Does it seem like everyone is going to a gluten-free diet, but you aren’t even sure what gluten is? For people with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is a must. But lots of people without the disease have made the switch, too. For some in this group, a gluten-free diet may be just the latest fad, but for parents of children with ADHD or ASD, a gluten-free diet might be a great idea. Not sure if you or your child should follow the trend? Consider the answers to these questions.
First, what is gluten? Even Jimmy Kimmel asked this question on a recent episode of his show. What did he learn? That a lot of people don’t know the answer. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, “Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, … rye, barley and triticale. Gluten helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a glue that holds food together.”
Second, what is the problem with gluten? For people with celiac disease, gluten in the diet can cause pain and a variety of serious health problems. However, anxiety, depression and difficulty focusing can also be associated with gluten sensitivity.
For parents of children with ADHD or ASD, the third, and perhaps most important, question is what can a gluten-free diet do for my child? Many children with ADHD and especially ASD suffer from gastrointestinal issues. And anxiety, depression and difficulty focusing are hallmark characteristics of ADHD and ASD. A webinar from Celiac Central shares research stating that in 2011, “67 people diagnosed with ADHD were screened and 10 found to have celiac disease, i.e. 1 out of 7. These participants all showed a reduction in symptoms after at least 6 months on the gluten-free diet.”
If making your child’s diet gluten free can reduce symptoms of ADHD or ASD, it is probably worth the effort. With a little careful planning, switching to a gluten-free diet can be done smoothly. For some suggestions, check out “What Can I Eat?” from the Celiac Disease Foundation, look at Brain Balance Glassboro and Wayne’s Pinterest page for some great recipes, and make sure to find some familiar foods to help your child make the transition.