GLUTEN / CASEIN FREE DIET
Is there a connection between gluten/casein consumption and the behavior and health of many children with autism? We think so.
There is a growing body of research and stories from parents that show certain foods seem to trigger autistic behaviors (self-stimulatory behaviors, brain fog, etc.) and GI issues in a large group of children. It is believed this is due to the children being unable to properly break down gluten and casein proteins. These proteins leak into the gut, undigested, and attach to the opiate receptors of the brain.
Beginning the diet can seem daunting. Do you go the cold turkey approach or the go-slow approach? This is a personal choice. Some families have found it helpful to implement a go-slow approach when beginning the GF/CF Diet. This means problem foods are gradually removed from the diet. First, casein is removed and then a couple of weeks later gluten. Parents have reported this approach lessens withdrawal symptoms.
Things to remember:
Positive effects families have noticed on the GF/CF diet include:
Personal note - GF/CF is a lifestyle changer and takes some getting used to. I had to learn to read all packaging labels, create new recipes, educate family, school and friends about the diet, designate household items GF and learn how to travel with a cooler of GF/CF food. Exhausting! But truthfully, worth it. I have had no regrets with diet restrictions. Diet changed Brody's life for the positive. GF/CF is the diet I would recommend starting with.
There is a growing body of research and stories from parents that show certain foods seem to trigger autistic behaviors (self-stimulatory behaviors, brain fog, etc.) and GI issues in a large group of children. It is believed this is due to the children being unable to properly break down gluten and casein proteins. These proteins leak into the gut, undigested, and attach to the opiate receptors of the brain.
Beginning the diet can seem daunting. Do you go the cold turkey approach or the go-slow approach? This is a personal choice. Some families have found it helpful to implement a go-slow approach when beginning the GF/CF Diet. This means problem foods are gradually removed from the diet. First, casein is removed and then a couple of weeks later gluten. Parents have reported this approach lessens withdrawal symptoms.
Things to remember:
- Try not to rely on too many pre-packaged GF/CF foods. Even though they don’t include gluten or casein, the sugars can feed yeast and imbalance blood sugar. Plus, it is important to make sure your child's diet is balanced and nutritious.
- No infractions! You will not see the same type of benefits if you allow a little cheat here and there. Please give the diet at least 60 infraction free days. (It may take longer than 60 days to see changes in your child. It's tough, but hang in there. )
- Some children go through a "withdrawal" period. Be prepared! Their symptoms may get worse, before improvements are noticed.
Positive effects families have noticed on the GF/CF diet include:
- an improvement in gastrointestinal health
- an increase in eye contact
- an increase in attention span and language
- decreases in tantrums, posturing and self-stimulatory behaviors (healing guts = less pain= happier child)
Personal note - GF/CF is a lifestyle changer and takes some getting used to. I had to learn to read all packaging labels, create new recipes, educate family, school and friends about the diet, designate household items GF and learn how to travel with a cooler of GF/CF food. Exhausting! But truthfully, worth it. I have had no regrets with diet restrictions. Diet changed Brody's life for the positive. GF/CF is the diet I would recommend starting with.
GLUTEN FREE |
CASEIN FREE |
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What is gluten?
Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, kamut, couscous, spelt, rye, oats, and barley. What is gliadorphin? Gliadorphin (alpha-gliadin or gluteomorphin) is a substance that resesmbles morphine. It is a by-product from the digestion of gluten molecules. Gliadorphin has been found in unusual quantities in urine samples of children with autism. The most probable reasons for the presence of gluten molecules in the urine are:
It is a diet free of all gluten containing products. This diet is for individuals who have difficulty or are unable to digest wheat protein. Note: Gluten must be completely avoided, as any amount of gluten can cause damage to the small intestine. It can take up to 6 months to clear out of the system. Infractions can inhibit progress. Possible Effects of Gluten: Partially digested gluten may leak into the blood and behave like morphine chemicals and react to the receptors of brain tissue. The common reaction for gluten is spacey and mental fog. For some children on the spectrum, gluten may cause some damages to the brain and slow down nerve development. Testing for Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease There are gluten allergy/celiac disease tests that are available through Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics. The tests can help identify various forms of allergy or sensitivity to gluten or wheat. They will look for:
I believe any elevation of antibodies is a compelling enough reason to implement a trial of gluten elimination (no infractions). Some doctors consider elevated anti-gliadin antibodies (in the absence of a positive intestinal biopsy showing damage) to be "false positives." Parents are then told not to be concerned over the results. My stance? Positive is positive and, as with any illness, there are different levels of severity, from mild gluten sensitivity to full-blown celiac disease. If your child's antibodies are elevated, you should take them off gluten 100% and see if you notice an improvement in their health and behavior. Gluten-Free Options:
Tips:
Code Words for Gluten:
Everyday products that may contain gluten:
Gluten-Free Diet Information: Autism Network for Dietary Intervention at: www.autismndi.com www.autismdiet.com www.causeyourespecial.com www.celiac.com (gluten-free only, not casein-free) www.celiac.org (gluten-free) www.ener-g.com www.gfcfdiet.com www.gluten.net (gluten-free) www.glutenfreemall.com (gluten-free) www.glutenfreepantry.com www.pamelaproducts.com (cookies and mixes) Books: Diet Intervention and Autism: Implementing the Gluten Free and Casein Free Diet for Autistic Children and Adults : A Practical Guide for Parents by Marilyn Le Breton and Rosemary Kessick. 2001. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Dangerous Grains by James Braly, M.D. and Ron Hoggan, M.A. 2002. Penguin Putnam, Inc. How to Eat Well Again on a Wheat, Gluten and Dairy Free Diet by F. Crosthwaite. 2006. Merton Books. Special Diets for Special People: Understanding and Implementing a Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diet to Aid in the Treatment of Autism and Related Developmental Disorders by Lisa Lewis, Ph.D 1998. Future Horizons Inc. Special Diets for Special KIds Two by Lisa Lewis, Ph.D 2001. Future Horizons Inc. |
What is casein?
Casein is a milk protein found in dairy products and is difficult to digest for many individuals. Casein is not the same as lactose. Lactose is a milk sugar. What is casomorphin? Casomorphin (caseomorphin) is a peptide derived from casein, a milk protein. Dr. Reichelt in Norway, Dr. Cade at the University of Florida, and others found that urine samples from people with autism, PDD, celiac disease, and schizophrenia contained high amounts of the casomorphin peptide in the urine. In its peptide form, casein has opiate properties similar to morphine, and may plug into the same opiate receptor sites in the brain. What is the Casein-Free Diet? It is a diet free of all casein containing products. Note: It can take up to 1 month to clear out of the system. Infractions can inhibit progress. The Casein-Free Diet Can Help: 1. Improve gut inflammation 2. Ease stomach pain 3. Heal digestive problems-diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating Tips:
WARNING! Products That May Contain Casein:
Read labels to look for hidden casein in products. There are different names for casein. Code Words for Casein:
Books: Diet Intervention and Autism: Implementing the Gluten Free and Casein Free Diet for Autistic Children and Adults : A Practical Guide for Parents by Marilyn Le Breton and Rosemary Kessick. 2001. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. How to Eat Well Again on a Wheat, Gluten and Dairy Free Diet by F. Crosthwaite. 2006. Merton Books. Special Diets for Special People: Understanding and Implementing a Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diet to Aid in the Treatment of Autism and Related Developmental Disorders by Lisa S Lewis 2005. Future Horizons. The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet by P. Compart and D. Laake. 2006. Fair Winds Press. For More Information: http://www.gfcfdiet.com http://www.gfcf.com Source: Talk About Curing Autism Now |
