(516) 921-3456
77 Froehlich Farm Blvd Woodbury, NY 11797
Elimination Diets
Autistic spectrum disorders have metabolic and autoimmune bases. Gluten is a mixture of plant proteins which are found in wheat and other grain products such as oats, barley and rye. Casein is milk protein found in all dairy products. Most foods fed to our children are laden with high content of artificial colors, flavors intended to make them more ‘attractive’ to children’s palates. They have chemical substances which act as preservatives to increase the shelf life of these foods. Experience has shown that avoidance of these products has helped improve the symptoms of a large percentage of autistic patients.
If the gluten and casein proteins are not properly digested, they may create dysfunction in multiple organ systems including the brain and the gastrointestinal system. Studies have shown that fragments of gliadin, the protein found in grains such as wheat, barlety, rye and oats, in contrast to other food antigens, induced interleukin (IL)-8 and TNF-alpha production and significantly increased interferon (IFN)-gamma, thus inducing cytokine secretion in human monocytes. Thus, gliadin can participate in mechanisms leading to the impairment of intestinal mucosa in celiac patients and patients on the autistic spectrum. They have the ability to cause an opiate-like effect on these children as well. By eliminating these proteins from the diet, improvements in the GI function as well as the neurological function of autistic children may improve dramatically.
When faced with what to feed their children who are largely dependent on milk, grains and carbohydrates, most parents feel their children will starve with no reasonable food alternatives. Fortunately, there are many gluten and casein free products available, ready made in many food stores and on-line websites. These products have been adapted for the needs of autistic children offering a variety of taste and nutrition. Consultation with and continual access to professionals on our staff assists the families in making the necessary dietary changes. We feel that the rate limiting step to success in this treatment modality is based on parents’ ability to integrate healthier foods into their households in a practical, affordable manner. We work closely with many providers of healthy foods to make this difficult transition easier and more acceptable to the family.
If the gluten and casein proteins are not properly digested, they may create dysfunction in multiple organ systems including the brain and the gastrointestinal system. Studies have shown that fragments of gliadin, the protein found in grains such as wheat, barlety, rye and oats, in contrast to other food antigens, induced interleukin (IL)-8 and TNF-alpha production and significantly increased interferon (IFN)-gamma, thus inducing cytokine secretion in human monocytes. Thus, gliadin can participate in mechanisms leading to the impairment of intestinal mucosa in celiac patients and patients on the autistic spectrum. They have the ability to cause an opiate-like effect on these children as well. By eliminating these proteins from the diet, improvements in the GI function as well as the neurological function of autistic children may improve dramatically.
When faced with what to feed their children who are largely dependent on milk, grains and carbohydrates, most parents feel their children will starve with no reasonable food alternatives. Fortunately, there are many gluten and casein free products available, ready made in many food stores and on-line websites. These products have been adapted for the needs of autistic children offering a variety of taste and nutrition. Consultation with and continual access to professionals on our staff assists the families in making the necessary dietary changes. We feel that the rate limiting step to success in this treatment modality is based on parents’ ability to integrate healthier foods into their households in a practical, affordable manner. We work closely with many providers of healthy foods to make this difficult transition easier and more acceptable to the family.