Hey. I know I haven't written for a while, but do not let that fool you into thinking I've quit on my journey. I fall off the wagon every now and then, sure, but sometimes it's just all a bit too much. Like for the last 3 months, in which I've attempted to go gluten free based on what I read in the books Wheat Belly and Grain Brain. In these books, the authors suggest that nearly everyone is to some degree gluten intolerant, with various effects resulting. Also that certain common illnesses may be traced to gluten. Illnesses like diabetes, Alzheimer's, most auto-immune diseases, etc. I figured it can't hurt to try it and set myself a goal of 3 months. By the end of the 3 months, any benefit should be noticeable. And then there should also be an effect if I go back on gluten, right?
So. Over the past 3 months, I have had low energy (expected but not for this long), a horribly bad mood and temper (again, expected but the books claim this passes after a few days to a few weeks), not insignificant bloating and no improvement over my general health. I have a long-standing thyroid issue and I noticed no improvement.
Today I went back on gluten. I had a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch and bread and cake at a party we went to. I was pleasant and not constantly irritated the whole time. The authors of the books above would say this is the opiate-effect of gluten. My bloating has decreased. I felt good. I have a very slight headache right now but that could be due to pretty much anything at this point. Also that grilled cheese was like the best thing I've eaten in weeks. I can't wait to eat normal foods that I've been avoiding. Also, have you ever tried gluten-free bread? It is horrible. Seriously.
I will see over the next few days, but I think I have concluded that gluten free is not for me. I still want to limit my wheat intake, but cutting it out entirely was a negative experience in all ways.
