getting “Glutenized”
Do you know what it feels like to look yourself in the mirror and know you have tried and done everything right, but yet, somehow your body responds differently? I do and these are words/feelings I think to myself when I see how my body responds to gluten: lack of self-esteem, frustration, confusion, brain fog, and no motivation.
The tops two images symbolize what my abdomen region looks like two-days prior to accidentally consuming gluten/wheat and the bottom 8 days after. (I am distraught over the top images and you maybe too. I am not proud to show these pictures, but this is me being real and honest with you all on what happens to my body when I consume just a few bites of gluten, and how I get my body and mind back on track).
Keep reading to learn what Celiac Disease is and my execution plan when I get contaminated with Gluten!
One thing I absolutely hate (and I do not like to use the word ‘hate’), when people ask me,
“Even a few bites will cause you issues?”
YES. Yes it most definitely will. I went on vacation over Easter weekend and well… I got "glutenized". This did not from diving into a delicious piece of cake, pizza, or brownies. Simply happened from consuming a few bites of meat from fried fish and french fries.
What does getting ‘Glutenized’ mean?
If you have followed my journey for sometime you know that in October 2014 I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease—autoimmune disease where you body rejects the consumption of gluten. Gluten can be found in grain based products: wheat, barley, oats, millet and rye. Foods like whole wheat pasta, white and wheat flour, dressings, marinades, beer, malted beverages, broth, vinegar and many more are filled with gluten. Thankfully now you can buy any of these ingredients gluten free. You just have to know what products/brands are the best (if you're interested in my favorite gluten free products/brands checkout my social media page: @HaleyAmpUpFit on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest) <---Click on one of the underlined social media pages to learn more.
On my trip, Friday March 25th (Good Friday) I mistakenly ate gluten because the fish and French fries looked so good that one night and wanted to try. Nothing happened at first, but the next morning I woke-up and BAM it hit me like a rock. I knew I got “glutenized”. I didn’t think I did at first, but that next morning I woke up and felt miserable (save you from getting into the details).
I made sure I watched everything I ate, but I picked at a few pieces of fried fish and French fries (French fries are naturally gluten free, but when the restaurant fries the French fries in the same pan as other ‘fried’ foods there is a high risk for cross contamination as they get coated and use the same oil). So there I was, in Florida dealing with digestive issues. I do not let this get to me or affect my time, but it sure makes things more complicated!
So what’s next…how can I get my system back to normal and get back to being the fun Haley Shaw?
What my plain of attack is when I get “glutenized”?
Consume my fluids:
Drink lots of cold, iced water with lemon, hot tea, Sprite or Sierra Mist (carbonation helps to release some extra gas by belching). Fluids will help keep your digestive system moving so keep hydration higher then normal.
Take my supplements:
I will double up on my probiotics to rid away the bad bacteria in my system and replace it with good bacteria (your digestive tract produces millions of bacteria daily—both good and bad daily, take a probiotic to rid away the bad bacteria and fill your system with good bacteria!)
*My favorite probiotic is: Healthy Trinity (you can find at Fruitful Yield health stores or online)
While traveling to Florida, I forgot to pack Healthy Trinity so I went to Walgreens and purchased Walgreens brand for Digestive Health Probiotic Capsules.
Also, I will ALWAYS take my vitamins: fish oil (Full Mega) and multivitamin (M-Factor Goddess) and fiber supplement (Citrucel) are my daily essentials along with fiber supplement and switch off between Coquine-10 (Whole Heart) or Adrenal glands vitamin (Adrenal Restore) to restore these glands that produce stress hormones. (learn more at www.wwhd.1stphorm.com).
Another key factor when dealing with glutenized is GETTING IT OUT of your system. (Everyone has different symptoms and cures, this is what works for me and maybe different for you). Probiotics help rid away the bacteria in your digestive tract, but I highly suggest consuming a gentle laxative. This will help so you do not have to deal with the symptoms for days of even weeks on end (depending on the severity of your allergy getting “glutenized” can leave you feeling sick for days up to weeks). Do your body a favor and just get rid of it!
Natural laxatives:
DulcoLax
MiraLax
Phillips Milk of Magnesia
Stick to my essentials when it comes to food:
One thing I have learned over the years of dealing with digestive issues is learning to stick to the basics. Find what food group’s work for your body and stick to them for the duration of your trip. Consume foods that naturally “detox” your body:
Lemons
Leafy Greens
Yogurt
Cinnamon
Ginger
Fruit
Lean Protein
Complex Carbohydrates (sweet potatoes, oats, and rice I normally stick with)
Healthy Fats
Steer clear from:
Milk based products, processed foods, sodium packed food, and sugar filled drinks.
Especially while traveling, you will be tempted with delicious foods, but for myself I have learned that sticking to the basics is the best for myself and body—especially after a “glutenized” incident.
Get my body moving and grooving:
One of the best things you can do for your body is move it! Getting “glutenized” or dealing with any digestive issue, you tend to become more tired. Force yourself to go for a nice long walk/run and do a strength training circuit that focuses on twisting and turning your abdomen region. This will help get your digestive system back to normal (hopefully).
Take “my” time:
Take “my” time aka take “ME” time to relax my body: taking deep diaphragmatic breaths, go for a walk, journal, yoga or read a book to help relax my system.
SIDE NOTE:
I am not a doctor so please do not take this information and run with it all! This article is here to help inform you on steps I personally take and have discussed with my doctors on ways to deal with accidentally consuming gluten. Reach out to your doctor if you’re severely dealing with digestive issues. I am here to help with any questions you have regarding any information throughout this article and help you become aware of how fragile the digestive system is.
Haley.ampupfitness@gmail.com where all questions can be answered!
Always thank you for listening and taking the time to reach out to me!
Remember to go follow me on my @HaleyAmpUpFit page on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to see what more helpful tips, motivation and inspiration DAILY!
XOXO Trainer Haley :)
