Reccommended Tests For Starting GFCF Diet

As I continue to read on into the book, "The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook," By: Pamela Compart and Dana Laake, I find many interesting blogging ideas on the GFCF diet. As I learn about what is talked about, I'd like to share their information with you.

It is when in their opinion that there are two types of tests that are often helpful to have at the beginning of the GFCF diet. They are as follows:
1.) For children with ADHD or autism, have blood testing for celiac disease.
2.) For children with autism; urine-testing for opiate peptide residues caused by gluten, casein, and soy.

Celiac disease is a disease in which gluten is not tolerated. Intake of gluten results into an autoimmune reaction; the result is that the body recognizes the cells in the lining of the small intestines as foreign and reacts against them. It changes the anatomy of the intestinal lining and make it a leaky gut. I found this in the book which reads: The traditional view of celiac disease was that it had to cause diarrhea or affected a child's growth. However, recent studies reveal that bowel movements and growth may be normal, and a child may instead exhibit behavioral development, or neurological effects from this disease. Celiac disease may also be present of children with ADHD or ASD. Celiac disease is reversible if a lifelong 100 % complete gluten free diet is obtained. This is often results in behavior and developmental symptoms. In addition, if celiac disease is present and not treated for years, the risk for other autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus ) are increased. If treated, these conditions could be lowered in the future.
According to the experts in celiac disease, there can be gluten intolerances that is not celiac disease (i.e., specific celiac testing will be negative.) As with gluten, intolerances can produce a false negative result. It is our experience that avoiding suspected foods is the most reliable means of determining the culprits and their effects. "The Kid-Friendly ADHD& Autism Cookbook; Fair Winds Press copywrite 2006 pg. 26-27.

Urine Opiate Peptides
Urine testing is available to measure the opiate-like peptides made from casein, gluten, and soy. This testing is available only in specialized laboratories and is often not covered by insurance. It must be ordered by a physician or other practitioner such as a nutritionist. Testing directly measures the opiate-like peptides from casein and gluten. Soy peptides cannot yet be directly measured and maybe included in the measurements of casein and gluten peptides. The degree of elevation of peptides can provide helpful information regarding the the amount of withdraw symptoms to expect. When a child has high levels of opiates, it may be more difficult to remove the "foods that are creating substances that can have a negative effect on brain function." Therefore, as also said, "Opiate-like effects from problem foods can result in symptoms of autism, such as social withdraw, inappropriate laughing, zoning out, his pain tolerance and cravings the foods that cause the problems.""The Kid Friendly ADHD& Autism Cookbook; Fair Winds Press copywrite 2006 pg. 28