In this episode of ‘Gluten Free RN,’ Nadine discusses common signs and symptoms of gluten intolerance in children as well as the importance of identifying celiac disease early to allow for the growth and development of body and brain.
Nadine employs anecdotes about her own clients at the Gluten Free RN office to illustrate the myriad of ways that gluten can affect the health and development of undiagnosed kids.
This episode explains the GI problems, developmental delays, autoimmune disorders and neurological issues that children with gluten intolerance face as long as they remain undiagnosed. Click and listen to recognize the warning signs!
What’s Discussed:
The common dismissal of celiac symptoms in children
The profound impact of gluten intolerance on fetal development and maternal health
- It typically takes 9-15 years for a person to be diagnosed correctly
Signs and symptoms of celiac disease and gluten intolerance in children
- Failure to thrive
- Low birthweight
- Short stature, stunted growth and delayed development
- Lactose intolerance
- Abdominal pain and vomiting
- Focus and retention issues (ADD, ADHD, ODD)
- Autism
- Psychiatric issues
- Delayed puberty
- Listen for the full list
Katie’s story
- After suffering from chronic constipation, her colon was removed – but her health did not improve until she learned about celiac disease and changed her diet
- Because her growth was stunted as a result of malnourishment, Katie only grew to 5’3” despite having a size 10 foot
Why vitamins, minerals and supplements don’t help children with celiac disease or gluten intolerance
Why undiagnosed celiac disease patients suffer from focus issues and psychiatric disorders
- Inflammation of the brain causes hypoxia
- Low oxygen flow results in ‘brain fog’
Sam’s story
- At 17, she was overweight and suffering from abdominal pain
- She was still wetting the bed and had yet to get her period
- After receiving a celiac diagnosis and adopting a gluten-free diet, Sam lost 100 pounds and has gone on to have two healthy children
The importance of testing the entire family for celiac disease once one member has received a diagnosis
The high percentage of celiac patients who are asymptomatic
- Roughly 50% of people diagnosed with celiac disease would say they have no symptoms
The increased chances of developing autoimmune disorders when children with celiac disease go undiagnosed
The enormous genetic overlap between celiac disease and Type 1 diabetes
Why parents should be tested for celiac disease prior to a pregnancy
- Undiagnosed expectant mothers are at an increased risk of miscarriage, complications and delivering babies with low birthweight and neural defects
How to navigate birthday parties, camps, school events, etc.
- Proper planning and communication make it easy
Resources Mentioned:
How Doctors Think by Jerone Groopman
University of Chicago Medicine Celiac Disease Center Website
EnteroLab Celiac Testing Resources
Connect with Nadine:
Books by Nadine:
Dough Nation: A Nurse’s Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
