Gluten & Casein Free Diet for ADHD Children

Many parents of children with ADHD and autism have turned to a casein- and gluten-free diet to help improve their child's condition. The diet is based on the "opiate excess theory," according to Exceptional Parent magazine. This theory hypothesizes that certain physical conditions cause the body to transform gluten and casein into opiates, which affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. Casein is the protein found in milk and milk products.

Gluten and ADHD

People with gluten allergies, or Celiac disease, are more likely to suffer from ADHD (and other neurological problems), according to Pediatrics magazine. These psychological problems may be a result of the malnutrition caused by the disease, according to Psychology Today.

Recommendations

Exceptional Parent magazine recommends the following: Decide what goals you would like your child to achieve and how you will measure success; if you are considering multiple therapies, experiment one at a time so you can figure out what's working and what's not; enlist the help of a "blind" third party such as a teacher or therapist who can report objectively on changes in behavior; and allow three to six months for the diet to work.

Considerations

Before changing your child's diet consider how these changes will affect him and your family, advises Exceptional Parent magazine. Consider how much time and money the change will require, and how your child will feel to be singled out for separate meals.

Warnings

Don't change your child's diet too rapidly, warns Exceptional Parent magazine. Such a drastic change could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which might make your child's condition worse. Do be sure to read labels on all processed foods, many of which contain wheat and milk ingredients.

What to Eat

Eliminating wheat and dairy from the diet is not as hard as it might sound. There are many gluten- and dairy-free products on the market today. Shop your local natural market for the widest selection of gluten-free breads, tortillas, pizza dough and sweets. Look around for cheese, yogurt, milk and ice cream alternatives. So Delicious even makes a dairy-free, gluten-free cookie dough "ice cream" made from coconut milk.