As we already explained here there is various types of gluten-related disorders: celiac disease (the one we know the most about), and also non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy. Today we are going to deal only with celiac disease, and it is that as you well know, This disorder has a fairly high incidence; and is suffered more often than before.
The percentage of people who follow a gluten-free diet (on their own initiative or after diagnosis) is also higher.
As for celiac disease, it is a chronic condition that affects the small intestine by destroying the intestinal villi. This situation causes a nutrient deficiency through malabsorption, and in children, one of the most direct effects is insufficient weight gain.
It is therefore worrisome, especially until the first diagnosis, as families look for answers to slow growth and development.
Helpful Information About Gluten And Celiac Disease
Gluten It is a protein that contains the most common cereals with which bread, pasta and bakery products are made. This includes wheat, barley, rye, oats (to a lesser extent); and others such as spelled or millet. And it excludes rice and corn, with which products suitable for coeliacs are produced.
If you have a child with celiac disease nearby, you will know that the symptoms are variable, depending on some factors, but especially age. For example adolescents and older children may suffer from constipation or abdominal pain; and also other non-intestinal such as anemia, rash, short stature in pubertal stage, even osteoporosis.
And in younger children there will be insufficient growth, or chronic diarrhea and intestinal gas. It will begin to be noticed from the introduction of complementary feeding, if it includes gluten. It is very important to recognize and take into account that there are some little ones who are asymptomatic, and it is discovered by blood tests.
There are some diseases associated with the risk of suffering from celiac disease, and in these cases determination tests should be carried out, For example:
- Turner syndrome.
- Autoimmune thyroiditis.
- Diabetes type 1.
They are only 3 examples; and of course having siblings or parents with this disease is considered a predisposing factor.
And what about the causes of this disease?
They are unknown, although the disorder could be related to diseases such as Williams Syndrome or selective deficiency of IgA immunoglobulin, in addition to those mentioned above (among others); as is known, it can also appear unrelated to them.
Diagnosis requires blood tests to determine the level of antibodies, and most likely with positive results, a biopsy will also be prescribed. It is important to understand the importance of diagnosis, because a person with celiac disease who continues to take gluten will continue to suffer damage to their digestive system.
Caring for a child with celiac disease
From the moment it is diagnosed, it is necessary to adopt a strict gluten-free diet; and no cross contamination. It is advisable to follow the labeling recommendations, and be aware that gluten can also be found in non-food products such as cosmetics.
Next, we present a small list of processed foods that you should avoid:
- Prepared for doughs of all kinds, including crepes or cakes (unless it is explicitly mentioned that they are suitable for people with celiac disease).
- Breaded foods in the frozen section.
- Nuts, although there are also "gluten-free".
- Sauces (read labeling).
- Broths, creams, soups, purees (check the labels carefully).
- Processed cold cuts.
- "Wheat-free" products (may contain gluten from rye or barley).
Eating out
It is relatively simple when facility staff are ready to report ingredients, and especially when the menus offer specific "gluten-free" menus. There are large family fast food restaurant chains that offer this possibility, and more and more family businesses that incorporate diversity.
You can use basic dishes such as salads or combined (without batters), also homemade stews or rice. But we must always be aware of the possibility of cross contamination, and ask (for example) if the oil from frying the potatoes is the same as that of the battered croquettes.
It is so important to take care of the diet of a celiac child, as understand that a small error is not as decisive for health as we may think a priori: the inflammation will disappear in a matter of days.
Finally, mention that it is a challenge for a little one to make all the necessary adjustments, so we will also need the collaboration of family or friends.