Guest guest Posted July 5, 2005 Report Share Posted July 5, 2005 http://www.glutenfreedom.net/glutenfree.aspx This site explains alot. With the info on that webpage, my daughter's dx of celiac, my own wheat intolerance/allergy, and Dr. Fine's research that says siblings of celiacs have as much as 80% chance of having celiac, I just don't see any reason to give gluten to my other children, except for the money...and health isn't worth worrying about that. So, I will keep my other daughter and any other children gluten- free. When they grow up, they can decide for themselves what they believe is in their best interest. That's my 2cents. -Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2005 Report Share Posted July 5, 2005 I must disagree very strongly with keeping a child gluten-free without a medical reason to do so. Once children are in school, a gluten-free diet is a HUGE challenge to the child, and they face tremendous pressure and stress because of their " differences. " Children who have a compelling medical reason, such as celiac disease, to be on a special diet must adjust to this burden, they have no choice. But I would never put a child through what my son has faced unless I absolutely had to to protect his health. I'm also puzzled by the estimate that " siblings of celiacs have as much as 80% chance of having celiac " - on the Celiac Disease Foundation site, they say " CD occurs in 5-15% of the offspring and siblings of a celiac. " which suggests a rather different level of risk. Maureen > http://www.glutenfreedom.net/glutenfree.aspx > > This site explains alot. With the info on that webpage, my daughter's > dx of celiac, my own wheat intolerance/allergy, and Dr. Fine's > research that says siblings of celiacs have as much as 80% chance of > having celiac, I just don't see any reason to give gluten to my other > children, except for the money...and health isn't worth worrying about > that. So, I will keep my other daughter and any other children gluten- > free. When they grow up, they can decide for themselves what they > believe is in their best interest. > > That's my 2cents. > > -Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2005 Report Share Posted July 5, 2005 Maureen, I completely agree with you and would never wish a gluten free diet on any child that does not have Celiac disease. I chose to go GF when my children were recently diagnosed because I would do anything to make life easier for them. It is bad enough that they are the only two Celiacs in their school that we know of; they don't need to see mom and dad eating all the foods they can't. If I had other children in the house and they did not have Celiac, I would not put them through what my twins have had to go through, and for us it has only been six months. I pray for a cure someday so that they will feel included again in all social situations. Isabel in CAmarcianar wrote: I must disagree very strongly with keeping a child gluten-free withouta medical reason to do so. Once children are in school, a gluten-freediet is a HUGE challenge to the child, and they face tremendouspressure and stress because of their "differences." Children who have a compelling medical reason, such as celiac disease,to be on a special diet must adjust to this burden, they have nochoice. But I would never put a child through what my son has facedunless I absolutely had to to protect his health.I'm also puzzled by the estimate that "siblings of celiacs have asmuch as 80% chance of having celiac" - on the Celiac DiseaseFoundation site, they say "CD occurs in 5-15% of the offspring andsiblings of a celiac." which suggests a rather different level of risk.Maureen> http://www.glutenfreedom.net/glutenfree.aspx> > This site explains alot. With the info on that webpage, my daughter's > dx of celiac, my own wheat intolerance/allergy, and Dr. Fine's > research that says siblings of celiacs have as much as 80% chance of > having celiac, I just don't see any reason to give gluten to my other > children, except for the money...and health isn't worth worrying about > that. So, I will keep my other daughter and any other children gluten-> free. When they grow up, they can decide for themselves what they > believe is in their best interest.> > That's my 2cents.> > -Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2005 Report Share Posted July 5, 2005 80% is for identical twins, once the first is diagnosed. On the other hand, keeping an at risk child gf until they go to school increases their chance to maximize brain and body development until after the critical age of 5 (up until 2 is brain development, til 5 personality and language skills as well as building blocks for learning). How many people follow healthier dietary recommendations (such as avoiding red meat, taking supplements or drinking more tea) to reduce remote chances of a disease later in life (some of which have lifetime risks of well under 1:1000). Yet consider doing the same for a child with a 10-15% risk of celiac to be too much of a burden? Not to mention the increased risk of Type I diabetes (which will be easier to deal with in an older child). And in a home, keeping those with celiac gf in a mixed environment is difficult (if not impossible to do completely) and mistakes will constantly recur (or the food preparer will have a nervous breakdown or heart attack from stress of trying to keep a gluten free clean area around the one with celiac). And in a gf household, maintaining such a diet isn't a burden (unlike when trying to maintain a mixed one) ... it is the norm. Once school begins .. then other considerations come into play (less so for those in schools that don't supply food or who are now starting to ban all cakes/cookies/parties in classrooms). And maintaining their diet may medical documentation -- and al you would have is a high likelihood. Of course, for those that are not afraid their genes will be used against them for insurance coverage, a DNA test can be used to further determine a child's risk factors. Right now results cannot be used against you (and if they ever decide the can be, testing will probably be mandatory for coverage, anyway). > -----Original Message----- > > I must disagree very strongly with keeping a child gluten-free without > a medical reason to do so. Once children are in school, a gluten-free > diet is a HUGE challenge to the child, and they face tremendous > pressure and stress because of their " differences. " > > Children who