Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (106 page)

EXTRA TIPS

Check for food intolerances, which are strongly implicated in children with behavioral disorders. This is because eating foods to which we are intolerant is thought to stimulate the release of endorphins. These are feel-good chemicals in the brain that become addictive, leading to cravings for the problem foods. Identification of food intolerances can be done by a test or by eliminating the foods that are craved or eaten most often. Wheat, dairy, chocolate, yeast, soy, and eggs are all common culprits. For home-testing kits, go to www.gillianmckeith.info or visit a nutritionist.

Have a hair mineral analysis—this will highlight the presence of toxic metals and nutrient deficiencies. Lead and copper are both implicated in ADHD. High levels of phosphorus and low levels of magnesium and calcium may also be a problem.

Provide lots of opportunities for physical activity.

Give your child a lavender oil massage or bath—just put a few drops of lavender essential oil in the bath and encourage your child to sit or play in the bath for 20 minutes.

For further information, go to www.gillianmckeith.info/attentiondeficit.

AUTISM

There is no single definition of autism, as it is not a single disorder but rather a spectrum. Characteristics of autism include limited speech, lack of facial expression, difficulty with social interactions, impaired understanding of others’ feelings and points of view, solitary play, hypersensitivity to sound, smell, or color, hyperactivity, need for routine, obsessive-compulsive disorders, rocking, head banging, loud-pitched screams, and poor eye contact.

Often sufferers will only eat a narrow range of foods and may have obsessions with certain foods. Digestive problems are also common.

UNDERLYING CAUSES

There are likely to be a number of underlying causes behind autism. Each autistic is likely to have a unique set of circumstances that have triggered the onset of the symptoms. Autistics often have a family history of:

Autoimmune diseases.

Allergies.

Behavioral problems.

Celiac disease.

Exposure to organophosphates (used in agriculture).

Irritable bowel syndrome.

Migraines.