Should We Change My Childs Diet?

[boubfam4]

I'm new here and checked a few other topics before creating my own. We are worried about our 9 year old and wonder if we should change to a Gluten Free diet. She has never been that healthy. Constant ear infections, illnesses. Has had tonsils, adenoids and tubes done. In past 2 years diagnosed with Chiari 1 Malformation (her cerebellum is growing into her spine). However, she is very very intelligant, loves playing with friends, etc, but we have recently noticed her moods are horrible. Constantly cries at the drop of a hat, very overly sensitive, constantly hungry and wants to eat. Last time we noticed this we tried to limit sugars, pastas etc and it helped it seemed a bit. I guess my question is does anyone else think it's diet related? Here is a list of her everyday symptoms:

-Dry scalp (dandruff)

-Eczema

-Crying

-Pains and aches (that do not mimic her symptoms for Chiari)

-constantly hungry

-doesn't sleep well

-constantly tired.

Thank you in advance for your help

[Wolicki]

there would be absolutely nothing to lose in trying the diet. Give it a strict 3 month trial and see how it goes. Be careful of cross contamination if you have a gluten household. Good luck. I hope it helps your little girl.

[boysmom]

My baby sister's two children have both had surgery for Chiari, and I have been diagnosed celiac. If you look at the lists of related diseases for both Chiari and celiac you'll see several crop up on both lists. Makes me wonder whether there is some direct link between Chiari and celiac as well (for example would mothers who have undiagnosed or untreated celiac be more likely to have children who have the chiari malformation?) At any rate, I agree with Wolicki, a trial of the diet couldn't hurt and just might help.

[boubfam4]

Thanks everyone for your replies. That is very interesting regarding Chiari & Celiac. I guess I never thought about relating the two together. She is in the clear for now regarding surgery and we go back yearly to the specialist at the Childrens hopsital for checkups. I'll have to keep good track of how she is doing to report back then. I think we may try a trial diet with her and see how it goes. I sure hope it helps.

[Sandi575]

My baby sister's two children have both had surgery for Chiari, and I have been diagnosed celiac. If you look at the lists of related diseases for both Chiari and celiac you'll see several crop up on both lists. Makes me wonder whether there is some direct link between Chiari and celiac as well (for example would mothers who have undiagnosed or untreated celiac be more likely to have children who have the chiari malformation?) At any rate, I agree with Wolicki, a trial of the diet couldn't hurt and just might help.

Very interesting! I have chiari malformation and have had the surgery and was just diagnosed last month as celiac. I wonder if there is a link between the 2.