Celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, is quite common, but many times we do not realize its existence because the symptoms can go unnoticed. Today we have a list of 10 different signs to pay attention to in order to know if your child can consume certain products, or if it is preferable to remove them from their diet.

The symptoms that a child may present are varied; however, they normally do not appear all at once. This is why you should pay close attention in case your children have any of these afflictions:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Weight loss despite having a good appetite
• Abdominal bloating
• Intestinal cramps
• Joint pain
• Growth delay
• Lack of energy and weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Anemia
• Stains on dental enamel

 

Remember that these symptoms can belong to some other disease, but if two or more of those mentioned appear, take your little one for tests to rule it out. The good news is that with a change in diet, all these afflictions can go away, and their quality of life will improve in weeks.

Substitutions

Just because children cannot eat gluten does not mean they cannot eat like a normal person; it is just a matter of finding the right substitutes to prepare the recipes. Here are some common swaps that will help you in the kitchen:

• Fiber cereal instead of breadcrumbs
• Lettuce leaves instead of flour tortillas
• Corn flour instead of wheat flour (for pancakes and cakes)
• Chopped nuts instead of granola
• Almond flour instead of wheat flour (for desserts and muffins)
• Rice noodles instead of pasta
• Polenta instead of pasta or couscous
• Nuts instead of croutons or toasted bread
• Homemade meringue instead of store-bought frosting
• Rice semolina instead of oatmeal

 

And of course, there is a vast variety of products they can consume without any issues, including: milk, eggs, fruit, fish, rice, sugar, honey, oil, tea, vinegar, vegetables, legumes, cheese, yogurt, cream, seafood, etc. It all depends on them not containing wheat flour or any of the ambiguous ingredients that can sometimes contain gluten, such as deli meats, canned goods, pâtés, chocolate, and marzipan.

Recipes

We also leave you five delicious recipes for kids allergic to gluten:

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

This delicious and decadent cake is perfect for children who want a tasty dessert but cannot eat flour or any other gluten-containing product. It is even a lifesaver for the birthday of little ones with celiac disease.

http://www.kiwilimon.com/receta/postres/pasteles/pasteles-de-chocolate/pastel-de-chocolate-sin-gluten-con-macarrones

Gluten-Free Pizza

This version is made with squash and skips the wheat flour dough usually used to make pizza. It is ideal for gatherings and children's parties.

http://www.kiwilimon.com/receta/saludables/pizzas-sin-gluten

Tapioca Dessert

Tapioca is a gluten-free food that is also high in energy, making this recipe ideal for children's breakfast and even for their afternoon snack. http://www.kiwilimon.com/receta/postres/postres-con-frutas/postre-de-tapioca  

Vegan Brownies

Just like the chocolate cake, this is a child favorite aimed at those who cannot eat gluten. Crushed dates are used as a base, adding a lot of texture and sweetness. http://www.kiwilimon.com/receta/postres/chocolate/brownies/brownies-veganos