shrugs about the joint pain and recurring
cankers.
With growing awareness, I believe the tides
are changing, but it’s still an overlooked
condition. There are a lot of other “James’”
out there. I feel we just got lucky.
What is gluten-sensitive? Is
that a thing?
Non-Celiac Gluten-Sensitivity (the current
official term), is still one of those hotly
debated topics. Someone is said to be
gluten-sensitive if their symptoms improve on
a gluten-free diet, yet they test negative for
Celiac disease (blood test and biopsy come
back negative).
Our understanding of this condition is still in
early phases. Is gluten-sensitivity “a thing”?
In my professional opinion, yes, I believe it
is. Having said that, I don’t necessarily
believe everyone eating gluten-free needs to,
nor do I believe going gluten-free is healthy
“just because”.
But something is going on in our environment
that we know is changing our health. Rates
of allergies, asthma, Celiac disease and
other immune disorders are on a dramatic
rise. Food sensitivities, as we all seem to be
hearing about, are definitely also on the rise.
Could this include a sensitivity to gluten? I
believe it could.
Here’s what people need to know about
gluten-sensitivity: It could be real for you, or
it could be something else causing your
symptoms. I encourage people to “clean up”
their diets before trying a gluten-free change,
since sometimes it’s just poor diet quality that
is making you feel unwell (lots of processed
food, not enough fruit, veg, etc.).
New research is pointing to another culprit –
FODMAPS – for some people who seem to
be sensitive to gluten-containing foods.
FODMAPS are a special category of carbohydrates, and going on a low-FODMAP diet
seems to be helping some people that
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initially thought they were gluten-sensitive.
Most important is that if you feel you are truly
experiencing symptoms when you eat gluten,
go see your doctor and get tested before
going gluten-free. The test won’t work if you
are not eating gluten. And missing a diagnosis
of Celiac disease is not in your favour.
How did the idea of
Gluten-Free Boutique begin?
I had a couple of personal acquaintances in
my life who came to see me to get some
help. They were going through similar health
struggles with their children and looking to
me for nutrition guidance as well as perspective
based on my own personal experience.
What struck me was their sense of desperation
– not knowing where to start, having so
many questions, not knowing who to ask,
being completely overwhelmed. These were
all feelings I could completely relate to having
felt the exact same way five years ago. I
realized people were looking for help and it
was so easy for me to help them. My own
experience, combined with my professional
background, made me realize I could really
do something helpful for people. That is how
the idea was born.
My business name just came to me. I loved
the idea of a ‘boutique’ because I believe
everyone’s story is unique and individual,
and I wanted to convey the idea of my
services being akin to a boutique experience
– personalized, customized and catering to
your special set of circumstances.
What services does Gluten-Free
Boutique offer?
Gluten-Free Boutique specializes in serving
all gluten-free patients, both Celiac and
gluten-sensitive. I provide in-depth personalized
education and support either in person or by
phone/skype.
My preferred way to help you is to do an
in-home consultation. Gluten-free is more than
just a diet, it’s an overhaul of your life, including