176 Diet Wise
Elimination dieting for children
Youngsters may pose special problems when it comes to elimination dieting.
In some ways they are better able to tolerate special diets than adults.
Perhaps this is part of a child’s conditioning to do as he or she is told
- I don’t know. Certainly many of my young patients are extraordinarily
understanding about their condition. When offered something to eat which
is not permitted, they will refuse politely and explain why, sometimes to the
chagrin of the offending adult! We should credit them with a sensible basic
nature and an intelligent desire not to be ill. Who wants to feel ill? Adults
don’t, so why should children?
On the other hand, the opposite is sometimes true. A youngster
may have a very trying time on the elimination diet. Probably he or she does
not understand the explanations given, and since he or she cannot see the
reason for the restrictions, does not co-operate. These are among the most
difficult cases of all, because the truth is that if children want to cheat it is
always possible for them to do so. One young boy I know was accustomed
to sneaking out of bed at three in the morning and emptying the sugar bowl
while his parents slept. His mother said she had noticed the family seemed
to be consuming a great deal of sugar but never caught on to what was
happening until she awoke with a headache one night, got up for an aspirin
and caught the miscreant in the act.
The children who fall into this latter category actually need much
more support and solicitude. It is tempting to admonish him or her for being
‘naughty,’ but really it should be remembered that the withdrawal symptoms
can be quite distressing and that scolding will only lower the child’s spirits
still further. It’s a tough diet for an adult who is well motivated, so it is
certainly tough for a child. Encouragement is what is needed – admiration
even.
Easing the pain!
For children, I would make certain exceptions to the test diet regime, to
make it easier for the young heart and mind to cope with the restrictions.
I would generally allow rice cakes. Rice is a relatively uncommon
grain allergy, especially in non-Asians. Dairy-free margarine can be permitted
but make sure it is wheat-free: yes, wheat occurs sometimes in “alternative”
margarines. Note that I would not be concerned about the presence of
trans-fats in a situation like this. Short-term exposure to unsuitable nutrients