How to Use Digestive Enzymes to Treat Autism

A lack of digestive enzymes may make it difficult to break down gluten and dairy products, or to metabolize proteins and fatty acids, leading to a condition known as "leaky gut." Digestive enzymes, especially DPP-4, do not occur naturally in autistic children. Using them can increase tolerance to foods that might otherwise trigger symptoms of autism, such as aggressive or harmful behavior. Read on to learn more about how to use digestive enzymes to treat autism.

Instructions

• 1

  Add digestive enzymes to your child's diet to break down gluten found in wheat, oat, barley, rye and casein, which is found in dairy products. Gluten and casein can cause digestive problems for people with autism and may intensify some of their symptoms, such as aggression, fogginess and lethargy.

• 2

  Use digestive enzymes as a backup to a gluten-free, casein-free diet. Digestive enzymes can help when wheat or dairy products are ingested by mistake. Some people are able to begin eating wheat and dairy products with the aid of digestive enzymes. Nevertheless, the elimination of gluten and dairy is still the first line of defense for most people affected by autism.

• 3

  Use various digestive enzymes to break down other substances such as carbohydrates, soy, vegetables, meats and foods high in phenols, such as tomatoes, apples and bananas.

• 4

  Know what digestive enzymes do. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates and helps people who are allergic to gluten. Lactase digest dairy products, lipase breaks down fats, protease digests proteins, and cellulase aids in the absorption of nutrients.

• 5

  Use digestive enzymes to treat other complications associated with poor digestion such as liver problems, kidney stress and skin conditions. When food is not broken down properly, the body can become toxic, overloading organs with waste product. Improperly digested food can also lead to parasite infections.

• 6

  Buy digestive enzymes over-the-counter, without a prescription. They can be purchased at many health food stores.

• 7

  Learn more about using digestive enzymes to treat autism by joining the Enzymes and Autism discussion group at Yahoo! See the Resources section below for a link.