Healthy Food List #4: Best Nutrition For Children With Autism
Food list
Studies show that autistic people often suffer from gut-related ailments: For example, gut inflammation, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and GI pain. Poor gut function affects brain function.
Among these, doctors say, gut inflammation is often caused by food sensitivities and excess unhealthy bacteria in the gut. Then there are food sensitivities which hinder proper gut function.
Three common sources of food sensitivities: Gluten, casein and soy.
Eat foods with anti-inflammatory properties: Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish such as salmon and sardines), flax seeds, and walnuts.
Eat food rich in pro and pre-biotics: For pro-biotics, eat fermented foods such as kefir, non-dairy yogurt, fermented cod liver oil and cultured vegetables such as raw sauerkraut and kimchi. For food rich in pre-biotics, eat bananas, asparagus, beans/legumes, garlic, kefir/yogurt, leeks, onions and peas.
Eat food rich in butyric acid: Butyric acid (and omega-3 fats) are found in butter from organic, pastured, cows rather than industrialized varieties.
Avoid eating food that cause more harmful bacteria to grow in the gut: For example, sugar, yeast producing or containing foods - bread, plums, grapes, vinegar, aged meats and cheeses, refined carbohydrates, potatoes and gluten-free grains.
Avoid foods containing toxins (additives such as artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and MSG) - pesticides) and natural phenols (grapes, apples, berries and almonds).
Try nutrient dense foods: For example, meatballs, casseroles, soups, sauces, muffins. natural juices, fruit and vegetable smoothies etc.