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Asperger's Diet?

K

Kit Hunter

Member
In some of my health-related studies of Asperger's, I came across some information about diet that I though was interesting. Due to the genetic differences that Aspies are born with, we can tend to get stuck with comorbid health issues often connected with digestion, skin health, and/or general cognitive performance resultant thereof. Of course, this is not always the case.

Anyway, I'd read somewhere of a GFCF (Gluten Free, Casein Free) diet popular amongst families with aspie/autistic member(s) and wondered if any of you know of it or have tried it? If so, how has it helped?

Supposedly, this diet is prescribed to help alleviate certain less-than-pleasant "symptoms" of Asperger's such as tantrums in children, communication impairment, or cloudy/unfocused mind. The results are mixed, but I'm rather skeptical of such "wonder-diets-to-cure-the-mind" anyway. I'm more concerned with the physical health aspects, which I'll outline below.

On the other hand, such a diet can help with pre-existing gluten and dairy sensitivities, which are more frequent in AS populations due to connected genetic factors. Related to this is a very interesting genetic study on the MTHFR gene mutation, which is speculated to be a potential cause of AS/Autism and is also a cause of many other ailments. Definitely worth checking out if you're interested. ( http://mthfr.net/)
 
I would like that a diet could help with my "less-than-pleasant" symptoms, as you say. And while I have long showed the ability to maintain a rather limited diet by default, I don't know if I have the discipline to follow a healthy, restricted diet.

It was hard enough to quit my 1-2 cups of coffee, even though the side effects were pretty bad for me. I have cut down a lot of the carbs and gluten I consumed and I do feel better and haven't gotten sick as much as before.

Always worth a try though.
 
I'm a protein eater, have been most of my life, and the advent of the paleolithic diet craze just made me 'fit in'.
 
A few years ago I was misdiagnosed with Celiac Disease and placed on a strict, totally compliant gluten free diet. I was motivated to relieve my GI symptoms and I did exactly as the diet dictated. It was a TERRIBLE diet to comply with and even worse tasting. I remember a friend telling me she had looked at gluten free food in the supermarket and was happy for me that there were so many gluten free foods available. "Even GF cookies, bread and cookies." Oh yeah!!! She hadn't bothered to buy the expensive GF food and then actually taste it, so I gave her some to try. She tried hard not to show how she really felt about the food because she knew I was supposed to eat that diet, but she DID agree that she could taste the difference. I was never more unhappy with any food restrictions as I was on the GF diet. It was almost impossible to find a restaurant or well meaning friend who actually provided GF food. Most GF food is produced in factories that also make regular food and cross contamination is very likely. Because I am an Aspie and appreciate rules, I did everything possible to avoid ANY hint of gluten. I didn't feel any better as far as my digestive problems and I was totally miserable because I am a real "foody" even though I am terribly picky. Before the misdiagnoses I had seen a gastroenterologist who had never mentioned the possibility of Celiac Disease. I went back to him and he retested me thoroughly and said I had been misdiagnosed! I lived with that damn disease for two months and was almost suicidal from the lack of anything that tasted good and I was thrilled that after all the nasty tests and biopsies I was once again allowed to ingest gluten. This is a diet I would wish on only my worst enemy. I do know a woman who really has to be gluten free and it really helps her feel better. I am glad she has found a way to feel well but I do feel sorry that she has to be so restricted in what she eats. She is married and has children and I am certain she doesn't make the entire family follow her diet. I could taste and feel the use of all the GF substitutes in the ingredients of GF food and it drove me crazy. Aspies, because we are so sensitive to texture and taste, must find the GF diet a real challenge.
 
I've read it's not specifically the gluten in most cases so much as some other little something that's present in all breads that cause the majority of "gluten troubles". But some do have legit gluten issues.

