| About the diet |
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With some care and awareness, 'old fashioned' non-processed meals, prepared using plain foods (fresh or frozen meat, fish, vegetables, eggs and fruit) should be fine. What foods are to be avoided? Wheat and cow's milk are what is initially thought to be the ingredients to omit as these are the major sources of gluten and casein - however this is not the complete story. Gluten is also found in a modified form in barley, rye and oats. Casein also occurs in milk from humans, goats and other mammals. Can a gluten and casein free diet be healthy? Excluding wheat and milk products from our diet seems rather extreme for us to acknowledge in Western culture/society as much advertising promotes the need to include these foodstuffs. We are often reminded that wheat provides necessary roughage and the European Union has often embarked on big milk marketing campaigns. However, many millions of people in other parts of the world thrive without these foodstuffs. It needs noting though, that removing milk from our diet can take away our major source of calcium intake (which is essential for development of healthy bones and teeth). Therefore advice and support from a dietician / nutritionist should be sought as a suitable calcium supplement may be required to ensure an adequate level is maintained. More about Calcium: Calcium supplements are usually available as calcium carbonate. However, some people are not able to efficiently absorb this and may do better taking calcium in its ionic form. Ionic minerals are minerals that have been separated from their salts by electrolysis in an acid environment creating an ionised positive charge to the mineral component. As the lining of the gastrointestinal tract possesses a negative polarity, ionic minerals are attracted readily to the epithelial cells for greater bio-available absorption.
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| Information contained on this website does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any dietary intervention to alleviate the symptoms of ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) or related pervasive developmental disorders. Much of the content contained in these web pages derive from historic scientific study or anecdotal accounts. Any decision to undertake a dietary intervention must lie solely with the person with ASD or with those having responsibility for their care. It is strongly recommended that anyone considering a dietary intervention seek the advice and support of their Medical Practitioner and if possible, a knowledgeable dietician or nutritionist. |