I have celiac disease, which means that I must be on a gluten-free diet for the rest of my life. The path that led to my diagnosis was long and confusing, typical for many people with celiac disease. Just before my diagnosis, I was so anemic that doctors ordered me to have a bone marrow test. After years of mild stomach trouble, I began to have severe stomach pains. In general I felt like I was falling apart physically. My mom became very worried and began an internet search hoping for a possible clue to my deteriorating health. Her search led her to information about celiac disease, something that neither she nor I had ever heard of even though I had been seen by many doctors. Here was something that connected my iron deficiency with my stomach problems, and also made sense of other symptoms and health problems I had experienced over the years. I never imagined that it all could be caused by something I was eating!

The next day I told my doctor that I wanted to be tested for celiac disease. He sent me to the lab to get a blood test, which came out positive. I then had a biopsy and met with the gastroenterologist who informed me that yes, I did have celiac disease and that I was his first ever diagnosis of the disease! Well, this was obvious when he told me to stop eating gluten (duh!) and sent me on my way with no other advice at all.

On my way I went to find my gluten-free food. My first trip to the grocery store ended in tears — I felt lost, alone and… hungry! Now, years later, things are better. It turns out that there are things that people with food sensitivities (allergy or intolerance) or with celiac disease can eat, but it takes some adjustment and planning and you might still end up in tears sometimes.

Is it worth it? Yes! After changing my diet, I experienced dramatic physical and mental changes — some occurred immediately, some within a few months, and some took years. It was like new life had been breathed into my body as every health problem I had went away. It was truly life-changing. And so, after people began asking me for information about celiac disease, the gluten-free diet and food allergies (my daughter has multiple food allergies), I decided to create a place where people could find all of this information. I started Sure Foods Living to educate and raise awareness about celiac disease and food sensitivities. I hope that this website helps you!