Okay, I'm borrowing the title of the cover page of Maclean's magazine as the title f my post today.
I had to check this out online since I've been on a gluten-free diet for the past 4 years.
According to Cathy Gulli, the writer of the article, the dangers that doctors are concerned about are people getting on this diet that don't "need" to be. Some of us who suffer from Celiac disease or wheat allergies are advised by our doctors to go on the gluten-free diet but recently there has been a surge of people feeling that they would be eating healthier if they dropped wheat, rye, whey, oats and barley from their diet. Maybe so but maybe not.
Unfortunately, according to doctors when you go on this diet you are also eliminating essential vitamins, protein and fibre. All important to good health.
Having been on this diet I have mixed feelings.
While in Europe, I introduced a few gluten containing foods to my diet to see if I noticed any difference in my symptoms. I gotta say, not really but the guilt made me a little sick...
I've always been of the mindset that everything is about "balance". When I was diagnosed I was scared to death because the doctor told me that if I didn't follow the diet it could develop into stomach cancer as there was no other form of treatment. The kid was quick to point out that I smoke so am I not afraid of lung cancer? Mmmm......she has a point.
I don't have all the answers after all my case is a little different because no matter what I eat I experience pain. It's just the intensity that varies. At my latest visit to the specialist I was advised that I have "severe" diverticulitis and because the infection in the colon is so bad would have to go to the hospital for a more intense colonoscopy. They were afraid if they forced the scope through the infection it could tear a hole in the colon which could prove fatal. So there you have it. My appointment is at the end of October so hopefully they will be able to do something for me.
I wish just following a gluten-free diet would do the trick but honestly in my case it's not helping.
I will though stay on it for the most part until I get tested in October (I promised hubby) at the hospital and hopefully have more answers.
It comes down to personal choice and only you can decide if you're willing to gluten in your diet.
Whatever you decide please try to make sure that you are taking vitamin supplements, etc. as part of your routine. Which reminds me, I need to pick some up.
Until later...
Ciao
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