by Shannon Feol, (almost) CNE

Autism: the buzzword of the 21st century. We’ve all heard about it and chances are – YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH AUTISM! According to Autismspeaks.org, rates of Autism spectrum disorder have increased dramatically over the last 15 years. In fact, in 2018, 1 in 59 children had an autism diagnosis. While many worthwhile and helpful services are available to autistic children, growing research suggests that a person’s toxic load and the quality of their food and water consumption plays a big role in not only the onset of autism, but the rehabilitation, as well.

My own journey began right after my son turned 2. He lost his eye contact, began to struggle with sensory input, and had other behavioral and social issues. After digging deep into the research, I knew that autism wasn’t something I’d stand idly by. I needed to take action. Learning about gut-health and its contributing factors and how it plays a big role in brain function, I began an elimination diet with my son (as well as supplements) and started to see a positive impact right away.

When we first consider the impact that food has on a person’s health, we have to first eliminate those that are DETRIMENTAL. For example: Gluten and dairy are two of the top inflammatory foods. Most elimination diets start with these two foods. Fried foods, prepackaged and highly processed foods, and those loaded with refined sugar can be harmful. They are part of the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) and promote disease. Highly processed cooking oils like vegetable and canola oil not only have unhealthy ratios of omega-6 to omega-3, but carry a heavy presence of other neurotoxic chemicals like Glyphosate, a common pesticide. Refined sugars are hidden in an enormous amount of processed foods and perpetuate a cycle of cravings and empty calories. Artificial preservatives and food dyes can contain carcinogens and other inflammatory chemicals. In fact, red dye #40 has been linked to hyperactivity in children.

THE GOOD NEWS: For every harmful food, there is an equally healing food alternative. Swapping bad for good in a child’s diet can have amazing outcomes.

Healing foods are minimally or NOT processed, are low in sugar, and are anti-inflammatory. They include:

Pasture Raised Eggs: All eggs are better than a Twinkie, but pasture raised eggs may have higher amounts of omega-3’s, vitamin b12, and selenium. They’re a great breakfast choice since the fat and protein in the egg help sustain energy and blood sugar levels. Great for an awesome day at school.

Wild Salmon and Pasture Raised Meats: Fuel your child’s brain with essential amino acids found in meat and fish. Autistic children may be deficient in protein which is essential to sustained energy and brain function. Wild salmon is great for the brain and reducing inflammation.

Nuts and Seeds: A perfect snack or finger food for little hands, or mix into a smoothie or homemade granola. They are great sources of omegas, vitamins, and minerals to help balance the body.

Fruits and Veggies: Vibrant, colorful foods are rich in vitamins, minerals and prebiotic fibers. Maintains healthy gut and brain. Supports the immune system. Always offer veggies, even if kids don’t eat them. Normalizing them will encourage them to try!

Fermented Foods:  Yogurt, kombucha, kefir, fermented vegetables like kimchi and sauerkraut…Promote healthy gut flora.  Gut health affects brain function!

For some families, implementing these changes may seem daunting. How about making one change at a time? Trade in that sugary yogurt cup for homemade coconut yogurt with berries. Instead of a peanut butter sandwich, how about almond butter and raisins on some celery? You don’t have to overthink it. In my case, my kid was way less concerned about the changes than I was. Make it fun, cook together. Let your child know what happens to their body when they eat certain foods (both good and bad). Eventually they make the good choices on their own. You will probably see big changes for the rest of the family, too.

There are so many ways we can support our little friends with autism. Food is a big, important part of that process.

Sources:

“ATN/AIR-P Medication Decision Aid”.  www.autismspeaks.org.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/atnair-p-medication-decision-aid

“Treatment and Intervention Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder”.  www.cdc.gov.

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html

“What is Autism” AutismSpeaks.org

https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

Arora, Manish et al. “Fetal and Postnatal Metal Dysregulation in Autism.” Nature Communications vol. 8 15493. 1 Jun. 2017, doi:10.1038/ncomms15493

Campbell-McBride, Natasha. Gut and Psychology Syndrome. Medinform, 2012. 91-92, 136-37. Print.

Chaste, Pauline, and Marion Leboyer. “Autism Risk Factors: Genes, Environment, and Gene-Environment Interactions.” Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience vol. 14,3 (2012): 281-92.

Levy, Susan E, and Susan L Hyman. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Oct. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2597185/.

Li Q, Zhou JM. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and Its Potential Therapeutic Role in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuroscience. 2016 Jun 2;324:131-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.013. Epub 2016 Mar 8. PMID: 26964681.

Link, Rachael. “Egg Nutrition Facts, Health Benefits and Risks.” Dr. Axe. 16 Dec. 2019. Web. 23 Oct. 2020.

Lord, Catherine et al. “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Lancet (London, England) vol. 392,10146 (2018): 508-520. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31129-2

LUGAVERE, MAX. “Overfed, Yet Starving.” Genius Foods: Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive While Protecting Your Brain Health for Life. UNKNOWN: HARPERWAVE, 2018. 81-82. 89-90. Print.

Masi, Anne et al. “An Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Heterogeneity and Treatment Options.” Neuroscience Bulletin vol. 33,2 (2017): 183-193. doi:10.1007/s12264-017-0100-y

Sharma, Samata R et al. “Autism Spectrum Disorder: Classification, Diagnosis and Therapy.” Pharmacology & Therapeutics vol. 190 (2018): 91-104. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.05.007

Strickland, Elizabeth, Suzanne McCloskey, and Roben Ryberg. Eating for Autism: The 10-step Nutrition Plan to Help Treat Your Child’s Autism, Asperger’s, or ADHD. Da Capo, 2009. 10-12. 36-37. 54-55. Print.

Wells, Katie.  Is Low Fat Healthy?.  www.wellnessmama.com

https://wellnessmama.com/743/guide-to-fat/

Yang, Yongshou et al. “Targeting Gut Microbiome: A Novel and Potential Therapy for Autism.” Life sciences vol. 194 (2018): 111-119. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2017.12.027

_{Shannon Feol is wife to Robert, Autism mom to a 7 year old math whiz and 2 energetic neurotypical little girls – professional BBQ cook, blogger and future Culinary Nutrition Expert. She became an advocate for healing foods and other therapeutic approaches to autism when her own son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Determined to see her son thrive rather than struggle, Shannon began developing recipes to fit in with her son’s elimination diet and saw big results. Now she’s adamant about making sure other autism moms know they’re not alone, through cooking workshops and blogging.}