With the never ending influx of information that we receive about diet trends, it is hard to determine which one will best address our concerns. For me, a girl who has never struggled with being overweight, a change in diet didn’t seem necessary. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I realized diet isn’t only about the number on the scale. Diet is responsible for internal processes in our body that we might not even acknowledge, which lead me to convert to the gluten free diet.
My Problems
At the beginning of high school, I started to experience skin problems. I tried switching up my products, taking medicine, and creating all of the random home remedies on Pinterest. In addition to my skin, I was always experiencing stomach pains, sometimes so intense that it felt paralyzing. It seemed like everything I ate or applied to my skin was not contributing to a solution.
How I Discovered the Gluten Free Diet
On a random day in the midst of summer, my brother who has a fascination with nutrition came across the implications of gluten. One of its most prominent effects is inflammation. Like I said earlier, diet is an invisible influence. My entire family decided to give going gluten free a shot, considering that we all had similar sensitive stomachs and autoimmune issues. We cleaned out our pantry and refrigerator and made a vow to avoid gluten at all costs.
Its Impact
Fast forward to a couple of months later, when my system was no longer being contaminated, and I noticed a change in myself. The swollen, red, dry appearance of my face was replaced by healthier, less reactive skin. My stomach hurt only if I accidentally consumed gluten, which was rare. And as an added benefit, I felt a sense of mental clarity that had never before existed. Altogether, my well being greatly improved.
Who It’s Right For
People who don’t eat gluten have been connoted with snobby, rich people who are always trying the latest diet fad. While adhering to this restricted diet is not beneficial for everyone, there is a huge number of people who are sensitive to gluten without even knowing it. If you are experiencing issues such as acne, bloating, or stomach cramps I would suggest seeing where a gluten free diet will take you. You may be surprised!
It has been four years now of being gluten free and I know that this is a permanent change in my diet. After the first month, avoiding gluten became a second nature and today just the thought of eating gluten can make me feel bloated. The new year is a great time to mix up your dietary routine. Try implementing this accessible dietary change into your life and see where it takes you!
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