Autism occurs due to functional abnormalities in the brain. There can be morphological or physiological disturbances. Most scientists believe our brains have a strong correlation to our guts. Can diet help treat these abnormalities?
Children suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also face difficulties with swallowing. Some autistic children have speech problems, while some others may suffer from allergies. So, what should be the ideal diet for an autistic child?
Though there is no perfect magic diet to cure or treat autism, there are foods that improve behaviors attributed to autism. First and foremost, you need to pick food items that are nutritious and work well for brain development.
Autism and Probiotics
Many of us are not familiar with the term “probiotics.” It is the good bacteria that helps improve our digestion and boosts the immune system. Probiotics are all available in natural food items such as kimchi, yogurt, miso, and kefir among others.
As mentioned earlier, the brain has a direct correlation with the gut. Because of this, most autistic children suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Because of poor digestive health, autistic children also have increased gut pathogenic bacteria called clostridia.
Autism probiotics is an important concept where probiotics kill the bad bacterias and help the good bacteria flourish in the gut environment. Essentially, it helps to improve the entire digestive system. Because of an improved digestive system, there is more nutrition supply to the body and develops a much stronger immune system.
Better nutrition and a better immune system directly affects the brain. With a better immune system, your brain function improves many times over. Because of more neuro functionality, there is also significant brain development which helps alleviate autism to some extent.
Brain Foods for Autism
How much you can treat autism completely depends on the brain development and function. For that, you can try food items that boost brain development with all-important nutrients, such as
1. Fatty Fish
When it comes to brain food, fatty fish hits the top of this list. Fatty fishes like sardines, trout, and salmon are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Fat is the major component of our brain, and almost 50% of these fats fall in the omega-3 category.
Our brain uses omega-3 to build more nerves, and it is responsible for our memory and learning. Also, omega-3 can help alleviate Alzheimer’s disease. Include fatty fish in the diet for a positive response in autistic children.
2. Chocolates and Cocoa Powder
Chocolates and cocoa powder are studded with caffeine, flavonoids, and antioxidants. Flavonoids in dark chocolates improve learning and boost memory. Also, chocolate lifts up moods and has more energy than any other diet.
Chocolates contain nearly five calories per gram. This dairy item has a high influence on brain functionality. A good number of research found chocolate efficacy to double our brain function. Including chocolates in the diet can surely be a good addition to the diets of children with autism.
3. Nuts
Going nuts is always a good option for your brain. Nuts are studded with DHA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) and are rich sources of vitamin E. Nuts improve cognition and prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
Peanuts are packed full of niacin or vitamin B3. Niacin stimulates the production of serotonin in our brain, and it helps to improve autism-related stimming. Also, it improves the brain’s memory and sharpens children’s brains.
4. Milk
Our common perception about milk is it strengthens our bones and muscles. But, milk’s benefit is not limited to only that. Researchers found people who take milk regularly in their diet tend to increase more glutathione in their brain. Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress in normal metabolic functions in the brain.
Other than that, milk contains omega-3 fatty acids, omega 6-fatty acids (DHA and AA), zinc, choline, taurine, and even more nutrients. This not only helps in brain development, but it also improves the brain’s overall function.
5. Eggs
The cheapest source of protein and small packets of energy has deep ties to our brain health. Eggs contain folate, choline, and vitamins B6 and B12. Choline is responsible for neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) production, which helps regulate our moods and memory.
Furthermore, folic acid can help improve the age-related mental decline called dementia. Both vitamin B6 and B12 have correlations in improving mental depression. Vitamin B12 also synthesizes brain chemicals and regulates glucose levels in the brain.
6. Green Tea
Green tea is highly popular for its fat loss benefits. Aside from this, the caffeine in green tea also helps to boost brain functionality. You can get the same caffeine in other tea variants or coffee.
Green tea is also special for its L-theanine. This amino acid can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and increases GABA (neurotransmitter) activity. Because of increased GABA activity, you feel calmer and more relaxed. Green tea also spikes memory cell improvement.
7. Others
The list of amazing food for your brain is incredibly long. There is a lot you can add to autistic kids’ diets. You can also try other brain foods like oranges, broccoli, pumpkin seed, blueberries, spinach, raisins, and much more.
Ask the Experts
How do you make a diet plan for children with ASD? The best option is to consult experts. You can ask both doctors and dieticians to tailor the child’s diet plan.
An autistic child can have other problems to encounter though. Some of them may be suffering from nausea, vomiting, constipation, skin flushing, or anything else. A physician needs to check the child’s health history and suggest the best diet options.
Asking experts have other benefits too. You can get to know more about nutrition packages and how to customize them in accordance to your child.
Beyond Diet
You can also try some steps beyond just the diet. Try some popular games where he needs to use more brain functions. These can be puzzles, scrabbles, memory games, or even a game of hide and seek.
Some parents also feel shy and don’t take autistic children out of their homes. That is a big barrier for his brain development. It is always better to engage them with some outdoor sports like basketball, football, track, and others . This is important for both mental and physical development.
Final Verdict
Foods may not completely cure autism, but it can surely help counter the condition if you plan it right. Choosing some brain foods with probiotics and a doctor consultation can give your autistic child a better lifestyle. Your child deserves the best.
