Our Environment And Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

For the past couple of weeks we've been looking into possible diet ideas that might reduce the symptoms of autism.  We looked a bit in depth into the gluten free and casein free diet and looked at measures that pregnant women can take to possibly reduce the chance of having a child with autism.

I just read today, in regards to the gluten free diet, that health factors may not be completely attributed to gluten, but perhaps, the over processed version of grains that we are consuming.  I thought I'd dive just a bit into our environment.  I have mentioned my ideas about autism and environment and would like to draw them out a bit.

You'll see all kinds of different statistics when it comes to autism and genetics.  You may be in my position, asking yourself, how can it be genetics when no one else in our family has any kind of cognitive issues.  Putting the finger on the environment certainly makes sense to me.  Just look in your very own house for damaging products, foods, cleaners, clothes, flea repellents...how much of what is in your very own house is all natural?  How can all of these chemicals NOT have an affect on our health?

Our environment is in quite a state and we are the products of that environment.  Of course we are going to have health issues that reflect that.

GMO foods, agrochemicals, food additives, processed foods and many other daily items ruin our gut flora.  To understand why this is so important, look back at this blog where I explain it in detail.  Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to physical and psychological problems.

The quality of food we are consuming has to come into question.  Have you looked at the ingredients carefully before buying?  Can you even pronounce half of them?  I always thought I understood what eating healthy was, but not until I actually started reading more into it.

Today's foods are not like the food from even one hundred years ago.  Our food is losing its nutritional value more and more due to over production on the same soil and of course, all of the chemicals we are using on them.  When we purchase foods from other countries, that also has an effect on our body.  It's ideal to eat food from your own region for optimisation.  It's also ideal to eat what's in season.  You can see, just how difficult it is to eat like this.

Looking back at environment, let's look briefly at electromagnetic radiation.  This comes from cell towers, cell phones, WiFi...and this radiation hinders detoxification.  So if you are surrounded with electromagnetic radiation at work and at home, you'll certainly have toxicity issues which can also prevent normal brain function amongst other illnesses.

In a nutshell, here's what ya need to start doing:

-  ditch the sugar (do it gradually if you like, but do it)

-  consider the chemicals you are using in your home and look for natural alternatives

-  reduce or remove electromagnetic radiation from your surroundings (especially where you sleep)

-  check for food allergies and remove certain products like gluten and dairy to see if there is health    improvements

-  purchase whole, quality, fresh food  (consider organic, locally grown, seasonal food)

- omit processed and over processed foods from your diet

I suggest going slow and step by step.  Read, read, read.  There is a ton of information out there. If you have been eating processed, non fresh, restaurant food because it's easy, then you're not reading enough.  There are a lot of recipes out there that are 100% fresh and made in minutes.  You just have to learn how to eat right and it isn't easy.

I'm leaving you with some links to help address the above checks.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/04/20/sugar-dangers.aspx

http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/top-12-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-your-home

http://www.livingthenourishedlife.com/sources-emfs-home/

https://authoritynutrition.com/9-ways-that-processed-foods-are-killing-people/

http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/top-reasons-choose-organic-foods

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/whole-food-recipes/  

I just love Pinterest for recipes.  My board is also full of whole food recipes.  Eating healthy is just a matter of habit as well as knowing what really is best for us.

I wish you the best!

UPDATE:

Electromagnetic radiation affects people with Autism even more than others. Do your research to learn more. Even the NIH has some interesting reading on Autism and EMF.

We've been eating whole foods, organic food and growing and sharing home grown food for many years now because the results were astounding. Perhaps on a side note though certainly noteworthy, none of us has exposed ourselves to any kind of ... prickly medical interventions for years either. (Insert cheeky emoji of your choice.)

Many people even claim our children, "don't have Autism". We've managed to minimalize most of their symptoms, but we've still got a long way to go.

The Removal of Casein As A Possible Cure for Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

Last week we went into some detail about how diet can adversely affect behaviour and overall health.  We are continuing our research and sharing the most interesting findings with our readers in an easy to understand manner.  We are not professionals.  We are parents of two boys with Autism, looking for ways to help ease the symptoms and perhaps eradicate autism completely.

We specifically spoke of taking gluten out of your diet to see if there were a reduction in mental and physical capacities.  Check it out, here.  Testing for allergies and intolerance isn't always easy. A dietary approach can be a safe way to do this, it certainly would be worth considering.  If you do want to try these elimination diets, make sure you know of healthy substitutes by speaking with a professional.

I mentioned that diet is often scoffed at when producing the idea to medical professionals.  However, there are countless testimonials of parents who have tried these diets with success.  There is also world wide research being done showing promising results as well.

These diets are not easy, but think how much more enjoyable life could be for you and your loved ones with an ease or perhaps eradication of autism and its symptoms.  Do your research and give it consideration.

Similar to gluten, when casein proteins begin to break down, opiate receptors kick in which makes it addictive and or cause cravings.  Making it very difficult to remove from diet, but should certainly be considered for optimal health.  Again, be sure to learn the best substitutes if you are considering removing casein and or gluten from your diet.

