In November 2016, after having health issues for almost a year, I figured out that I have an intolerance to gluten, which I inherited from my dad, who has Celiacs disease (an autoimmune disease that causes digestive problems for people when digesting gluten). Gluten is a mixture of two proteins found in wheat, oats, rye, and barley. And what many don't realize is that gluten is in a lot of foods. Normal baking flour contains gluten, which means for a baking fanatic like me, my whole routine changes. Gluten intolerance and Celiacs disease are things that have only become more prominent in recent years, so a lot of people are completely unaware of these medical problems, and as someone who has a gluten intolerance, there are a few thins people are always saying that can quickly get annoying.

1. "So, like, what IS gluten?"

Although this is a perfectly valid question, nothing is more annoying than hearing this question twelve times a day. I understand people want to know, and I am always happy to help educate people on this issue.

2. "So can you eat (insert clearly not gluten free food here)?"

Nothing sucks more than being reminded that you can't eat an old favorite food of yours anymore. An example for me, is I used to live for Red Lobster biscuits. But once I became gluten intolerant, I couldn't them anymore because, you know, they have flour in them.

3. "So what happens if you eat gluten?"

As I said above, gluten causes digestive issues. So when someone asks you what happens if you eat gluten, its actually a pretty invasive question. Not that its anyones business but mine, my family, and my doctors, but if I eat gluten, I end up with unending nausea and I throw up a lot. But that is just me. Gluten effects different people different ways. So it isn't the same thing for everyone who has some degree of gluten intolerance.

4. "So will you die if you eat gluten?"

See explanation #3

5. "You just touched gluten! Are you going to be okay?"

Yes, a protein that causes digestive issues is going to cause problems because I touched it. Thanks for your concern.

Gluten intolerance is not easy, and I can only imagine Celiacs disease is even worse. And I know that a lot of the questions and comments I get when people find out about my gluten problems. I also know that in the end, the questions are all so that people can try to understand the struggle.