I recommend the Omega 8006 Nutrition Center - Single Auger Juicer found at http://www.discountjuicers.com/omega8006.html . By using a juicer families can help with the digesting and breakdown of foods, which is a big issue for children with Autism. This is explained on http://benefitsofjuicing.wordpress.com/2007/08/26/raw-food-enzymes-and-juices%E2%80%A6/. The benefits of raw foods and raw juices focus around the intake of living enzymes. When eating raw the living enzymes and a larger amount of nutrients remain in the food since the chemical make up of the food is not changed in the cooking process. "Possibly the most common thing we think about when we hear the word enzyme, is digestive enzymes. Most of us would be aware that these are essential for the proper breakdown and absorption of the food we eat."
"However, there is a whole ‘secret’ enzyme life that perhaps some people would rather you did not know about… That is the great benefit that can come from the living enzymes available in raw food and fresh juices."
"Enzymes are catalysts which means they trigger biochemical reactions within our bodies; that is providing they are still active and not destroyed by cooking or oxidization.
It is the action of these living or active enzymes that are credited with some of the wonderful health benefits that come from consuming raw foods and raw juices." This would all be extremely helpful for children with gastrointestinal problems as a result of their autism.
Another appliance to have in the household that will allow a family to eat gluten free, casein free and raw foods in an easier manner is a food mandolin. This website http://www.nextag.com/mandolin-slicer/products-html lists a variety of food mandolins at various prices. This tool can be used to make thinly sliced vegetables that can be eaten as vegetable "pasta" or used for raw vegetable "lasagna". It seems farfetched but it is extremely tasty and even more nutritious.
It is not as scary as it seems or as expensive as it seems to eat in a healthier manner. If you are dehydrating your own food and making pasta from vegetables instead of "gluten free" pasta products you can save a lot of money. Those "gluten free" products can be overly expensive.
A well known Raw Chef is Natalia Ross. Her books go over the benefits of eating raw and are extremely helpful in starting out the raw process. Also Amazon.com has various gluten free books and books specifically for ADHD and Autistic children.
I decided to do see what I could find regarding diets for children with autism. I found the following information from a website you referenced earlier autismweb.com.
ReplyDelete"A number of DAN! practitioners recommend specific vitamins, such as B-6 and methyl B-12; minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc; amino acids such as taurine, carnitine and glutamine; probiotics; and essential fatty acids, such as purified fish oil. Calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D are especially important for children on a casein-free diet to replace nutrients found in cow's milk."
"There are several reasons to suspect that children on the autism spectrum may not be getting sufficient nutrients, including chronic diarrhea or constipation, gastrointestinal inflammation, and a tendency to restrict food choices," according to an article at the Interactive Autism Network.
You mentioned in your post that there are digestion problems children with Autism often experience. These vitamin supplements help to replenish the system after being drained by such problems. I remember hearing about vitamin cocktails, shots and suppositories as treatments. Has any of your research brought you across similar information?
I have found that vitamins and enzyme pills/vitamins are another essential or at least extremely beneficial tool to use when dealing with these gastrointestinal issues and nutrient deficiencies. Two enzyme pills that my cousin uses with her 6 1/2 year old that have greatly improved the functioning of his digestive system are an enzyme pill that is a Multiple Proteins and All Fungal ProTeas version of Peptizyde, which is a high potency enzyme that helps break up casein, gluten and soy. The other enzyme pill is a Multiple Enzyme Combo, used for breaking up complex carbohydrates and fat. She has found these to be extremely helpful, along with a B-12 vitamin that she gives him. I will look into the other specific vitamins that you mentioned. Thanks
ReplyDeleteIf you want to check out the enzyme pills there is an example of one with a lot of information on this website https://www.houston-enzymes.com/store/product.php?c=1&p=5
I also found on this website a No-Fenol pill that helps breakdown fruits and vegetables, and better digest phenol. This would probably be extremely helpful for children with Autism. Phenol is one of the ingredients in foods and cleaning supplies that is highly recommended for children with Autism to stay away form, and to keep out of their homes and bodies. More information about that is in one of my prior posts. This is the link https://www.houston-enzymes.com/store/product.php?p=7&c=1