Caring For Kids In A Gluten-Free Environment

Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for healthy living. The damage is caused by a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, possibly oats, and hidden in foods that you wouldn’t have even guessed. While the disease can begin at any age, it usually appears during early childhood. In the midst of kids being picky eaters, restricting their diet further can make meal planning more difficult. Below are a few tips to help care for a child with celiac disease.

      1.      Monitor junk food. There are now gluten-free Oreos, s’mores, cake mixes, and donuts. Just because these foods do not have wheat in them, that doesn’t mean they are healthy choices. They are compatible for a gluten free diet and give opportunity to have a treat.

      2.      Monitor iron intake. Kids on gluten-free diets are at elevated risk for iron deficiency because a great source of iron is usually found in wheat flour. Newly diagnosed people suffer from iron deficiency because of intestinal damage. Red meat, dark meat poultry, beans, baked potatoes, and shrimp are good iron-enriched foods to try.

      3.      Stock the pantry with gluten-free essentials. A quick lunch or easy dinner can always be prepared by keeping gluten-free pasta, soy sauces, and a bag of chickpea flour for breading chicken or fish in the cabinets.

      4.      Plan for playdates and birthday parties. Kids with celiac disease can’t enjoy a standard slice of pizza or piece of cake. Before outings, contact the host and ask what kinds of food will be served. If possible, volunteer to bring a dish so that there will be something gluten-free on the menu.

      5.      Make sure the school has a 504 plan. 504 plans are written agreements between families and the school to ensure that appropriate accommodations are made to suit the student’s nutritional needs. Sample plans are available online.

Excerpt from: US News