More people than ever before are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Center for Disease Control’s latest reports show that more than 3.5 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with ASD. In the United States, 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with ASD, and these alarming numbers are on the rise.
The good news is that we are finding solutions that help! More than $66 billion is spent each year supporting children with autism in the U.S. —with increased funding, research and awareness of this complex and often devastating brain development disorder, we are beginning to better understand the workings of this pressing public health concern.
These techniques, approaches and solutions are giving the children, adults and families affected by autism hope--and a better chance at a normal, fulfilling life.
This hopeful progress is a stark contrast to the grim medical diagnosis doctors used to give parents. For many parents, the medical community offered little or no hope that their child would ever be able to do the most basic tasks of life. We are now seeing children recover from many of the disabling symptoms of ASD.
What was the mainstream medical community missing?
The focus on the correlation between nutrition and overall wellness. You can’t have a healthy brain if you aren’t addressing the body as a whole. This type of foundational approach to healing, health and nutrition for the brain and the body apply to more than the ASD community. These proven methods, technologies, and tips apply to anyone… especially if you’re dealing with a health challenge that affects your ability to function in daily life.Here are 6 smart and simple diet upgrades used to help those with ASD overcome health and wellness obstacles that can help you in your life, too:
- Improve your digestion. Gut health is critical to brain health and your overall wellness. Avoid excessive use of antibiotics. Take a quality probiotic supplement and eat more naturally fermented foods to support healthy digestion.
- Balance blood sugars. Cut out processed sugars, and high-starch, processed foods from your diet.
- Increase Omega-3s and Essential Fatty Acids. For years we were told to eliminate fat from our diets to avoid obesity and heart disease. This can be very harmful to brain and body function. Our bodies do not produce essential fatty acids. Optimize your brain and body function by adding in healthy sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids like salmon and fatty fish, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dark green vegetables like kale, collards and parsley.
- Increase vitamins and minerals. In our society where so much food it processed and altered, it can be difficult to focus on the fresh, healthy foods our bodies need to get the vitamins and minerals to promote overall wellness. Improve nutrition and replace missing nutrients by adding in more fresh, organic foods and high-quality supplements into your diet.
- Avoid food allergens. Although nearly any food can cause an allergic reaction, there are eight foods that are the primary cause of allergic reactions: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish. These common allergens greatly contribute to inflammation. Help your body heal itself by avoiding foods that increase your risk of inflammation.
- Take care of yourself. Especially if you’re a parent or caretaker. Recent studies have shown that parents and caretakers have elevated inflammation markers that can contribute to systemic inflammation, which can wreak havoc on your body. Find outlets to relieve stress, connect with friends and family and do things for yourself, even if it’s just taking 5 minutes to enjoy a cup of your favorite tea.