have a compelling medical reason, such as celiac disease, > to be on a special diet must adjust to this burden, they have no > choice. But I would never put a child through what my son has faced > unless I absolutely had to to protect his health. > > I'm also puzzled by the estimate that " siblings of celiacs have as > much as 80% chance of having celiac " - on the Celiac Disease > Foundation site, they say " CD occurs in 5-15% of the offspring and > siblings of a celiac. " which suggests a rather different level of risk. --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2005 Report Share Posted July 5, 2005 Get real! You think keeping a child 100% gluten-free, 100% of the time, is at all comparable to avoiding red meat?! I've never found red meat hidden in sauces, or dairy products, or candy bars, or any of the thousands of things that people offer small children - but gluten shows up there frequently. A 10% risk means there is a 90% chance those children probably WON'T develop CD, why should they have to deal with a gluten-free diet? I would test early, and regularly if there is a family risk factor, but if CD doesn't show up, then no GF diet needed. And there is also a VERY BIG difference between maintaining a gluten-free kitchen for the safety of family celiacs, and maintaining a gluten-free diet. We are gluten-free at home, but my non-celiac DH eats gluten outside the home; why should he stay GF as he isn't celiac? If we had a non-celiac child, I would do the same with that child. Maureen > How many people follow healthier dietary recommendations (such as avoiding > red meat, taking supplements or drinking more tea) to reduce remote chances > of a disease later in life (some of which have lifetime risks of well under > 1:1000). Yet consider doing the same for a child with a 10-15% risk of > celiac to be too much of a burden? Not to mention the increased risk of Type > I diabetes (which will be easier to deal with in an older child). > > And in a home, keeping those with celiac gf in a mixed environment is > difficult (if not impossible to do completely) and mistakes will constantly > recur (or the food preparer will have a nervous breakdown or heart attack > from stress of trying to keep a gluten free clean area around the one with > celiac). And in a gf household, maintaining such a diet isn't a burden > (unlike when trying to maintain a mixed one) ... it is the norm. > > Once school begins .. then other considerations come into play (less so for > those in schools that don't supply food or who are now starting to ban all > cakes/cookies/parties in classrooms). And maintaining their diet may medical > documentation -- and al you would have is a high likelihood. > > Of course, for those that are not afraid their genes will be used against > them for insurance coverage, a DNA test can be used to further determine a > child's risk factors. Right now results cannot be used against you (and if > they ever decide the can be, testing will probably be mandatory for > coverage, anyway). > > > -----Original Message----- > > > > I must disagree very strongly with keeping a child gluten-free without > > a medical reason to do so. Once children are in school, a gluten-free > > diet is a HUGE challenge to the child, and they face tremendous > > pressure and stress because of their " differences. " > > > > Children who have a compelling medical reason, such as celiac disease, > > to be on a special diet must adjust to this burden, they have no > > choice. But I would never put a child through what my son has faced > > unless I absolutely had to to protect his health. > > > > I'm also puzzled by the estimate that " siblings of celiacs have as > > much as 80% chance of having celiac " - on the Celiac Disease > > Foundation site, they say " CD occurs in 5-15% of the offspring and > > siblings of a celiac. " which suggests a rather different level of risk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2005 Report Share Posted July 5, 2005 I do worry about my younger son developing cd, but this discussion made me realize that I'm not as mixed as I thought (concerning cooking and preparation). I don't have any wheat flour in the house......only wheat pasta for dh's casseroles that he likes or spaghetti. But all the "mainstream" foods we buy are gf, except for dh's snacks which I allow for my youngest. I pray he doesn't get cd, but with me and his brother being on the diet, he'll at least be prepared if he does, and still be allowed to eat "normally." Loriann aka Flitter the Christian clown and Celiac DiseaseWife to Dewight, USNavy RetiredMom to , 15, Down Syndrome, PDD-NOS and Celiac Diseaseand , 6 and ADHD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 My older son (6) and my husband both have CD. When we found out that my husband had two copies of the DQ8 gene, and that all 3 kids necessarily had one DQ8 gene, we decided to keep everyone GF. Otherwise, our pediatric gastro suggested testing every year. You might want to do the genetic cheek swab test (we used Enterolab) before putting a child on a GF diet to see whether you can get a better idea of that particular child's risk for developing CD. For our kids without symptoms, we will let them decide later when it is the right time for a gluten challenge. Phoebe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 We have one Gluten Free child (who was clinically diagnosed with Celiac Disease via the blood testing - panel of 5, and via endoscopy, and was a clear cut " classic case " of Celiac at the age of 19 months) and we have one non Gluten Free Child (who has been tested several times via blood testing for Celiac Disease, although shows absolutely no signs or symptoms of it). I agree with Maureen 100%. I have also been told by an adult gastroenterologist that a gluten free diet is not healthy for a child unless there is a medical reason to do so. Similarly, (and this is not to pick on anyone who is diabetic), but if we had one family member who was diabetic, I would not impose a diabetic diet on everyone in the family unless there is reason to do so. There are many meals that we all eat that are naturally gluten-free, but the family members who can have gluten, do have gluten That is just my .02 cents of an opinion. People are all different in many ways, and a different diet is just one of many things that makes each person unique. If everyone were the same... wow... that would be boring. Melonie > > http://www.glutenfreedom.net/glutenfree.aspx > > > > This site explains alot. With the info on that webpage, my daughter's > > dx of celiac, my own wheat intolerance/allergy, and Dr. Fine's > > research that says siblings of celiacs have as much as 80% chance of > > having celiac, I just don't see any reason to give gluten to my other > > children, except for the money...and health isn't worth worrying about > > that. So, I will keep my other daughter and any other children gluten- > > free. When they grow up, they can decide for themselves what they > > believe is in their best interest. > > > > That's my 2cents. > > > > -Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 All three of my children have Celiac disease as do both my husband and myself. My oldest daughter was the first to be dx over 2 years ago and then everyone else soon followed. While being Celiac, especially in a school setting, can be difficult, I would hesitate to say it has caused too much stress for my children or made them feel different. We are lucky in that we have the full cooperation of their schools to make it very easy on my kids. If food is being served, an alternative is always offered to my kids. I am given enough notice to get them the same thing (ie: Pizza). There are no other Celiacs at their schools that we are aware of but there are many children allergic to peanuts and a few diabetics. My children know how much better they are feeling and we have never had an issue with them cheating on the diet as they know the resulting symptoms just aren't worth it. My kids are 9, 12 and 13 and they all control their own diet. They have explained the diet to their friends and their friends look out for them. I can see a mother wanting to keep all of her kids GF if their tests were negative but they have Celiac symptoms. I have found that with this diet, it is only as big a deal to the kids as my husband and I make it out to be. We take a very low key, this is our way of eating, attitude toward it. My children would tell you that they don't feel different. Cari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 > You think keeping a child 100% gluten-free, 100% of the time, is at > all comparable to avoiding red meat?! > > I've never found red meat hidden in sauces, or dairy products, or > candy bars, or any of the thousands of things that people offer small > children I'm not trying to get anyone angry, but I'm allergic to beef and you'd be stunned at where beef will turn up. McDs fries is a simple example. Sauces...ALL the time. Others are canning facilities, animal fats burn at higher temperatures so that can of green beans? Certain brands of chicken...strange, but beef fat gives chicken a nice flavor. Hostess cakes...mmm...NO WAY. The thing with beef fat is that it often falls into that loophole category. It's not an " ingredient " so... As for keeping gf, in my house we are totally. My husband, who wasn't tested, maintains a gf diet everywhere. When we have company, they eat what we eat, no gluten containing foods here. I'm not rabid about it, it's just the way it is. My mother stays with me half the year and she hasn't complained at all (oh, except when Quaker changed their tune about their rice cakes, hehe.) I don't understand why people get bent out of shape about a gf diet but not about other diets. Honestly, maintaining good health without consuming any animal proteins is far more complicated than not eating gluten products. My kids don't feel deprived and they would tell me, believe me! And, maybe it's not such a bad thing that young children without any idea learn not to eat all the junk passed out daily to them as " treats " . So they're missing processed cookies, candy, etc. They'll be healthier for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 Cari - You articulated my feelings exactly. I've been thinking alot about this thread and couldn't quite put together a response. From my perspective, being GF and the decision to have your child be GF is a choice like any other. Way back when, people looked at vegetarians as oddities. Vegetarian parents who kept their kids vegetarian were whispered about and warned that their kids would always be the odd-balls. How would they survive without meat??? Vegetarians struggled to find things they could eat out, much like we GF folks do now. Meat WAS in every meal and there wasn't such a thing as a vegetarian entre. It's very much a cultural issue, but times can change. Sue in Denver > All three of my children have Celiac disease as do both my husband and > myself. My oldest daughter was the first to be dx over 2 years ago and then > everyone else soon followed. > > While being Celiac, especially in a school setting, can be difficult, I > would hesitate to say it has caused too much stress for my children or made > them feel different. We are lucky in that we have the full cooperation of > their schools to make it very easy on my kids. If food is being served, an > alternative is always offered to my kids. I am given enough notice to get > them the same thing (ie: Pizza). There are no other Celiacs at their > schools that we are aware of but there are many children allergic to peanuts > and a few diabetics. My children know how much better they are feeling and > we have never had an issue with them cheating on the diet as they know the > resulting symptoms just aren't worth it. My kids are 9, 12 and 13 and they > all control their own diet. They have explained the diet to their friends > and their friends look out for them. > > I can see a mother wanting to keep all of her kids GF if their tests were > negative but they have Celiac symptoms. I have found that with this diet, > it is only as big a deal to the kids as my husband and I make it out to be. > We take a very low key, this is our way of eating, attitude toward it. My > children would tell you that they don't feel different. > Cari Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 Maureen (and others), Most of your disagreement on keeping a child GF unnecessarily is based on the outside world. My children will be " different " no matter what so that isn't a concern for me. We homeschool, don't vax, practice earth-based spirituality, don't do Santa, Easter Bunny, etc, don't eat artificial colors, white sugar, red meat, pork, and a few hundred other things different from mainstream. We don't base our decisions on what is easy. You also act like gluten- free is a punishment, or atleast that it isnt a desirable