autism/adhd
Scientists aren't certain about what causes autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but studies of people with ASD have found irregularities in several regions of the brain which, in turn, negatively affect the nervous system.
There are two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is involved in stimulating the body and preparing it for activity (generally considered "fight or flight" responses). While the parasympathetic nervous system activates tranquil functions such as digestion.
Many people with ASD or ADD/ADHD have an under-active or malfunctioning parasympathetic nervous system. This can cause an underdeveloped digestive system which does not properly break down foods. Certain foods act like a drug to the brain when they are not broken down properly. This increases hyperactivity and erratic behavior. Unfortunately they are also addictive and the person craves those drug-producing foods. The most common examples are gluten and casein (a milk protein). Sugar is also addictive and causes hyperactivity and erratic behavior. It is important to abstain from these offending foods for a period of time to allow the body to heal properly.
The SSHH cleanse program is designed to allow the body to cleanse and heal.* The program consists of a gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free diet for a period of one year and a 90 day DMo cleanse.
If the digestive system is healed and functioning properly it should be able to properly break down foods including gluten and casein, but be patient. Healing takes time. There are no shortcuts to authentic healing.
There are two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is involved in stimulating the body and preparing it for activity (generally considered "fight or flight" responses). While the parasympathetic nervous system activates tranquil functions such as digestion.
Many people with ASD or ADD/ADHD have an under-active or malfunctioning parasympathetic nervous system. This can cause an underdeveloped digestive system which does not properly break down foods. Certain foods act like a drug to the brain when they are not broken down properly. This increases hyperactivity and erratic behavior. Unfortunately they are also addictive and the person craves those drug-producing foods. The most common examples are gluten and casein (a milk protein). Sugar is also addictive and causes hyperactivity and erratic behavior. It is important to abstain from these offending foods for a period of time to allow the body to heal properly.
The SSHH cleanse program is designed to allow the body to cleanse and heal.* The program consists of a gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free diet for a period of one year and a 90 day DMo cleanse.
If the digestive system is healed and functioning properly it should be able to properly break down foods including gluten and casein, but be patient. Healing takes time. There are no shortcuts to authentic healing.
For more information on the benefits of diet on autism (and lots of great recipes) please refer to "The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Milk-Free Diet," by Pamela Compart, Dana Laake, Jon B. Pangborn and Sidney Macdonald Baker (2012) or "The Autism & ADHD Diet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Hope and Healing by Living Gluten Free and Casein Free (GFCF)" by Barrie Silberberg (2009).
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Synergistic Solutions for Health and Healing (SSHH) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please click here for additional information.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Synergistic Solutions for Health and Healing (SSHH) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please click here for additional information.