Q: I’ve heard that gluten could contribute to behavioral problems in children. Is there really a link? Are there any other diet modifications parents can make to help with things like ADD or ADHD?
A : Current research shows mixed results as to whether avoiding gluten can help behavioral problems in children. Often symptoms of behavioral problems are similar to those symptoms seen in children with celiac disease gluten intolerance. These symptoms may include irritability, fatigue and poor sleep. If your child is having any of these symptoms or other behavioral problems, reach out to your child’s pediatrician to be checked for potential celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
A diet high in nutrient-rich foods is the best approach, from a nutrition perspective, to helping with ADD and ADHD. Also, offering regularly timed meals and snacks ensures your child is getting the nutrients they need to nourish their brain and body. Foods that could potentially provide some benefit include fiber from whole grains, fruits and vegetables; folate rich foods like fortified breads, cereals and orange juice; poly-unsaturated fats from avocado, nuts, plant oils and fatty fish. Other nutrients to be aware of are iron, magnesium and zinc, as consuming these nutrients may play a positive role in managing behavior. As always, food is the best source of these nutrients. Vitamin supplements can also be helpful, especially if there is a deficiency or low intake of these nutrients.
Foods to be mindful of offering include those with additives like artificial food colorings, aspartame, MSG, nitrates/nitrites, and refined sugars, as a small amount of children with ADHD have sensitivities to these food additives. My suggestion is to offer whole foods most often and offer foods with additives occasionally. If your child does consume a food with one of the listed additives, be aware of any behavior changes. If you do become aware of changes in their behaviors, this may be a sign to avoid the noted additive completely.
Lauren Sharifi is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and food blogger at biteofhealthnutrition.com. Lauren works in private practice in Brighton at ASF-Peak Health (asfpeakhealth.com) and is passionate about helping individuals and families become competent eaters that find joy out of eating.
Gluten is mostly found in wheat, which means most types of bread, cereal, and crackers contain this common ingredient. Hyperactivity and food with gluten seem to go hand in hand in children with some sensitivity to this food. Irritability and aggressiveness are other bad behaviors that gluten can trigger.
Mood swings, anxiety, and depression are common among adults with undiagnosed gluten sensitivity. In children, tantrums, irritability, and even ADHD can manifest. Some researchers estimate neurological disorders may occur in as many as 10-25% of all celiac patients.
Sugar, wheat, and milk are among the most common dietary triggers for ADHD symptoms. Fluctuating blood sugar levels and partially-digested foods can also cause a wide range of symptoms from fatigue to hyperactivity.
The results of this study suggest that a gluten-free diet improves ADHD symptoms significantly and that untreated celiac disease may predispose patients to mental and behavioral disorders such as ADHD.
It can strike anyone at any time, including those who were not previously sensitive to it. Similar to lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity can affect any member of the human population regardless of their age.
The 5 major gluten-related illnesses are celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, gluten ataxia, and dermatitis herpetiformis. Each is distinct, but all are related and manageable.
tTG-IgA Test. For most children and adults, the best way to test for celiac disease is with the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA antibody (tTG-IgA), plus an IgA antibody in order to ensure that the patient generates enough of this antibody to render the celiac disease test accurate.
For example, gluten has long been linked to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. More recently, researchers postulated that either the gut allows gluten to cross the blood-brain barrier or triggers an immune response in the brain. This causes hallucinations and psychosis in some people.
The intestines make up most of the middle and lower abdomen, so “gluten belly” will look like any other type of lower digestive tract bloating. However, if bloating seems to be a regular or constant problem, that's a possible sign that it may be due to gluten intolerance.
In people with gluten-related disorders, gluten can cause inflammation. This inflammation can affect any part of your body, including your brain, and can show up as psychiatric or behavioral issues, mood disorders, or “foggy brain” or cognitive and memory issues.
Children can have a sensitivity to certain foods — dairy, wheat, corn, soy, eggs, nuts, and citrus are common culprits — that can exacerbate symptoms. Try eliminating these foods, and watch behavior carefully.
People with celiac disease autoimmunity, or CDA, also test positive for certain antibodies called tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies or tTGA. Celiac disease may also associated with depression, cognitive impairment, sleep problems and attention deficits in children.
Gluten challenge is discouraged in children under the age of 5 years and during the pubertal growth spurt because of potential negative effects on growth. Discussion with your doctor and paediatric gastroenterologist of alternate options is recommended.
The answer is no in most cases: going gluten-free won't help your child's autism. However, recent research indicates there could be some links—possibly between mothers with celiac disease (which causes digestive and other symptoms) and their autistic children.
Gluten-induced neurocognitive impairment, also known as “brain fog” or “celiac fog,” has been found to be a symptom in many with celiac disease and gluten-related disorders.
Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
