Celiac Disease & Gluten Free Foods for Toddler

Celiac disease is a condition that often goes undiagnosed, especially in toddlers. It can be a serious condition if left untreated because of the damage it can do to the intestinal tract. When treated, improvement is often seen in as little as a few days. If you think your toddler has celiac disease, it is important to see your pediatrician for a proper diagnosis.

Gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley.

Definition

Celiac disease is a condition that produces a food sensitivity to gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley, which is in most breads, pastas and cookies. When your toddler is diagnosed with celiac disease and eats gluten, it causes an immune reaction in the small intestine that damages the surface of it. This prevents the body from absorbing certain nutrients and digesting food normally.

Symptoms

Look for these symptoms in your toddler. He will have loose stools consistently that smell badly. You will have difficulty getting your toddler to eat. She will seem clingy and generally unhappy. Most toddlers who have celiac disease are usually diagnosed as having failure to thrive. In other words, she will not be growing appropriately. She will also likely complain of a consistent stomachache. Other symptoms include vomiting, tiredness and irritability.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of celiac disease is usually difficult in toddlers. The symptoms are general, and the condition is usually diagnosed as other medical conditions. If you or your doctor suspects celiac disease, typically a blood test is performed. Accuracy in detecting celiac disease with these tests has gotten much better in recent years. One other method used to confirm diagnose is to use an endoscope to examine intestinal tissue and check for damage.

Treatment

Celiac disease is incurable, but you can effectively manage your toddler's disease through diet. He will need to eat a gluten-free diet. This will need to be a lifelong change. Your toddler cannot just avoid gluten until her symptoms improve. Gluten is not an essential nutrient for your toddler's health. As a matter of fact, it is mostly found in processed foods. It is a good idea to meet with a dietitian to help educate you about hidden sources of gluten. Your toddler will also probably need extra vitamins initially. He may need extra medical therapy to get growth back on track if symptoms were severe.

Diet

Gluten-free foods are becoming easier to find in regular grocery stores today. Gluten-free foods include fruit, vegetables, meats without breading and cheeses. Milk, eggs, rice and fish are also gluten-free. Many items that usually contain gluten now have gluten-free varieties. Look for foods made with corn, rice or soy flour. They are usually labeled gluten-free. You can find gluten-free pasta and bread. You can find gluten-free chicken nuggets and fish sticks.