A Glimpse at Gluten Intolerance

More and more companies are creating foods without gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. This is good news for children with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder in which damage occurs to the villi, or small hair-like extensions, that line the small intestine and help the body absorb nutrients from food. When nutrients are not properly absorbed, children with celiac disease often fail to grow at the same rate as other children. A child with gluten intolerance may have symptoms similar to those associated with celiac disease, but the damage to the small intestine does not occur.

Symptoms of gluten intolerance often include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Anemia
• Back pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Dry skin
• Foul-smelling stools
• Gas
• Increased appetite
• Mouth sores or cracks in the corners of the mouth
• Muscle cramping

"A lot of people use the terms 'celiac disease' and 'gluten intolerance' interchangeably, but that's not exactly accurate," said Robert Kramer, MD, associate professor of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at Children's Hospital Colorado. "Gluten intolerance can include a wheat-specific allergy, as well as variant forms of functional irritable bowel syndrome triggered by gluten."

When in doubt, leave It out

The only cure for gluten intolerance is to completely eliminate gluten from the diet. Although it can be a difficult transition to make, most people notice a significant difference in the way they feel within just a few days of going gluten-free.

"Because gluten is often used as a thickening agent, it can be present in many foods you might not expect, such as sauces, salad dressings, processed lunch meats, seasonings, vitamins and even lip balm," Dr. Kramer said. "Despite the prevalence of gluten, adopting a gluten-free diet does not mean never again enjoying the foods you love. It just means having to put in a little more effort. Breads, pastas and other foods that typically contain gluten can all be found in gluten-free varieties."

To learn more about gluten intolerance and celiac disease, visit www.childrenscolorado.org and search "gluten."

Gluten-free on the go 

Need a quick solution for your child's lunch when PB&J is not an option? Try these delicious gluten-free lunch or snack options:

• Celery with gluten-free cinnamon peanut butter
• Gluten-free pretzels with grain mustard dip
• Hummus with sliced vegetables
• Lettuce wrap sandwiches
• Taco salads or nachos
• Fruit with yogurt dip 

Children on a gluten-free diet don't have to miss out on their favorite foods. Attending a birthday or pizza party? Bake gluten-free cupcakes and mini pizzas ahead of time, freeze them and grab one on the way out the door.