We all just want to fit in, so it can be embarrassing to have special needs when it comes to your diet. Whether you are gluten-free, Paleo, or suffering from food allergies, a feeling of isolation is not uncommon. After all, you have to eat differently from the rest of your friends, family, or colleagues—and that makes you stand out. You run the risk of being perceived as picky or annoying, when the truth is that certain foods are toxic to your system!
Today the Gluten Free RN speaks to the psychology of eating gluten-free, explaining the sense of disbelief many gluten-sensitive individuals feel when the food they love turns out to be poison. She discusses ‘food ideology’ and why changing your diet can be so challenging.
Nadine also covers the doubt, mocking, and even anger that celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals face, offering suggestions for building connections with a like-minded, gluten-free community. Listen in as she outlines her approach to dating on a Paleo diet and reassuring family and friends who find a gluten-free diet too restrictive for kids. Learn to be your own best advocate and resist the social pressure to eat the standard American diet!
What’s Discussed:
Why gluten sensitive patients must be willing to experiment
- Learn how body works best
- Identify foods that allow body to heal
- Pinpoint foods that cause symptoms
A downtown Corvallis business owner’s testimonial
- Couldn’t get doctor to test for celiac disease
- Family gave hard time
- Gluten-free for year
- Bloating, abdominal pain went away
- Head clear
How to research the possibility that gluten is causing your symptoms
- Search PubMed
- Use both spellings (celiac, coeliac)
Why people are resistant to diet change
- Subscribe to particular food ideology
- Media, social pressure to eat standard American diet
The difficulty around getting a celiac diagnosis
The value of preventative medicine
Dating on a gluten-free diet
- Look for someone open to new ideas
- Nadine’s partner is supportive, willing to change
- On food path together
- Health benefits whether celiac or not
The human need to be part of a community
- Celiac patients may feel isolated from family, at work/school
- Find ‘your people’ (gluten-free support group, cross-fit gym)
The global shift to a Western diet
- Export fast food to world
- Increased consumption of wheat, barley, rye and oats
Why Nadine recommends a Whole30 diet
- Remove all grains, dairy, alcohol and sugar
- Eat meat and fish, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables
- Allows body to reboot
- Evaluate how you feel
The narcotic-like effect of gluten on the brain
- Comfort foods (pasta, pizza) contain wheat, dairy
- Cause chemical reaction in brain
Nadine’s recent experience in hospitals
- Only nutrient-deficient, packaged foods available
- Offerings toxic, full of sugar
Nadine’s rules around ingredients in packaged foods
- Five ingredients or less
- Must be able to picture every ingredient
Why people on a gluten-free diet are reluctant to tell others
- Don’t want to be difficult, needy
- Don’t want to call attention, be seen as ‘other’
- May be questioned or face anger, mocking
- Demoralizing to go to restaurant, grocery store (can’t eat 90%)
How to approach neighbors or family who view a gluten-free diet as too restrictive for kids
- Ensure that kids are healthy, thriving
- Let them know ‘not missing out’
The psychology of denial
- Some celiac patients believe okay to cheat
- Bread crumb, dusting of flour can cause autoimmune response
Nadine’s opposition to a gluten challenge
- Can cause organ damage
- Some never recover
The genes that indicate a predisposition to celiac disease
- HLA-DQ2
- HLA-DQ8