lifestyle. We absolutely don't feel that way in our family. My daughter being dx with celiac has been the best thing for our family. It has opened our eyes to all the other wrongs we do to our bodies and my family is 100 times healthier because of it. We have 100% support from our friends and family. My children may eat differently but they never feel like the odd-man out. They don't understand why everyone else doesn't do everything like we do because they know they are the healthiest kids we know. They have not been to the Dr in over 2.5 yrs and have each only had one cold in that time. We make our choices based on what we think is the best thing for our children and our family, as do you. I don't think you need to get so bent out of shape about our choices. My children will not suffer physical or emotional trauma because of these decisions and so I don't think you need to be concerned about it. I just wanted to offer up my opinion to the person who asked. I know my way of doing things isn't the most popular but we do it because it is what we believe is right. Keep your family safe. Peace, Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 First, I respect each parent's choice to make his or her own decision about how to raise their family. Personally, I agree with a lot of what said. Knowing that: - I never had typical gluten symptoms and probably was never a true celiac (didn't get biopsied, so can't say for sure), yet that my health was destroyed by gluten, and now my health is restored by GF. - Both my brothers are gluten intolerant, so is my aunt, and I suspect a few other family members are - My home will always be GF .....I would definitely keep children GF until at least school age, unless I had a gene test showing that it was extremely unlikely that they were at risk. I COMPLETELY appreciate the fact that it is hard enough to keep oneself gluten free, and must be a million times harder to worry about keeping a small child GF, but I personally would find it important to safeguard my child's health. And I don't believe current blood tests are capturing everyone who should be avoiding gluten. Nor do I believe that just because someone doesn't have symptoms that they should keep ingesting gluten. And we do know that those related to us are at a higher risk. To each his or her own. But I only speak up because I find many are influenced by the views of others, and I don't want it to be the prevaling "norm" that this issue should be taken lightly. I just hate to see people suffer or destroy their health when it's completely preventable and avoidable. Respectfully, ~ Ciara ~<<On the other hand, keeping an at risk child gf until they go to schoolincreases their chance to maximize brain and body development until after the critical age of 5 (up until 2 is brain development, til 5 personality and language skills as well as building blocks for learning)......And in a home, keeping those with celiac gf in a mixed environment isdifficult (if not impossible to do completely) and mistakes will constantly recur (or the food preparer will have a nervous breakdown or heart attack from stress of trying to keep a gluten free clean area around the one with celiac). And in a gf household, maintaining such a diet isn't a burden(unlike when trying to maintain a mixed one) ... it is the norm.Once school begins .. then other considerations come into play (less so for those in schools that don't supply food or who are now starting to ban all cakes/cookies/parties in classrooms). And maintaining their diet may medical documentation -- and al you would have is a high likelihood.Of course, for those that are not afraid their genes will be used against them for insurance coverage, a DNA test can be used to further determine a child's risk factors. Right now results cannot be used against you (and if they ever decide the can be, testing will probably be mandatory forcoverage, anyway).>>__________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 Sue, You put it better then I did! Thanks, Cari > >Reply-To: SillyYaks >To: SillyYaks >Subject: Re: kids and CD >Date: Wed, 06 Jul 2005 14:05:33 -0000 > >Cari - You articulated my feelings exactly. I've been thinking alot >about this thread and couldn't quite put together a response. From >my perspective, being GF and the decision to have your child be GF >is a choice like any other. Way back when, people looked at >vegetarians as oddities. Vegetarian parents who kept their kids >vegetarian were whispered about and warned that their kids would >always be the odd-balls. How would they survive without meat??? >Vegetarians struggled to find things they could eat out, much like >we GF folks do now. Meat WAS in every meal and there wasn't such a >thing as a vegetarian entre. > >It's very much a cultural issue, but times can change. > >Sue in Denver > > > > > All three of my children have Celiac disease as do both my husband >and > > myself. My oldest daughter was the first to be dx over 2 years >ago and then > > everyone else soon followed. > > > > While being Celiac, especially in a school setting, can be >difficult, I > > would hesitate to say it has caused too much stress for my >children or made > > them feel different. We are lucky in that we have the full >cooperation of > > their schools to make it very easy on my kids. If food is being >served, an > > alternative is always offered to my kids. I am given enough >notice to get > > them the same thing (ie: Pizza). There are no other Celiacs at >their > > schools that we are aware of but there are many children allergic >to peanuts > > and a few diabetics. My children know how much better they are >feeling and > > we have never had an issue with them cheating on the diet as they >know the > > resulting symptoms just aren't worth it. My kids are 9, 12 and 13 >and they > > all control their own diet. They have explained the diet to >their friends > > and their friends look out for them. > > > > I can see a mother wanting to keep all of her kids GF if their >tests were > > negative but they have Celiac symptoms. I have found that with >this diet, > > it is only as big a deal to the kids as my husband and I make it >out to be. > > We take a very low key, this is our way of eating, attitude toward >it. My > > children would tell you that they don't feel different. > > Cari > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 The problem is that for our kids being GF is not a choice, like being vegetarian, it's a