Going from the Gut

So, remember all the posts I made about Leaky Gut Syndrome and how I wanted to put Jayden on a Gluten Free/Casein Free (GF/CF) diet? I moaned and lamented that it would be impossible but oh so worth it in the end if it helped my kid. We spent hundreds of dollars on special GF foods and flours and then gave up the whole effort when Jayden went on a food strike.

Luckily I didn't give away all the GF flours as intended, because we're going to need them around here.

It seems that Jayden isn't the only one with a Leaky Gut. I went and saw a local food counselor and it seems that I have a gluten intolerance, as well.

Did you know that there is a whole spectrum of gluten intolerance? Not everyone is a hard-core celiac sufferer; some people exhibit random symptoms that wouldn't necessarily point to gluten intolerance. For instance, my hands have been so dry that the skin tears all the time. My skin is painful and the cuts don't heal very well. It gets to the point where I hesitate to do things that involve my hands. Well, you may not notice, but we use our hands a lot and that isn't a very sustainable strategy.

I am having all kinds of bloodwork done to pinpoint where I fall on the GI spectrum. So far (I am on Day 3) I am encouraged and motivated to make this work, as I really would like to have full use of my hands again! My long-term goal is to integrate a healthier diet into the house, then maybe (just maybe?!) the kids will follow seamlessly.

Any GF/CF folks out there with useful tips?!