Humans need certain essential nutrients for their bodies to function, including vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, protein, and certain fats is important to help provide those key nutrients. However, some children may not be able to absorb, orlack these nutrients in their diet. Moreover, because of the over processing of food, the addition of preservative and chemicals in the food chain, and exposure to toxins in the environment their bodies may have become sanitized to common foods. The Children’s HOPE Center uses a biomedical approach. The Biomedical approach is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers families and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of the child’s disease and promote optimal wellness. It requires a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical, nutrition, and lifestyle factors and use that information to direct personalized treatment plans that lead healing and resolution of underlying problems.
This involves a detailed history and physical exam, but also may involve biomedical testing. Such things as yeast overgrowth, complete blood count, environmental toxins, heavy metals, food allergies, microbiome analysis and other metabolic and functional studies may be needed to get a a glimpse at the biomedical challenges in the child’s case and determine the specific nutritional needs of the child.
Implementing a Gluten-Free, Casein-Free, Soy-Free Diet for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Introduction
Recent international research has highlighted the significant benefits of a gluten-free, casein-free, and soy-free (GFCFSF) diet for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A study involving 70 participants over six months observed notable improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms and behavioral aspects of children with ASD when following this diet alongside nutritional supplements and digestive enzymes.
Understanding the Diet
The GFCFSF diet excludes all sources of gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley, and some oats), casein (found in dairy products), and soy, which is often genetically modified. This diet is not just a temporary change but a complete lifestyle adjustment, focusing on viewing food as nourishment for both body and brain.
Benefits Observed
Dietary Guidelines
Important Considerations
Tips for Implementation
Addressing Picky Eating in ASD
Selective eating is common in children with ASD. This can be due to sensory issues, delayed oral motor function, swallowing difficulties, or pain. Approaches to address picky eating include:
Conclusion
The GFCFSF diet, when correctly implemented, can lead to significant improvements in both gastrointestinal health and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. This diet requires careful planning and a holistic approach to ensure nutritional needs are met while avoiding triggering foods. With the right support and resources, transitioning to a GFCFSF diet can be a transformative step in managing ASD symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
What is a gluten-free, casein-free diet?
Often called a GF/CF diet, this eating plan avoids foods that contain gluten (found in many breads and cereals) and casein (found in milk products). Eliminating gluten and casein may help to change symptoms and behaviors of autism. Some parents have started their child with autism on a version of the GF/CF diet for a different reason, and later noticed improvement in behavior, social skills, and learning.
Will a gluten-free, casein-free. Gluten and casein are a big part of our usual diet. Because the diet does not contain milk products, or many breads and cereals, your child may not get enough:
Be sure to ask your doctor about calcium and vitamin supplements, and keep regular appointments to watch for proper growth.
Before starting this diet, please discuss it with your child's doctor. Tests should be done for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity before starting the diet. Once the diet is started, the test results may not be accurate.
How do I start the GF/CF diet?
Start the diet slowly. Don't try to take out all gluten- and casein-containing foods at once. Add new gluten-free and casein-free foods gradually, about one food every 3 to 7 days. If a new food causes a problem, you will know which one it was. It may take 3 months to become fully gluten- and casein-free.
Buy small amounts of the new foods. Buy them in bulk only when you know your child likes them.
Read all food labels. Gluten and casein are found in many forms and go by many different names.
Keep a food and behavior journal. Write down what your child eats and any behavior changes that occur. If there is a connection between certain foods and behaviors, keeping a journal will help identify it.
Attempt to stick with whole foods as much as possible and use this as an opportunity to eat more veggies and whole grains.
Because calcium and vitamin D are limited on this diet, encourage other calcium-rich beverages, such as:
This sheet provides lists that will help you identify sources of gluten and casein.