I'm also a backer of the MTHFR gene. It seems to have a varying 90-something% rate of showing up in autistics, and I have a few other things known to be caused by that gene. Given that it's in ~60% of the population, some like to say it cannot be a cause of autism but they don't take the time to look at it and see that it's less of a guarantee and more of wheel. "Congratulations, you've won a spin on the MTHFR wheel! Give it a whirl, see what you get! *tick tick tick* Congratulations! You get insomnia." :p
 
I really want to be tested for that gene, but I can't afford it at present. I do tend to feel much better when I abstain from Gluten. I like Ezekial bread, and it's usually the only kind I buy. I also notice that I am calmer and less irritable when I go gluten free. I currently use Pamela's baking mixes and have made delicious pancakes, scones, banana bread and jelly cake from this mix with absolutely great results! Dairy can really mess up my insides, with the exception of occasional aged cheeses and goat cheese. I can tolerate goat milk now and then, too but if I drink it too frequently it can also disagree with me.
 
I'm very suspicious of diets that aren't according to the guidelines presented by actual Nutrition experts. It is true that dietary needs are individual, and that such guidelines are generalized, but the people who put them together usually have better and more verifiable knowledge than the people who invent fad diets.
 
Gluten and casein free diets have never been proven (scientifically) to lower inflammation in the brain nor body which supposedly is said to be an "aggravator" for Autistic symptoms (not sure if I believe that).

The ketogenic diet on the other hand actually HAS been proven scientically to lower general inflammation through the body and curbs seizures in people with recalcitrant epilepsy.

If you buy into the inflammation/autoimmune theory to autism than tree Keto (ketogenic).
 
I have a lot of trouble with milk and sweeteners. I've gone without before and relieved many issues but apparently I'm almost dead without fortified cereals and bread. I've never lasted more than a year.
 
I suppose every body is different? My body, I have health issues. So, this might be off topic? I apologize...... prefer less gluten, personally.

Suppose it could be restrictive if a person choose to focus on that. or..... I could dream about how much I love 5 garden fresh fruits and veggies daily!!! PURE! ..... mmmm... healthy.... It feels sooOoOoo good! I would prefer to avoid processed snacks/food, corn, wheat , soy, dairy, ....... It was awful! I was "born" vegetarian to a family of carnivores. aw.... Primary thought: I abhor the texture of meat!!!!!!!! Creepy! like rubber! eww! the secondary idea that it comes from my warm furry pet friends is not helpful either. Since the GI issues have been acting up. I have been (Doctor Recommended) eating Salmon. ugh. Irony , huh? I call my diet "confused vegan"..... Applesauce, Tomatoes (pectin), Seeds, (seeds irritate some bodies? but my body loves sesame seeds and figs, grapeseed oil helps), Nuts, fruits, beans, (100% cacao , laxative) Grains, (well, some of them, anyway, maybe quinoa, rice flour? oat flour? kind of.... sometimes, maybe?) fermented Kim Chi (ethnic foods), Miso, yogurt? Komboucha ? Kefir? Apple Cider Vinegar (but it kinda impairs or destroys the teeth/ bones long term), Seaweed , cranberry juice, herbs, teas,. I don't miss the wheat too much. Only sometimes. It can have a calming effect, but it is also a huge cause of , er, ah, constipation..... so bad it's almost deadly. Impacted bowels kind of stuff. The un escaping digestive gas brings real PAIN. A person can massage the gas out, but it does hurt. The GI issues create uncharacteristically negative mood. : ( digestive hernias, vaginal hernias, (is that even possible?! YIKES!) that is terribly motivating to change diet. I kinda wish I could get medication for my thyroid. It's 0.8 (2 yrs ago, steadily decreasing) on a scale of 0.5 to 5.5 . The Bloating is unreal...... I can lose 5 inches around my waist, I can scientifically measure that on my body. It's very uncomfortable!! it's bloat, everywhere, wrists, ankles, knees, fingers, etc.! I can't buy "normal" attractive nice fitted office attire dresses or skirts, just stretchy waist bands. I love art! I would like to extend that art to my wardrobe. I'm not exactly a regular mall shopping fashionista, but this is a rather sad challenge. Clothes can be so scratchy anyway. sighs.

Coconut is Miracle marvelous! !! High energy! by the way! exercise! wow! (sorry, if I ramble. Just hoping to help someone who may suffer similar inflictions.)

Genetics? or Anxiety or long term medicines? it is constipation or the sheer opposite of constipation. (prefer the latter.) My Genetics , by the way, quite fascinating. I was informed that I carry several extra genes, like, my body absorbed the other twin! Chimerism! So, that is a nice scientific tidbit, in my opinion, hopeful to protect the genetics, not eliminate them???? My immediate family has Asperger's "red flag" symptoms of hand flapping. Dairy intolerance. all kinds of mental health, social and/or emotional issues.

How does one test for the gene? Just ask the Doctor?
 
Last edited:
NlGHTgirl said:
I suppose every body is different? My body, I have health issues. So, this might be off topic? I apologize......

Suppose it could be restrictive if a person choose to focus on that. or..... I could dream about how much I love 5 fruits and veggies daily!!! PURE! It feels sooOoOoo good! I would avoid corn, wheat , soy, dairy, ....... It was awful! I was "born" vegetarian to a family of carnivores. aw.... Primary thought: I abhor the texture of meat!!!!!!!! Creepy! like rubber! eww! the secondary idea that it comes from my warm furry pet friends is not helpful either. Since the GI issues have been acting up. I have been (Doctor Recommended) eating Salmon. ugh. Irony , huh? I call this diet "confused vegan"..... Seeds, (grapeseed oil helps), Nuts, fruits, beans, (100% cacao , laxative) Grains, (well, some of them, anyway, maybe quinoa, rice flour? oat flour? kind of.... sometimes, maybe?) cranberry juice, herbs, teas,. I don't miss the wheat too much. Only sometimes. It can have a calming effect, but it is also a huge cause of , er, ah, constipation..... but it's so bad it's almost deadly. Impacted bowels kind of stuff. that is terribly motivating to change diet. Hernias, it actually causes pain. I kinda wish I could get medication for my thyroid. It's 0.8 (2 yrs ago, steadily decreasing) on a scale of 0.5 to 5.5 . The Bloating is unreal...... I can lose 5 inches around my waist, I can scientifically measure that on my body. It's very uncomfortable!! it's bloat, everywhere, wrists, ankles, knees, fingers, etc.! I can't buy "normal" attractive nice fitted office attire dresses or skirts, just stretchy waist bands. I am an artist! I would like to extend that art to my clothing styles.... I'm not exactly a regular mall shopping fashionista, but this is sad to me. The other clothes can be so scratchy anyway. sighs.

Coconut is Miracle marvelous! !! High energy! by the way! exercise! wow! (sorry, if I ramble. Just hoping to help someone who may suffer similar inflictions.)
Click to expand...

Thanks, nice summary.My diet used to be similar to that, but the last few years have made it difficult to maintain. Will be changing diet in April along the lines you described in support of my sister, who is having diet related health problems.
 
I don't know what it is but it will be almost the same exact thing every day. :D

But I love carrots and eat them every day if I have them. My dogs like them too and we have this carrot munching break once or twice a day.
 
I followed a gluten free, sugar free, dairy free diet for 4 years. I was competing in body building shows and I was strict. The blessing was less inflammation, clearer thinking and more optimism. My skin was flawless and I suffered no gut problems. It took a lot of planning to undertake, but worth it. I've no idea if it has any scientific validity for any particular population, but worked for me. I've now been eating "normally" for a year and my behaviour is more Aspie like than ever. I get more anxious and my digestion is not working optimally.
 
Kupu2 said:
I followed a gluten free, sugar free, dairy free diet for 4 years. I was competing in body building shows and I was strict. The blessing was less inflammation, clearer thinking and more optimism. My skin was flawless and I suffered no gut problems. It took a lot of planning to undertake, but worth it. I've no idea if it has any scientific validity for any particular population, but worked for me. I've now been eating "normally" for a year and my behaviour is more Aspie like than ever. I get more anxious and my digestion is not working optimally.
Click to expand...
I'm guessing you won on the changing your picture front! I see you no longer have the little grey head and shoulders icon!
 
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