Coeliac disease - how your child can still enjoy it
Lukas ate his last croissant at the age of four. When his colleagues boldly reach for cakes and biscuits on birthdays, the now eight-year-old first asks: "Is there gluten in it?"
Lukas has coeliac disease - an autoimmune disorder that affects around one per cent of the population. It is triggered by the gluten protein gluten. Eating cereals containing gluten, such as wheat, rye, spelt, oats and barley, leads to inflammation of the small intestine in sufferers like Lukas. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are among the consequences.
The whole family eats gluten-free
«Our everyday life was turned upside down by the diagnosis,» says Lukas' mum. Gluten-free cooking poses many special challenges. Although gluten-containing products and dishes can now be easily replaced, parents are still concerned about whether their growing child can eat a healthy gluten-free diet. Last but not least, fun experiences around food are particularly important for children.
In hectic everyday family life, there is often not much time for elaborate alternative menus and «extra sausages»: Cooking has to be tasty, quick, simple and child-friendly. Lukas' parents quickly realised that it would be easiest if all family members adopted the gluten-free diet at home. In this way, contamination, i.e. contamination by food containing gluten, is largely ruled out.
Since then, there have been almost no gluten-containing products in the kitchen and all family members pay attention to the information on the packaging when shopping. The better a child understands why they have to avoid gluten and how important it is, the less conflict and frustration there will be. If everyone at the family table eats gluten-free, the affected child will not be a constant outsider.
Involve the child's environment
With a little practice, cooking and baking at home usually works very well. Problems arise as soon as the child leaves home and wants or has to eat out. As parents, involve your environment, or your child's environment, early and clearly. Relatives, friends and carers in the crèche, kindergarten, after-school care centre or school should know what is good for the child so that there are no misunderstandings or contamination. Take the pressure off the child and make sure that they don't have to worry or explain themselves all the time.
For example, it makes sense for them to have a list of the most important nutritional recommendations in their pocket, which they can look up themselves or have someone else look up, depending on their age. And give your child a gluten-free snack whenever possible. That way, they are on the safe side in the event of a hunger attack and don't have to search for something suitable first.
A very special event for every child is their own birthday party or that of a friend. However, it's no good if the cake is made from gluten-free flour but contains gluten-containing Smarties as toppings. To avoid such sources of error, you can offer to contribute something yourself if your own child is invited.
Major differences abroad
To prevent unpleasant situations on holiday, at camps or in restaurants, it is highly recommended that you prepare your trip well by researching online. Many restaurants, for example, have published their menus online. If not, it is best to speak to the chef in person about your child's needs. There are up-to-date lists of restaurants in forums. Specialised apps also provide information about restaurants and hotels with gluten-free options.
Adjust your expectations, because abroad, especially on other continents, a gluten-free diet is often not an issue and there is no corresponding offer. In Italy and the Nordic countries, however, the range of gluten-free products on offer is even greater than in Switzerland. On long car journeys, it is advisable to take breaks in towns rather than at service stations. The chances of finding a gluten-free snack are better there.
Stress-free hotel holidays
Of course, it's easiest to book a flat with a kitchen and cook for yourself. But parents also want to relax on holiday and not have to cook three times a day. Hotels with large buffets generally make it easier to eat a varied gluten-free diet every day.
This is more difficult with set menus, unless the hotel offers gluten-free menus to choose from. To be on the safe side, take individual portions of gluten-free muesli or slices of gluten-free crispbread with you to the breakfast buffet. This way you are sure to have something filling with you. Even if gluten-free food is offered, it is not certain that the child will like it or that attention has been paid to possible contamination.
Toast bags are recommended. They can be used to warm gluten-free toast without contamination in other people's toasters.
Gluten-free above the clouds
Did you know that many airlines offer gluten-free menus on long-haul flights? Order the menu at least 24 hours before departure and have your order confirmed. Nevertheless, take a gluten-free snack with you in your hand luggage in case of an emergency.
