The gluten-free, casein-free diet is one that avoids all foods containing gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley grains, and casein, a dairy protein found in milk, yogurt, cheese and butter. It is not a diet for weight loss but is a diet to control allergic symptoms. Some have explored it as a way to control symptoms associated with autism.
Food Allergies
According to the Gluten Intolerance Group, a food allergy occurs when the body's immune system reacts to a protein that occurs in specific foods. The reaction can occur throughout the body and symptoms can be as mild as upset stomach to severe as skin outbreaks, fatigue symptoms, mood disruptions, severe allergic reactions and intestinal damage, in the case of gluten allergies. A food allergen elimination diet is medically necessary for the individual who is allergic.
Autism
According to the Mayo Clinic, autism is actually one of several developmental problems that can develop before the age of three. The symptoms of the condition vary, but it disrupts the child's ability to interact and communicate. Treatments for autism include developmental, educational and communication therapies. Some medications may also help control symptoms. Some groups believe that switching autistic individuals to a gluten-free, casein-free diet will help control the symptoms of autism due to an interaction between proteins in gluten and casein with the brain's biochemistry. While it is hotly debated, some families believe it has benefited their children.
Gluten-Free Foods
Gluten-free foods should be free of wheat, rye and barley, and they should be free of products made with those ingredients. Some cosmetics, toothpastes, food starches, thickeners, sauces, seasoning mixes, and many baked, boiled, breaded, or battered foods, contain one or more gluten-containing ingredients. The Gluten Intolerance Group maintains a list on its website for safe foods, but it recommends reviewing the ingredient lists of foods that are not certified gluten-free to be safe. Cross contamination, or exposure to an allergen through contact with tools, equipment, dishes, or cutting boards, can cause an allergic reaction for some.
Naturally gluten-free foods include meats, milk, cheese, certain yogurt, cottage cheese, vegetables, fruit, corn, potatoes, rice, quinoa. Products made from these ingredients are also gluten-free, but check the labels to see if any other ingredients have been added. Beans, legumes, nuts, tapioca, arrowroot, cornstarch, potato starch, rice flour, amaranth, and teff are all ingredients used as flour substitutes for wheat flour. Oats are technically gluten-free as well, but most manufacturers process them on machinery also used to process wheat, so cross contamination can be an issue.
Casein Free Foods
Casein is found in dairy products, such as milk, cheese, whey, yogurt, cottage cheese, and butter. It also occurs in caramel, chocolate, protein and meal replacement bars, processed foods, some chewing gums and even a sugar substitute. It is less common to have a true milk allergy, but lactose intolerance, or the inability to effectively digest the milk protein lactose, is more common. Naturally casein-free foods include fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains. There are a great number of dairy substitute products on the market including rice, soy, almond, hemp, and coconut milk and products made from those milk substitutes, such as cheese, yogurt, and margarine. Carefully read labels for processed foods, because dairy solids can be found in bars, cereals, breads, packaged dinners, and powdered beverage blends. Whey and casein protein supplements are made from dairy. Look for lactose or dairy free foods to be safe.
Glutn- and Casein-Free Foods
Meat, vegetables and fruit are naturally both gluten- and casein-free foods that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Seek out substitutes for gluten and casein in order to obtain the nutrients you need. You can make a meal using lean meat or soy protein, rice or potatoes, and a variety of vegetables that is naturally free of gluten- and casein- without seeming sparce. Various online recipe databases are available and can help you create meals that are cost effective, not requiring expensive substitutes for ingredients. When choosing processed foods, carefully inspect the ingredients and check the allergen alert prior to purchasing. Avoid foods that contain milk, dairy, lactose, gluten or wheat.
