Let's set the record straight about why I don't eat gluten-containing products

Current location: Heredia, Costa Rica

“Oh, but are you allergic or have you just chosen to not eat gluten?” a person asks, and looks at me with a look that is not yet condescending and judging, but will become so, if I just answer the question without a 15-minute long explanation attached. My simple answer would be “No I am not allergic, possibly intolerant, it's just not good for me”. So once and for all, let’s set the record straight here for all you skeptics believing that I, and people alike me, are simply hippie new-age drama-queens making a big fuzz. I have solid reasons for choosing my diet, and I hold a degree in molecular biology to back up my opinions and decisions. Whether I do or do not have a valid reason for my dinner-choice in your opinion, is of little concern to me, as appose to the possible consequences of ignoring scientific evidence of why I should stay as far away from gluten-containing products as I can. I just read a Facebook-post from a woman that has the same condition as I have. Her name is Lindsay and she just had her 15th miscarriage, and she is heartbroken. So when you get offended that I politely decline the piece of bread that you so kindly are offering, understand that I am doing so because I am not eager to go through the same thing as this she has had to go though, not only once, but 15 times. Women who suffer from the same autoimmune disease as me, Hashimoto’s hypothyroiditis, have up to a 290% greater chance of having a miscarriage. “Okay so that sounds like a valid reason then” this skeptical person most of the time replies after hearing my long and somewhat technical explanation, as if granting me permission to continue with my food habits. Yes, I really do have an exceptionally good reason to not eat gluten. But even if I didn’t, what difference does it make to you if it made me feel better? I recently started eating gluten-containing foods again after a long period of being gluten-free. One month later I noticed a developing bald-spot on my scalp. Who would have figured? That celiac disease and gluten intolerance would be uncommon is one of the most spectacular self-fulfilling prophesies of the year, as this has been common knowledge for almost a decade. Furthermore there exists a very clear connection with gluten-related conditions and autoimmune conditions such as mine. But although a monumental amount of scientific evidence points in a very clear direction: the go gluten-free direction, my doctor still scoffs at me when I raise my concern for my unborn child perishing under the tyranny of what is my immune system - an immune system that might very possibly simply be annoyed with my poor nutritional habits. If my stomach doesn’t hurt – how could I then be harmed by the food that has nurtured generations? I hate to break it to you skeptics out there; this is not a mumbo-jumbo conspiracy. So, please, next time you feel critical, please just do your homework before you open your mouth. The world will be a better place like that - I promise

PS. I am very happy to provide references to literature upon request.