Well, recently Ben and I have had many people tell us of some interesting research that reveals that gluten in the diet has an adverse affect on children with autism. I have been looking into it, but honestly, not very hard. Basically, the three ingredients you want to avoid are wheat, barley and rye. What foods don't have those ingredients in them?!? I don't know if any of you have had to change your diets....but it's HARD. We are used to eating certain foods and learned to like those certain foods VERY MUCH! :( So, I have been resisting this disruption....UNTIL TODAY! I made fettucini alfredo last night. Yes, LOTS OF WHEAT! And, boy, did we pay for it. Now, the research that has been done regarding gluten and children with autism has revealed that it just doesn't settle right with these kiddos. Children with autism don't have the right processing elements physically that "normal" people have anyway, so processing gluten is a nightmare! They call it "leaky intestine", which is basically diarrea and gluten also has a "drug-like" affect on them. Their senses are dulled and they don't feel pain like they normally would. So, when you take gluten out, they are sharper and can concentrate better, supposedly....as well as have normal bowel movements. So, last night...after the carb load...Ryan was awake from 1:30am to 5!!!!!!!!!! Not sure if his little body just didn't know what to do or what. He hadn't taken a nap that day either, so I know he had to have been tired! After a very, very looooong night, I decided to research as much as I could about changing our diet. Thankfully, many people are on the search for gluten-free diets, so the mainstream grocery stores are starting to provide for this need with gluten-free signs and aisles. It will be yet another interesting process to start, but I am very willing to seek help for my Ryan's health!
If any of you know anything about gluten-free meals/recipes/ideas/suggestions for kids, I will take all of the advice WILLINGLY! :) Thanks!!!
Hi Nicole! Wow - I've heard lots of things about gluten having an adverse effect on people, but not like this! My friend Laura has gone through some serious health battles and changed her diet from vegetarian, to vegan, to gluten-free vegan, to just gluten free, and now she has to have a low iodine diet to get treatment. All that to say, she has been through the ringer and probably has tons of ideas to help you out. I will send her a message and forward you her information! Love, Gabby
ReplyDeleteThere are several cookbooks at the library for people on gluten-free diets - you could stop by and browse through them to see if they would help. Also, there are quite a few books there dealing with autism. You know me... always advertising the library!
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