What Do You Do When the Celiac Test is Negative?

So then what? I kept on reading. I found articles that suggested that people with gluten-sensitivites can tolerate non-GMO, organic wheat without issue. That actually made sense, given our experience. Other than the donuts from Tim Hortons, we had made everything ourselves with organic wheat. Maybe River would have reacted much more quickly if we ate conventional breads from the grocery store.

And maybe we could keep baking with wheat flour now if we stuck to organic. Except that almost seemed more complicated than gluten-free. Gluten-free has a legitimate quality to it. Organic makes you come off as a hippy. Or a yuppy. Would my friends and family agree to only give her organic wheat? Or would they write me off as a nut and start feeding her Chicken McNuggets in bulk when I wasn’t around?

I had no idea what to do. Organic diet? Sourdough diet? Wheat-free diet? Some friends suggested eliminating food dyes. My naturopath thought she should be gluten-free and dairy-free too.

I was so confused.

In the end, we continued the gluten-free diet because it was what we knew, and because I wanted her gut to heal before trying something else.

Last Christmas, we let River cheat and have chicken balls at a family event. I told my mom a few days later how happy I was that the chicken balls didn’t seem to bother her at all. Wrong. Apparently she had sobbed the whole hour-long drive home – under a blanket – because she’s not good at anything she does. Oh. Well, yes, that was definitely out of character for River but could it have been from the gluten? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW?

I am completely winging this. And when stories like the one from the CBC site pop up, I feel like a total idiot that’s been suckered by the latest trend. The people writing comments below the article make sure that I feel that way.

But look, I’ve tried consulting with health professionals. They’ve sent my daughter for a test that wasn’t going to work. They’ve told me that gluten-free is a fad. They’ve suggested smoothies. No one has really made me feel like I’m doing the right thing, but no one has given me an alternate course of action.

If you wonder if your child would benefit from a gluten-free diet, don’t let articles like the one I linked to discourage you. Yes, if your child is gluten-free, you need to be careful that they’re still eating a healthy diet. You know, like ALL children. Talk to your doctor about it. If your doctor lacks relevant knowledge or suggests that it’s all just a trend, look for someone else that is qualified to help you. My naturopath and my chiropractor have both been great sounding boards for me. In the end, you are the parent and you know your own child better than anyone. If something triggers your child and you eliminate that food from their diet, you are not “parenting by fad” – you are caring for your child.

Sometimes you need to follow your gut. Or your child’s.