In our research on the popular debate as to whether or not a GFCF diet may help to improve the symptoms of autism and autism spectrum disorders, I came across an article I found on the Autism Spot website. This article discuss the physical and psychological affects that gluten and casein are believed to have on children with autism, which is a disorder commonly associated with other gastrointestinal problems and food allergies.
To help others have a better understanding of what children with autism and autism spectrum disorders (who have also tested positive for a gluten and/or casein allergy) experience as a result of the consumption of gluten and casein, the author compares the effects that they have on the brain with that of an opiate. He explains that the feelings these children experience are very similar to the “mix of euphoria, lethargy and clouded brain function” and “hallucinogenic thoughts” that many people may experience after taking an opiod (HNWellness). This is due to the fact that their bodies are unable to properly break down wheat and/or dairy products. When this occurs, the partially digested food then turns into peptides which act as opiates after they are combined with stomach enzymes. After these peptides travel to the brain, they attach to its opoid receptors, “mimicking a hallucinogenic drug” (HNWellness). They are also noted to affect both the nervous and immune systems as well.
Though the author of this article states that not all autistic children have food allergies, he explains that based on his experience, it is very common for them to test positive for gluten and casein allergies. He also concludes that based on his experiences in counseling parents of autistic children, he has found that many children have greatly benefited from the GFCF diet.
To help others have a better understanding of what children with autism and autism spectrum disorders (who have also tested positive for a gluten and/or casein allergy) experience as a result of the consumption of gluten and casein, the author compares the effects that they have on the brain with that of an opiate. He explains that the feelings these children experience are very similar to the “mix of euphoria, lethargy and clouded brain function” and “hallucinogenic thoughts” that many people may experience after taking an opiod (HNWellness). This is due to the fact that their bodies are unable to properly break down wheat and/or dairy products. When this occurs, the partially digested food then turns into peptides which act as opiates after they are combined with stomach enzymes. After these peptides travel to the brain, they attach to its opoid receptors, “mimicking a hallucinogenic drug” (HNWellness). They are also noted to affect both the nervous and immune systems as well.
Though the author of this article states that not all autistic children have food allergies, he explains that based on his experience, it is very common for them to test positive for gluten and casein allergies. He also concludes that based on his experiences in counseling parents of autistic children, he has found that many children have greatly benefited from the GFCF diet.
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