Recipes for children with Autism

Introduction

The microbiome and the state of the central nervous system

Can gut dysbiosis cause autism?

Diet and Autism

»» Keeping the blood sugar level at a balanced level

»» Reduction of exposure to heavy metals, their elimination

»» Avoiding food additives

»» Identification of food allergies such as gluten and dairy, and histamine intolerance test

»» Treatment of nutrient deficiencies

»» Optimal intake of essential fats, especially omega 3 fatty acids

»» Assessing the condition of intestinal flora

Food selectivity in children with autism

»» Tips for selective eating

What is the GFCF diet?

»» What can my child eat on the GFCF diet?

Usage of the recipes

Breakfasts

Main dishes

Garnishes, sauces

Desserts

You are probably aware of what autism really is and why and you’ve probably heard that in some cases, the right diet can help reduce the symptoms of autism. It is important to state at the outset that diet does not cure autism. In fact, the children’s condition often improves not because of the gluten- and dairy-free diet they prefer. Not all autistic children have problems with gluten or dairy products. They simply begin to follow a more varied diet and their microbiome begins to recover, which is very important for the proper synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, such as GABA. And GABA is often lacking in autistic children. Well, let’s jump headfirst into the so-called GFCF diet.

We know that autism is a complex condition characterized by difficulties in social communication. Children with autism, for example, have difficulty understanding what is said to them and have difficulty expressing themselves. In addition, children with autism may have difficulties with social interaction, such as not being able to interpret the feelings of others or express their own feelings. In recent years, more and more evidence has emerged that proper nutrition can play a role in reducing the symptoms of people with autism. Many parents decide to try dietary changes for their autistic child to see if the diet will help them. However, it is important to know that changing the diet does not necessarily cure autism. However, parents using certain special diets have noticed that their child has changed in a positive way as a result of the diet. In general, a gluten- and casein-free, high-fiber diet is recommended for autism. What happens then? Gluten can cause leaky gut syndrome, as a result of which molecules that don’t belong there can enter the bloodstream. Research shows that nine out of 10 autistic individuals suffer from gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease and “leaky gut.” When an individual’s gut is unable to properly digest gluten and casein, these proteins turn into opiate-like substances that can cross the blood-brain barrier and block certain areas of the brain. Both will be discussed later, but first let’s talk about the other important factor, the gut flora, or microbiome.