Dietary Change in the Treatment of Autism
There is no need to be daunted by diet change in this population of kids. However, certain changes need to be initiated to allow the gut to begin to heal and the immune system to become more viable. Paradoxically, removing some foods allows for an expanded diet and then feeding these little people becomes much easier to do.
Any child on the Autism spectrum must have all gluten (most grains), casein (all dairy) and soy removed, and cut right back on sugar. This may sound challenging but experience shows there is no way around this essential aspect to treatment.
Peptides in gluten, casein and soy do tremendous damage to growing brains, so they need to be removed and remain removed for some time. First step is to take out dairy and soy together (as they only take a week to leave the gut), then concentrate on removing gluten and sugars. You can expect some hyperactivity and some behaviour problems for a few weeks however there are strategies that can be employed to minimise these episodes.
When you realise that these behaviour changes are a good sign – bacterial toxins are being processed and excreted as comfort foods are withdrawn – and that they are self-limiting and an indication of progress, it will make the process easier to swallow (forgive the pun!)
By taking these steps we are expecting and wanting to initiate change and as you may appreciate, ‘there are no straight roads out of wilderness areas’!
There are plenty of alternative foods on the market now, and good old staple meals based around organic meats, chicken, deep sea oily fish, with appropriate vegetables and lots of eggs (allowing for allergy) are the basics to be aimed for.
With young children it is best to go ‘cold turkey’ but as they become older take one day at a time and be consistent. Re-introduce new foods only when the gut is ready and foods are being absorbed.
Another tip is the use of specific enzymes for food infringements of various origins. For example, grandparents, parties, a school friends lunch box!
The correct food intake is the best possible gift we can give our children. Ask as many questions as you like; we are at your service.