Aivah's Story (Gluten/Dairy)
The Beginning
Age 14 months Age 14-1/2 months
My granddaughter, Aivah, was diagnosed with Celiac disease (gluten allergy) and a casein (dairy) allergy when she was 14 months old. The above photos are the same little girl. The only difference is 2 weeks on a strict gluten-free & casein-free diet. In the first picture, at age 14 months, she weighs 19 pounds. In the second picture, two weeks later, she weighs 20 pounds, 1 ounce. That's only a difference of one pound, one ounce. And 2 weeks on a diet that does NOT include the foods that make her very sick. I urge you to read "Aivah's Story". She was one of the lucky ones - it took a relatively short time to discover what was wrong with her.
I know how overwhelmed we felt when Aivah was first diagnosed. It was so confusing trying to figure out what she could and couldn't eat. Gluten isn't always called "gluten" or "wheat" on ingredient lists. Nor are forms of dairy always stated clearly as "dairy". We were so afraid of accidentally feeding her the wrong foods and making her sick. I started researching gluten and casein. I found so many other words that also meant "gluten" and "dairy". I researched the different types of flours and other ingredients needed for gluten-free cooking. I researched alternatives to dairy products - where they came from, how they tasted, how they were different from dairy products.
We learned so much. This website was created to help others who have had to step into our shoes. If you are new to the gluten-free and/or dairy-free diet, I hope this website helps you. Feeling overwhelmed and confused is normal. As you gain knowledge about your new diet, it gets better - and easier. Reading an ingredient list before purchasing any item becomes second nature. A gluten-free, casein-free diet is NOT impossible and does NOT have to be restrictive.
I welcome comments and suggestions.
Photography and designs by Emma Paulsen
The information on this website is for informational purposes only.
The information provided and opinions stated herein are not meant
to diagnose any condition. If you have concerns about your health,
please consult a medical professional. As always, it is up to those
following a gluten-free, dairy-free diet to determine if information or
products are safe for them.
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