Home - health - Steer Clear Of These 6 Foods To Manage Autism Spectrum Disorder

Steer clear of these 6 foods to manage autism spectrum disorder

Steer clear of these 6 foods to manage autism spectrum disorder

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.

You May Also Like

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

The heart is the most crucial organ in the body and as the system will cease to function if the heart stops or loses momentum pumping fresh oxygenated blood. This is why it is vital to not neglect your heart health at all and responsibly maintain a healthy, stress-free, and more importantly, a happy lifestyle. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that will help support a healthy heart function. Switch to a healthy diet Avoid eating foods that are rich in trans and saturated fats. Most foods you find on the shelves of the supermarket contain large quantities of one or the other. Instead, switch to low-fat high fiber alternatives to help manage cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in the body automatically reduces the risk of heart diseases. The simple reason for this is that fats that normally block major arteries and blood vessels are eliminated from these foods choices. It is also advisable to limit the salt (sodium) intake to control blood pressure and sugar to reduce the risk of diabetes simultaneously. Change certain lifestyle habits Reduce the number of alcoholic or carbonated drinks you have regularly. For men, it is advisable to have not more than two drinks and day and women must have only one.
Read More
How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.
Read More
5 common joint conditions and how to treat them

5 common joint conditions and how to treat them

A joint or articulation is made from two bones that aid the body in movement. There are many forms of joint conditions, which, in many cases, arise from the wear and tear of bones. Arthritis is one of the major and most common health conditions in the country, and its intensity increases with age. Here are some common types of joint conditions that you need to know: Osteoarthritis With almost 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women aged over 60 suffering from osteoarthritis, it is one of the most prevalent joint conditions in the country. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear of the cartilages that protect the ends of bones. It commonly affects joints of the spine, hands, hips, and knees. If left untreated, this wear and tear of the cartilage soon leads to bone degeneration, thereby affecting flexibility and range of movement. Treatment for osteoarthritis depends on its severity and the patient’s age. Mild symptoms can be treated through medications, physiotherapy, and changes in lifestyle, whereas moderate to severe cases may require surgical intervention. Spondyloarthritis Spondyloarthritis, also referred to as spondyloarthropathy, is a type of rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in various joints. There are two types of spondyloarthritis—axial spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints in the chest, spine, and hip bone, and peripheral spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation in the fingers, knees, and toes.
Read More