Diets shown to be effective for Autism symptoms

Healthy diet- rich in vegetables, fruits, and proteins and low in junk food and sugar.

The Feingold diet- a whole-food diet  with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Food avoidance- eliminating things like eggs, milk, and wheat.

Low sugar diet- used to balance blood sugars and lower inflammation

Gluten-Free / Casein-Free diet- avoidance of all gluten and casein, a milk protein.

Symptoms improved, including anxiety, attention, cognitive, skin problems, language and communication, seizures, sensory sensitivity, sleep issues, and social interactions.  Best of all, there were minimal side effects.

The most effective diet to reduce symptoms appears to be eating whole foods, plant-based, with no gluten, wheat, dairy, or eggs, and free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and sugar.

Emulsifiers (typical food additives) lead to higher diabetes risk

Ultra-processed foods can be very harmful to your health, increasing your risk of severe conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. These foods are manufactured with additives not found in whole, fresh foods. Processed foods tend to add sugar, fat, and salt to enhance flavor, contributing to overeating, poorer health habits, and lack of exercise.

Emulsifiers prevent the separation of oil and water components in products by providing a smooth texture and extending shelf life.

These emulsifiers- carrageenan, sodium citrate, acetyl tartaric acid, guar gum, and xanthan gum- are linked to diabetes.

Avoiding all processed foods, especially those with unknown ingredients is best.

Flavonoids reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer

Flavonoid-rich foods and drinks can have antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. How do you get them?  Flavonoids are chemical compounds found in fruits and vegetables, often giving plants their colors.

The foods providing the most benefit are berries, citrus fruit, grapes, onion, asparagus, Bok choy, apples, and tea.  The more flavonoids you eat in a day the greater the benefit of lowering your risk of Type 2 diabetes and cancer.

There are different types of flavonoids including anthocyanins, which are found in grapes, berries, and apples given by their deep red, blue, and purple colors.

Magnesium Deficiency

Common symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle cramps, headaches, eye twitching, insomnia, fatigue, and irritability.  Magnesium is important because it is involved with more than 300 bodily functions.  Magnesium is crucial to digestive health; insufficient magnesium can lead to constipation and bloating.  Magnesium also affects insulin function, which can impede metabolism, leading to weight loss issues, Type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes.

Why are we magnesium deficient?  Contemporary farming has led to less magnesium in our food supply.  Processed foods, alcohol, medications, excess caffeine, and stress can reduce magnesium levels.

How to increase magnesium intake:  Eat raw, whole foods emphasizing nuts, seeds, and leafy greens in your meals daily.  You can also do Epson salt baths or use a good magnesium supplement.

While magnesium from dietary sources poses no significant health risks, excessive magnesium by supplements may lead to diarrhea, nausea, or cramping.  It is always better to get your magnesium from food, which comes from a varied diet that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

 What is Anemia?

Anemia occurs when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells in the blood, leading to the body not receiving enough oxygen. Many factors can cause anemia, including nutritional deficiencies such as low vitamin B-12, folate, and iron, chronic diseases, digestive disorders, or genetics.

Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and an irregular heartbeat.  Pale or yellowish skin due to reduced oxygen in the blood, cold hands and feet,  and headaches are common.  Cognitive functions such as brain fog, concentration problems, lightheadedness, and dizziness may cause mood changes and irritability.  Anemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and insomnia and can cause a higher risk of falls and fractures.

Foods that help combat anemia include iron-rich foods such as heme iron, found in animal products, or non-heme iron, found in plant-based foods such as lentils and legumes. Pairing non-heme iron with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus or vegetables can help absorption. It is best not to use coffee, tea, or dairy milk because they can inhibit absorption. Cooking with cast iron cookware can increase iron's absorption.