If your child has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease or Non-Celiac Gluten sensitivity, they’ll need to follow a strict Gluten-free diet. Before you begin the diet make sure you talk to a doctor before cutting Gluten out of your child’s diet.
Gluten is a protein found in Wheat, Barley, Rye and therefore the derivatives of those grains, including Malt and Brewer’s Yeast.
A Gluten-free diet, means not being able to eat food or choose products containing these ingredients. Those who are Gluten-free can still enjoy a healthy diet filled with Fruits, Vegetables, Meats, Poultry, Fish, Beans, Legumes and most dairy products. Such ingredients are naturally Gluten-free, and safe for people who don’t have allergies to these respective food groups.
Kids with Celiac disease can only stay healthy by avoiding food or products with Gluten. There’s no medicine or shot you can take to make it go away.
By sticking to Gluten-free food, kids with Celiac disease will start to soak up the vitamins and minerals needed to grow. Kids who suffer from Celiac disease are stronger and more active after being on a diet.
Cooking for youngsters on Gluten-free diets requires special planning and care to make sure that they’re getting all the nutrients they have to grow and thrive. Replacing Gluten-filled food with Gluten-free food , of course, isn’t good for teenagers.
Research shows that children with Celiac disease are at higher risk for nutritional deficiencies. A variety of nutritious foods is vital to healthy growth and development.
Gluten-Free Foods & Alternatives
Luckily, there are lots of delicious foods that are naturally Gluten-free! Fresh Fruits and Vegetables are Gluten-free, and so are most Meats like Chicken and Fish. A lot of Ice Cream is Gluten-free, too!
There are also Gluten-free versions of your kid’s favorite foods, like Gluten-free Bread, Cereals, Pancakes, Chicken Nuggets and even Pizza Crust. Just make sure you look for a Gluten-free label on the packaging.
Moreover, a lot of Grain, Flour and Starch alternatives that naturally do not contain Gluten and thus are often consumed by children on a diet .
Children with disorder can get older normally and be happy and healthy. It takes pre-planning, either by verifying safe food will be available when they go to someone’s house, a school activity, a party or some other event or by preparing food that they can take. There are many samples of children who’ve never let the diet substitute their way from preschool through college.
When Your Gluten-Free Child Is Away From Home
This is probably one of the most traumatic issues the parents of Gluten-free kids have to deal with. A visit to the grandparents, sleep-overs, birthday parties, school lunchrooms, and sporting events are all potential places where your Gluten-free child may unintentionally be exposed to Gluten.
Inform the adults or caregivers that mingle with your child exactly what he or she cannot eat. Print safe and unsafe food lists and give this information to any and all people responsible for your child’s care.
Talk to these same people about the dietary restrictions of Gluten-free diets and take the time to answer any questions they have.
Stress the health risks associated with accidental exposure to Gluten.
Send healthy, Gluten-free school lunch, travel, and snack foods together with your child once they are getting to be far away from home.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
