To My Gluten-Eating Friends, Acquaintances, Waitresses, and Everyone Else,
For people like me with Celiac Disease, wheat, barley and rye are damaging to our intestines and can cause symptoms like heartburn, digestion problems, and headaches. There is no question as to whether or not cutting these things from our diets actually helps.
When I first tell you that I am gluten free, I'm sure the first thing you think of is the current fad everyone has either heard about or tried at some point: going gluten free. I won't deny the health benefits that are proven to come along with cutting these ingredients from one's diet. However, for me, and everyone else in my position, this is the farthest thing from a health craze.
My lifestyle isn't some fad, though I wish more than anything that I had that option. Do you know what I'd give for a bagel? A Philly cheesesteak? Normal pizza? So, when I tell you that my body physically cannot have these things without getting sick, please bear with me. Please don't assume, with that eye roll you probably think I didn't see, that this is my choice and that I'm just trying to follow along with the newest diet trend. Please be patient when I triple check items on the menu, or when I have to avoid something all together. I know eating out with me can be more than annoying at times, but I can promise you I don't mean for it to be.
For those of you who are patient and kind, I thank you, and so does everyone else in my position. Your understanding goes a long way and is beyond appreciated.
For those of you who are gluten free, keep on keepin' on.
Much Love,
Your Gluten-Free Pal