Nutrition for Autism shown 5x Beneficial for Children - 12 Month University Study RESULTS
Foods that contain gluten
Breads and cereals made with:
Abyssinian hard wheat
Barley
Barley flour
Barley malt
Barley hordeum vulgare
Bleached all-purpose flour
Bran
Bread flour
Brown flour
Durum flour
Enriched flour
Fu (dried wheat gluten)
Gluten flour
Graham flour
Granary flour
Hard wheat
High protein flour
High gluten flour
Kamut wheat
Oat flour
Rye
Spelt
Wheat
Wheat flour
White flour
Whole meal flour
Vital gluten
Other sources of gluten:
Alcoholic beverages
Avena
Beer
Bouillon cubes or powder
Bread crumbs
Bulgur (bulgur wheat/nuts)
Broth (packaged)
Cereal extract
Cereal binder
Chilton
Couscous
Cracker meal
Croutons
Dextrin
Durum
Edible starch
Einkorn wheat
Filler
Galactose
Ghee
Glutamate
Glutamic acid
Gravy cubes
Gravy mixes (unless homemade with cornstarch)
Herbs with wheat fillers
Hordeum
Hydrolyzed oat starch
Hydrolyzed plant protein (HPP)
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
Malt
Non-dairy creamer (coffee creamer)
Oats
Pearl barley (Job's Tears)
Nougat
Seitan
Simplesse
Semolina
Soba noodles
Teriyaki sauce
Triticale
Udon
Vegetable starch
These foods may contain gluten.
If the item is not labeled GF/CF, check with the manufacturer.
Baking powder
Baking soda
Chorizo sausage
Gelatinized starch
Ground spices
Hot dogs
Lactic acid
Luncheon meats
Modified food starch
Natural flavoring
Sausages
Soy sauce (shoyu)
Surimi
Miso
Monosodium glutamate
MSG
Rice malt
Rice syrup
Vitamins
Check for gluten-free baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, xanthan or guar gum at health food stores or via online sources: www.bobsredmill.com
Foods that contain casein
Milk:
Acidophilus milk
Buttermilk
Condensed milk
Evaporated milk
Dry milk
Goat milk
Low fat milk
Malted milk
Milk chocolate
Milk powder
Milk solids
Non-fat milk
Powdered milk
Skim milk
Whole milk
Other sources of casein:
Artificial butter flavor
Butter
Butter fat
Butter flavoring
Butter oil
Caseinate
Cheese (hard and soft)
Cottage cheese
Cream
Cream cheese
Custard
Curds
Delactosed whey
Half and half
Ice cream
Lactoglobulin
Lactose
Lactalbumin
Lactate solids
Lactulose
Pudding
Rennet casein
Ricotta cheese
Sherbet
Sour cream
Sour cream solids
Whey
Yogurt
These foods may contain casein.
If the item is not labeled GF/CF, check with the manufacturer.
Brown sugar flavoring
Bavarian cream flavoring
Caramel coloring
Chorizo
Coconut flavoring
Hot dogs
Luncheon meats
Natural chocolate flavoring
Sausages
What can my child eat?
Many foods do not contain gluten or casein, such as:
Guten-free flours:
Amaranth flour
Buckwheat flour
Corn meal flour (and polenta)
Garbanzo bean flour
Garfava flour
Lentil flour
Millet flour
Nut flours (such as almond, cashew)
Potato starch flour
Potato flour
Quinoa flour
Rice flour (brown or white)
Sorghum flour (Jowar)
Sweet potato flour
Tapioca flour or tapioca starch
Teff flour
Yucca (cassava flour)
Milk substitutes:
Almond milk
DariFree® potato milk
Rice milk
Soy milk
Butter substitutes:
Use non-dairy margarine such as:
If a recipe calls for 1 cup of margarine or butter, you can substitute ¾ cup of oil:
What else do I need to know?
Gluten is also found in many non-food items, but some brands are gluten-free.
Contains gluten |
Gluten-free |
Lip balm |
Burt's Bees® |
Laundry detergent |
Arm and Hammer® Baking |
Soap, shampoo |
Young Living Kidscents shampoo |
Spices (ground) |
McCormick's® |
Sunscreen |
Banana Boat® Children's |
Toothpaste |
Young Living Kidscents Toothpasre |
Young Living kids Product |
https://www.myyl.com/shawndo1#enrol l |
Stickers, stamps, and envelopes have gluten in the glue. Some medicines and antibiotics contain gluten, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving them.
