There are several food groups and foods that cause allergic reactions in autistic people. It’s best that someone with autism modifies their diet and tries a combination of various foods, supplements, and medications to control their symptoms.
Here are the top diet tips for autism:
- It is always wise to begin with an elimination diet. Remove or reduce foods to see which ones help symptoms and which are aggravating them.
- Research has shown that removing certain sources of protein may help. A gluten-free and casein-free diet excludes gluten; the protein in wheat, and casein; the protein in milk. However, it may not be the answer as it is not effective in all cases.
- Autistic children are found to be highly allergic to some foods like eggs, fish, seafood, tree nuts, peanuts, and soy. Eliminating these foods may improve symptoms.
- A low-carb ketogenic diet generally used for controlling epileptic seizures has also been found to be effective for autistic children. This type of diet may lead to poor growth and high cholesterol levels.
- A special yeast and sugar-free diet is helpful in certain cases. This type of diet may be difficult to follow, but if parents also eat these new foods, it may be easier for children to accept them.
- It has been found that autistic children are deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. It helps to ensure that the child is getting adequate quantity of both to aid their growth as well as treat symptoms.
- Autistic children have also been found to be deficient in essential fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Dietary experts recommend inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and cod liver oil. They are considered to be "good fats" and help reduce inflammation.
- Probiotics help with gastro-intestinal problems in many autistic children. They contain healthy bacteria and can improve the micro flora in the digestive tract.
- Include digestive enzymes in the food to aid digestion.
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