I recently had confirmation that I have a gluten intolerance, after many years of stomach issues, amongst a slew of other health issues. Since this has been an extraordinarily breakthrough moment for me after feeling sick for so long, I want to share my experience in hopes I can help others as my good friend Angila has helped me!
A fun little girls lunch
One afternoon I went to lunch with my friend Angila at Matt the Miller’s. We talked about everything from family to careers to food! She has her own business of products that are aimed at helping and caring for other women so I knew this would be good! Angila was telling me how Matt the Miller’s had a great gluten free menu. I mentioned that I had been having weird stomach issues over the last few years that had gotten worse over time. She then proceeded to tell me that I probably have a gluten intolerance based on my symptoms.
My symptoms:
- Major bloating
- Fatigue
- Extreme pain in my stomach after every meal
- Headaches
- Constant processing/noises coming from my stomach
Gluten intolerance testing
After to listening to Angila explain how much her health and life had changed after her own discovery, I decided to make an appointment with my primary care doctor to discuss a possible gluten intolerance. He said it sounded like Celiac disease, based on my symptoms, and took some blood samples.
Much to my relief and disappointment, I got the results back and they were negative. Aka – unresolved! I was frustrated and not willing to give up. I went back to Angila and explained my results and that the allergy doctor had also turned me away since they don’t test for an intolerance.
EnteroLab saves the day!
Angila then told me about EnteroLab. It’s a registered and fully certified lab in Texas that tests you for all sorts of intolerances! They send a kit right to your home for you to perform a test and send back out. I called them that day! I asked which test would be best for me based on my symptoms and negative celiac test. They suggested I test for gluten and about four other food related intolerances.
Low and behold the results came in last week and sure enough! I have a gluten intolerance! I’m also right over the line for a milk intolerance as well. I feel like it’s a cruel joke to play on an Italian girl who grew up eating pastas and desserts all the time!
So now what? Gluten free?
After reviewing my results with the nurse over the phone, I made the decision to go gluten free but hold off on the milk. It’s been five days and I’ve noticed a big change since the first day. Apparently it can take anywhere from a few months to a year+ to feel better, so I was SHOCKED that I had immediate relief of some symptoms. I can’t tell you how life changing it’s been already!
Angila has been so gracious in this journey by sharing all her favorite gluten free food brands! I literally text her every day with all sorts of questions or GF discoveries! Words cannot describe how forever thankful I am for her! I also have a huge new appreciation for anyone that lives this way. It is super hard to get used to right now! I assume it’ll be a normal way of life soon, but I miss being able to eat whatever I want. I don’t, however, miss the stomach issues!!
In summary
I used to laugh when I heard the phrase “gluten intolerance.” I really thought it was some new fad diet. I’m sure this is some sort of payback for feeling that way! If you have experienced any of these symptoms (or more), pay attention to what you’re eating! You may, in fact, have an intolerance! Show some love to Angila here! Share your thoughts with me in the comments or on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter! I’m super curious! Follow Boss Gal while you’re at it. Don’t forget to subscribe to receive everything Boss Gal right to your email!
