Behavior Got Worse Since Going gluten-free!

[ABQturkey]

My daughter is 6 and was diagnosed with celiac disease and has been gluten-free since mid-July. My husband and I have noticed that her behavior has gotten much worse since then. She has always been headstrong but now she flies off the handle over the littlest thing. We never know what's going to set her off or how long one of her "episodes" will last. I feel like she's in her terrible twos! She'll lay on the floor and pound her feet and throw a tremendous fit. Or she'll cry about something and when I ask her what she's crying about she won't answer me. I'm getting so frustrated - has this ever happened to anyone else?

[LOney]

I know exactly what you are talking about. My son was diagnosed approx. 8 months ago when he was 3 1/2 and now being over age 4, he is very fresh, has major fits, and talks back constantly. He was a very sweet, mild boy in the past. My conclusion is that he was always feeling so sick before, he didn't have the strength to fight, now he is full of energy and doesn't quite know what to do with it, and lashes out when something isn't going his way. I am hoping he outgrows it soon - I am at the end of my rope and am losing patience with it. Maybe it is just a phase???? Good luck, let me know if you have any good results? Also - you might want to double check that she isn't getting any gluten. People often say that cc issues cause their kids to behave poorly . . . just a thought.

[dilettantesteph]

I can relate when it comes to my behavior! I was on such a mood roller coaster at first. After about 8 months things started evening out. My son, 11, diagnosed at the same time, not so much. However, when he gets accidental gluten contamination that is the first indication of a problem. I think neuraltransmitter levels are normalizing.

[missy'smom]

I can't speak for the kids but when I've gotten even just a little gluten from CC(cross-contaminated products too) one of my primary symptoms has been emotional outburts, especially if I've eaten that same product several days in a row. I've just burst into tears for no reason. Then I've thought about what was new to my diet and gone back and called the manufacturer, even with gluten-free products.

[dma]

My Daughter was diagnosed in June, was 6 in July. I could not believe your posting when I read it. I registered for this forum to post my disbelief. We thought we were unique in what we were experiencing. My daughter displays exactly the same behaviours. We do not know what to do. Have you received any other feedback regarding this.

[ABQturkey]

The only feedback I've received is what you see here. It is a relief to know that we aren't the only ones, but it doesn't help. I did have her tested for other allergies and the only thing was the dairy came back very negligably low as an allergen. I was almost hoping that it was something else like that. I'm looking into the Feingold diet - just dreading it though. At least Smarties and Tootsie Rolls are gluten free, but if I have to take those away as well.... But there's something to be said for cutting out additives, preservatives and colors. You are what you eat and all that... I will pray for you and your daughter.

[ang1e0251]

I don't know about your children, but my sister put together that her grandaughter was sensitive to red dye just from her behavior. DS was sitting for her this last year and this normally delightful child would suddenly fly in rages, screaming and striking out even hitting herself against furniture and walls. She would have to held to protect her from herself until most of it past. This seemed to happen without provocation. My sister searched the net & realized parents describing red dye reactions in their children sounded a lot like this little girl. She decided to try cutting it from her dietand BINGO!! That seemed to be the key. Red dye is in an awful lot of products even some chocolates and white frosting! Now if Madison has a little accidentally, the reaction is much less than before. She was a small three when they figured this out.

Remember that once gluten free we sometimes find other sensitivities pop up. I recently realized I was reacting to nitrites/ates in ham, never seemed to have that problem before. This week I gave up coffee as it seems to cause my jaw to tremor. Good luck helping all of your kids, I will be thinking of you.