Brenda Khan
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterised by stereotyped behaviour and deficits in communication and social interaction. While there is no cure for autism, certain dietary approaches are believed to help ease symptoms. One such diet is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), which eliminates specific carbohydrates that are not well absorbed by the body, potentially promoting the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines. This diet is also referred to as a low FODMAP diet, which stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These are short-chain carbohydrates that the small intestine absorbs poorly, leading to gastrointestinal issues. By removing these carbohydrates, lactose, and sucrose, and increasing nutrient-dense foods, the SCD aims to reduce gastrointestinal inflammation and improve behaviour and social interactions in individuals with ASD.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) |
| Underpinning Philosophy | Elimination of specific carbohydrates that are not well absorbed by the body, which may promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines |
| Foods to Eliminate | Complex carbohydrates, lactose, and sucrose, grains, sugars, and starches |
| Foods to Include | Nutrient-dense foods |
| Goal | Reduce gastrointestinal inflammation and restore balance to intestinal flora |
| Potential Effects | Improvements in behavior and social interactions in individuals with ASD |
| Downsides | May lead to nutritional deficiencies, challenging to follow, especially for individuals with ASD |
| Other Diets for Autism | Gluten-free diet, GAPS diet, Paleo diet, Ketogenic diet |
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What You'll Learn
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
SCD revolves around the elimination of specific carbohydrates that are not well absorbed by the body, which may promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines. It restricts complex carbohydrates, lactose, and sucrose, while promoting the intake of nutrient-dense foods. The diet follows a strict exclusion of grains, sugars, and starches that are considered difficult to digest. The idea is that by doing so, it can restore balance to the intestinal flora and allow the gut to heal, potentially leading to improvements in behaviour and social interactions in individuals with ASD.
SCD has been used successfully by many people to manage Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, chronic diarrhoea, candidiasis, and even autism. It is based on the principle that not everyone's digestive tract is able to easily digest complex carbohydrates and sugars. Only simple, easily digestible carbohydrates are allowed, thus preventing a buildup of undigested carbohydrates that can feed bacteria in the gut and lead to irritation of the intestinal lining. The allowed carbohydrates are simple monosaccharides (single molecules), which are easily digested and absorbed in the intestines.
SCD can be a challenging regimen to follow, especially for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is imperative to consider the nutritional balance to ensure that those on the diet receive adequate nourishment. The diet is restrictive and may lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in children with autism who may already have selective eating patterns and a preference for energy-dense, nutritionally poor foods. It is important to consult a doctor or dietitian before starting the SCD or any other dietary intervention.
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Gluten-free diet
The gluten-free diet, often followed in conjunction with a casein-free diet (GFCF diet), is an alternative treatment for autism. The GFCF diet involves the removal of gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, and casein, a protein found in dairy products and other foods containing lactose. The diet is based on the theory that autistic children may have an allergy or high sensitivity to gluten and casein, processing them differently, which may worsen their symptoms.
The GFCF diet has been around for a while, and opinions on its effectiveness vary. Some parents of autistic children have reported positive changes in behaviour, sleep, and speech after following the diet. However, scientific evidence supporting the diet's effectiveness is limited, and it may be challenging to implement due to the widespread presence of gluten and casein in foods.
When following a gluten-free diet, most bread and grain products are avoided. As a result, it is crucial to ensure that the individual receives sufficient fibre, vitamins, and minerals through supplementation or other food sources. The GFCF diet also restricts dairy products, so alternative sources of calcium and vitamin D are necessary.
The GFCF diet can be implemented gradually or all at once, depending on what works best for the individual with autism. It is important to note that the diet is most effective when all sources of gluten and dairy are eliminated for a period of at least 2-3 weeks.
In addition to the GFCF diet, other dietary interventions for autism include the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), which eliminates certain carbohydrates believed to contribute to gut dysbiosis, and the use of probiotics. These diets aim to address gastrointestinal and behavioural issues associated with autism.
