5 Foods That Can Make Autism Worse

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is diagnosed in 1 in 54 children, according to the CDC. The condition is associated with an array of challenges, including abnormal social skills, developmental delays, communication problems, and behavioral issues.

According to research, over 70% of children with autism spectrum disorder have at least one co-existing physical or mental health condition, and 40% have two or more of them. Among children with autism:

30-61% have ADHD
11-40% have anxiety disorders
7% have depression
Over 50% have chronic sleep problems
32% are overweight (2 to 5 year-olds)
16% are obese (2 to 5 year-olds)

In addition, kids with autism are 8 times more likely to have gastrointestinal issues compared to those who don’t have the condition. It is not unusual for them to have food allergies or food sensitivities.

Among adults with ASD, 26% have depression and 4-35% have schizophrenia (compared to 1.1% of the general population).

All of these challenges and symptoms can range from mild to severe. And a child’s diet (or an adult’s) can have an impact on severity. So, if you’re wondering what foods to avoid with autism spectrum disorders, you’ve come to the right place!

AUTISM AND THE BRAIN

Having seen more than 1,000 patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at Amen Clinics, one of the first lessons we learned is that the ASD condition is not caused by one specific thing in the brain; there are actually 8-10 different factors that influence abnormal brain function.

We see ASD brains through SPECT imaging that are wildly overactive – often due to an inflammatory process. For others, we see brains with dramatic under-activity, which may be due to a toxin or some type of insult or injury to the brain.

This is one of the reasons why it is so important to look at brain function when coming up with a treatment plan for ASD. Throwing medication-tipped darts in the dark can hurt people.

However, there is one thing that all people with ASD should do regardless of whether their brains are overactive or under-active…eliminate anything that can hurt their brain health. This often means making dietary changes and eliminating specific foods.

THE FOOD YOU EAT MATTERS

It is important to realize that the food you eat is either medicine or it is poison. It is either helping your brain, body, and mind or hurting them. In other words, eating habits impact health, so it is important to avoid foods that can worsen symptoms.

We understand that children and adults with autism spectrum disorder are often known for picky eating and have certain food aversions or food preferences. However, dietary considerations are important in helping to manage autism spectrum disorder.

Here are the top 5 foods to avoid because they can adversely affect an otherwise healthy diet and make ASD and co-occurring condition symptoms worse.

1. DAIRY

When casein (one of the proteins in milk and dairy products) mixes with stomach acid, it produces something called an exorphin.

Exorphins bind to the opioid receptor sites and can result in a variety of troubles, including brain fog, spaciness, inability to concentrate, and a numbness to pain, just to name a few. A casein-free diet can reduce symptoms such as those.

Dairy is also problematic because it is considered one of the most pro-inflammatory foods in the Standard American Diet. According to a growing body of evidence, including a 2018 study in Pharmaceuticals, research suggests that inflammation is strongly associated with autism and is also commonly linked to immune system dysfunction.

This study shows that neuro-inflammation and neuro-immune abnormalities are key factors in the development and maintenance of ASD.

Avoiding anything that promotes inflammation is critical for anyone with autism spectrum disorder.

Gastrointestinal symptoms are fairly common with this condition, and in our experience, when people with ASD avoided dairy products, they began talking more, their hyperactivity was reduced, and bowel problems were resolved.

2. GLUTEN

Research shows that gluten—a mixture of proteins found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye—can increase systemic inflammation when ingested. In fact, your body can create antibodies to gluten which can fire up, or inflame, your brain.

Gluten also decreases good bacteria in the gastrointestinal system, which is associated with an increased likelihood of feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed. The gut-brain connection in autism is real, according to findings in a 2019 study.

Gluten seems to particularly negatively affect the functioning of the cerebellum. Located at the back bottom of the brain, the cerebellum is involved with motor and thought coordination and is essential for processing complex information.

Through the brain-imaging work at Amen Clinics, we have discovered that those with autism spectrum disorder already often have decreased functioning of their cerebellum. Consuming gluten can make it much worse.

Although the research is mixed, many parents with autistic children report seeing improvements in symptoms after they put them on a gluten-free diet.

3. CORN

In the U.S., per capita consumption of corn products has risen from 28.4 pounds per year in 2000 to a whopping 35.2 pounds per year in 2019, according to Statista.

Since 1972, corn has been the top pesticide-using crop in the nation, based on findings from the USDA. A growing body of research, including a 2013 study in the journal Entropy, suggests a potential link between exposure to the herbicide glyphosate and the risk of autism.

Additionally, corn has the most unhealthy fatty-acid profile (high in omega-6 fatty acids that promote inflammation, compared to omega-3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory) of any of the whole grains. Yes, you read that right, grain. Corn is not a vegetable.

Another reason corn is one of the worst foods is that it has been found to be a breeding ground for fungi. In fact, a 2015 study identified 46 fungal isolates derived from maize grains.

There is simply nothing truly beneficial and many potentially harmful things that can come from eating corn. This grain is not necessary for getting the essential nutrients you need.

4. SUGARY SNACKS/REFINED CARBS

Not only are sugary foods pro-inflammatory, but it also increases erratic brain cell firing, and it is very addictive.

In addition, research appearing in Frontiers in Endocrinology found that people with ASD, like those with type 2 diabetes, have impaired glucose tolerance and excessive levels of insulin (a condition known as hyperinsulinemia). Because of this, consuming sugar may magnify improper insulin signaling.

Research in Plos One also shows that children on the autism spectrum who also suffer from gastrointestinal distress have poor metabolism of sugars. In these children, scientists found deficiencies in the levels of enzymes and transporters involved in the digestion of sugars.

Avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates, including sugary snacks and cereals, and increasing consumption of lean proteins can dramatically improve concentration and judgment, and decrease impulsiveness.

5. ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS

A 2019 study suggests that the spike in autism may be connected to the preservatives found in processed foods. Other research points to a possible link between autism symptoms and artificial ingredients in our food supply.

Avoid all artificial additives, preservatives, dyes and artificial colors, artificial flavorings, and artificial sweeteners. Although these things are not really “foods”, they are found in so many food products that we wanted to list them here.

These substances can make autistic symptoms worse and are definitely unnecessary for proper nutrition.

If you or a loved one has ASD, paying close attention to the foods being consumed is particularly important.

For our patients with autism, we often recommend an elimination diet. This involves eliminating gluten, dairy, sugar, corn, soy, and other categories of potentially allergenic foods for one month.

Then add these back one at a time and be alert for reactions to them, which would indicate that your child’s nutrition plan should exclude that food.

Along with diet, other areas should also be investigated to uncover and address the challenges of ASD.

Autism and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.