medical necessity. And if they don't have the "official" diagnosis when they start school, then the school does not have to accomodate them like they do with an official diagnosis. And it goes deeper than lunches. It means no playdough in areas they play/eat in, it means no cooking with flour (so no baking cookies, etc...) it means very little cafeteria food items, etc... And you can't get an official diagnosis if they've been GF their whole life without first being tested. My son is 3 1/2, and was diagnosed almost exactly a year ago. Knowing what I know now, when we do have a second child I will try and make sure he/she has gluten in their diet until we can test them reliably. Unless, of course, by some miracle we have a cure soon!!! ;-) From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of Cari DorseySent: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 10:31 AMTo: SillyYaks Subject: RE: Re: kids and CD Sue,You put it better then I did!Thanks,Cari>>Reply-To: SillyYaks >To: SillyYaks >Subject: Re: kids and CD>Date: Wed, 06 Jul 2005 14:05:33 -0000>>Cari - You articulated my feelings exactly. I've been thinking alot>about this thread and couldn't quite put together a response. From>my perspective, being GF and the decision to have your child be GF>is a choice like any other. Way back when, people looked at>vegetarians as oddities. Vegetarian parents who kept their kids>vegetarian were whispered about and warned that their kids would>always be the odd-balls. How would they survive without meat???>Vegetarians struggled to find things they could eat out, much like>we GF folks do now. Meat WAS in every meal and there wasn't such a>thing as a vegetarian entre.>>It's very much a cultural issue, but times can change.>>Sue in Denver>>>> > All three of my children have Celiac disease as do both my husband>and> > myself. My oldest daughter was the first to be dx over 2 years>ago and then> > everyone else soon followed.> >> > While being Celiac, especially in a school setting, can be>difficult, I> > would hesitate to say it has caused too much stress for my>children or made> > them feel different. We are lucky in that we have the full>cooperation of> > their schools to make it very easy on my kids. If food is being>served, an> > alternative is always offered to my kids. I am given enough>notice to get> > them the same thing (ie: Pizza). There are no other Celiacs at>their> > schools that we are aware of but there are many children allergic>to peanuts> > and a few diabetics. My children know how much better they are>feeling and> > we have never had an issue with them cheating on the diet as they>know the> > resulting symptoms just aren't worth it. My kids are 9, 12 and 13>and they> > all control their own diet. They have explained the diet to>their friends> > and their friends look out for them.> >> > I can see a mother wanting to keep all of her kids GF if their>tests were> > negative but they have Celiac symptoms. I have found that with>this diet,> > it is only as big a deal to the kids as my husband and I make it>out to be.> > We take a very low key, this is our way of eating, attitude toward>it. My> > children would tell you that they don't feel different.> > Cari>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 Very well put Nina. We also find being Celiac a blessing as my children are now so healthy. My husband and myself have such a positive attitude about being Celiac that our children have adapted this attitude. They comment often on how this friend or that could probably benefit from a GF diet. A child at school who can't concentrate, suffers from asthma, etc.... They don't find the diet to be any big deal and can't understand why anyone would hesititate to go GF. We all try to make the best decisions we can for our families and need to be respectful of that. I have one daughter who loves meat and another who won't touch it and loves vegetables. We are respectful of both their wishes, although as their parents, it is our job to make sure that they get all their vitamins and nutrients in them. Thanks for putting it so well. Cari > >Reply-To: SillyYaks >To: SillyYaks >Subject: Re: kids and CD >Date: Wed, 06 Jul 2005 14:22:56 -0000 > >Maureen (and others), > > Most of your disagreement on keeping a child GF unnecessarily is >based on the outside world. My children will be " different " no >matter what so that isn't a concern for me. We homeschool, don't >vax, practice earth-based spirituality, don't do Santa, Easter >Bunny, etc, don't eat artificial colors, white sugar, red meat, >pork, and a few hundred other things different from mainstream. We >don't base our decisions on what is easy. You also act like gluten- >free is a punishment, or atleast that it isnt a desirable lifestyle. >We absolutely don't feel that way in our family. My daughter being >dx with celiac has been the best thing for our family. It has opened >our eyes to all the other wrongs we do to our bodies and my family >is 100 times healthier because of it. We have 100% support from our >friends and family. My children may eat differently but they never >feel like the odd-man out. They don't understand why everyone else >doesn't do everything like we do because they know they are the >healthiest kids we know. They have not been to the Dr in over 2.5 >yrs and have each only had one cold in that time. > > We make our choices based on what we think is the best thing for >our children and our family, as do you. I don't think you need to >get so bent out of shape about our choices. My children will not >suffer physical or emotional trauma because of these decisions and >so I don't think you need to be concerned about it. I just wanted to >offer up my opinion to the person who asked. I know my way of doing >things isn't the most popular but we do it because it is what we >believe is right. > >Keep your family safe. >Peace, > Nina > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 > I have also been told by an adult gastroenterologist that a > gluten free diet is not healthy for a child unless there is a > medical reason to do so. Complete bull. You aren't talking about giving a kid medicine - just not eating certain grains. Although using a T2D diet would not hurt any kid (as it involves making healthier food choices and not eating all sweets and refined grains) -- it's not really different from requiring them to eat balanced meals. This is the type of nonsense you get from docs who will also tell you they