Nutrition for Autistic Spectrum Disorders
The latest scientific research shows that autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), including ADD and ADHD have at least some biological causes. The Autism Research Institute (ARI) has compiled this research into a treatment approach, now being used by hundreds of practitioners across the globe.
Biochemical Burden
Recent studies have shown that many people with autism and ASD have abnormalities in their sulfation and methylation pathways, which are involved in the body’s detoxification process. This, along with the burden of environmental and toxicity and digestive dysfunction, can contribute to many of the symptoms we know as “autistic”. Correcting these biochemical and digestive imbalances can often help children with autism and ASD and developmental delays.
The Role of Gluten and Casein
New research has shown that for some, the ingestion of the proteins gluten, found in wheat, barley, oats, rye, spelt and kamut, and casein, or milk protein, can affect normal brain function. For these people, a digestive system dysfunction prevents the ability to break down gluten and casein, and the small protein chains that result can, due to their structure, cross the blood-brain barrier and attach to opiate (such as morphine and opium) receptors in the brain. As a result, these proteins can alter brain function, causing immunological and intestinal symptoms. Recently, research has also shown that gluten and casein intolerance, combined with a sensitivity to soy, can cause further “cross-over” reactions in these people.
The GFCF or GFCFSF diet is prescribed for patients with neuro-developmental disorders who are unable to effectively break down gluten and casein. The diet is based on the elimination of all foods containing these three proteins, which allows the body to function in the absence of these substances.
Heavy Metals
In addition, analyses of the hair, urine and feces of autistic and ASD children often reveal significantly higher levels of toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic and particularly mercury. Dysfunction of the detoxification pathways in autistic and ASD children may lead to the accumulation of heavy metals, which can damage the cells of organs such as the brain and nervous system, liver, kidneys and hormone glands.
Digestive Disorders
Autistic and ASD children also tend to have more problems with digestion, including food sensitivities and in addition, many have excess yeast (Candida) or pathogenic bacterial overgrowth in their intestines. These digestion problems can lead to increased allergies as well as sleep and behavioral problems. The lack of adequate digestive enzymes to break down food proteins, allows undigested foods to travel through the intestinal barrier, where they are absorbed through a “leaky gut” (permeable intestinal lining). Both can play major role in food allergies and sensitivities and in gluten and casein sensitivity. A big part of nutrition for autism focuses on healing digestive problems.
Biomedical Interventions and Nutrition for Autism and ASD
The biomedical approach involves tests and treatment for yeast & bacterial overgrowth, and includes the removal of food allergens and sources of food sensitivity. Gut health can be restored with nutritional supplements and special diets for autism and ASD. In addition, as a result of the excess burden of toxins on the body of autistic and ASD children, nutritional (vitamin and mineral) deficiencies are often present, and dietary changes and nutritional supplementation can help correct these metabolic abnormalities and provide the nutrients needed to support sulfation and methlyation.