For most of my life, I struggled with itching, gut issues, and unexplained anxiety, never really knowing what was causing it. It took years to figure out that I was actually allergic to oats and wheat. Looking back, it all makes sense—these foods were part of my daily diet, and I had no idea they were triggering my symptoms.

The itching was one of the most frustrating parts. I’d constantly feel uncomfortable, but since it wasn’t always immediate after eating, I never made the connection to food. I also had gut problems and periods of feeling off mentally—sometimes anxious, sometimes just not myself. It wasn’t until I started paying closer attention to my diet and cutting out certain foods that I noticed a difference.

Once I eliminated oats and wheat, things changed drastically. My gut settled, the constant itching stopped, and my mental clarity improved. I also noticed a big shift in my overall mood and anxiety levels, which I now realize were likely linked to the inflammation these foods were causing in my body.

Now, I read food labels carefully and have to be mindful when eating out. It’s easy to overlook hidden sources of allergens, especially with things like sauces, seasonings, and processed foods. Thankfully, food labeling laws require allergens to be clearly listed, which makes things easier. But even with that, I still double-check ingredients and ask questions when needed.

Discovering my food allergies has been life-changing. It took years of trial and error, but now that I know what to avoid, I feel so much better. If you’ve been struggling with unexplained symptoms, it might be worth looking into possible food sensitivities. Sometimes, the things we eat every day without thinking can be the biggest culprits.