Gluten Intolerance

Written on Apr 23, 2026

Tagged: food and drink, health

Until just a few years ago, I didn't know that two of my older siblings (Shirley and David) suffered from celiac disease. I didn't even know they were gluten intolerant until I spoke to Shirley over the phone after many years.

Plenty of people suffer from it without having celiac disease. Certain foods give me similar symptoms, but I'm positive it has to do with fiber and nothing else.

Celiac Disease Is a Reaction to Gluten

I knew that David had suffered from some kind of thyroid condition for years. Shirley clarified his condition, which also included celiac disease. She told me I could have the disease as well, but I might not know it unless I'm tested for it. I know I don't suffer from it.

From what I gather, if one sibling suffers from a predisposed disease, at least one other will also suffer. I haven't suffered yet, and I really don't think I ever will. I suffer from flatulence, but only when I eat high-fiber foods.

One of my daughters-in-law, Diann, is gluten intolerant. I may be mistaken, but I don't believe she suffers from celiac disease. She says gluten's in everything. I think she exaggerates. To me, it seems like high fructose corn syrup and sugar are in everything.

Gluten Is Safe for Everyone Else

Gluten is a structural protein complex naturally found in certain cereal grains. If you want to play it safe, avoid all cereal grains, including oats. I rarely eat any cereal grains outside of whole wheat. I can't stand the smell or taste of rye.

Unless I'm avoiding gluten because I'm avoiding carbohydrates, I won't worry about it. Even if I have the gene that causes intolerance, it doesn't seem to affect me. I like to eat sandwiches on occasion, and I like the taste of bread.

If bread, cakes, and donuts don't bother you, you probably aren't gluten intolerant. Don't avoid the foods you like just because someone says it isn't good for you. I won't. I have numerous other reasons to avoid some of them.

If you truly believe you have gluten intolerance and haven't been tested, go get tested. It's easy to imagine a condition or disease that may or may not exist. When you eat food you wouldn't normally eat, it can cause all kinds of symptoms.

You can view this YouTube video for some good information: What’s the big deal with gluten?

Image by Frank Oschatz from Pixabay