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Old 07-09-2009, 09:06 AM   #31
jessiehl
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,843
Quote:
I don't have much to add besides what has already been said, but one of my friends at school has to follow a gluten-free diet, does not have any special arrangements with the school (although they are offered to those with dietary needs - but she is independent and would rather handle it on her own) and manages it just fine. She eats most of her meals at the dining hall, too.
This might work for some people - people with Celiac's require different amounts/concentrations of gluten in order to cause a reaction - but I'd be VERY wary of suggesting it as general advice. A lot of people with Celiac's would be constantly ill and malnourished if they did this (in fact, I know one who was basically forced into this situation, because her dorm dining hall refused to accommodate her - this was years ago and they've since cleaned up their act - and despite her attempts to only eat the safe-seeming foods, she was constantly ill due to cross-contamination). I cannot imagine my boyfriend being willing to risk this if he were back in college. And having seen how little it takes to cause him to react, I wouldn't WANT him to risk it.

Also, I think the implication that anyone who makes arrangements with the school to accommodate a legitimate health issue is not "independent" is completely off base.
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