Lisa Lewin, Ph.D., suggests that children that suffer from autism, ADHD or food sensitivities can benefit from altering their diet to eliminate foods that contain gluten, casein or lactose. Studies conducted at the University of Birmingham, U.K. imply that these foods react in the body to worsen symptoms, and their elimination can help improve the lives of children that have autism, ADHD or food sensitivities.
Properties of Gluten
Gluten is the protein that is found in certain grains, including wheat, oats, rye and barley. In certain people, gluten cannot be processed in the intestines, resulting in a myriad of health consequences, including mood swings, poor digestion and malabsorption of vitamins and minerals in the body. Gluten intolerance, also called celiac disease, is a life-long condition and does not diminish with age. A gluten-free diet involved eliminating all foods from your diet that contain gluten.
Properties of Casein
Casein is the protein that is found in milk products, including whole and reduced-fat milk, cheeses, yogurt, ice cream and butter. Casein can increase urinary peptides in certain individuals, which has been seen in studies conducted at Princeton University to increase behavioral and health problems in autistic children. Casein levels are high in reduced-fat or fat-free dairy products because the heat and pressure required to reduce the fat in the milk creates more casein, as noted in a report from the University of Guelph. A casein-free diet involves removing all foods from your diet that contain casein.
Properties of Lactose
Lactose is the sugar found in milk, which isn't always easily digestible in the human body. When lactose isn't digested properly, it can cause abdominal upset and digestion problems. This digestive upset can result in behavioral problems caused by physical pain. Lactose is found in all dairy products, such as milk, ice cream, cheese, butter, sour cream and yogurt. A lactose-free diet involves removing all foods from your diet that contain lactose.
Considerations
It's important to have your child tested for food sensitivities to see if her health or behavioral problems are diet-related. You can receive a food sensitivities test from a naturopathic doctor or allergist. Talk to your doctor about your interest in eliminating certain foods from your child's diet. Your doctor can test your child to determine if it's safe for your child to eliminate certain foods from her diet.
References
- Princeton University; An Experimental Intervention for Autism; Lisa S. Lewis, Ph.D.; 1997
- University of Louisville; Kentucky's Family Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders; Debbie Lorence; 2010
- Oklahoma State University; Food Allergies and Food Intolerances; Janice R. Hermann; 2010
- University of Guelph: Dairy Chemistry and Physics: Milkfat Structure - Fat Globules
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