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.
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