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Probiotics
Two of the most recommended probiotic strains for autism and IBS are Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium. Lactobacillus reuteri has been observed to improve social behavior in autism, as it increases oxytocin, the "love hormone." Another strain, B. fragilis, has been shown to treat leaky gut in mice, making them more vocal and less anxious and obsessive—common behaviors associated with autism. However, B. fragilis is not commercially available, and more studies need to be conducted before it can be offered as a treatment.
It is important to note that while probiotics are generally safe and effective, they should be used in conjunction with a healthy, fiber-filled, nutrient-rich diet to ensure proper nourishment. Probiotics feed off fiber, called prebiotics, so a diet rich in fiber can support healthy bacterial growth in the gut.
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GAPS diet
The GAPS diet is an alternative therapy for autism, which stands for "Gut and Psychology Syndrome". It was developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, a neurosurgeon, to treat her son's autism. The diet is supposed to help treat conditions that may be caused by inflammation, such as in the brain or body.
The GAPS diet is an elimination diet that removes grains, pasteurized dairy, starchy vegetables, and refined carbohydrates. It starts with shorter cooked broths, working up to long-cooked stocks. The diet includes fermented foods, organic meat and fish, and large amounts of certain fats. It also recommends certain supplements, "detoxification" protocols, and lifestyle changes. For example, Dr. Campbell-McBride recommends avoiding chemicals in personal care products and electromagnetic radiation from smartphones and WiFi devices.
The GAPS diet is based on the theory that poor nutrition and a "leaky gut" are responsible for many psychological, neurological, and behavioral issues. A leaky gut is said to release harmful bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream, which then travel to the brain and interfere with its functioning. By eliminating foods that are difficult to digest, the diet aims to restore balance to the intestinal flora and allow the gut to heal.
The GAPS diet is controversial, and there is limited published evidence to support its effectiveness in improving psychological or behavioral conditions. It is important to note that the diet can be restrictive, which may lead to malnutrition, especially in children with autism who may already have selective eating patterns. Additionally, the diet includes raw and unpasteurized dairy products, which may increase the risk of food poisoning.
While there are many positive testimonials from parents who have tried the GAPS diet with their children, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in treating autism.
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Ketogenic diet
The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, and moderate-protein diet. It is designed to starve the body of glucose, which is what carbohydrates turn into in the body. This causes the body to start breaking down fat into ketones, which can be used as an alternative energy source. This state is known as ketosis.
The ketogenic diet has been suggested as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is because it has been shown to improve autistic behaviour and core symptoms, as well as reduce abnormal behaviours. It is thought that the diet's positive effects are mediated through improvements in energy metabolism, reductions in antioxidative stress levels, control of neurotransmitters, inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway, and modulation of the gut microbiota.
The ketogenic diet has been shown to be effective in treating other neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, and may also benefit ASD comorbidities, including seizures. The diet's ability to reduce oxidative stress and remodel the gut-brain axis may also contribute to its effectiveness in treating ASD.
However, the ketogenic diet can be challenging to implement, particularly for individuals with ASD who may already have selective eating patterns and a preference for energy-dense, nutritionally poor foods. It is important to carefully consider the nutritional balance of the diet to ensure that those following it receive adequate nourishment.
Before starting any new diet, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
A fermentable carb diet for autism is called the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). The diet eliminates certain carbohydrates believed to contribute to gut dysbiosis, a condition that disrupts the normal microbiota of the gut.
The SCD diet restricts the use of complex carbohydrates, lactose, and sucrose, as well as grains, sugars, and starches that are considered difficult to digest.
The SCD diet promotes the consumption of nutrient-dense foods to reduce gastrointestinal inflammation and restore balance to intestinal flora.
The SCD diet has been explored as a potential way to address some of the gastrointestinal and behavioral concerns associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is believed that improving gut health through dietary interventions can positively impact brain development and social interactions in individuals with ASD.
