Fresh fruits and vegetables are part of the GFCF diet.
The GFCF diet is a Gluten-free, Casein-free diet popular with parents of autistic children. When a diagnosis of autism comes down, increasing numbers of parents choose to help treat or improve symptoms with the GFCF diet. The diet is only one measure of an overall approach to autism. However, parents surveyed by the Autism Research Institute reported the GFCF diet was one of the most successful interventions in the treatment of autistic spectrum disorders they'd experienced. While hard evidence does not support this belief, it is often recommended by doctors.
Autism
Autism is a complex developmental disability that often manifests itself in problems with social interaction before age 3. It is a brain-based neurological condition and is classified as part of a family of Autism Spectrum Disorders or Pervasive Development Disorders (PDDs). Researchers have not yet figured out what causes autism. As they continue their search, a growing number of parents feel dietary restrictions may improve their children's symptoms and their overall quality of life.
Wheat and Dairy Basics
Upon diagnosis of autism, it is common for professionals to recommend dietary changes that involve eliminating refined sugars, wheat and dairy from the patient's diet. A gluten-free diet means not consuming wheat, oats, rye and other grains. Casein-free means eliminating milk and milk by-products from the patient's diet. Gluten and casein are believed to contain proteins that break down into opium-like molecules in the patient's bloodstream which cause an abnormal response from the body's immune system and cause the patient's body to attack itself. Doctors recommend starting the process slowly by first removing milk for at least two weeks, followed by removing gluten.
Food List
A long list of foods can be consumed on the GCFC diet and an even longer list should be avoided. However, in general, whole foods are favored. Avoid foods that contain wheat, grain or gluten. Avoid dairy foods and drinks like milk, cheese, sour cream and yogurt. Also, avoid monosodium glutamate (MSG), hydrolyzed protein, artificial sweeteners like aspartame and splenda as well as high fructose corn syrup and refined sugar. Focus on fruits, vegetables, beans and meats. Try to cook with flours that are gluten free such as almond flour, amaranth flour, black bean flour or brown and rice flour.
Shopping Guide
Finding gluten free and casein free foods that meet your or your child's overall health needs can feel daunting and time-consuming at first. Aides are available to help you quickly and easily know with what to fill your cupboards and refrigerator.
Tags: GFCF diet, diagnosis autism, foods that, from patient, from patient diet, fruits vegetables, gluten free