Collaborative Post
A gluten-free lifestyle is essential for people with celiac disease and those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Some people simply consider the lifestyle for their children because they have Celiac disease and have to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Regardless of the reason, this lifestyle can be great for kids. This article will discuss why moms should consider a gluten-free lifestyle for kids.
Going Gluten-Free Won’t Hurt Your Child
Several articles online state that you should never live a gluten-free lifestyle because it can be bad for you unless you have a gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease. Digging a little deeper will reveal that the reason given is because processed foods are fortified with vitamins and minerals, and those that opt for a gluten-free diet can wind up missing out on crucial nutrients their body needs, like vitamin K.
However, I heard this same line before I was diagnosed with Celiac disease. I took the time to learn about nutrients, vitamins, and what foods they come from. I’ve lived a gluten-free lifestyle, and I’m healthier than ever. My children also eat a gluten-free diet, with no vitamin deficiencies. In fact, no studies support the claim that it can be dangerous.
Certain Medical Conditions Require A Gluten-Free Diet
Children with a parent or family member with Celiac Disease or food intolerance are at an increased risk of developing the same condition. Once your child develops Celiac Disease or another condition that requires a gluten-free diet, this is no longer an option. It’s a necessity.
If your child has a medical condition and they don’t adhere to a gluten-free diet, it can result in significant problems, such as:
- Chronic inflammation, which can cause heart disease, diabetes, and more
- Brain fog
- Behavioral disruptions
- Pain
- Migraines
And much more!
Going Gluten-Free Can Help With Behavioral Issues
Children with a medical condition requiring a gluten-free diet can have behavioral issues that mimic ADHD or disorders like Oppositional Defiant Disorder. This is also seen in adults due to the inflammation that gluten causes. This could be due to eliminating gluten from the diet, but it could also be thanks to the healthy diet that goes hand in hand with going gluten-free.
It Leads To A Healthier Diet
When you choose a gluten-free diet for your children, you’ll quickly find that there isn’t a lot of gluten-free food packed full of chemicals and preservatives. Many gluten-free foods offer natural fruits and vegetable additives to help your children get the nutrition they need.
You’ll also find yourself opting for more naturally gluten-free foods, like fruits and vegetables. This helps you slowly eliminate or decrease the harmful chemicals and toxic food dyes that children consume daily through processed foods that aren’t good for them.
It’s A Great Opportunity To Educate The Family About Nutrition
Going gluten-free requires you to learn a lot about nutrition to ensure that your family gets critical vitamins and nutrients from food instead of supplements. Most people can do this by working with a nutritionist.
You can also learn other ways to get vitamins and nutrients by reading books and watching videos online. Making this a family activity will encourage healthy minds and bodies for generations to come.
During this process, consider still eating processed gluten-free foods like cereal. These foods are often fortified with vitamins, just like their gluten-containing counterparts. Chocolate Cheerios are a great idea!
Plenty Of Foods And Options Available
Fruits and vegetables are always great choices, but there are plenty of other foods available that kids will love, such as:
- Rice cakes and peanut butter
- Apple slices with peanut butter and cinnamon
- Gluten-free, organic snacks
- Gluten-free pizza
- Pancakes
- Garlic bread
- Fruit salad
- On-the-go snacks, such as raisins, pre-made snacks, and even snack cakes
- Sandwiches made with gluten-free bread
Going Gluten-Free Encourages More Homecooked Meals
When you choose to eat gluten-free, you’ll quickly find that there aren’t many options on the market, especially when it comes to eating out. Gluten-free pizza sold at chain restaurants and other gluten-free foods often come with a warning that there may be cross-contamination.
It won’t take long before you actually enjoy this benefit. Cooking at home is cheaper and allows you to enjoy cooking with the entire family! Create a family pizza night with gluten free pizza and plenty of toppings to make going gluten-free a fun decision!
In Conclusion
Going gluten-free helps clear the brain fog that prevents children from learning in the afternoon. It increases energy, reduces behavioral problems, and helps prevent disease. More than anything, it lays the foundation for healthier eating habits that will last a lifetime.