Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), better known as autism, is a developmental condition that affects brain function. In most cases, symptoms such as delayed speech begin to show before the child turns 3. Furthermore, there are chances that the patient’s symptoms might worsen after eating certain food items; hence it’s best to avoid them. Keep reading to learn more about food choices that affect the quality of life in autism patients.
Foods to avoid for autism patients
After the diagnosis of ASD, doctors may suggest a few changes in the patient’s food plan. It can happen due to food aversions, gastrointestinal disorders, food allergies, and more reasons. Hence, here is a list of foods that autism patients must avoid.
Sugar
In most cases, people with autism show signs of hyperactivity. Hence, doctors may advise either a cut down in the sugar content or that sugar should be eliminated from the meal plan. It may help maintain optimum sugar levels that do not trigger hyperactivity. Moreover, sugar is pro-inflammatory and increases erratic brain cell firing.
Corn
Multiple studies indicate that the glyphosate herbicide found in corn increases the risk of autism. Furthermore, corn also has the most unhealthy fatty acid content and may promote inflammation. Moreover, corn has also been found to support the breeding of fungi that may be potentially harmful to autism patients.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Like sugar, MSG may also cause overstimulation in the brain and lead to hyperactivity in autism patients. In addition, studies also suggest a link between glutamate dysfunction and abrupt neuronal function among people with autism. Hence it is advised to stop the intake of MSG to observe an improvement in autism symptoms in patients.
Cow milk
Cow milk and other dairy products contain a protein known as casein that mixes with stomach acid during digestion, resulting in the production of exorphin. These exorphins then bind themselves to opioid receptor sites leading to multiple problems such as brain fog, inability to concentrate, spaciness, and numbness to pain, to name a few. Furthermore, cow milk is pro-inflammatory, which is strongly associated with autism and immune system dysfunction.
Bread
Most bread often contains gluten – a mixture of proteins found in barley, wheat, and rye. When eaten, this can increase the risk of inflammation. Moreover, gluten negatively impacts the functioning of the cerebellum, a part of the brain that controls thought and motor coordination. As patients with ASD already have decreased cerebellum functioning, intake of bread and other gluten-rich foods can worsen autism symptoms.
Soy
Studies indicate that excessive soy intake has been linked to dementia, ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Furthermore, it has also been found that soy-based foods can increase the risk of seizures. Also, it is a potential food allergen and is genetically processed. Hence, nutritional experts suggest removing soy from the meal plan. Some soy-based products to avoid include soy oil, soy sauce, tofu, and frozen veggie patties.
As sudden changes in the meal plan can lead to the worsening of autism symptoms, any significant modifications should be supervised by healthcare professionals such as doctors and nutritionists.
