By Sandi Star, CCN

After struggling for over 40 years with chronic migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), muscle and joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, asthma and a slew of other ailments, I decided to investigate—and if possible, help to heal—the root cause of my condition, rather than just obsess about its frustrating and debilitating symptoms. I was tired of relying on doctors to give me answers and tired of the medications they prescribed—which were aimed at relieving the symptoms, but instead, only added side affects and little relief.

Yet, after more then two decades of being committed to health and fitness—during which I lost close to 50 pounds and 5 dress sizes—I still had all the chronic conditions that played havoc with my life. Although I didn’t know enough about food intolerance or allergies to connect them to my problems, I knew there had to be some key elements in my diet that needed to be changed and was determined to find out what they were. Eventually, I discovered that my body could neither tolerate nor process dairy products and the gluten found in grains.

At first, not only did I find it hard to believe that these could have such a serious impact on overall health—let alone be the direct cause of my diseases—but that my doctor never saw the connection when he diagnosed me with Sjögren’s Syndrome. In addition to being an autoimmune problem, Sjögren’s is also one of the many symptoms of Celiac disease. Some of the others include:

• Fatigue
• Addison’s disease (a hormonal disorder)
• Gastrointestinal distress (gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, reflux)
• Headaches (including migraines)
• Infertility
• Mouth sores
• Weight loss and gain
• Inability to concentrate
• Moodiness and depression
• Amenorrhea—i.e. interrupted or delayed menstrual cycles
• Bone, joint and/or muscle pain
• Dental enamel hypoplasia (defect)
• Stunted growth (unusually short stature)
• Seizures
• Tingling numbness in the legs.

Eliminating gluten and dairy products from my nutrition plan proved to be the key to my healing process. Soon, the migraines, IBS and many other symptoms stopped, inflammation was reduced and I was able to keep the Sjögren’s Syndrome under control. Even better, I was able to eliminate all medications and use food and natural remedies instead to supplement nutrition and promote overall health.

Thrilled and energized by my recovery, I dove into studies, became a clinical nutritionist and started Karmic Health (www.karmic-health.com), so I could help others afflicted with food allergies and sensitivities by sharing with them my experience, education and passion in the field of nutrition and functional medicine.

In Part II of this series, I will outline the process that took the health community half a century to understand the importance of gluten and dairy as triggers of a wide array of diseases. The next article will provide more detailed information on the various ways some of us digest, assimilate or react to wheat, from the scary-sounding leaky gut syndrome to the most extreme case of Celiac disease.

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Sandi Star, CCN is the founder of Karmic Health (www.karmic-health.com), a consulting organization specializing in nutrition-related diseases. Working with those afflicted with Celiac disease, autism and autoimmune disorders, Sandi provides expert guidance in lifestyles free of gluten and dairy-casein, as well as other triggers of food allergies and sensitivities. Sandi graduated from The Natural Healing Institute in Encinitas CA., with a degree in Clinical Nutrition, and is continuing her studies in Clinical Herbology. She has hands on experience and a true understanding of many health issues and has dedicated her life to helping others reach their optimal health.