Healthy Living

Celiac Disease: Going "From Crappy to Happy"

Celiac Disease: Going "From Crappy to Happy"

“I didn’t find freedom, a better life or any of that other crap when I got diagnosed. With all due respect to Hunter S. Thompson, I found fear and loathing of an unknown world. But if I can share my wisdom, tell my stories and make the transition easier on you, I’ve done my job.” -The Gluten Dude

The Gluten Dude left his readers with that single promise in the beginning of his book, From Crappy to Happy: The Naked Truth About Living with Celiac Disease.

The Gluten Dude is on a mission to give those suffering from celiac disease the right information, as it applied to him. He promises his readers that he will “always give you the naked truth about going gluten free.”

Those with celiac disease suffer from damage to their small intestine, which include the villi or the small finger-like structures lining the small intestine and allowing for the rapid absorption of digested foods. Without functioning villi, your body cannot get the nutrients it needs to function.

Gluten is the protein that is found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale or a cross between wheat and rye. Gluten gives foods their shape and acts as the glue that holds food together. Most foods, including drinks, sauces, and marinades tend to have gluten in them.

The Gluten Dude’s Story

The Gluten Dude did not have “bad” symptoms of celiac disease as a kid. Most of those with celiac disease probably suffered more. He did feel sick some of the time, but for the most part the Gluten Dude was a normal kid. His symptoms started when he was about six year ago and were mostly constant stomach pains and weight loss.

He did complain that he did not feel well, and that his stomach hurt, especially after eating, but he did not know what to do with these feelings.

So, how did the Gluten Dude find out he had celiac disease? Read on to learn more about his diagnosis and his life now.

Photo source: The Gluten Dude