" Some children, especially those who are making opiate-like peptides from their foods, are actually physically addicted to those foods. When the foods are removed from the diet, they can experience symptoms that are similar to a drug withdrawal. The most common symptoms are irritability, and sometimes anger or rage. Children may also temporarily regress in their behavior or in their developmental skills. Withdrawal symptoms can actually be viewed as a good sign, as this indicates the foods were having some effect on the child. Anytime there are negative symptoms from removing a food from the diet, the food is a problem."
From The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet, by Pamela J. Compart, M.D. and Dana Laake, R.D.H., M.S., L.D.N.
More on withdrawal symptoms:
Immediate Symptoms of Withdrawal from Gluten and Casein:
- Insomnia
- Anger and anxiety
- Fatigue
- Night sweats and day sweats
- Hyperactive behavior
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Clinging and whining
- Upset stomach
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Return, or amplification of prior ADHD or autistic behaviors
From Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies, by Kenneth Bock, M.D. and Cameron Stauth
I'm very interested in what's going on with you guys...might try this with Calvin...let you know how it goes :)
ReplyDeleteSarah, it is totally facinating! I know you have done a lot with nutrition in the past, so you probably already know a lot about it, but I will be happy to talk your ear off about it when we get there in a few weeks and I would love to hear about the experiences you have had/are having also.
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