| Theories abound when it comes to the treatment | | | | opioid peptides are not broken down in the |
| of autism. Many practitioners believe that correct | | | | digestive system and that they may leak into the |
| diet is at the root of the problem. While good | | | | bloodstream. Indeed, it was discovered only |
| nutrition is essential, it appears it may be | | | | recently by researchers in Maryland that a certain |
| necessary to undergo extensive dietary change, | | | | receptor makes the intestinal barrier more |
| as most children with autism appear to respond | | | | permeable, making this "leaky gut syndrome" |
| abnormally to a wide range of foods. | | | | possible. In plain English, this means that a product |
| Gastrointestinal illnesses, inflammation and other | | | | similar to opium permeates into the bloodstream |
| intestinal disorders appear to be quite common in | | | | every time the autistic child eats. |
| those who suffer from the disease. A regimented | | | | If gluten and casein are removed from the |
| diet, often combined with alternative treatment | | | | autistic diet, supporters of this theory point to a |
| methods, is recommended in the treatment of | | | | reduction in gastrointestinal and neurological |
| the problem. Random changes of food should be | | | | damage. They also maintain that this method is |
| avoided. | | | | less harmful than adding drugs to a patient's |
| Genetically modified foods pose a health risk | | | | bloodstream which can just add another level of |
| throughout society and it is thought that this is | | | | chemicals to a potentially damaged system. |
| particularly important when it comes to those | | | | It is important to note however, that the so-called |
| who are vulnerable through autism to allergies, | | | | gluten/casein diet method should be introduced |
| immune system issues and digestive challenges. | | | | selectively, slowly and should be well documented. |
| Gluten and casein free diets are often | | | | Elimination of the toxins can produce a |
| recommended. However, this step should not be | | | | "withdrawal" effect which may take some time to |
| taken lightly. There is evidence on both sides of | | | | wear off. |
| the argument, so those involved should make | | | | Other dietary plans exist, such as the yeast free |
| sure that they consult appropriately and weigh all | | | | diet, which involves cutting out sugars, caffeine |
| the consequences before moving forward. | | | | and bread. It is suggested that the yeast |
| Gluten, a protein within wheat, oats and rye is | | | | overgrows in the intestines and the toxins can be |
| found in almost all processed foods. Casein is a | | | | released into the bloodstream with potentially |
| protein found in milk and its derivatives and most | | | | adverse effects on brain functioning. |
| dairy products. As such, it can be extremely | | | | At the very least, a child or an adult suffering |
| difficult to develop a sustaining diet while excluding | | | | from autism should make sure that they schedule |
| these proteins altogether. Often times, a diet | | | | eating time appropriately and establish good |
| would have to be composed of whole grains, | | | | nutrition. Snacks in between meals should be |
| fresh fruits, dairy free products and unprocessed | | | | avoided and good practices such as a restriction |
| meat and the preparation of such a diet can also | | | | on the intake of sugars, plenty of liquids, use of |
| be very time-consuming and costly. | | | | dairy free product and the introduction of natural |
| Academics believe that abnormally high levels of | | | | supplements should all be encouraged. |