Are you wondering if you have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or IBS?  Have you or someone in your family been diagnosed as such?  Well, it can be so overwhelming at first.  As Americans, we are used to fast, convenient food, eating out, and lots of choices.  No one likes to be told that they can't have something. (especially children) 

But when I was first diagnosed, I was so happy!  It had been over ten years of autoimmune disorders, a month long trip to the Mayo clinic, lots of missed opportunities and fun, and too much pain...My family was concerned that my "time" was near.  I  had been diagnosed with a smorgasboard of diseases including Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, Chronic Pancreatitis, Arthritis, Osteopenia, Asthma, Depression, POTS disease, Thyroid disease, Hearing Loss, Raynaud's disease, mild neuropathy and more.  I was on 20 different medications including a Fentyl Duragesic pain patch for the pancreatis pain.  I was a size 0.  I trembled and was ghostly white.  I really had no friends because I wasn't myself and I didn't have the energy to sit and talk or go do things.  All my energy had to be saved for my husband and two kids.  The medical bills and monthy meds were piling up.  Life was miserable!

So imagine my relief when I was finally given the "answer" I had been searching for all those years! When I stopped the gluten, many of my symptoms went away.  I then went through chelation therapy to get rid of heavy metals in my body that showed up on tests. I had food allergy tests done and eliminated the allergy provoking foods.  I started natural thyroid because my thyroid had burnt out.  I detoxed and added some highly absorbable  Shaklee supplements. This is when my energy finally started to return.  The  optimal nutrition was key to my body healing itself of all of the damage.  It took almost a year to recover.

Today I feel better than I ever remember feeling.  I am passionate about using my experience to contribute to other's well being.  It brings me joy.  I am the Atlanta Celiac Meetup organizer and a wellness coach.  It seems God sends people in my life that I can share my experience, hope and strength with. 

I am learning everyday about living as a celiac.  I invite you to join me on the journey.

Kerry McKenzie

www.shaklee.net/optimalwellness

www.projectmahmaonline.com