The Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet (GFCF)

By LynnRae Ries
Gluten Free Creations

Up until the last seven years or so, the words ‘gluten’ and ‘casein’ were not used in every day conversations. But times are changing and those two words are becoming more useful to parents.

According to Theresa Cornelius, MS, RD, CLC, LND, “The GFCF diet is the removal of all gluten and casein products from the diet. Individuals with autism as well as those who are intolerant to both gluten and casein are typically on this diet. It is an unproven treatment for autism. However, some studies have found the diet to be helpful in some autistic children who are diagnosed before the age of three.”
In like manner, many parents have seen positive changes in their child’s behavior at many different ages when s/he is on a GFCF diet. Some children start saying words, some make eye contact and others simply become more responsive overall.
A gluten-free diet means the total elimination of the offending gluten-protein that is in wheat, rye, barley and all of their derivatives.

Initially this may appear as a daunting task. This GFCF lifestyle initially starts with elimination of all gluten. That means elimination of regular breads, muffins, desserts, sauces, coatings, processed foods, many seasonings, fillings, and prepackaged foods.

Reading ingredient labels becomes a part of every day life. Wheat/gluten travels under many names. Words to watch out for include: durum, couscous, gluten, matzoh, farina, kamut, semolina, spelt, seitan, graham, malt, wheat, rye and barley. (This is not a complete list.)

Casein-containing foods to be avoided include all dairy products from any animal in any form. This includes milk, butter, yogurt, ice cream, cottage cheese, and casein-containing ingredients found in butter flavored oil, nougat, whey, whey protein, and sometimes in lactic acid, artificial and natural flavoring, soy products and processed foods. (This is not a complete list.)

“This is a major lifestyle modification and if the child is eased into it, it will be much easier for them to make it a permanent lifestyle change,” writes Ms. Cornelius. According to the Autism Research Unit of the University of Sunderland (Great Britain), initially there may be some negative effects, including upset stomach, anxiety, clinginess and slight ill-temper. These are good signs and precursors of a positive response. The Research Unit recommends a trial period of about 1 year before determining the child’s response to this dietary regimen. The GFCF diet is not a cure for autism, but many have found that it can enhance the quality of a child’s life.
When starting on this diet, look for help from support groups, your reliable health food store, and gluten-free bakeries to make life easier.