Article content
When Ethan was only one year old, doctors diagnosed him with autism. This condition complicated his sleep the most – he could not sleep for more than two hours, regardless of the time of day. The parents were desperate because no method helped.
Twenty months later his mother decided on a simple experiment. She decided to adjust his diet. After only three days a radical change occurred: Ethan finally slept through the night.
What specifically did the mother do?
The change was not complicated. She removed only two components from her son’s diet: gluten-containing grains and milk along with dairy products. According to research and the experiences of some parents, such a dietary adjustment can improve communication between the digestive system and the brain.
Children with autism often have increased levels of antibodies reacting to the presence of gluten. The body interprets these antibodies as a defensive response against foreign substances, which can lead to health problems.
Scientific studies confirm a link between diet and autism
One study showed that children with autism have a higher ratio of IgG antibodies against gliadin – a protein found in grains and a component of gluten – compared to healthy children (p<0,01).
In another study, 15 children diagnosed with autism were put on a gluten-free diet for three months. Although the results were not statistically significant, some parents reported improvements in their children’s behavior.
The third study focused on five patients who initially had elevated levels of antibodies against casein (milk protein) or gluten. The results at the end of the study showed:
- reduced excretion of peptides in urine
- improvements in behavior in certain areas
- fewer epileptic seizures
Can autism be influenced by diet?
Many people believe that diet can significantly affect autism. Although this cannot be said across the board for all cases, the stories of some families and scientific studies show that changing eating habits is worth a try.
Up to 50% of children with autism also have digestive problems. Most often it is intolerance to gluten or casein, which can lead to increased antibody production and inflammatory reactions in the body.
Other children may be harmed by, for example, nuts, soy, or eggs, which also provoke an excessive immune system reaction. And as we know, a strong immune response is reflected not only in physical health but also in mental well-being.
The digestive system and mental health are closely connected
Modern research confirms that the digestive tract and mental health are closely related. When digestion is disrupted, both body and mind suffer. If you have a child with autism or know someone in your circle who suffers from this condition, consider their diet.
Diet can play an important role not only for children with autism but also for healthy children and adults. If you decide to try a gluten-free diet or eliminate dairy products, it can have a positive impact on overall health and psychological well-being.
Conclusion
Although it cannot be claimed that autism can be cured by diet change alone, more and more parents and experts agree that diet can play a crucial role. If you are dealing with a similar situation, we recommend consulting a specialist and subsequently trying a diet without gluten and dairy products. It’s worth it for the children’s health.
