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Celiac Disease in Children: Staying Gluten-Free in the Cafeteria
Jun 07, 2012
Nov 15, 2022
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If your child has celiac disease or some other gluten intolerance, it may be easy enough to steer clear of foods containing gluten at home, but once the child gets to school, he or she faces tempting treats such as cookies, pizza, sandwiches, crackers and rolls.
Celiac disease is a digestive disease that affects the small intestine and makes it difficult to absorb nutrients from food. If your child has celiac disease, he or she may feel sick after eating foods that contain gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley. Young children are likely to show digestive symptoms, such as abdominal bloating and pain, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and weight loss. They may also become irritable. If the disease is not properly managed, the failure to absorb nutrients can affect their growth and development, as well as the onset of puberty and dental health.
That's why it's important to help your child learn what foods he or she can eat, even when you're not around to help. Sometimes these foods are obvious, but often it's difficult to know which processed or prepared foods contain glutens unless you can read the labels. That's why sticking to "whole foods," such as fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins, can be a good starting point for anyone with celiac disease.
Here are some additional tips to help your child maintain a diet free of allergens.