The Healthy Chickk

I had a gluten exposure the other day and let me tell you, it was probably the worst reaction I’ve ever had. The best case scenario, my exposure symptoms hit me at night and I sleep it off with a strong CBD tincture. This was different. I experienced some symptoms that night (chronic fatigue as if I’m going to pass out at the wheel) but this time, the mental symptoms got significantly worse the next day. It always starts with “I feel like there’s something wrong with me, I’m not doing too good mentally” to uncontrollable crying for no other reason besides a neurochemical dysfunction occurring. It’s as if every feel good chemical in my brain has been depleted and I want to do anything to escape this feeling. I’m not mentally stable and I just want to hide in a deep hole and cry until the feeling goes away. This is what happened the other day but instead of it just occurring before going to bed, I had to experience this nightmare from morning till I went to bed. Completely ruining my day with my husband and children. Some feelings come across of “not wanting to be here anymore” because the feeling that I experience is intolerable. I know I’m not alone. I have read many stories of others that have very similar experiences.

I don’t have psych meds in reach, some people absolutely need psych meds to control their mental state during this time. Strong dosage of CBD helps zen me out, it’s just very tough when the symptoms occur more earlier in the day than later.

When you go out and are asking about gluten in a meal, this is what I recommend:

• Ask if the meal is gluten-free, if they say “I’m not sure” without the urge to go and ask the chef, RED FLAG. Look for another menu item. But as we know, somethings might appear to be gluten free but they aren’t. It’s a tricky world we live in.
• Try to go to restaurants that advertise on their menu what is gluten-free and stick with those items. And for triple security, let the waiter know as well you are ALSO gluten free.
• If there’s a food item that you want, that contains gluten in it, like gluten sauces and such. Just avoid it all together. Modifications are tricky sometimes and it’s not worth it. This is exactly what happened to me the other day. I made a lot of modifications to a meal determined to enjoy the food that I love as gluten free and I suffered greatly. You can’t trust people these days with your own health.

*For example, True Foods Kitchen menu will advertise what is GF on their menu. This says a lot about a brand and how they care for their customers and their food preparation. You are a lot more SAFER at a restaurant like this compared to a restaurant that does NOT advertise on their menu what is gluten free or offer to show you their allergy sheet.

What have you guys experienced? All my Celiac and NCGS peeps, do you experience similar symptoms? What do you do to protect yourself when you go out to eat?

Love,

Healthy Chickk