I grew up with Gluten Sensitivity, but I'd never heard the term gluten until I was 28 years old. I knew that pizza and fast-food could make me feel sick, but I thought maybe it was the grease or acidity. I had aquagenic urticaria (skin sensitivity to water), I often experienced “nerve pains” in random parts of my body, and I always got sick when I took vitamin capsules. It became an acute problem when I tried to eat a healthier diet by including a lot of whole-wheat sandwiches. I felt like I had a rock in my stomach every time I ate, I had terrible abdominal cramps, I felt worn out and moody, and my skin sensitivity sky-rocketed to the point that I began to draw blood. Three medical professionals (my doctor, an allergist, and a dermatologist) were all stumped.

It wasn’t until I read an article in Discover Magazine that I looked into Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease. Finally my symptoms started to make sense, and I modified my diet. It was slow going at first; there wasn't a whole lot of gluten free food on my local grocery store's shelves, and I didn't know to look for hidden sources of gluten. Luckily awareness of Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac has grown so there are now more options to choose from. Over the years I've learned that most or all of my symptoms were probably related to gluten sensitivity, and they've largely gone away. It's still something of an uphill battle: gluten sensitivity is complex, hidden sources abound, and accidental contamination is all too easy.

I created this PDF in an attempt to break Gluten sensitivity into easily digestible facts. However Gluten sensitivity, food intolerances in general, and food allergies are very complicated issues; they cannot truly be contained in such a simple format. I am also not a doctor nor am I licensed to give medical advice, nor is this PDF or this site meant to diagnose or treat any illness. This PDF is helpful as a reminder of things to look out for, but it is not meant to be comprehensive in any way.