I know that saying gluten is like crack may seem a bit preposterous to some of you and others will quickly dismiss diet as having anything to do with behavior, but some of you will nod your heads quietly in agreement knowing exactly of which I speak!
Before the diagnosis, when Molly was 7, she fell off of the growth charts and began breaking out in hives regularly. The hives were located all over her body and at times, alarmingly, her lips would swell to animated proportions. I tried the elimination diet (removal of dairy, wheat, sugar, etc.). I questioned every perceivable exposure and chemical that we came into contact with. Another brick wall and doctors not offering any answers - just Benadryl & epi-pens. I began researching once again, this time symptoms as well as behaviors. The Celiac foundation (www.celiac.org) had an abundance of information and many of the characteristics of what I was noting with Molly. I removed gluten immediately. For those of you who are new to gluten free or thinking of trying it, gluten can be found in:
We have a running list of things we have tried - all are sensory tested and approved which is why we recommend (see list below)! Soy sauce & broths/stocks are some of the trickiest items in the beginning as they both utilize wheat when not necessary as a filler & preservative. Going gluten free may seem a bit daunting, but with research it can be done with little inconvenience - there are so many more options available today than even 5 years ago!
There was a remarkable difference as soon as gluten was removed from Molly's diet. The hives and diarrhea that were my main concern immediately ceased. I had read that gluten sensitivity can affect mood/behavior but was not putting any stock in seeing benefits associated with this aspect. Within 48 hours much of her hyperactivity and other strange behaviors (animal noises and others) were gone. On a more detailed level her focus increased remarkably as well and diminished anxiety and increased social abilities (although certainly not neurotypical - but an improvement nonetheless). I mentioned the removal of gluten to my then pediatrician who thought it may be a good idea to give her the blood test for Celiac. The results came back negative, but they are only accurate in 7 out of 10 cases. The doctors then suggested I re-injure her small intestine by exposing her to gluten again for 6 months and then having her re-evaluated and scoped. No thanks! I followed up with a pediatric gastrointestinal specialist who agreed - with our Northern European ancestry (Scottish, Irish & Dutch) better to just reap the benefits than injure, our course of action would not differ anyway. Did I mention that she immediately began thriving as well? She started putting on weight (finally) and jumped back on the growth chart.
Gluten products are such a mainstay of American culture that at times I have caved. Allowing her to indulge in gluten inevitably reinforces our decision - always resulting in upset stomach, hives and behavior much like a pinball active in the throws of a pinball game. It is a huge deal to a "tween" who is trying so hard to fit in and has to differ in diet as well. She can't go to the lunchroom and order what everyone else is having (which is gross by the way, but our school district doesn't entertain the thought of changing its "healthy choices" to actually be healthy & nutritious). I'm not asking for an abundance, just some healthy choices for those who are gluten free aside from nachos and ice cream and the occasional protein smoothie. I am amazed and a bit ashamed of our society when I look at European lunches that are provided for their students. The selections are undeniably healthy and lack all of the preservatives and chemicals our students eat on a regular basis. The old adage "You are what you eat" should make Americans cringe. There is a reason that European countries no longer accept our genetically modified, pesticide rich exports.
Upon choosing a gluten free diet for Molly, I soon became a frustrated mom trying to find good foods for my daughter and coming up empty handed. I began experimenting with different brands, liking very little and loving even less. After many trials and errors (just ask my family!) I developed my own flour by mixing white rice flour, long grain rice flour, potato starch, sweet rice flour, tapioca starch and xantham gum (yes, it is for sale! See our website for further info: www.sugarmagnoliabakingco.com). Unlike some of the mixes we tried initially it imitates cake flour and isn't grainy at all. I also began a baking company - selling both GF and regular goods. We are still formulating recipes and will be trying to release our cookbook "Gluten Free with Sugar Magnolia Baking Co." within the next year. We also found a great way to donate money to Autism Speaks by selling our puzzle piece cookies. For every dozen cookies that are sold $5 will be directly donated to Autism Speaks. Although we will feature other philanthropies Autism Speaks will always be listed.
Before the diagnosis, when Molly was 7, she fell off of the growth charts and began breaking out in hives regularly. The hives were located all over her body and at times, alarmingly, her lips would swell to animated proportions. I tried the elimination diet (removal of dairy, wheat, sugar, etc.). I questioned every perceivable exposure and chemical that we came into contact with. Another brick wall and doctors not offering any answers - just Benadryl & epi-pens. I began researching once again, this time symptoms as well as behaviors. The Celiac foundation (www.celiac.org) had an abundance of information and many of the characteristics of what I was noting with Molly. I removed gluten immediately. For those of you who are new to gluten free or thinking of trying it, gluten can be found in:
- wheat
- rye
- barley
- malt
- modified food starch
- hides in natural flavors
- glucose syrup
- oats (that are manufactured on machines that also process the above items)
- any items that share equipment with items found in ingredients above.
We have a running list of things we have tried - all are sensory tested and approved which is why we recommend (see list below)! Soy sauce & broths/stocks are some of the trickiest items in the beginning as they both utilize wheat when not necessary as a filler & preservative. Going gluten free may seem a bit daunting, but with research it can be done with little inconvenience - there are so many more options available today than even 5 years ago!
