If your child is diagnosed with autism, you may find that dietary changes can positively effect her behavior. Studies have shown a connection between the gut and the brain, indicating that the removal of gluten and casein from the diet may help the behaviors of autistic children. To follow a gluten and casein-free diet, you need to be aware of the hidden sources of gluten and casein.
Autism Spectrum Disorders and Diet
Autism falls on a spectrum of disorders that include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Asperger's syndrome. Studies that have been done on dietary changes and autism indicate the need for further studies. One study, published in the April 2010 issue of "Nutritional Neuroscience" showed behavioral improvements when a gluten and casein-free diet was implemented. The study lasted 24 months with significant improvements occurring during the first 12 months.
Gluten Foods to Remove
When you're implementing a gluten-free diet, there are several foods you will have to avoid. Gluten and gluten-like proteins are present in white and wheat flours, graham flour, spelt, rye, barley, bulgur, durum, couscous, seitan, semolina, matzo, kamut, and triticale. Gluten is found in most cookies, cakes, pies, scones, pastas and breads. Most soups, salad dressings, sauces and marinades contain gluten as well, so check the labels carefully. Cross contamination is also highly likely. The safest foods to purchase are those labeled "gluten-free." Make sure that beer, lunch meats, imitation crabmeat, imitation meat and candy are labeled gluten-free because otherwise they most likely contain gluten. Oats are a gluten-free food, but are highly likely to be cross-contaminated with wheat when they are processed, so purchase certified gluten-free oats. Other items that may contain gluten are toothpaste, play dough, lipstick, medication and vitamins.
Casein Foods to Remove
Casein is a protein found in milk and foods containing milk. To avoid casein, you should avoid milk, cheese, yogurt, butter and ice cream. If you see milk solids, whey or "natural ingredients" on food labels, these probably contain casein. You may be surprised to discover that French fries from fast food restaurants, wine, caramel coloring, fruit flavored antacids, soy cheese, non-dairy items, and vinegar-flavored potato chips reportedly contain casein. Fresh, whole chicken is often injected with lactose to keep it fresh, so it may contain casein as well. Canned tuna is often packed with hydrolyzed casein. Other foods that may be contaminated with casein are chicken broth, chicken bullion, margarine, hydrolyzed protein, and chocolate. If a product is manufactured on the same line as dairy products, cross contamination is highly likely. When you are avoiding casein, call manufacturers to find out if there may be casein or cross-contamination of casein in their products.
Healthy Foods to Include
Even though avoiding gluten and casein may be challenging at first, there are still many healthy foods that do not contain them. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the first place you should start. Fish, poultry, lean meat, legumes, nuts and seeds are healthy sources of protein that you can turn to on a casein and gluten-free diet for autism. Good fats like olive oil, coconut oil and grapeseed oil as well as vinegars, herbs and spices are also healthy options. Consult with a physician and nutritionist before making any changes to your child's diet.
References
- Celiac Sprue Association: Grains and Flours Glossary
- "Nutritional Neuroscience"; The ScanBrit Randomised, Controlled, Single-blind Study of a Gluten- and Casein-free Dietary Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders; Whiteley P, et al; April 2010
- MIT.edu: Eating Without Casein
- "Annals of Clinical Psychology"; The Possibility and Probability of a Gut-to-brain Connection in Autism; Reichelt KL, Knivsberg AM; Oct.- Dec. 2009
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Gluten- and Casein-free Diets for Autistic Spectrum Disorder; Millward C, et al.; 2004
