Christus Health: The Children's Hospital of San Antonio

3 The Children's Hospital of San Antonio • chofsa.org Talk with a pediatrician to find out if a gluten-free diet is right for your child. Looking for a pediatrician? Call (844) 778-KIDS. "From mad dashes for the bus to recreational activities, parents and children are faced with various school-time stressors that can lead to unhealthy eating habits," says Maria Palma, chef and program director at Culinary Health Education for Families (CHEF) at The Children's Hospital of San Antonio. Fortunately, Maria offers these tips to cooking up healthy alternatives on a tight schedule. • Make cooking inclusive. Bonding with family and cooking don't have to be separate activities. Include children in the process by having them wash produce, stir ingredients and put away leftovers. • Organize weekly meals. Knowing what you're going to eat each day of the week will shorten grocery store visits and help prevent buying excess perishable foods that will go to waste. • Cook in bulk. Food you prepare in large batches, like beans and stews, can be portioned out or frozen for quick meals later on. • Cook once, eat twice. Preparing a roasted chicken is great for adding protein to a wide range of dishes. The meat can be added to tacos, pasta, soups and salads. School Year Spreads Don't let this hectic time of year lead to unhealthy eating. Maria Palma, chef and program director at Culinary Health Education for Families (CHEF) Proteins known as gluten, which exist in barley, rye, triticale and wheat, are found in many foods, such as breads, crackers and cereal. While many people consume gluten without any complications, individuals with celiac disease — children included — may experience uncomfortable consequences if they eat food containing gluten. An autoimmune disorder characterized by digestive complications as well as fatigue, irritability and rashes, celiac disease causes symptoms triggered by the consumption of gluten. When left untreated, the condition may result in complications including malnutrition, neurological disorders and osteoporosis. But celiac disease isn't the whole story. A more common condition known as non- celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) may have similar effects, causing celiac-type symptoms such as bloating and chronic diarrhea. The good news is that people living with celiac disease and NCGS can effectively manage the condition by eliminating gluten from their diets. Food manufacturers and restaurants alike have taken note and often offer gluten-free options. And because the diet is rumored to help improve everything from concentration to energy, many parents may choose a gluten-free eating plan for their children. However, by eliminating foods containing gluten, parents may unknowingly reduce intake of key nutrients, such as iron and vitamin D. If you suspect your child has a gluten sensitivity, it is best to talk with a pediatrician before making any permanent dietary adjustments. If your child does need a gluten-free diet, your health care provider may recommend supplementing that diet with items such as fortified rice or soy milk to enhance intake of calcium and vitamin D, or lean proteins and nuts to increase iron and protein intake. More and more people are changing their diets to cut out gluten. But is this type of eating plan right for your family? Should My Family Go Gluten-Free? Everything for our children.™

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