Tummy trouble

These past two days have been a harsh reminder that I have trouble digesting certain things.  Just seven months ago, I was in a constant battle with my gut; there was a tug-of-war between constipation and diarrhea going on, and I couldn't figure out how to cure it.

Unrelated, I began reading articles about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and how to treat it naturally.  Blog-after-blog tied gluten intolerance to the disorder, and suggested that a diet free from gluten could help reduce the symptoms and increase a woman's chances of fertility.  Being 33-years-old at the time and worried about my ability to have children, I decided to give the gluten-free lifestyle a try.

I was pleasantly surprised at the ease of transitioning to a diet free from wheat and other grains.  I quickly adapted to gluten-free bread, pasta and even crackers.  Pizza wasn't even an issue; I discovered cauliflower crust pizza, and it satisfied my craving.

Almost immediately, I noticed a change.  My stomach felt better.  It became less bloated and I became more regular.  I even noticed a difference in my menstrual cycle.  It was also becoming more regular. 

Of course, I am a human and we all have slip-ups.  I have consumed gluten-containing foods since going gluten-free, and I do notice a difference.  It has taken me up to three days to recover, depending on what kind of food I eat.  To be honest, it's not worth the suffering to have a bite of regular cake or a piece of hand-tossed pizza, but sometimes it's the only option.

I encourage anyone who battles stomach issues to do an elimination test.  Gluten, dairy, soy and nuts are just some of the foods that people tend to be sensitive to.  Try eliminating gluten for a week, and assess how you feel when you reintroduce it to your diet, and then move on to dairy.  You may find the culprit.  And as with anything health-related, be sure to consult your doctor if your stomach issues are serious or before making any drastic changes to your diet.