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Beth's Story

I lead a Gluten-free lifestyle and have since 2007 when I did a nutrition course and had to undertake a different diet each week.

I tried cutting out gluten products and instantly felt a diiference.

When I went back to the clinic to talk about my results, they did some tests and it was confirmed that I was gluten intolerant - therefore not as allergic as Coeliacs who can risk anaphylactic shock, but still with side effects if consumed - and was advised to continue cutting out wheat-based products and high-gluten foods/sauces etc.

Although it can be a pain to constantly be checking the back of packets (or bringing your own plate to a BBQ, or living off salads when you just can't be bothered to make the extra effort!), the benefits defintely outweigh the potential effects - which can include bloating, extreme stomach cramps and severe depressive episodes.

It's also a relief to see more products and awareness towards gluten- free diets and intolerances; a few years ago I paid close to $15 for a loaf of GF bread that was about as big as a babies hand and went off within days, now I can walk into a corner store in regional NZ (which I did recently) and find 5 different varieties and brands of bread - a real turn around!

In general, human consumption of bread and wheat products are far too high compared to what they should be and the wheat protein itself has been attributed to the likes of cancer, alzheimers and depression - if that's not a reason to stop eating it, what is?

But nowadays I'm happy that when I mention it to friends I don't get the usual screwed up face as if I'm being picky or a grunt as though people understand but then still offer me a gluten snack five seconds later.

And I've noticed a lot of friends have undertaken cutting out eating wheat and gluten as they themselves have noticed the benefits after having a GF meal with me, and also realising how easy it actually is.

To me, a gluten free diet isn't that much of a change from what I used to consume - I was a vegetarian for about 10 years and the running joke between friends was 'No Meat, No Wheat!' - and at the end of the day it benefits me so really, isn't that the most important thing!