With that said, I'm still trying to figure out these diet changes. We recently went to a nutritionist to run a casein protein intolerance test. Make a long story short- worst day EVER (3 year olds do NOT understand the idea of fasting for some stupid test), and it was decided that we would go ahead and cut everything dairy out of his diet. Next step (a few weeks later): gluten. I was actually the one who suggested this to the nutritionist (I have done lots of research and heard so many success stories that I thought it was worth a shot). It's been a challenge because some of Andrew's favorites are bagels, breads, doughnuts, ice cream (please don't get the wrong idea: we definitely don't feed these things to him 24/7...but every kid deserves a treat every now and then). And pretty much any snack food known to every kid (goldfish, graham crackers, cheerios) is now off limits. It is such a better life style change....its just tough when you have another child that can eat anything (and still WANTS to eat everything). Here is a prime example of how my gluten free road is looking at the moment:
This is supposed to be a loaf of bread. Same recipe I used a few weeks ago (with regular flour), and the bread was amazing. I figured, "It shouldn't be that different with my Better Batter flour blend...only it DOES say to add half as much more liquid to the recipe when using the alternative flour). Definite FAIL. It smelled good while it was baking....but the whole loaf sunk into the pan and even seeped into my oven. :( EEK! So...I guess it's on to pintrest for some Gluten free bread recipes because buying the Udi's all the time is getting expensive. Any tips/advice are definitely appreciated (if anyone is actually reading this). ;) And I have definitely had success with this same flour (I made some delicious muffins and pancakes using this same flour), so it could be one more ingredient I'm missing.
I have always been passionate about nutrition. It's something that has always interested me. Well, after researching so many biomedical factors that come into play when trying to "cure" Autism, it is quite fascinating yet heartbreaking at the same time. Because Andrew's colon/ GI system has never quite been right, he's not absorbing the nutrients and digesting the food he needs meaning supplements and probiotics are a big part of his diet now (I've already been giving him a multivitamin and probiotic...just had to switch to a different type which wasn't too bad). Well, his liver is also having problems detoxifying meaning he has a build up of toxins in his little body. Again, more supplements (vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid play a big part in this process) to bypass the liver's process and get those "naturally occurring" (in most people's bodies) vitamins right where they need to be. It's crazy. It really is. I am seriously considering going back to school for nutrition after this journey that we have started with our little Andrew. The next culprit to my little Andrew's tummy problems could be phenols and salicylates. I still have a LOT of learning to do with these 2 things and honestly, they seem like taking a step backwards certain fruits and veggies contain salicylates).
These things have been on my mind day and night and I REALLY wanted to write it out in order to remember this time in our lives when it was all so new. I know in a year it will all come so naturally and our family will be happier and healthier. I also hope this blog will be eye-opening to anyone who has a child suffering from tummy problems, behavioral issues (even ADHD kids could benefit from significant diet changes), or anyone else who has a child who was recently diagnosed. And it's time to get Andrew so I'm out! :) Have a great weekend!!
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