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Why You Should Try the GFCF Diet with Your Child

Casein, which is found in milk and dairy products, is broken down by our digestive system into a peptide called casomorphin. As the name suggests, this peptide has morphine-like properties. In wheat and other grains containing gluten, a similar peptide called gluteomorphin is created. Both of these peptides have been shown by some researchers to affect your child the same way an illegal opium drug would affect a healthy person. To parents observing their children closely, their child appears withdrawn and “spacey” and they don’t have the same reaction to pain that we would have. So it seems to make sense to put your child on a diet that does not contain these proteins. Some parents have told me that, because of their condition, their child will tend to eat very limited types of foods and will get very emotional when these foods are removed. It is also very difficult to introduce new foods into their diet. They will not touch any new foods. I can only suggest you give it a try like some other parents have, and see if it does improve your child’s behavior. If you take your kid(s) off dairy it is a good idea to place them on calcium/magnesium regimen to replace the minerals in dairy. Please ask your doctor or nutritionist.

Casein tends to kill pain. Removing casein may allow your child to feel what we consider “normal” pain (burn, cut, bump). They may now experience pain from previously undetected maladies such as constipation, gastrointestinal inflammation and lesions, or dental cavities, and they will let you know by complaining or crying. Up to 50% of children on the autistic spectrum are known to have gastrointestinal inflammation.

I will not pretend this will be easy. Most DAN! doctors suggest you try this diet for at least 6 months to see some conclusive results. Sometimes, the child will improve rapidly. Sometimes it will take more time. As the parent you know your child best and can tell what works and what does not for him/her. Also know that this new diet will possibly be a daily fight until your child gets better. He or she will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms before they get better. As I mentioned before, children with autism tend to eat a very limited diet filled with their favorite drugs of choice: gluten and dairy. They will resist this change with all their pained soul. They may refuse to eat for a day or two, but try not to worry too much; they will not starve. They will eventually start to eat what is on their plate. Meanwhile, they should drink a lot of water. You may want to give up when you see your child’s pain, but if you can find the strength, please hang in there as best as you can. If it works it will be well worth the trouble. I’d also like you to know that this GFCF diet does not work for all autistic children, but I’ve seen enough positive results to recommend it. Good luck!

My son, William, was first diagnosed with autism at 18 months; of course, I had my suspicions before then.  William had all the classical signs of autism:  no eye contact, no verbal utterances, no appropriate play with toys, an affinity for spinning objects and restless sleep patterns, in which he would awake screaming and writhing his body. 

Upon learning of William’s condition, I began on my quest to heal my son.  I researched the internet, read books, spoke to other parents of autistic children, and counseled with medical professionals.  The casein and gluten free diet came up over and over again.  Most professionals in the medical field denied the positive benefits of such a diet, claiming that there is no scientific evidence to support it.  Parents, however, had different stories to tell: after removing casein and gluten from their autistic child’s diets, many of the autistic symptoms were relieved. I was desperate, and willing to try anything; however, at that time, there were only a few foods William would eat, most of them containing both casein and gluten.  Therefore, I began by eliminating gluten from his diet.

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More to come… part 6

Chef Braux’s Recipe

Soupe aux Lentilles et à la Tomate. Lentil Tomato Soup

Another soup created for Peoples Pharmacy customers.

Servings: 4-6

Prep Time: 10 min.

Cooking Time: 1 hour

This recipe is GFCF

INGREDIENTS

– 1 Tbsp Olive oil

– ½ White onion, chopped

– 2 Carrots, diced

– 1 Celery branch, diced

– 1 tsp Sea Salt

– 2 Garlic cloves, minced

– 1 tsp dried Oregano

– 1 tsp dried Basil

– 1 Bay leaf

– ½ tsp Black pepper, ground

– 2 cups dry Lentils, rinsed

– 1 can (15 ounce) crushed tomatoes

– 1 qt organic Vegetable broth

– ½ cup Baby spinach, rinsed and thinly sliced

– 1 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar

PROCEDURE

1. In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery; cook and stir until onion is tender.

3. Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and basil; cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Add in vegetable broth, lentils, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat, and simmer for at least 1 hour.

6. When ready to serve stir in spinach and vinegar, and cook until it wilts. Serve.

Chef’s Tips: This is a very warming winter soup. To add a little flavor to it, I like to add a spoon of plain soy or coconut yogurt to it and stir.

Chef Alain Braux

From: Living Gluten and Dairy-Free on Amazon.com

Disclaimer: This article has been written as an educational tool only. It is not a substitute for the informed medical recommendations of your personal physician or other qualified healthcare provider.