Even though the gluten-free diet will relieve all of the symptoms of gluten intolerance, this is still a common question with a definitive answer: no. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that remains with you for life, which is why it’s so important to strictly maintain a gluten-free diet. But to bring a little light to the equation, it’s nice to know you can “outgrow” certain aspects of living with the condition.
Optimists and positive thinkers know you get what you focus on, so in the spirit of optimism, you have the following to look forward to over the course of your gluten-free life (some of these you will outgrow quickly, whereas others may take more time and patience):
• You will outgrow your cravings for wheat-based products, such as cookies, muffins, pizza, breads, and so forth. With time, your memory fades and your taste buds grow accustomed to the taste and texture of similar gluten-free baked goods, particularly when you find ones that you love, and you will!
• You will outgrow your novice approach to avoiding gluten as you become a seasoned expert in the art of bypassing the forbidden protein.
• You will outgrow any anger associated with the rigidity of conforming to a relatively restrictive diet. You can fight it kicking and screaming the whole way, but over time, the anger drains your energy, and you will eventually move into the phase of acceptance and enjoyment of what gluten-free living can offer you.
• Last, but not least, you will outgrow the body once damaged by gluten and acquire a newer, healthier, gluten-free body, without the uncomfortable symptoms you once knew and hated. As your body continues to replace cells throughout your life, you can in essence have a new body! So, even though you won’t outgrow the intolerance, you can outgrow much of the cellular damage caused by your intolerance to gluten.
