[Fastrunnydog]

My 3 yr old saw a naturopath today specialising in testing for allergies and food intolerance. He has had poos issues for months (lurching from constipation to diarrhea) and escalating behavioural issues too. He is already confirmed allergic to egg and cashews and was given an epi-pen even though he hasn't had an ANA reaction.

Today we were told that he is allergic to

Gluten
Cow dairy
Fructose

and a host of other preservatives and chemicals.

I don't know where to start, what CAN he eat?? I am looking on a website to order some specialty GF foods just to stock up for while until I work out a diet plan for him but I have to check that each product is also free from egg, fructose, and dairy! I will deal with the preservatives later, right now I just need to get his poo under control with the GF DF and FF diet.

I am a bit overwhelmed :-(

[jmaz86]

Have you thought about going to a dietitian who deals with food allergies, or perhaps your pediatrician could give some assistance.

[follies]

Out of interest how did the naturopath test for the allergies?

[amabanana]

I think it is pretty standard when you go to a naturopath for them to say stop eating dairy/gluten/fructose. Unless he's had a medical test (biopsy/elimination diet for example) for allergies/intolerances to these things I have to say I would be pretty skeptical to be honest. I'm all for alternative therapies but in your case I would be seeing an allergist before a naturopath. But that's just my opinion.

Good luck.

[mummacat]

OP

Here is a link from the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy on alternate allergy testing, please have a read of it before placing your child on what is a very restrictive diet. I second PP to seek the advice of a dietician and a allergist/immunologist.

http://www.allergy.org.au/health-professio...g-and-treatment

It is my understanding that there is no such thing as an allergy to gluten, it is an intolerance. Additionally, there is no test for gluten intolerance, you can be tested for coeliac disease but a naturopath can not do that.

If the naturopath is saying your child is allergic to gluten this would be ringing alarm bells for me.

[Guest_~Songbird~_*]

Naturopaths are not qualified to test for allergies. Also what you have described are actually intolerances.

[ms flib]

Just think very carefully about what you do next. He will be on a very restrictive diet which could cause other health problems. I would be seeking further medical advice.

These things could be the problems but I'd also be concerned about growth and brain development at his age. Maybe just try removing one thing at a time rather than all at once.

Good luck!

[BabeBlossom]

My DD is intolerant to gluten, dairy and we are currently trialling low fructose.
We originally saw a naturopath that specialises in allergies after a dodgy pediatric allergist wasn't any help. She gave us some tips and advice and ordered tests. Before putting my child through more blood tests I researched the tests and decided I wasn't confident they were conclusive enough to use as a diagnosis so didn't do them.
Instead we found a really good gastro allergist at our major children's hospital and haven't looked back. We have seen 2 dieticians and stayed in contact when we have had to make subsequent dietary adjustments.
I would not undertake attempting the dietary restrictions you are speaking of without the guidance of a good allergist or dietician as there are so many implications and quite frankly it sucks, for the parents and the child.

[Sinister Bonnet]

We had a very similar diet recommended by a medical allergist, and gastro after skin prick testing and elimination diet. We saw a leading dietician who specialises in elimination diets and she said the diet was utterly impossible longterm and she felt it was impractical for even a month.

There is no freaking way I would take all of that out based on a naturopathic consult without proper testing.

With those symptoms has anyone checked him out for encopresis?

[30bt]

Another who agrees with above posts- do not listen to naturopath ! Go and see your immunologist again!