subject: Zero Gluten Nutrition Program - Kids With Autism And Dietetic Necessities [print this page] A gluten free eating plan eliminates gluten from the diet. Food and drinks made with wheat, barley, rye or oats are to be strictly avoided. Most autistic children are put on a gluten free diet.
Many people who believe in the gluten free diet plan say that many children with autism have gastrointestinal difficulties making it hard for them to digest certain grains properly. There are different possibilities for ways in which this could affect children with autism.
One of the more popular and proven theories is that eating gluten leads to high levels of protein by products. Some of these particular by products have been shown to change behavior in a similar way that drugs do. Gluteomorphines are peptides that are very similar to morphine. Your body will manufacture peptides out of the gluten it ingests. It is said that if gluten is taken out of the diet, the idea is that this will reduce the level of gluteomorphines, and behavior will improve as a result.
The social deficits often seen in autistic children are believed to be caused by Gluteomorphines. Increased confusion and blocked pain messages may also be a result.
What The Experts Say
A gluten free diet autism experts say works on the elimination process. When parents cut certain things out of their child's diet, they saw a lot of improvement. If parents follow a gluten free diet they have been known to mark several improvements.
Many experts believe that autistic children react to wheat and products containing wheat. Eliminating gluten from the child's diet will help them function better.
Getting Help
Eating a gluten-free diet is especially challenging for children. It would be wise to take into consideration seeing a dietitian or nutritionist that can work with you personally to find a good gluten free diet plan for your kid.
In addition to this, they will be able to give you sound nutritional advice on how to implement the diet correctly, without harming your child by omitting major nutrient groups.
Autistic children may be made uncomfortable by other, mean children who single them out for being different from others. A diet plan without gluten brings attention to their condition and also their variations. This presents a unique challenge to parents trying to meet the treatment guidelines. Frequent follow-up and monitoring, along with educational resources and support groups can aid families in maintaining a gluten free diet plan and provide creative ways to deal with the challenges inherent in a gluten free lifestyle.
A gluten free diet requires sacrifice, according to autism experts. With the climbing rates of autism diagnoses, there are countless resources available to you.