Wheaton Wire

Thursday, April 26th, 2018

  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Features
  • Arts and Culture
  • Sports
  • Web Only
  • From the Editor

Sections

  • From the Editor
  • Contribute to The Wire
  • Subscribe

Archives

  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • April 2012
  • February 2012
Features

Gluten-Free Girl: living the lifestyle

By Brittany Whynot on February 16, 2012

If you find yourself constantly probing the small, lonely tables situated neatly in the corners of either Chase or Emerson, desperately seeking something your stomach can easily digest, then you and I share the same pains and frustrations. Yes, we are the gluten-free eaters on campus who struggle daily with our finicky digestive systems and who vent silently to ourselves about the limited, and rather unappealing gluten-free menu that Wheaton’s dining halls offer; or maybe that’s just me.

Either way, it is safe to say that there is a growing gluten-free community emerging on campus, as wheat-free products and foods have slowly squeezed their way onto the menu of Wheaton’s dining halls.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and ryeAs a member of this unique community and a relative newcomer to the gluten-free lifestyle, I have slowly become accustomed (not by choice) to the many challenges and frustrations that come with this strict dietary regimen. From financial woes and unfortunate upset stomachs, to limited food options both on and off-campus, becoming gluten-free has been an ongoing hassle. I am confident that other gluten-free “Wheaties” would agree with me on this one. So, it is with the constant trips to Whole Foods and bitter attitude about the limited, and painfully over-priced wheat-free products available, that I bring forth some inspiration this semester to the gluten-free culture on campus.

But first, for those who may be unfamiliar with or baffled by my “gluten-free” banter, let me first provide you with some brief insight. The gluten-free diet is practiced by (and not limited to) those who suffer from Celiac disease or wheat sensitivities. Celiac disease is a condition that directly affects the lining of the small intestine. When individuals with Celiac disease consume gluten, the body’s immune system responds by damaging the villi, which are responsible for the proper absorption and passage of the food’s most important nutrients needed by the body. The lack of proper absorption that is a result of the intestine’s inability to break down the gluten thus leads to several gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms may include bloating, indigestion, constipation, gas, nausea, diarrhea, weight-loss/gain, lactose-intolerance and decreased appetite. Sounds lovely doesn’t it? Other symptoms from the irregular absorption of essential vitamins and minerals’ may include: depression, fatigue, hair loss, itchy skin, muscle cramps and joint pain.

Although I only account for one of Wheaton’s numerous gluten-free students, I feel empowered through my experiences and obstacles with this new dietary lifestyle to establish further dialogue about what it means to be gluten-free and how one goes about dealing with its challenges and annoyances. It is my hope that by sharing my experiences with being gluten-free through this written space that I can provide students with a relatable narrative that will offer some advice and tips on living a worry-free, hassle-free and enjoyable gluten-free life.

I encourage further discussion among gluten-free students and inspire those living with certain food allergies to share their own stories, recipes, or advice. I hope to hear from you!

Categories: Features

Post navigation

Chase Hours Unlocked
Wheaton students make a stand for equality at Open Housing Forum

Recent Stories

  • Men’s Lacrosse loses to Coast Guard
  • The 1 in 5 Sexual Assault Statistic is False // Words and How They Matter in Activist Spaces: A Response
  • Wheaton students stage protest during Welcome to Wheaton
  • Campus Conservative and Democratic Activism
  • VITA Club: Taxes Made Easier
Tweets by @WheatonWire
  • Top categories: News/Arts and Culture/Features/Opinion/Sports/Web Only/From the Editor/Homepage Spotlight/Calendar/Meet the Staff
  • Top tags: abroad/ election 2016/ FURU/ Rachel Blanchard/ bond/ Welcome/ Back/ Whiteout/ Blizzard/ Snow
Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: Broadsheet by Pro Theme Design.