won't test for celiac as " you don't want to have to eat that way " or simply assume all their patients cheat on a gf diet. A gf diet is no healthier or less healthy than any other - it all depends on what you eat. And a quick scan of the population of your current mall will confirm that most gluten containing diets are not that healthy at all. Most on gf diets, however, tend to eat healthier foods (although you could try to subsist on cereals, boxed and frozen meals, fast food minus the bread, chips, candy and ice cream) and be more aware of nutrition and what they are eating. Yes, you could make all your bread and baked goods from starch - but that doesn't mean you have to do so. You could only eat white rice (like most gluten eaters) or could choose whole grains. And there are other grains out there, some much more nutritious than wheat (sure, they are more expensive, but beans, corn and potatoes are not). --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 I'm not here to defend that particular GI doc... I'm just stating what he said. A GF diet is NOT that hard to figure out.. it doesn't take a rocket scientist to do it, but you also can't just go out and replace all grains with some non-nutritious grain and think that you're keeping yourself healthy. It is truly about making healthy choices. > > > I have also been told by an adult gastroenterologist that a > > gluten free diet is not healthy for a child unless there is a > > medical reason to do so. > > Complete bull. > > You aren't talking about giving a kid medicine - just not eating certain > grains. Although using a T2D diet would not hurt any kid (as it involves > making healthier food choices and not eating all sweets and refined > grains) -- it's not really different from requiring them to eat balanced > meals. > > This is the type of nonsense you get from docs who will also tell you they > won't test for celiac as " you don't want to have to eat that way " or simply > assume all their patients cheat on a gf diet. > > A gf diet is no healthier or less healthy than any other - it all depends on > what you eat. And a quick scan of the population of your current mall will > confirm that most gluten containing diets are not that healthy at all. Most > on gf diets, however, tend to eat healthier foods (although you could try to > subsist on cereals, boxed and frozen meals, fast food minus the bread, > chips, candy and ice cream) and be more aware of nutrition and what they are > eating. > > Yes, you could make all your bread and baked goods from starch - but that > doesn't mean you have to do so. You could only eat white rice (like most > gluten eaters) or could choose whole grains. And there are other grains out > there, some much more nutritious than wheat (sure, they are more expensive, > but beans, corn and potatoes are not). > > --- > [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 How true -- and no one (at least out loud) is running around warning parents of non-Euro ethnicity that they must change their diets at home or risk their kids not getting enough wheat. The US diet is centered around wheat (although this has not always been true in many parts of the country, fast food and TV have changed that) and meat. Those who eat differently are regarded as odd and ignorance makes people believe their diets can't be nutritionally complete. Yet, some are much healthier choices than the ones the majority are now making (and that has nothing to do with wheat or other gluten grains). > -----Original Message----- > > It's very much a cultural issue, but times can change. --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 I don't have children yet, so I'm sure this will all change. I'm deathly allergic to soy--that's not likely to change. I'm contact reactive and while I've yet to have an anaphylactic reaction to contact, I do break out in hives and they get worse every time, meaning the risk is there. I don't see myself as being a bad mother if I keep my kids soy-free. If my health suffers, the care of my children will suffer. If I die, my kids would be raised without a mom. I've often wondered how I would keep my kids soy- free once they're of age to eat out with grandparents or on school trips-- they'd have to be completely bathed and their clothing would have to be changed. I've had reactions to a close friend's toddlers and she tries to keep them soy-free when I'm around. Our home is gluten-free and I would most certainly keep toddlers gluten-free, simply for my own safety. Again, toddlers are messy little critters and I've managed to get exposed simply because it's hard to remember to not brush hair away from my mouth after carrying the kids, etc. I'm vegetarian. My husband is not. I don't cook meat, he does. Since I hope to breastfeed as long as possible, my children probably won't eat meat for a year or more. My husband is hypoglycemic. ly, I think his diet is *ideal* for most humans. We eat small meals and whole grains and lots of veggies. Parents always make choices for children. Even a medically prescribed diet is a choice. Sure, the consequences aren't pleasant, but it is, nonetheless, a choice. As far as schools and accomodation, many vegetarians are ethical vegetarians. Moral imperative may be a choice, but it's just as important a choice as a health-based choice. Part of growing up is trying new things. Even if I keep my kids gluten-free and soy-free, they'll be able to try those things on their own as they get older. Teens, of course, are notoriously difficult to talk out of anything. I certainly don't expect that any children I have will remain gluten-free or soy-free, but I do expect that in *my* home, my safety will be a major point of respect and concern. ygg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 It sounds like this is getting into a discussion that some parents feel the whole family needs to be GF while others feel only the Celiac needs to be and those of us that fall somewhere in between. I have found there is no answer that fits everyone perfectly. I did do our family 100% GF but now have become mixed in our household and while it takes work it is not hard to do and we have not had cross contamination issues. I hope everyone can find the answers they are comfortable with! