Learning To Live With Gluten Allergy in Kids

Gluten Allergy Basics

There are different opinions about what is true gluten allergy in kids; this aspect is constantly being debated without any final conclusion. One school of thought is that gluten allergy in kids is only an allergy wherein one can trace the classic immunoglobulin E antibody. On the other hand, medical professionals are of the opinion that gluten allergy condition is similar to Celiac Disease or Celiac Sprue. Such semantics are of no consequence as far as the end results are concerned. The end result is that the child exhibits mild, moderate, and serious food allergy symptoms due to gluten protein.

In order to absorb the vitamins and nutrients which are necessary for maintaining a healthy human body the intestines must function properly. Allergic reactions in kids due to gluten protein cause irritations in the small intestine and this when left unattended could destroy the internal lining. Damaged internal lining of the intestines of the child loses its ability to process the foods effectively and this prevents absorption of vital food elements. This results in poor health, gastrointestinal problems, and malnutrition.

These symptoms or reactions lead to proper evaluation and diagnosis of gluten allergy in kids; these are often the exact symptoms.  The normal growth of the children is affected and children lose weight and suffer from ill health. In addition to this the following other symptoms emerge.

	Diarrhea
	Frequent fatigue
	Weakness
	Gassiness
	Cramps
	Abdominal pain
	Appetite loss
	Bloating of the abdomen

Over a period of time this will affect other parts of the bodies such as bones, organs, blood and reproductive and nervous systems. Of late there is a belief that gluten allergy in kids is also responsible for headaches, mood disorders, and depression.

The Key to Living with Celiac Disease or Gluten Allergy

Once the diagnosis is completed it is essential to take help from a qualified dietician; this will help in managing the gluten allergy in kids, better living and eating a healthy diet.  The dietician or nutritionist is an expert in the field of nutrition and he/she can replace the foods which contain gluten protein from the diet of kids with gluten allergies with healthy foods thereby avoiding any allergic reaction or damage to the digestive track.

The protein gluten is found in the grains and grain flours of wheat, barley, oats, and rye; these grains are consumed in large quantities throughout the world. Hence it may not be practicable to remove gluten from the diet. Further, removal of such items from the child’s diet cannot be done without seriously affecting the child's good nutrition. The parents of kids with gluten allergy should take the assistance of a nutritionist or dietician for a proper diet plan.

	Identify foods that contain gluten
	Identify food products that contain gluten, even those that are unexpected
	Identify foods that are safe for kids with gluten allergies
	Learn what kids with gluten allergies need to be cautious of in regards to malnutrition and vitamin, mineral, and essential food element loss
	Learn about cross-contamination
	Learn how and where to buy safe foods that are free of gluten and gluten cross-contamination
	Learn where to go for information and support
	Learn how to read food labels
	Learn how to eat in public, and how to order gluten-free foods in a restaurant
	Give parents gluten-free recipes
	Be an informational resource for kids and parents dealing with gluten allergy

The task of a nutritionist or dietician assisting the family to manage a gluten allergy is quite tough and complicated but not impossible; however it is only a question of time and all the connected personnel such as the child, parents and household members will get adjusted to the gluten allergy reactions and its management. The child with gluten allergy will be comfortable either in school or home or in public places.