Where did all my colds go? A gluten-free and coeliac disease journey to fewer sniffles.

Well, this week, I’ve officially succumbed. I’ve got one of those colds, you know, the kind that practically begs you to just crawl into bed and declare PJs acceptable daytime attire!

It’s really no big surprise, though. Last week, my adorable toddler grandson came to stay and, bless his little heart, he brought along a whole army of daycare germs. Not that I’m complaining, mind you; I got so many Granny C cuddles and kisses while he was here. So, I guess it was pretty much inevitable that I’d catch the same delightful lurgy.

Now, before my coeliac diagnosis (or “celiac” if you’re across the pond in the US), these colds and viral infections were just my normal. Seriously, three, sometimes even four, times a year, I’d be absolutely flattened with coughs, sneezes, and temperatures.  I just accepted it. I’d quickly run through a mental checklist, trying to pinpoint a reason: “Is it just the change of season? Is my underactive thyroid medication out of whack again? Or maybe my iron levels are protesting – note to self: eat more broccoli, pronto!”

Every single time I got sick, I’d ask those same questions, always finding a perfectly good explanation for my symptoms. “Yep, Caroline, your body’s just a sensitive soul,” I’d tell myself. “Needs more cotton wool!”

But here’s the truly amazing part: since finding out I have coeliac disease, these annoying coughs, colds, and sneezes have become incredibly rare. Honestly, I can’t even remember the last time in the past four years I felt the need to drop everything and head for my bed!

It turns out my immune system finally got its act together! Now that my body isn’t constantly battling against gluten, it can actually focus on protecting me from other illnesses. What a fantastic discovery!

The unexpected bonus (because let’s be real, there aren’t loads of perks when you’re living a strict gluten-free life!) is that my body is finally working the way it should. And you know what that means? That’s definitely a reason to celebrate with some cake! Gluten-free, of course – I’m not that crazy!