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Gluten and casein free diet

Forestfriend

I'm wondering what you all think to gfcf diet?  Has anyone tried this?  My nearly 3 yr old was recently diagnosed and I have started him on the gluten free part of the diet (2 months in now) and both my husband and I feel we have seen some mild improvements, seems to be "more there" for us.  However, I'm really concerned about starting the casein free part of it, as denying milk to a child his age seems a big wrong.  I know they can get these nutrients from other foods but I'm worried that I might miss something he should be having.  Is it really ok to do this diet for a child his age.?

  • As a young adult with coeliac disease and aspergers i have struggled with stomach problems most of my life and i now have ibs it jst seems i am very sensitive to really anything even medication but since i have been gluten free for 3 years also dairy free i have not noticed any changes in me i still have behavioural problems and severe mood swings all to do with my autism and i didnt choose to be like this infact i wish i wasnt gluten free or dairy free because its not fair missing out on food and drink all the time especially the stuff i used to love if i had the choice i wouldnt be like this but i dnt also gluten and dairy free food tastes disgusting thats jst my opinion though hope this helps.

  • Gluten free diet for Autism works in may cases, but the dietary needs of the child needs to be carefully administered, primiraly because the child may have picky eating habits and may resist GFCF Food. 

    I would recommend talking to your GP to refer to a dietician. Often the dietician can ensure 2 things:

    • That your child's daily nutritional needs are adequately met by a proposed GFCF Diet Plan
    • If the nutritional needs are not met, the at least the dietician can suggest alternative supplements.

  • I have terrible gut problems and found years ago that what I eat has a dramatic effect on my mood. There is lots of info here about gfcf for autism
    www.espa-research.org.uk

    Nutritional treatments are not about 'cure' or suggesting there is something 'wrong' with being autistic, it is about improving quality of life - unfortunately many people misinterpret this.

    If I had a child with any sort of behavioural problems I would certainly try the dietary approach first. I don't think humans were meant to live on the stuff that lines most supermarket shelves. Most of it is empty calories, refined carb made palatable by the addition of salt and sugar. Re milk, I don't think it is essential - we are the only animal that drinks the milk of another species! 

  • Hi Forestfriend, I think allergies and intollerances go hand in hand with autism. They do not cause autism, but the irritation to the digestive system and skin can increase irritability and meltdowns. 

    If you think that your 3 year old has these issues, I would research the symptoms and decide which foods to remove on that basis. Dairy seems to irritate the gut, causing wind etc. It is often noticeable from birth. Gluten, I don't know about, except that it is rare, but fashionable, so easy to find gluten free foods.

    Taking any food out of the diet of one so young should be done with caution.

    I am dairy intollerant, suffering asthma, eczema and digestive issues. I have reduced it to nil over the years, and now use almond and soya substitutes. Dairy is in so many processed items, that it is difficult to avoiid completely.

    Caffiene is a real issue for some, so be  aware that chocolate may cause problems. Also old style food colourings and artificial sweetners can irritate.

    I hope you can find a way through the dietary minefield.

    Good luckSmile