Are you into Gluten Free?

What is Coeliac Disease?

May is Coeliac Awareness month with the UK Coeliac awareness week from 13th to 19th May. If you know someone with this condition you will understand how debilitating it can be. Stomach and bowel pain of any kind can be very unpleasant. If you are a Coeliac you will have a lifelong autoimmune disease caused by a reaction to gluten and damages the lining of your gut. It can cause diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, stomach cramps, mouth ulcers, fatigue and anaemia. Left untreated there can be severe complications and once diagnosed you would expect to be on a gluten free diet for life.

What foods contain Gluten?

Gluten can be found in wheat, barley and rye with some people having sensitivity to oats. On a gluten free diet you can eat meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, rice, potatoes and lentils. If you eat any processed or ready meals you will need to check that they are gluten free. Gluten free probably sounds like a buzz word to some people and removing gluten from your diet may sound like a good idea, but if you don't have any medical reason to do so then it is not necessary. 

What is IBS?

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) has very similar symptoms to Coeliac Disease, but is distinguished by the fact the it affects the colon (or large intestine), while Coeliac and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity involve the small intestine. Some people with IBS get misdiagnosed and may actually have Coeliac disease. You may find a gluten free diet or reduced gluten diet alleviates the symptoms of your IBS and it has been shown that people that came up negative for Coeliac disease benefitted from a gluten free diet.

As an IBS sufferer it can be confusing, but I have found reducing my gluten intake has helped. On thing that does help during a flare up is DoTERRA peppermint oil. You can rub this on your tummy area and take it internally as well to alleviate symptoms. I also take some drops of DoTERRA ZenGest if I feel that my stomach needs it and again you can rub this on your stomach area during a bad bout.

Do you want a simple and fun way to feel better?

DoTerra oils are totally natural and non toxic. Anything that has citrus in it will be uplifting, while things like Peppermint and Lavender help to lift your mood. Don't know where to start? Try this lovely trio starter kit and look out for my blogs on DoTerra oils to find out how you can start using them for your health, around your home and in your kitchen! These oils are very high grade and of exceptional quality, which means they can be taken internally and used on your skin also.

You can find me on my Facebook page called LoveYourDoterra - please like and share this with you and your friends and if you want to ask questions you can join my facebook group LoveYourDoterra.