So, in the middle of all of this research, I also came across articles saying these diets do not work.  As well as articles saying if your kid has autism, you should put them on a casein and gluten free diet.  Jeez, Luis!

In many of the testimonials I read, there were immediate results.  I certainly would assume that eliminating one or both of the products for just a couple of days or weeks would be totally worth it if you notice positive changes.

I'm on a slow path to removing gluten and dairy from our diets, but it sure isn't easy.  My husband is totally NOT on board.  How old school?  Hehehe...I plan on doing it very sneakily.  In the summer, I'll be alone a lot with my boys and I'll eliminate all gluten first and see how it goes.  Then I'll go for the casein and see how that goes.  Of course, I'll share all of my findings here in hopes of you getting a better a perspective of all of this information.

I would assume, though I'm not sure, nor has it been proven, that results will vary with each and every individual.

A couple of weeks ago, I asked if there were a cure for autism, would you bother and everyone said they wouldn't.  They didn't want their kids to change.  I'm still dumb founded by this.  To each his own, I suppose.

If you'd like to share useful information and or friendly advice, join our group on Facebook or leave a comment.

I wish you the best of luck in your journey with autism.

Possible Solutions For Reducing The Symptoms Of Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

We are continuing our posts on possible ways to help reduce the symptoms of autism.  Last time we gave a few tips on the importance of diet, especially whilst pregnant.  This time, we will look more closely at the gluten free diet.

Omitting gluten from our diet can and has helped many people with autism.  There has been a lot of research given to this.  From the information I have been reading over the years, this has justified my thoughts that each and every person with autism is completely different and what works for one may not work for another. Until we know exactly how one acquires autism it is essential that we look at all perspectives.

I'm simply providing a regurgitation of information in hopes of giving an unbiased and educationally sound direction for readers to proceed in hopes of eradicating or at least minimising autistic symptoms.

Gluten are natural proteins found in wheat, barely, rye and triticale.  Not all grains contain gluten.  Oats, buckwheat, quinoa and several other grains  are gluten free.  However, these non gluten grains can be contaminated during processing.  Check out this link for more information on foods containing and NOT containing gluten.  It's crucial to consider the foods than CAN be consumed rather than getting caught up on the food that cannot.

Gluten is not bad for everyone and I've read repeatedly, that if there is no celiac disease or physical intolerance for gluten, that it is recommended to not omit gluten from your diet because the chance increases for nutrient deficiencies.

Irritable bowel syndrome can also be caused from gluten consumption.  Gluten is high in starches and sugars that can cause bloating, cramping and diarrhea. Get a feel for bowel issues with yourself or with your children and see if after the consumption of gluten, if there are intestinal problems.  Fatigue and joint pain can also be associated with gluten. If you or your family members are illy affected by gluten, consult your doctor and see if removing gluten from the diet will help.  There are tests.

You may be asking yourself, what ones bowels have to do with autism?  There is an amazing connection between our bowels and our brains.  Gluten and casein foods contain peptides and during the breakdown and absorption process, these peptides are not being broken down completely in some people.  This can cause a bio chemical and neuro regulatory disruption in the process of the peptide break down.  A simple pee pee test would show a significant number in peptides.

This would be considered an alternative treatment and as far as I read the only real risk is that of the nutrient deficiencies which could be addressed and substituted with guidance from health and nutritional professionals.

An abnormal gut flora such as mentioned above has been implicated in autism over and over providing the example of the significant importance of a healthy or finely tuned diet to assist with the reduction of autistic symptoms.  Probiotics and prebiotics are known to help improve the integrity of the gut mucosa as well.

There are many ways that we can safely try to help heal our autistic friends and family. As mentioned above, the removal of gluten and casein from the diet is one treatment ideal as is the introduction of pre and probiotics.

These bad or sick guts are toxic.  This toxicity of the bowels is preventing the brain's normal function.  Are you asking the question again?  How does the gut have anything to do with the brain?  Apparently and to my surprise, because I am NOT a professional, there are neurons in our gastrointestinal system. The enteric nervous system and I might just be a complete geek but found this part of the research absolutely awesome, is this enteric nervous system is embedded in the walls of our gastrointestinal tract also connected with the central nervous and digestive systems.  So there you can physiologically see the connection!  It's even called the second brain!  So the gut can upset the brain just like the brain the gut.  Wow!

Ever heard the phrase, worried sick?  Our brains can certainly mess with our digestion and guess what? The gut can mess with the brain as well.  Ever had gut feelings?  It's because, like the brain, our gut has neurotransmitters, proteins and a network of neurons.  Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine are also found in the gut.  Wow!  Mind boggling! There are even psychoactive chemicals in there for goodness sake.  So now, you can top asking the question of how it is possible that the gut can have an affect on our brains.

I hope this wasn't too technical of an entry.  It's just that I'm ALWAYS laughed at by psychologists, doctors and other medical professionals when I mention how a change in diet might help reduce my boy's autistic symptoms.

We ARE what we eat.

If you'd like to join me in some chatter or have friendly, helpful advice, join us in our group on Facebook.

We will be back next week with the removal of dairy as a means of help.

Best of luck!