To be born normal and healthy is a blessing, to both, the mother and the child. And yes, I was born absolutely healthy. But before we knew, I was plagued with health issues. I was a weakling, had terrible teeth and sadly, had to wear spectacles from the tender age of 6. I was constantly under-weight, under- nourished, despite having the most nutritious food intake.

As I got older, I realised I wasn’t as flexible as the others of my age. I was constantly experiencing joint pain. My skin was extremely sensitive and I kept breaking into rashes.

Doctors were unable to give us a definite cause. And soon, anti-allergic medicines and antibiotics became a part of my life. I often found myself wondering why, but to no avail.

Motherhood is a phase most women look forward to. I was no different. When I delivered my second daughter, I was ecstatic. But my joy was short-lived. I went through one of the worst periods health-wise. I was unable to digest my regular meals. I constantly felt bloated, had gas cramps, constipation, diarrhoea. In short, I was miserable!

And above all, I had a new-born to look after!

After months of suffering, I went in for an endoscopy. The gastroenterologist checked my colon and pronounced the verdict – I had Celiac disease, an auto- immune condition. I had never heard this term before. To me, it seemed like the end of the world. Gradually I came to accept it, and decided to know more about this alien who had decided to avenge me!

I read books, spoke to doctors and began charting my own course of treatment. Before I share my experience, I would like to familiarise you with a few terminologies. Comprehending these is crucial. As we go ahead, we shall be doing an in-depth study, and finding solutions.

What is an auto-immune disease?

As the name suggests, it is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues rather than a foreign body such as a bacteria. I was shocked to learn that there are more than a hundred different autoimmune diseases.

How is it caused?

The root causes of most autoimmune diseases are: microbes, allergens, environmental toxins, stress and poor diet.

Is there a cure?

Yes. A diet and lifestyle change can go a long way in combating an autoimmune disease.

With this brief introduction, and over the next blog posts, allow me to guide you and help you ‘goglutenfree’!