Double-Check Before Going Gluten-Free on Your Kid

Never Impose a Gluten-free Diet Unless Required

The term ‘gluten’ and ‘gluten-free’ have gained importance in recent times. It’s rumored that gluten free diets help to increase energy and concentration, cure digestive ills and improve symptoms of autism and ADHD in children. But all these would tempt any parent to try out a g-free diet.

Gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye, adds taste to food and improves its texture. Gluten is added to anything and everything: from deli meats to French fries. Gluten can be a part of your child’s diet unless your kid is diagnosed with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Let’s get to know the meaning of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity exactly. Celiac disease or celiac sprue is an autoimmune condition which affects one in every 133 persons. In children with this condition, even a morsel of gluten can trigger the release of antibodies which attack the intestines. A damaged intestine makes absorption of nutrients needed for growth difficult. Symptoms include gas, bloating, diarrhea and weight loss or weight gain, Celiac, if left untreated, can lead to anemia, neurological disorders and osteoporosis. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is more prevalent than celiac. Though NCGS is similar to celiac because of the involvement of an immune reaction to gluten, the reaction does not cause the body to produce damaging antibodies. A child with NCGS many have celiac-like symptoms without any intestinal damage, nutrient deficiencies or complications.

The only treatment available till date for these diseases is a gluten free diet. Registered nutritionists/dietitians comment that gluten free diets are extremely restrictive which makes it very difficult to follow. These diets also have a lasting impact on the psychology of the child during birthday parties, sleepovers, eating out and even snacks time at school. But reports prove that children who discontinue eating gluten can find normal growth patterns returning with their symptoms improving quickly.

Consult with your health-care specialist before deciding on going gluten free once you suspect that your kid might have celiac or NCGS. Only when your child is consuming a gluten containing diet, it is advised to test for either of these conditions. This is important because gluten is found in a wide range of foods and restricting your child to discontinue gluten unnecessarily can lead to a lack of nutrients like iron and B vitamins found in foods like cereals, bread and pasta. Once the test results are positive, seek the help of a registered dietitian nutritionist at www.firsteatright.com to work on the optimal diet for your child to ensure that all the nutrients needed for balanced growth are consumed.