Some Factors Related to Food in Children Autism

1. Indigestion gluten and casein protein

Gluten is a protein of wheat flour and casein is milk protein. Children with autism disorders often have problems digesting gluten and casein. Under normal circumstances, most of the protein is digested into amino acids, the remainder becomes the peptide. Gluten and casein proteins have a specific combination of amino acids by the digestive system of children with autism disorder difficult to completely broken down into single amino acids, but still in the form of peptides that are biologically active. Undigested peptides out of the small intestine and enter the bloodstream, which should not be. A condition called leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability). According to Dr. P. Deufemia children with autism disorders have a lot of leaky gut. In the normal number of small intestinal peptide can also seep into the blood stream, but the body's immune system can be overcome.

Peptides derived from gluten (gluteomorphin) and casein peptide (caseomorphin) undigested perfect, go with the flow of blood to the brain receptors "opioid". Increased opioid activity would lead to disruption of central nervous system and can affect the perceptions, emotions, behavior and sensitivity. Opioids are morphine-like substance that works and is naturally known as "beta endorphin." Endorphins are suppressant / pain reducer that is naturally produced by the body. Disorders in children with autism, sometimes too much endorphin works to suppress the pain so that children will be resistant to excessive pain. According to the scientist Christopher Gillberg, in children with autism, levels of such substances increases endorphins in the brain that can cause disturbances in brain function.

Of the few studies providing a diet without gluten and casein were responding well to 81% of children with autism.
2. Fungal infections / yeast

In the intestine there are different types of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, which live side by side without disturbing the health.

Yeast is meant here is a type of fungus, a single-celled organisms that live on the surface of fruits, vegetables, grains / ear, skin, and intestines. Albican Candida is a type of yeast that lives in the gut, which normally does not harm our health. When disturbed the balance with other microorganisms, then one would grow excessively and may cause disease. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, Keflex is too long and often will cause the good bacteria (lactobacillus) will also be killed so that harm our health. Antibiotics do not kill the candida, the fungus will flourish as a result and can release toxins that weaken the immune system making infection easier. There is often an infection with antibiotic treatment then the cycle will continue as follows:

William Show, Ph, D (1995) and other researchers suggested that autism is often associated with yeast infections, especially in children who often are given antibiotic therapy for infections such as ear infections.

In general, children with autism have gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and or constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. On stool examination usually indicates the presence of fungi, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. That overgrowing fungi will attach to the intestinal wall and can lead to increased permeability of intestinal / bowel porous (leaky gut). The fungus can also block the release of digestive enzymes so disturbed.

Repeated administration of antibiotics for ear infections can cause leaky gut for example, allergies, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).
Therapy in fungal infections such as anti-fungal medication (a widely used are nystatin), Colostrum, Probiotics, and no sugar diet. Giving probiotics such as lactobacillus acidophilus to offset and prevent fungal infections. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacteria that is naturally present in the yogurt and can fight candida.

When a child is diagnosed with a yeast infection should avoid foods that use sugar and yeast. Sugar and other simple carbohydrates can stimulate excessive growth of fungus.

3. Allergy and food intolerance

Another thing that is thought to play a role in autism is the problem of food allergy and intolerance. Various symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, sleep disturbances, whiny, hyperactive, aggressive, irritable, ear infections, and others.

What is the difference between allergy and food intolerance?

Food allergy is the body's reaction to food or food components that deviate from normal, involves the immune system and cause adverse symptoms of the body. All substances which cause immunological reactions are called allergens. When an allergen enters the body, the antibodies to these allergens that trigger off allergic terjadninya. The potential occurrence of food allergies in a person often is hereditary. Some foods that commonly cause allergies include fish, shrimp, eggs, and milk.

Food intolerance is an adverse reaction to food and cause few symptoms, but does not involve the immune system. Due to lack of food intolerance enzymes to digest certain substances in food. For example, milk tolerance may result from lack of enzyme lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose (milk sugar). Foods that commonly cause intolerance reactions are milk, eggs, wheat, and beans, similar to the foods that can cause problems in children with autism. To diagnose food allergy and intolerance particular, parents often have trouble because the reaction may occur immediately or up to 72 hours after eating.

4. Heavy metal poisoning

There is a clear relationship between heavy metal poisoning and various neurological disorders. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic, aluminum, and other entry into the body by accident through air, water, food, medicines, cosmetics, vaccines, and so forth. Lead is used for example in gasoline, lubricating oil, paint, stone batteries and car battery / motor, while the mercury (Hg) is widely used in medicine as a patchwork of dental, eye drops, thermometer, tensimeter, cosmetics, also used in panning for gold , tanning leather, and preserve order not moldy grain. Aluminium is widely used as cooking utensils such as pans and pots.
Toxic heavy metals is strongly against the central nervous system, especially in children because of a faster metabolism.

Heavy metal poisoning can also cause problems in the system of organs. For example, mercury poisoning can lead to impaired balance of immune cells in the body, interfere with the immune response to food, and can lead to deficiencies of zinc and selenium.

Heavy metal toxicity tests can be carried through the blood, hair, and urine / urine. If it is suffering from heavy metal poisoning, the disposal of toxic metals from the body, among others chelasi therapy.