Some issues to consider
Cross contamination: Care should be taken so as not to accidentally / unintentionally contaminate the food with other foodstuff containing gluten or casein. Consider using a separate toaster, separate margarine and clean utensils when preparing gf/cf foods alongside other foods. Take care not to cook gf/cf foods with non-gf/cf foods together in the same saucepan or container etc.
Food labelling: Many large supermarkets can provide you (on request) with a list of gluten-free products sold in their stores. Some supermarkets and food manufacturers have recently introduced clearer labelling indicating which products are gluten-free / dairy-free. Do not rely on the list of acceptable foodstuffs from the Coeliac Society as they allow a certain amount of gluten and are not necessarily casein free. Avoid cereals with malt extract as this contains gluten. Cornflour can be used for home-made thickener but check there is no added wheatflour (an ingredient sometimes used to bulk out contents).
Digestion / absorption: There is growing research to indicate that people with autism often have an inability to sufficiently absorb nutrients - therefore consider vitamin and mineral supplements (see ‘About the diet’ – calcium). You may also wish to investigate if the introduction of digestion aids will also help - Bromelain and / or Betaine Hydrochloride have had positive results in promoting better stomach digestion and nutrient absorption (both these are available at Holland & Barrett).
Epsom salts: Dr. Rosemary Waring has found that many people on the autistic spectrum, and others with neurological conditions, are very low in sulphate. Their levels may be as low as 15% of neurologically typical people. Sulphate is needed for a pathway in the body that processes salicylates, phenols, chemicals of all kinds (including food colours, artificial flavouring, and preservatives), and other things the body sees as toxins. Epsom salts may help to redress the sulphate balance.
For more information on Epsom Salts click here to read an article by Karen DeFelice and notes from Susan Owens.
Epsom salts can allow sulphate to be absorbed through the skin, for example by adding it to bath water. Epsom salts can be purchased at most chemists but are generally sold in small quantities and are very expensive.
www.soapbasics.co.uk sell larger quantities of Epsom salts by mail order and are considerably cheaper. Follow their links (raw materials – salts & other ingredients).
Enzymes: It is becoming increasingly popular for people with gfcf intolerance to eat foods containing gluten and casein whilst using enzymes as an ‘antidote’. This therefore eliminates the need to follow a special diet.
EnZymAid™ from Kirkman is one example of a product that promotes peptide breakdown, especially casein and gluten. It also claims to enhance the absorption and utilization of important minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc. Further information from www.kirkmanlabs.com
Houston Nutraceuticals, Inc currently offers enzyme products to United Kingdom customers. To order, telephone 01506 848555.
Dr. Devin Houston, Ph.D., is an acknowledged inventor and developer of enzyme-based dietary supplements. He has over 20 years of research experience in enzymes, receptor mechanisms, and the biochemistry of nutrition. Products available include Zyme Prime Chewable Tablets (suitable for children and adults).
Product information at www.houstonni.com