There was a remarkable difference as soon as gluten was removed from Molly's diet. The hives and diarrhea that were my main concern immediately ceased. I had read that gluten sensitivity can affect mood/behavior but was not putting any stock in seeing benefits associated with this aspect. Within 48 hours much of her hyperactivity and other strange behaviors (animal noises and others) were gone. On a more detailed level her focus increased remarkably as well and diminished anxiety and increased social abilities (although certainly not neurotypical - but an improvement nonetheless). I mentioned the removal of gluten to my then pediatrician who thought it may be a good idea to give her the blood test for Celiac. The results came back negative, but they are only accurate in 7 out of 10 cases. The doctors then suggested I re-injure her small intestine by exposing her to gluten again for 6 months and then having her re-evaluated and scoped. No thanks! I followed up with a pediatric gastrointestinal specialist who agreed - with our Northern European ancestry (Scottish, Irish & Dutch) better to just reap the benefits than injure, our course of action would not differ anyway. Did I mention that she immediately began thriving as well? She started putting on weight (finally) and jumped back on the growth chart.
Gluten products are such a mainstay of American culture that at times I have caved. Allowing her to indulge in gluten inevitably reinforces our decision - always resulting in upset stomach, hives and behavior much like a pinball active in the throws of a pinball game. It is a huge deal to a "tween" who is trying so hard to fit in and has to differ in diet as well. She can't go to the lunchroom and order what everyone else is having (which is gross by the way, but our school district doesn't entertain the thought of changing its "healthy choices" to actually be healthy & nutritious). I'm not asking for an abundance, just some healthy choices for those who are gluten free aside from nachos and ice cream and the occasional protein smoothie. I am amazed and a bit ashamed of our society when I look at European lunches that are provided for their students. The selections are undeniably healthy and lack all of the preservatives and chemicals our students eat on a regular basis. The old adage "You are what you eat" should make Americans cringe. There is a reason that European countries no longer accept our genetically modified, pesticide rich exports.
Upon choosing a gluten free diet for Molly, I soon became a frustrated mom trying to find good foods for my daughter and coming up empty handed. I began experimenting with different brands, liking very little and loving even less. After many trials and errors (just ask my family!) I developed my own flour by mixing white rice flour, long grain rice flour, potato starch, sweet rice flour, tapioca starch and xantham gum (yes, it is for sale! See our website for further info: www.sugarmagnoliabakingco.com). Unlike some of the mixes we tried initially it imitates cake flour and isn't grainy at all. I also began a baking company - selling both GF and regular goods. We are still formulating recipes and will be trying to release our cookbook "Gluten Free with Sugar Magnolia Baking Co." within the next year. We also found a great way to donate money to Autism Speaks by selling our puzzle piece cookies. For every dozen cookies that are sold $5 will be directly donated to Autism Speaks. Although we will feature other philanthropies Autism Speaks will always be listed.
It is worth noting that there has been a reported incidence of "leaky gut syndrome" associated with Autism. I know many who are on a GF diet, some also remove dairy and are GF and CF (casein free). Removing casein can be remarkable, especially in those who struggle with communication. I will never understand those who are so quick to dismiss diet as having a role in their child's/client's development, especially neurological. In the very beginning, I questioned the role diet/supplements may play, asking a well-respected pediatric neuropsychologist his thoughts - he dismissed, even chuckled a bit at the mention. I am not stating that your child will be "cured". I am however, stating that there are proven benefits to eliminating certain aspects of your child's diet that could be hindering their development. As in the Autistic Community as well as in the Neurotypical society
"You are what you eat!"
Good Gluten Free Finds:
You will note that most of these are snack foods - we substitute many of these when not eating fresh fruits & vegetables or other non-boxed food!
Please note: Always check labels! Companies are always making changes!
ALL SCHAR PRODUTS (except crackers) - this includes pizza crust, bread, pasta, etc.
Trader Joe's Rice mac & cheese
Trader Joe's chicken tacos
Trader Joe's Taquitos
Annie's Rice mac (close 2nd)
Annie's Rice mac (close 2nd)
Bell & Evans Air chilled chicken breast tenders
San-J organic tamari (wheat-free soy sauce)
Pamela's GF pancake/waffle mix
Yoplait yogurt (most flavors)
EnviroKids Panda Puffs cereal
EnviroKids Leapin Lemur cereal
Vans Frozen Waffles GF
Costco rotisserie chicken
Pacific chicken broth
Pacific roasted pepper/tomato soup
Quinoa pasta
San-J organic tamari (wheat-free soy sauce)
Pamela's GF pancake/waffle mix
Yoplait yogurt (most flavors)
EnviroKids Panda Puffs cereal
EnviroKids Leapin Lemur cereal
Vans Frozen Waffles GF
Costco rotisserie chicken
Pacific chicken broth
Pacific roasted pepper/tomato soup
Quinoa pasta
Bionaturae pasta (I buy this in cases from Whole Foods) - best yet!
Mrs. Mays products (any that are gf)
Mi-Del chocolate chip gf cookies
Mi-Del Ginger snaps
Ians cookie buttons cinnamon
CheeBee Rolls (frozen)
Kinnickkinick chocolate doughnuts (frozen)
Tostitos organic chips
Glutino frozen pizza
Trader Joe's GF granola
Kinnickkinick frozen pizza crusts
San-J szechuan sauce
Glutino lemon wafers
Boar's head pepperoni
Mrs. Mays products (any that are gf)
Mi-Del chocolate chip gf cookies
Mi-Del Ginger snaps
Ians cookie buttons cinnamon
CheeBee Rolls (frozen)
Kinnickkinick chocolate doughnuts (frozen)
Tostitos organic chips
Glutino frozen pizza
Trader Joe's GF granola
Kinnickkinick frozen pizza crusts
San-J szechuan sauce
Glutino lemon wafers
Boar's head pepperoni
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