Autism and its relation to diet

Nutrition in an autistic child can improve some of the symptoms and prevent deficiencies in his body. However, we should not forget that each child is unique and needs individual nutritional monitoring.

Fortify his diet with:

• Vitamins of the B complex, and especially B₆,B₁₂ and folic acid, which improve speech, sleep and interactions with the environment. Foods rich in B vitamins are legumes, nuts and whole grains.
• Vitamin A, found in offal, egg yolk, full-fat dairy, butter, green and orange fruits and vegetables, improves social skills.
• Magnesium, with major sources being bananas, figs, nuts, green vegetables, spices, seafood and cocoa, helps reduce irritability and increase alertness.
• Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and improves emotional reactions. Its rich sources are citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, peaches, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and parsley.
• Zinc can improve inattentiveness and is found in offal, meat, figs, mushrooms, cereal germ, whole grains and nuts.
• The essential fatty acids, ω-3 and ω-6, improve behavioral control and affect the gray matter of the brain. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Choose fatty fish (sardines, mackerel - avoid large ocean fish such as salmon, swordfish, halibut), avocado, flaxseed, sweet potato, walnuts, tahini and fish oils.
• Prebiotics are foods that favor the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Such foods are asparagus, bananas, legumes, dandelion root, garlic, honey, onion, peas and leeks. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut are also helpful.
• Ginger and turmeric are also considered anti-inflammatory foods. Add them to food, initially in a small amount, so that the change is not noticeable.
• Organic foods, especially bulb vegetables that trap toxic metals from the soil, such as potato, sweet potato, onion, turnip, and carrot.
• Goat or buffalo dairy and cheese instead of cow's milk, for fewer antibiotics and hormones.

Avoid:

• Processed, canned and packaged foods that contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, colorings, flavorings, sweeteners and other chemical additives. Avoid plastic and aluminum food packaging.
• Fast ways of cooking, such as the kettle and the microwave. Avoid aluminum pans, tin pots, aluminum foil and plastic plates and glasses.
• Sugar and chemical sweeteners. Replace them with stevia, petimezi, carob honey, molasses or agave syrup.
• Limit gluten. Opt for baked goods and pasta made from corn, rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, amaranth and zea.
• Limit foods containing phenols such as cheese, orange, banana, yeast, apple-pear-peach peel, onion, spinach, green and black tea, red wine, cocoa and chocolate.
• Limit foods containing salicylates such as blueberries, cherries, apricots, dried raisins and prunes, strawberries, pineapple, grapes, radishes, endives, squash, cucumber, tomato, and hot peppers.

It is good to constantly expose your child to new foods. Place different foods on the table, even if he doesn't eat it. Also, try to put a small amount of the new food on his plate together with a food he likes. In case he refuses to try any of the above foods, you can add them to the foods without increasing their volume.

For example, juice a variety of fruits and vegetables and add yogurt or milk to make a smoothie. You can also add avocado, olives or ground nuts to the food to increase the beneficial fats. Instead of merenda sweets, try cocoa tahini or carobolata (alternative carob merenda). Create creams or rice milk from coconut or almond milk.

If you decide to follow a special diet, such as those free of gluten or casein, you should know that it is something very difficult and time-consuming due to the obsession of children with certain foods and you should visit a specialist to draw up a specialized diet for you to prevent occurrence of nutritional deficiencies.

Kontopidou Irini

Clinical Dietitian, M.Sc.

www.adunatizw.gr