How to substitute Gluten and Casein in Autistic Child’s Diet

We are much more than what we eat. Often diet and nutrition is overlooked or dismissed. But it is a human fact that many of the symptoms present in autism are directly related to nutritional deficiencies, disturbances in nutritional imbalance, poor diet and negative effect of the specific food. Children with Autism respond very well to change in the diet and nutrition. If you choose carefully the food you give to an autistic child, it will help in optimizing brain and body functions. The child will respond to the all other treatments provided and give best possible outcomes. Diet and nutrition are critical components of overall treatment plan because they address underlying problems.
An autistic child can benefit from a gluten- and casein-free diet. Gluten and casein are the main offenders. Soy and corn can also be bothersome for some children. Casein, a protein, is mainly found in milk and other dairy product like yogurt, ice-cream. This is also present in baked goods and fish like tuna. Gluten, another protein, is found in wheat and other grains. The food containing Gluten, casein and soy are not properly digested. When they reach the intestinal tract, they form undigested amino acids chains called peptides and then further processed into basic amino acids. Some evidence suggests that in autistic, this process does not occur fully. The resulting peptides, which fail to break down completely, may have an effect on the body similar to that of morphine or other opiates. The peptides are absorbed into the blood-stream and they cross the blood brain barrier and negatively effect mood, mental and neurological functions and behaviors. There is another problem associated with the food containing Gluten and casein. Children may develop addiction to the food sources containing gluten and casein. Children crave to food which are actually harmful for them and begin to limit their food to gluten, casein and soy containing food only. This results in significant withdrawal symptoms when these foods are eliminated from their food. For this reason experts on autism recommend that people suffering from autism should avoid gluten and casein in their diets.
So, what to do?
You can use a number of substitutes for gluten and casein while preparing food for your child. These are easily available in the market.
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