1 year Gluten Free

When I was in high school, I was diagnosed with Hypothyrodism. I started a daily medication, felt a little relief from my symptoms, which at the time was a big relief. I did however continue to get more symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, weight gain, and weekly migraines. I got referred to several different doctors, had many tests, including an over-night sleep study and a scan of my ears, nose and throat. A few years later, I was officially diagnosed with anxiety, insomnia, and Hashimotos. I was put on several medications, which helped, but inside I HATED the feeling of being on so many medication and I still had many of my pesky symptoms. I had them switched several times to see what would help, I saw many Dr's and spent a lot of money along the way. I decided which medications I was going to continue and I basically gave up. The Dr's basically shrugged their shoulders. I decided this was it, I was use to feeling tired and sluggish all the time. I did my best to work hard, work out and even experimented with several diets.
Several years later, I heard about Dr. Redd and his specialized studies in Auto-immune Disorders, specific to Low Thyroid. I listened to a live show he had with the News. They were in a grocery store talking about what to eat and what to avoid if you have an auto-immune disorder and/or low thyroid.

Some of the things I specifically remember to avoid:
Aspartame (he actually said, if you must have a soda, go for the real sugar)
Gluten (Wheat, barley and rye)
What to eat:
Fresh fruit, veggies, meats
Tumeric
Coconut Oil

I bought his book titled, The Truth about Low Thyroid

As I read this book, I realized all of these patients had been put on a specific diet (Gluten free, some diary free, low sugar) and had been put on specific vitamins according to their needs. Right then, I had 2 thoughts:
1. I was going to start this right away! What could it hurt anyway to eat healthier?
2. Why had NONE of the Dr's and specialists EVER mentioned anything like this to me? I could have changed my lifestyle YEARS ago! This probably gave me the MOST motivation than anything else! I was livid that after all these years, I was on my own, left to research and research how I could possibly lose weight, sleep and feel better! By now, I was a mom of a 1 year old and working and housekeeping for our little family. I was exhausted all. the. time. and had been forced to tell myself it was normal.
3 days into being Gluten Free I was already noticing a difference! My first symptom to disappear was bloat! I had no idea, that I was bloated 24/7! I dropped 10 lbs almost instantly. Soon, after, I began to notice I was actually sleeping. Lets be real, I was still a tired mom of a crazy toddler but I found the desire to take him out to play, to go on walks, I finally felt like I was better Mother! My family, friends and clients noticed as well. Many of them mentioned that I looked great, they could see the change! Soon, I realized my weekly migraines were NO MORE! Let's talk about some symptoms that I had no idea were related. These also were gone within a few months.
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia
Bleeding, swollen gums
Itchy red bumps on my arms and legs
Acne
Brittle, thinning hair and nails
Painful menstrual cramps, with heavy bleeding
Diarrhea
Constipation
Leaky gut/IBS

It has been 1 year of living gluten free, it has been SO hard to learn on my own the ins and outs of gluten, but I would not go back! I wish I could have started YEARS earlier and realized how horrible I was actually feeling! Currently, I am 7 months pregnant and I have not gained a pound! I am so much more healthy this time around. I suffered from insane anxiety when I was pregnant with my first son, I lost sleep over the littlest things, I had panic attacks, it was very hard emotionally and physically.
I share this story only to help others who may be suffering as I was! The frustration is real! I am not sure why several General Practitioners, an Endocrinologist, an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist and Sleep Specialist couldn't help me come to this conclusion years ago! I don't know why it isn't common knowledge that if you have any kind of Auto Immune Disorder, ANY, you should NOT have gluten! It is an inflammatory, for anyone, but to those with an auto immune disorder it flares your symptoms! It literally hurts your gut! If one person can be helped by my story, than I would find my journey all worth it!