Gluten has become a number one topic in many circles, even in the news. This is definitely a new occurrence as until recently most people had never heard of it. This protein naturally occurs in many of the foods people eat every day. However, until the rise of Celiac, a gluten related disorder, there were not any studies on it. Suddenly, everyone is talking about gluten.
Rye, wheat and barley all contain the gluten protein. The sheer number of foods that contain these grains means most people are consuming gluten in their daily routines. Recently the trend has been to alter diet plans in order to be completely gluten free. You will find various reasons for this drastic measure including controlling Celiac, weight loss and much more. One surprising claim has been that a gluten free diet may have a positive effect on children who are suffering with learning difficulties and behavioral problems.
Can Gluten Free Help With Common Childhood Issues?
As mentioned above there have been several studies about gluten, particularly how it affects the body. Much of the research is suggesting that this protein can in fact cause issues including behavior problems and learning difficulties in children. What researchers have found about the way gluten reacts in your system and affects the neurological system is leading to these conclusions.
The body will attack neurological tissue when gluten is presented to the system. They call this process molecular mimicry. Destruction of neurological tissue can happen or at the very least severe damage. Body function can become impaired when this tissue suffers damage or is destroyed, which only makes sense. When it comes to children, it is thought to be a base cause of learning difficulties and behavior problems.
If you think the attack on your neurological tissue is bad, you are really not going to like the other common side effect of gluten in the body. As this protein is digested, it causes morphine like reaction in the body, which can have many different symptoms. When gluten is partially digested there are tiny particles known as Exorphins, which act just like the narcotic morphine. There can be many symptoms arise from this process and in children you may notice they are drowsy or mentally foggy because of the effect of exorphins on the central nervous system.
So far, we have discussed gluten reaction in normal healthy children. If you add celiac disease to the pot, you are looking at reactions that tend to be a whole lot more severe. Problems of this nature will go far beyond what would seem like a small problem of learning difficulties and behavior.
Gluten and Celiac Patients
The digestive system is affected by celiac disorder. Over time, this disease can damage your small intestines and make it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients from food sources. For the person who suffers celiac disorder their diet must be strictly monitored, no gluten allowed! This brings us to children with celiac, are you aware that most also have learning difficulties and behavior problems both at home and school. If you need any more motivation to become gluten free consider what researchers have found about kids, many kids show improvement in as little as six months! Begin a gluten free diet today and see what type of response you get.
Celiac disease that has gone undiagnosed in children can have more problems than just behavior issues and learning difficulties. Severe gastrointestinal issues can result if they ingest gluten, which will make them rather sick.
Gluten Controversy
Any time you are dealing with issues like this, whether you are talking about medical conditions, behavioral problems or learning difficulties you are going to have controversy. There is much debate about the connection between gluten and these issues in children. Opinions vary with professionals on both sides of the issue; some insist the research is clear while others claim there is no way gluten is responsible for behavior or learning issues. Of course, then you have the parents who have experienced the problem first hand and seen major improvements with a gluten free diet. So, who do you believe? When deciding the most reliable source of information you should consider the main points of the argument and then decide whether science is the only indicator or if actual experience carries some weight as well.
Those who work with children who display a sensitivity to gluten, there is proof in these everyday interactions. Not long ago the Los Angeles school district determined to remove gluten rich foods. Educators and parents alike reported a marked difference in behavior with these children, they were better behaved and more focused. When parents use similar dietary restrictions in their own homes, they report similar findings.
Research on children who do not have Celiac disorder has shown that a gluten free diet may not be healthy. According to these reports, avoiding gluten causes a reduction in the good bacteria in the digestive system. Good bacteria are essential for a healthy immune system.It is hard to determine just who is right, especially since science has some definitive answers, however you cannot discount experience either. The best choice is to look at your situation carefully. Gluten free diets have good points and bad points you should consider. For you and your family simply reducing the amount of gluten in your diets could be the answer, as could limiting the amount of sugar. Learning difficulties and behavior problems have many dietary answers, which may or may not include eliminating gluten.
Martina Berger is a Scientist and an expert in Corn and Gluten Food Allergies. If you want to know more about Food Allergies, than visit her Website.
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