Be careful not to mix GF/CF foods with other foods when using household appliances such as toasters, ovens, microwaves, and waffle irons. Use a separate toaster. When using ovens or microwaves, keep GF/CF foods in separate containers from other foods.
The Science Behind THE Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Soy-Free Diet
There are several reasons why you should consider implementing a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet for your child with autism. In this article, we will discuss some of the science that supports dietary intervention for autism.
1. The GFCF Diet Is Safe And Effective
This is a great reason to implement a GFCF diet for your child with autism. After all, if you can do something at home that is safe and may help your child, it is always worth a try.
2. Probable Improvements In Skills And Health
Yes, it's true. By simply eliminating gluten and dairy from your child's diet, you will likely see improvements not only in their health but their ability to develop skills as well.
After implementing the diet, parents report improvements in the following areas:
3. Gluten And Casein Cause A Functional Folate Deficiency
As you know, folate is critical for proper brain development. However, current research suggests that many children with autism have low amounts of folate in their brain, a condition known as Cerebral Folate Deficiency.
Folate is important because it supports the metabolism of purines and pyrimidines, which are the building blocks of RNA and DNA. They are needed to make energy properly.
Folate is utilized by the body for cognitive development.
Casein (the protein in dairy):
Gluten (the protein in wheat):
4. Gluten Contains Zonulin Which Contributes To Leaky Gut
Another important reason for implementing a GFCF diet for autism: gluten is high in zonulin, which can cause intestinal permeability (also known as “leaky gut”).
Increased gut permeability contributes to heightened reactions to food components in the intestinal tract of children with autism. As a result, the child becomes sensitive to any food that they eat often.
The reactions can vary from child to child but often include difficulty concentrating, constipation and/or diarrhea, and widespread inflammation. A 2017 review suggests that leaky gut may also contribute to anxiety and depression.
5. Gluten And Casein Bind To Opioid Receptors In The Brain
An opioid reaction to long chain peptides (gluten and casein) creates a high pain threshold and a foggy, disconnected feeling, similar to the feeling of being drunk. Many parents report that “the fog lifted” after starting a gluten and casein free diet and this may be the reason.
RESEARCH:
For more information, please read “Peptides’ Role in Autism with Emphasis on Exorphins”.
6. Food Allergies/Sensitivities Trigger Mast Cells Which Contribute To Leaky Gut
We mainly think of mast cells when referring to something we're allergic to, but they do a lot more. Mast cells in the body are connected to the immune response and they release histamine, interleukins, proteoglycans, and other enzymes.
Thus, even eating foods that we are sensitive to can stimulate mast cells and thereby can create a permeable gut lining. Moreover, continuing to eat these foods makes the problem worse. But, when we stop eating foods that we are sensitive to, it calms the mast cells.
7. Gluten And Casein Increase Glutamate
This can be troubling because elevated glutamate and low GABA in the brain contribute to high anxiety, perseverating on topics, restlessness, tics, migraines, and Complex Motor Stereotypies which looks like flapping or stimming.
8. Gluten And Casein Fuel Inflammation
When the gastrointestinal barrier function is disrupted (as is described in "leaky gut" above), there is an increased passage of dietary and microbial antigens interacting with cells of the immune system, which causes inflammation.
9. Milk Is Very High In Hormones
Another reason to implement a GFCF diet relates to hormones. These hormones are not always good for a growing child.
Also, exposure to hormones in dairy products may lead to precocious puberty or even cause cancer cells to grow.
10. The Science Supports A Gluten And Casein Free Diet For Autism
Finally, the most important reason that parents should consider implementing the GFCF diet: there are hundreds of studies that provide proof that it's beneficial for people with autism. Below, you will find a few of our favorites.
D. BIOLOGICAL EXPLANATION FOR WHEAT SENSITIVITY FOUND.
E. KETOGENIC DIET VERSUS GLUTEN FREE CASEIN FREE DIET IN AUTISTIC CHILDREN: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY.