What is the connection between gluten and autism?
No scientific evidence combines gluten -free diet with improving autism symptoms, but some parents report a strong connection between gluten and autism in their children. The subject of gluten and autism induces controversy and debate between the medical community, while some doctors recommend a gluten -free diet that helps autistic children. Scientists who study gluten and autism report no significant improvement in children about diet.
The connection between gluten and autism is based on the theory of proteins found in wheat, barley and rye. Dietary advocates say that these proteins called peptides do not decompose into the gastrointestinal tract of autistic children and cause opiate release. Similarly, opiates act like morphine by blocking pain signals, which could lead to repeated behavior and difficulty of concentration. These chemical effects affect the central nervous system and the brain as a narcotic drug.
Specialist in the UK dubbed the condition of autistic enterocolitis, but also called the sonDrom Leakly's intestine. Reports of the possible connection between gluten and autism have spread rapidly around the world, which gives parents hope that a gluten -free diet could reduce common symptoms in autistic children. However, there is no scientific evidence of leak syndrome or autistic enterocolititis.
Some parents of autistic children report benefits after removing food containing gluten from the diet. It is said that their children have gained longer attention and were more susceptible to establishing eye contact with others. Others report fewer problems with behavior such as anger, recurring movements and attacks of aggression. Some parents found that their children were able to handle simple diet tasks such as dressing and using the bathroom.
This treatment usually involves removing casein from the diet, a protein found in dairy products that some people can not digest. Gluten -free diet without caseinIn general, parents who hope to improve autism symptoms. They usually replace other food to ensure that their children receive adequate vitamin D, calcium and protein.
The diet is considered difficult to maintain, because autistic children can be gloomy eaters and prefer certain meals, especially those containing gluten and casein. In fact, some parents report that their children are eager to crave these foods and suffer from symptoms of withdrawal when they are placed on a gluten -free food. Some doctors propose to keep food for one year to achieve the results.
Opponents of gluten and autism theory believe that any changes in the behavior that occur in the diet are likely to come from other therapies that improve mental and behavior, especially after the year -long period. Some doctors claim that the diet simply treats gastrointestinal symptoms commonly associated with autism, but has a small effect on behavior. Agrees that the diet to confuseBut say that it is not scientifically valid.