Children With A Wheat Allergy

A Wheat allergy is a sickness that often manifests itself in children. In many cases, a child will outgrow the allergy, but this possibility does not make immediate situation any more fun or understandable, particularly for the child. Children often do not understand why they feel sick or have skin ailments, but once it is identified and the proper dietary measures are taken, the child (and the adult) can learn lessons that will help them eat healthier for the rest of their life.

The toughest aspect of altering a child's diet is to enforce it when the child is not around their parent. When they are in school, at a friend's house or just hanging around, they will be tempted, like any child, to eat candy, packaged products containing wheat as a main ingredient or bi-product, etc. If they do not adhere to the diet, however, the results will be tainted and thus moot.

Like all children, explaining why it is important to stick with the dietary changes is critical, but getting them to remember why is another question altogether. To accomplish this, it might be necessary to alert the child's teachers, friend's parents and any other person with whom the child associates and alert them of the child's condition, dietary needs and mandates and the consequences of not helping them adhere to the diet. When people understand why someone has to pursue certain behavior, they often will be more supportive and will be willing to take an extra step to help out.

Another way to help the child is to include a lot of fruit in the diet. This is common sense, but even more important when the child is not allowed any sugar during the elimination phases of the diet. Fruit is a great tasting source of natural sugar and sweetness. It also provides nutrients, energy and with time, will become a habit for the child instead of something they have to intentionally think about.

A third way to help your child is to adopt a fun game of keeping a log, which can also be useful for monitoring the intolerance and for doctor visits. Challenge your child to write down how they feel after each meal and if they have any side effects during the elimination phase. For young children, allow them to draw pictures that express how they feel. By making the log process into a game of sorts, the challenge begins to solve the "mystery" of what does not sit well with them, they will be gently forced to forget that they are not getting sugary and processed foods that are too often the staple of most children. This also will help them get through the tougher stage so that when their intolerance is verified they will be used to the new diet.

Finally, altering your own eating habits as a parent, even if it is short-term, is another good way of showing your child that you are willing to make the sacrifice and be disciplined. This tells your child (or spouse or partner) that you care for them and will do anything to help them feel better. That type of support not only helps them get through the process of adapting to a new diet, it also reaffirms your love for them and dedication to their well-being, which is about the best source of support and help a parent can provide.
For more information on a Wheat Allergy and its effects visit http://www.livingwithoutwheat.com/