Celiac Series: Story #3 - Nick Evenson
Here’s something you probably wouldn’t have expected to read today: Many celiacs do not realize how lucky we are to have Celiac Disease. Out of all the autoimmune diseases, only we have a known trigger – gluten – and a temporary cure – a gluten-free diet. Changing our perspective about CD can help us look at our newfound lifestyle with a bigger appreciation.
Today, I will share Nick Evenson’s story. Nick, a realtor living in Southern California, also likes to emphasize how important it is to put CD into perspective. He, like most celiacs, underwent several tests before figuring out his diagnosis. Despite months of testing and biopsies, Nick was relieved to find there was an answer to his ailments.
Nick notes, “The biggest struggle for me was having to cut out everything I was used to eating, which was mentally difficult. But the hardest part was having to be even more cautious of the ‘hidden gluten’ in products you would never think of.” He’s not wrong – even seeing that a food is produced in a facility that also processes wheat is a no-go. Gluten really is everywhere, and it takes a while to learn how to read labels correctly. Personally, the biggest shock for me was Twizzlers; I mean, who would want to ruin Twizzlers with gluten?!
Anyways, Nick didn’t take any shortcuts and dove into an in-depth study of Celiac Disease. “I think it was an accumulation of reading books, doing research, listening to guest speakers, and having the help of my family and loved ones that really helped me to better understand and forced me to realize things I probably would not have on my own.” He even went so far as to visit the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to see a Celiac specialist. If you are newly diagnosed with CD, hopefully Nick’s first steps will provide you guidance on how to get started with your new gluten-free lifestyle. Information is power when it comes to Celiac Disease.
Even after all of his research, Nick admits, “It definitely took some time of being on a gluten-free diet to see some real benefits. But, I can wholeheartedly say 7 years after being diagnosed that I have never been healthier in my entire life, and I have never felt better and had as much energy.” If that’s not proof of a gluten-free diet curing CD damage and symptoms, then I don’t know what is! Nick’s go-to brands are Glutino, Udi’s, and Schar, all of which are found in most grocery stores today.
Nick truly believes that Celiac Disease “affects us mentally and can cause anxiety and/or depression. Staying positive will help us stay in a right state of mind.” He adds, “We have what we have (and it could be way worse), so we might as well make the most of it since we have it for life.” Nick and I both agree that CD is “probably the best [autoimmune disease] to have,” so take heart that we already have so much knowledge about CD and are currently researching for a permanent cure! A gluten-free diet may sound overwhelming in the beginning, but just remember that sticking to it will not only bring you back to health, but it will also make you healthier than ever before!
Follow Nick on Instagram (@nevens13) to see some of the awesome houses he's selling in SoCal!