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Writer's pictureRachael Dirr

How Going Gluten Free Helped Manage My Eczema


Going gluten-free is a journey that is both enlightening and entertaining. I know this from personal experience, as I made the switch to a gluten-free diet to treat my eczema. Little did I know that this decision would lead me down a path of culinary discovery, dietary mischief, and a whole lot of gluten-free puns.


Let's start with the basics. If you're unfamiliar with the gluten-free lifestyle, let me give you a quick rundown. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it's the bane of our existence if we suffer from celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. The goal of a gluten-free diet is to avoid consuming any gluten-containing foods, which is easier said than done when you consider that gluten is in everything from bread to beer.


So, there I was, suffering from persistent eczema outbreaks and ready to try anything to get my skin back to its glowing glory. My neighbor who had a similar experience with eczema who had found success managing her symptoms by cutting out gluten suggested that I try going gluten-free, and I was skeptical but willing to give it a shot. Little did I know that this decision would lead me on a wild and hilarious journey.


First, I had to learn how to identify gluten-containing foods. This was a daunting task, as gluten seems to be hiding in every nook and cranny of the food world. I quickly discovered that I was living in a gluten-filled world and that I needed to learn a new language to survive. Key phrases like "gluten-free bread" and "gluten-free pasta" became my new mantra, and I was soon fluent in the language of gluten-free.


Next, I had to start experimenting with new foods and ingredients. This was a thrilling adventure, as I discovered a world of new tastes and textures that I had never encountered before. From gluten-free flours to quinoa, I was on a culinary quest to find the best gluten-free foods. It was a delicious journey, and I soon realized that gluten-free food could be just as tasty as its gluten-filled counterparts.


As I embraced the gluten-free lifestyle, I started to see some amazing results. My eczema outbreaks became less frequent and less severe, and my skin was smoother and clearer. I was feeling great, and I was even losing weight! I was convinced that going gluten-free was the best decision I had ever made.


However, there were also some challenges along the way. Dining out was a bit of a hassle, as I was often unsure if the food I was ordering was truly gluten-free. This led to many awkward conversations with waiters and chefs, who were often bewildered by my gluten-free requests. I soon learned that being gluten-free means being the person at the table who makes everyone else feel guilty for eating gluten.


Another challenge was finding gluten-free alternatives for my favorite foods. I was used to eating bread, pasta, and crackers as part of my daily diet, and it was difficult to find gluten-free alternatives that tasted good and were affordable. But I was determined to find a solution, and I soon discovered some amazing gluten-free products and even started making my own bread and pasta at home.


Despite the challenges, I couldn't be happier with my decision to go gluten-free. Not only did it help with my eczema, but it also opened my eyes to a world of new foods and flavors. And let's not forget the endless opportunities for gluten-free puns, like "I'm so gluten-free, I'm not even gluten-curious."

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