What You Should Know About Getting Rid of Gluten

Ah, wheat! Credit: jayneandd

Just like “fat free” and “low carb” were (are?) buzzwords, there is a new one that has been added to the pile: gluten-free. Just about every item on the market that is gluten free shouts it from the rooftops. But should you go gluten free? Should your kids? Should you watch your gluten intake at all? Here today on behalf of Kellogg’s to get you up to speed on gluten is Tricia Thompson, MS, RD, a nutrition consultant, researcher and creator of Gluten-Free Dietitian and founder of Gluten Free Watchdog. Her resume and expertise on gluten is a mile long, so here she answers our burning gluten questions and busts some gluten myths!

Gluten Basics

1. What should parents look for to see if they or their kids have a gluten-related disorder, such as celiac disease?

Signs and symptoms of celiac disease in children include diarrhea, constipation, stomach bloating, failure to grow, delayed puberty, and dental enamel defects. If a parent suspects that their child has celiac disease or a problem with gluten they should ask their child’s pediatrician about testing. According to the Universityof Chicago Celiac Disease Center, blood testing for celiac disease in children under three may not always be accurate. Young children who have symptoms of celiac disease should be referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist.

Signs and symptoms in adults include stomach pain and/or bloating, diarrhea, constipation, unintentional weight loss, rash, unexplained anemia, and a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome without first ruling out celiac disease. If a parent believes that he/she has celiac disease, they should speak with their physician about testing.

2. Gluten is such a buzz-word right now. Should it be avoided even if you don’t have a gluten-related disorder?

No. A gluten-free diet is a medically prescribed diet. A child should not be put on a gluten-free diet unless there is a medical reason for doing so, such as celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and dermatitis herpetiformis.

Three Popular Gluten-Free Myths

With much uncertainty surrounding the gluten topic, Thompson’s myth-busting tips help moms feel assured that they’re making good choices for their kids.

• Myth One: You always have to pay more for gluten-free products. Gluten-free doesn’t have to mean more expensive or a trip to a specialty store. For example, a box of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Gluten Free cereal costs the same amount as Kellogg’s Rice Krispies and is sold alongside the original blue box.
• Myth Two: All gluten-free snacks for kids require extra attention from mom and dad. Not all snacks require a lot of time and preparation. With many favorite products now available in gluten-free varieties, it’s easy to whip up a quick gluten-free snack that the whole family will love.
• Myth Three: Food that’s labeled “gluten-free” is healthy. Not all gluten-free products qualify as healthy. When grocery shopping, look for gluten-free cereals, breads, and pastas that are made with gluten-free whole grains or have been fortified or enriched as they are good sources of iron and B vitamins, which may be lacking in gluten-free diets.

Thanks, Tricia, for giving us the low-down on gluten. Do you avoid gluten like the plague for a good reason? Do you find you feel better when you’re not eating gluten? Tell me all about it! —Erin