Autism diet – Does it really work?

These two ingredients, wheat gluten and casein (found in dairy products), contain proteins that are large in shape and can be difficult for some people to digest. The digestive systems of autistic children are thought to be somewhat compromised. Because the lining of the intestines is more malleable, the extra-large molecules of proteins can leak through the intestine walls and out into the bloodstream. The molecules are then free to travel the body and wind up in the brain where they cause a sort of “high.” This can alter the mood and behavior of the child.

The school of thought supporting this says that by eliminating wheat gluten and casein and utilizing the autism diet, you eliminate the possibility of that “high,” oftentimes causing the behavior and actions of the individual to improve.

Complete consensus on the importance and validity of an autism diet is in the theoretical hands of the jury, and they are still out. However, many parents, therapists, and doctors have seen improved results from a GFCF diet, and that may be enough to make it worthwhile to try.

An autism diet that is GFCF can be hard to implement. It takes an unmatched set of determination and discipline on the part of the parent to make it work. This type of diet will also require a lot of research and knowledge about what foods might contain even traces of wheat gluten and casein substances. It can also be expensive.

While an autism diet is not seen as a “cure” for autism, eliminating gastrointestinal problems can be a huge help on their own. It is a proven fact that wheat and dairy foods do break down into peptides. Peptides are usually excreted as waste but with a pliant intestinal wall, they tend to hang around for a while longer and mix into the main bloodstream. Several studies have shown higher amounts of peptides in urine samples from autistic children. One of the possible physical characteristics of autism is a leaky intestine. Even if all you really were to get from an autism diet is improved digestion, that in itself may be worth it.

The GFCF diet is recommended by the Autism Research Institute (ARI) because of the possible benefits it can affect. It is also possible to go a step beyond that with a specific carbohydrate diet (SCD). Children with autism may also not have enough disaccharides in their system to break down complex carbohydrates. The SCD diet is aimed at eliminating problem complex carbohydrates that an autistic child’s intestines may not be able to break down, thereby improving the frequency and consistency of bowel movements. This should lead toward a much better physical overall feeling of good health, as well as an improvement in attention span and behavior patterns.