How I learnt to live with gluten intolerance after years of pain and anxiety

Dubai: I spent years constantly battling stomach aches and pain, not knowing what was wrong. The discomfort was so persistent that it cast a cloud of anxiety over my daily life. Eating what most people would consider “normal food” felt like a gamble. I never knew when a meal would leave me doubled over in pain or unable to focus on anything else. During these anxious moments, my heart would race and my mind would spiral with worry: would this meal trigger hours of agony? The fear of sudden pain made social gatherings stressful, and I would often find myself looking for exits or quiet spaces, just in case I needed to retreat. It was exhausting to constantly anticipate and manage discomfort that others seemed immune to. Sometimes, the anxiety was so overwhelming that I wouldn’t even leave the house, knowing there might not be a single safe option for me unless I made it myself. It was isolating and shaped nearly every aspect of my routine. For a long time, I thought there was something fundamentally wrong with me, that my body simply didn’t agree with food in general. It wasn’t until I was studying abroad that I decided to make a change. Even though I hadn’t been formally diagnosed with gluten intolerance, I started cutting out gluten and choosing gluten-free options wherever I could. Almost immediately, I noticed a shift. My pain lessened, my anxiety eased and life felt lighter. It was a revelation, but also a challenge. I realised that so many of the foods I liked, such as fresh bread, certain crisps and even drinks, were off-limits. Yet I still questioned myself. Was I just imagining the benefits? Was I being too restrictive? I spent years in the dark, not knowing whether gluten was causing so much trouble. Last year, after finally receiving a formal diagnosis, I committed to a strict gluten-free diet. I thought this would be the solution to all my problems, but it introduced a new set of challenges. I was shocked to discover how many everyday products contain gluten. Grocery shopping became a scavenger hunt as I combed through ingredient lists for hidden sources of wheat or barley. At restaurants, the options were limited unless I wanted a salad, and even then I had to double-check that the dressing was safe. Sometimes, I would sit at the table with just a glass of water, unable to join my family for the meal because there simply wasn’t anything I could eat. Social situations became complicated too. When everyone else is offered cake or pastries, I have to muster a smile and politely decline, knowing that a single bite could leave me in agony. It’s not a fad diet. For me, it’s a reality I have to manage every day. I can’t even use the same toaster as my family for fear of cross-contamination. The hardest part is that gluten-free products are often much more expensive and sometimes difficult to find. There are days when I feel overwhelmed and just want to give up. Sometimes, I even consider skipping meals because finding something safe to eat feels impossible. And when I do give in and eat something containing gluten, I pay the price physically and mentally. On top of my gluten intolerance, I’m also sensitive to milk proteins, so I have to check every label for hidden ingredients. Sometimes, I joke that I have the palate of a Victorian child, but this is simply my life now. Thankfully, I’ve noticed that more businesses are starting to offer gluten-free options, even if they are pricey. It makes dining out a little easier and brings a sense of normality to social gatherings. My diagnosis has finally given me clarity about the pain I endured for so long. It’s funny how life changes when you finally discover what has been hurting you and what you need to do to feel better. My advice is to get checked. Sometimes, the answer can be as simple and as life-changing as what’s on your plate. For me, the journey has been difficult, but it has also been liberating to finally understand my body, trust my instincts and reclaim a sense of control over my health and happiness. I now know that I wasn’t just imagining things. This is my life, and I’m learning to live it one gluten-free meal at a time.