My Journey to Healing After Years of Mysterious Illness
If you read Part 1 of my story, you know I hit a breaking point — terrifying health symptoms, no answers, and finally, a personal decision to eliminate gluten from my life that changed everything.
After just one week off all foods, then reintroducing gluten, the response from my body was immediate and undeniable: gluten was the problem. The moment I took it out again, the healing began.
✨ What Changed When I Went Gluten-Free?
I didn’t take any more antacids.
I didn’t give up lemons, tomatoes, or coffee.
I didn’t need more medication.
I just removed gluten.
And here’s what happened:
- I lost 60 pounds in just over two months without dieting — my body was no longer inflamed.
- My brain came back online — I could remember my sister’s name (and her kids’!), I could focus, think clearly, and hold conversations again.
- My energy returned — I could walk without pain, chase after my kids, and feel like me again.
- My chest pain stopped — no more scary, ER-worthy symptoms that mimicked heart attacks.
- My follow-up endoscopy showed a completely healed esophagus — my GI doctor was stunned. My body had started to truly heal.
This wasn’t a fad. This wasn’t in my head. This was my body finally breathing again after years of inflammation and damage — all caused by something I was unknowingly eating every single day.
“But Gluten-Free is So Hard…”
I won’t lie — making the switch was not easy. In 2009, gluten-free options weren’t everywhere like they are today. I had to learn how to read labels, cook differently, and say no to things I used to love.
But the truth is: I wasn’t giving anything up — I was finally getting my life back.
So What Do I Eat Now?
I stick to real, whole foods — lots of fruits, veggies, proteins, and gluten-free grains like rice and quinoa. I avoid anything processed unless it’s clearly labeled and certified gluten-free.
I didn’t go on a diet. I simply removed what was poisoning my body — and my body did the rest.
Why I’m Sharing This Now
For over a decade, I felt amazing. But recently, new health issues are beginning to pop up — and I’m going back into “detective mode” to figure it out. (More on that in a future post.)
But as I start this next chapter, I felt called to go back and tell the full story of how my gluten-free journey began — because maybe you’re there right now.
- Maybe you’re dealing with symptoms no one can explain.
- Maybe people are telling you it’s just stress, age, or hormones.
- Maybe you’re feeling unheard, misdiagnosed, or even dismissed.
I see you. I’ve been you. And I want you to know there is hope — and sometimes, the path to healing starts with one simple change.
You’re Not Alone on This Journey
I created meandglutenfree.com to be a space for stories like mine, and maybe like yours too. I’ll be sharing:
- Tips for living gluten-free (without going crazy or broke)
- Honest reviews of gluten-free products
- My continued health updates as I investigate new symptoms
- Encouragement for anyone feeling frustrated or overwhelmed