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 My kids are all gf, they are Enterolab diagnosed after being IgA negative (IgG positive) on the Celiac Panel of bloodtests and our insurance refusing to pay for Prometheus Labs more reliable tests. They do not have an " official " diagnosis of Celiac, although due to their total reversal of symptoms on the gf diet, and how sick they get when given gluten the Pedi. GI is very supportive of them staying on the diet. I have not had any problems at school. My kids do not eat the school cafeteria food. In fact they NEVER did before their diagnoses either. I don't think I would feel comfortable with the kids eating the school food, or if the school could keep them totally uncontaminated in the cafeteria anyhow, so we just changed a few items in their lunchboxes and they were good to go! As far as playdough, you can buy gf palydough or make some for your childs class. I did this for my daughter's kindergarten class this past year and it worked out great. They had a " cooking " project every Friday and I would bring gf replacements for items that my daughter couldn't have (like cookies, crackers, pratzels, etc.) and if their was something that would be questionable due to the brand purchased, then I signed up to bring that item (like candy, icing, etc). I made sure that when they had peanut butter they used a fresh jar and gave it to my daughter first, so no crumbs in the PB! I usually volunteered for the special cooking time and made sure I waqs in charge of cleaning up the tables afterwards, so no crumbs were left on their tables. My children all keep a snack box in their classroom and are able to eat from that when there is something served that they can't have,a nd since they picked whats in the box, they are happy to get to eat them. It takes clear communication between the parents and the teachers,aides, school nurse, and other school staff., but it is completely possible to get the school to work with you without an official doctors note in MOST schools. I do admit that some schools will give you trouble, but I feel they are few and far betwwen, certainly not the norm. I am also fortunate to be able to be a " stay at home mom " , although I rarely get to actually stay home! I stay busy volunteering at the schools, at church, and around town for various organizations. I don't know what it means to be bored, although I might like the opportunity to find. I probably wouldn't like it. lol Staying home makes it easier to be available to the schools when an issue comes up (like an unexpected B-day party and a gf cupcake is needed...) and volunteering in the classroom makes it easier to have open communications lines with the teachers. Of course you could still do this while working outside your home, but you would have to try much harder. I gave a copy of my children's Enterolab results to the schools for my children's files and a letter I wrote myself explaining the diet and contamination issues. I meet with each new teacher the week before schools starts (while they are setting up their classrooms and no children are present) and this allows us to meet and go over any issues that might come up. I give a copy of the letter in their files to the teacher and also a list of gluten containing foods and ingredients that are not safe. I check with the teachers often and restock their snack boxes. I guess the point I am trying to make here, is whether or not your child is officially diagnosed, if as a parent you feel the best thing for your child is the gf diet, then certainly do what you feel is best for your child. And don't be afraid of what the schools might say or do. If they can't provide a hot lunch in the cafeteria that is safe, then pack a lunch. If they use playdough, offer to make some gf or buy it. If they do cooking projects and make cookies, have them do a gf cookie recipe. Use it as an educational tool to introduce the other children to something new. Our lives are what we make them, and if you think that being gf is a horrible life sentence, then it will be. I am one of those that sees being gf as both a blessing (we are finally on the road to health) and also as a challenge to be met head on, most challenges make us stronger. My kids are healthier for it, and they don't feel like the odd man out, they usually feel special though, in a good way. They get the better food choice and everyone else wants what they have! I was fortunate that all my kids needed to be gf. I might see things differently if I had only one or two gf, and the others were not. That was a challenge I was not sure I was up for, but it ended up not being an issue. God bless, nn >The problem is that for our kids being GF is not a choice, like being >vegetarian, it's a medical necessity. And if they don't have the > " official " diagnosis when they start school, then the school does not >have to accomodate them like they do with an official diagnosis. And it >goes deeper than lunches. It means no playdough in areas they play/eat >in, it means no cooking with flour (so no baking cookies, etc...) it >means very little cafeteria food items, etc... And you can't get an >official diagnosis if they've been GF their whole life without first >being tested. My son is 3 1/2, and was diagnosed almost exactly a year >ago. Knowing what I know now, when we do have a second child I will try >and make sure he/she has gluten in their diet until we can test them >reliably. > >Unless, of course, by some miracle we have a cure soon!!! ;-) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 > The problem is that for our kids being GF is not a choice, like being > vegetarian, it's a medical necessity. And if they don't have the > " official " diagnosis when they start school, then the school does not > have to accomodate them like they do with an official diagnosis. And it > goes deeper than lunches. It means no playdough in areas they play/eat > in, it means no cooking with flour (so no baking cookies, etc...) it > means very little cafeteria food items, etc... And you can't get an > official diagnosis if they've been GF their whole life without first > being tested. My son is 3 1/2, and was diagnosed almost exactly a year > ago. Knowing what I know now, when we do have a second child I will try > and make sure he/she has gluten in their diet until we can test them > reliably. > > Unless, of course, by some miracle we have a cure soon!!! ;-) I certainly understand this position, I just don't agree with it at all. If I happened to have another child there is no question but that I would keep him off gluten until he was old enough to decide on his own what to do (let's say, when he moves out of the house.) I will put up with dealing with schools, doctors, whatever if it means I am possibly preventing physical damage to my child. And, as far as this " official " diagnosis goes, my childrens' schools have never asked for any proof, have been wonderfully supportive, but then, I am not a trusting sort and the only things my kids buy from the cafeteria are drinks and ice cream. There is NO WAY I would let my children get their food from a school cafeteria, honestly, listen to people who try to maintain mainstream and gf in their homes and how much cross contamination happens! My kids are perfectly happy with the way they are eating, btw, and don't feel deprived in the least (trust me, they'd say.