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My grandson (6) is a coeliac with egg and dairy allergies. (Strict gluten free diet). He is very sensitive to gluten, however he does go to parties, and after school activities. He always has his own food, and is careful to wash his hands etc. But sometimes he seems to be glutened. Out of sorts, grumpy, runny poos. Have any of you tips on recovering quickly?
Thanks.
Hi gfgranny
As an adult I would drink peppermint or ginger tea, not sure what would be acceptable to a 6 year old. The best thing is probably just to keep him well hydrated or perhaps try something like Dioralyte if he has diarrhoea.
Peppermint tea is something he likes,(specially cold!)so I will make some. Thanks.
I get very annoyed with the term Strict Gluten Free Diet. Those who follow this are not aware that gluten free foods may contain 20 ppm of gluten. Aged six and going to parties etc....poor kid check what he is actually eating.
We are very aware that the limit is 20 ppm, and try to avoid ready made foods whenever possible. The "poor kid" is aware that he cannot eat other people's food- he is not just coeliac, he is allergic to milk and eggs, and has to have an EpiPen with him, having been seriously affected when given gf foods with traces of these in them. However, life is to be lived, and enjoyed, so he has playdates and parties, and goes to school, and occasionally, accidental glutening seems to happen. The rest of the world eats gluten and isn't always good about cleaning up the crumbs and washing its hands. I am not talking about full gluten" poisoning", but when he is pale, slightly too grumpy, not at all himself. I was hoping for tips, such as Penel kindly sent, on what to do to minimise the reaction. But thanks for the reminder that we are all coming from different places, and affected in different ways. I hope it is not too hard for you to stay well.
The point I am trying to make is that there are levels of sensitivity and your grandson might be very sensitive. When I was six, many decades ago I was diagnosed as a Coeliac. Then after seven years of no wheat, rye, barley or oats my gut had healed, at the age of 57 cd returned so I had 45 years in remission, now I am super sensitive even the slightest wheat I am ill. So to me a strict GF diet means your still eating what makes you ill.
Dear gf granny I wonder if a probiotic for children would help your grandson although that might be considered dairy? Totally agree it is so difficult you want your grandson to be involved just like all the other kids but always concerned about cross contamination! Although there is no cure for Celiac disease there is a ton of research as more and more people are developing it! Best wishes to you I know it’s tough both of my girls are Celiac. I always tell them they are special!
Think the OP has left 😊
Gosh I have never heard of someone being in remission from coeliac disease?! How wonderful that would be!
When I’ve been accidentally glutened (which does happen even though I’m super careful!) the only thing for me is cups of camomile tea and peppermint tea, hot water bottles and if at all possible a small sleep. 🌈
Hi Hattie, I found this out by getting in touch with the Australian Coeliac Society, during my remission I took my turn cooking meals for 45 on a Royal Navy minehunter, Singapore and Hong Kong. I ate the same food as everyone else from age 13 to 57. If I am glutened now it’s head down the loo until my stomach is clear then I am fine, if I have the permitted gf levels I get severe constipation. But fingers crossed it’s rare.
Hattie I agree there is no remission for Celiac it is a life long autoimmune disease and once you are diagnosed unfortunately your stuck with it!!
Sadly you are influenced by Coeliac uk, this is fact and not fiction. Coeliac U.K. is a business not a charity. Get in touch with Australia Coeliac charity or are you able to explain my diagnosis? If Coeliac sufferers go into remission then gf suppliers loose money and CUK looses revenue. Do they want that?
No Coeliac UK is most definitely a charity..
How do you work that out? Do they get a percentage from gf manufacturers? Also can you say why the rules on gluten free labelling do not help the sensitive Coeliac, those that cannot tolerate wheat derivatives, re Adrianne Van Der Strappen who made the legislation! Who pays the wages of Coeliac U.K. staff and where does the income come from?
I'm sorry your little boy suffers with several things, what a nightmare. It is possible he gets glutened despite being so careful. Just a few bread crumbs on a plate from someone else could trigger a response. I think you just have to let it run its course. It's always possible he is intolerant to something else as well. Maybe speak to the gp see if there is anything you can do. x
I have a coeliac as well. I found out that i am allergic to gluten free oats too. Maybe this something that your grandson needs to avoid. I feel sick if i eat gluten free oats. Try hope will help. When he is glutened just give him water and some tea as suggested. Sometime i take tums or rennie and it helps a littl. God bless😊 and good luck in the futute🌻!
Dear Hidden forgot to mention that digestive enzymes have shown to be beneficial in breaking down gluten once ingested. You can ask your local pharmacist if there are any appropriate for a six year old. My daughter has a Nima sensor which fits in her purse and tests for gluten. She uses it in restaurants or at parties. It is available online in US and Canada. It is expensive but has saved her many a time. It’s a simple device to use and a child could operate it!
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