Summary of Biomedical Treatments for Autism, by James B. Adams, Ph.D.
page 3Improving Diet
Rationale: Humans need certain essential nutrients for their bodies to function, including vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids (from protein). A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and protein is important to help provide those key nutrients.
Explanation of Diet:
- Consume 3-4 servings of nutritious vegetables and 1-2 servings of fruit each day. (Corn is not a vegetable, it is a grain; potatoes have only limited nutritional value, especially if fried). Fruit juice is less healthy than eating the whole fruit, but better than soda.
- Consume at least 1-2 servings/day of protein (meat, chicken, eggs, nuts, beans).
- Greatly reduce or avoid added sugar (soda, candy, etc.).
- Avoid “junk food” – cookies, fried chips, etc. – they contain empty calories.
- Greatly reduce or avoid fried foods or foods containing transfats.
- Avoid artificial colors, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
- If possible, eat organic foods as they do not contain pesticides, and have more nutrients (vitamins and minerals). If eating non-organic food, wash fruit and vegetables well if eating the outside.
Benefits:
- Vegetables and fruits contain essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to improve and maintain mental and physical health.
- Protein is needed to provide amino acids, which are the building blocks for neurotransmitters and many other key amino acids and proteins in the body.
- Reduction in sugar intake can prevent rapid rises and falls in blood sugar, which can cause irritability and difficulty concentrating.
- Artificial colors and flavors can irritate some sensitive individuals, causing behavioral and other problems.
- Pesticides often contain toxic metals, and are suspected as a possible cause of some cases of autism.
Duration: Lifelong
Research: Ari Survey of Parent Ratings of treatment efficacy
| % worse | % no change | % better | # of reports | |
| Removed Sugar | 2% | 51% | 48% | 3695 |
| Feingold Diet | 2% | 45% | 53% | 758 |
For more information, go to: www.feingold.org
Summary of Biomedical Treatments for Autism:
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