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 Thanks for sharing this, nn. In my opinion, it is the personal experiences on all sides of these issues that give the best information for people to then make their own decisions. I also have to say I admire everyone on this list. I am impressed with the articulate and respectful tone of these discussions. The discussions could easily go south and get contentious on " hot " issues but they generally don't. Sue in Denver > My kids are all gf, they are Enterolab diagnosed after being IgA > negative (IgG positive) on the Celiac Panel of bloodtests and our > insurance refusing to pay for Prometheus Labs more reliable tests. They > do not have an " official " diagnosis of Celiac, although due to their > total reversal of symptoms on the gf diet, and how sick they get when > given gluten the Pedi. GI is very supportive of them staying on the > diet. I have not had any problems at school. My kids do not eat the > school cafeteria food. In fact they NEVER did before their diagnoses > either. I don't think I would feel comfortable with the kids eating the > school food, or if the school could keep them totally uncontaminated in > the cafeteria anyhow, so we just changed a few items in their lunchboxes > and they were good to go! As far as playdough, you can buy gf palydough > or make some for your childs class. I did this for my daughter's > kindergarten class this past year and it worked out great. They had a > " cooking " project every Friday and I would bring gf replacements for > items that my daughter couldn't have (like cookies, crackers, pratzels, > etc.) and if their was something that would be questionable due to the > brand purchased, then I signed up to bring that item (like candy, icing, > etc). I made sure that when they had peanut butter they used a fresh > jar and gave it to my daughter first, so no crumbs in the PB! I usually > volunteered for the special cooking time and made sure I waqs in charge > of cleaning up the tables afterwards, so no crumbs were left on their > tables. > > My children all keep a snack box in their classroom and are able to eat > from that when there is something served that they can't have,a nd since > they picked whats in the box, they are happy to get to eat them. It > takes clear communication between the parents and the teachers,aides, > school nurse, and other school staff., but it is completely possible to > get the school to work with you without an official doctors note in MOST > schools. I do admit that some schools will give you trouble, but I feel > they are few and far betwwen, certainly not the norm. I am also > fortunate to be able to be a " stay at home mom " , although I rarely get > to actually stay home! I stay busy volunteering at the schools, at > church, and around town for various organizations. I don't know what it > means to be bored, although I might like the opportunity to find. I > probably wouldn't like it. lol Staying home makes it easier to be > available to the schools when an issue comes up (like an unexpected > B-day party and a gf cupcake is needed...) and volunteering in the > classroom makes it easier to have open communications lines with the > teachers. Of course you could still do this while working outside your > home, but you would have to try much harder. I gave a copy of my > children's Enterolab results to the schools for my children's files and > a letter I wrote myself explaining the diet and contamination issues. I > meet with each new teacher the week before schools starts (while they > are setting up their classrooms and no children are present) and this > allows us to meet and go over any issues that might come up. I give a > copy of the letter in their files to the teacher and also a list of > gluten containing foods and ingredients that are not safe. I check with > the teachers often and restock their snack boxes. > > I guess the point I am trying to make here, is whether or not your child > is officially diagnosed, if as a parent you feel the best thing for your > child is the gf diet, then certainly do what you feel is best for your > child. And don't be afraid of what the schools might say or do. If > they can't provide a hot lunch in the cafeteria that is safe, then pack > a lunch. If they use playdough, offer to make some gf or buy it. If > they do cooking projects and make cookies, have them do a gf cookie > recipe. Use it as an educational tool to introduce the other children > to something new. Our lives are what we make them, and if you think > that being gf is a horrible life sentence, then it will be. I am one of > those that sees being gf as both a blessing (we are finally on the road > to health) and also as a challenge to be met head on, most challenges > make us stronger. My kids are healthier for it, and they don't feel > like the odd man out, they usually feel special though, in a good way. > They get the better food choice and everyone else wants what they have! > I was fortunate that all my kids needed to be gf. I might see things > differently if I had only one or two gf, and the others were not. That > was a challenge I was not sure I was up for, but it ended up not being > an issue. > > God bless, > nn > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 > ... the only things my kids buy from the > cafeteria are drinks and ice cream. I was not gf back in school, but those were the only two things that I would buy, ever. The food was atrocious - both in texture and taste (and doesn't appear to be any better now), so I carried a lunch daily or did without (or just ate ice cream, as today's kids tend to do). --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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