Steer clear of these 6 foods to manage autism spectrum disorder

Steer clear of these 6 foods to manage autism spectrum disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), better known as autism, is a developmental condition that affects brain function. In most cases, symptoms such as delayed speech begin to show before the child turns 3. Furthermore, there are chances that the patient’s symptoms might worsen after eating certain food items; hence it’s best to avoid them. Keep reading to learn more about food choices that affect the quality of life in autism patients.

Foods to avoid for autism patients
After the diagnosis of ASD, doctors may suggest a few changes in the patient’s food plan. It can happen due to food aversions, gastrointestinal disorders, food allergies, and more reasons. Hence, here is a list of foods that autism patients must avoid.

Sugar
In most cases, people with autism show signs of hyperactivity. Hence, doctors may advise either a cut down in the sugar content or that sugar should be eliminated from the meal plan. It may help maintain optimum sugar levels that do not trigger hyperactivity. Moreover, sugar is pro-inflammatory and increases erratic brain cell firing.

Corn
Multiple studies indicate that the glyphosate herbicide found in corn increases the risk of autism. Furthermore, corn also has the most unhealthy fatty acid content and may promote inflammation. Moreover, corn has also been found to support the breeding of fungi that may be potentially harmful to autism patients.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Like sugar, MSG may also cause overstimulation in the brain and lead to hyperactivity in autism patients. In addition, studies also suggest a link between glutamate dysfunction and abrupt neuronal function among people with autism. Hence it is advised to stop the intake of MSG to observe an improvement in autism symptoms in patients.

Cow milk
Cow milk and other dairy products contain a protein known as casein that mixes with stomach acid during digestion, resulting in the production of exorphin. These exorphins then bind themselves to opioid receptor sites leading to multiple problems such as brain fog, inability to concentrate, spaciness, and numbness to pain, to name a few. Furthermore, cow milk is pro-inflammatory, which is strongly associated with autism and immune system dysfunction.

Bread
Most bread often contains gluten – a mixture of proteins found in barley, wheat, and rye. When eaten, this can increase the risk of inflammation. Moreover, gluten negatively impacts the functioning of the cerebellum, a part of the brain that controls thought and motor coordination. As patients with ASD already have decreased cerebellum functioning, intake of bread and other gluten-rich foods can worsen autism symptoms.

Soy
Studies indicate that excessive soy intake has been linked to dementia, ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Furthermore, it has also been found that soy-based foods can increase the risk of seizures. Also, it is a potential food allergen and is genetically processed. Hence, nutritional experts suggest removing soy from the meal plan. Some soy-based products to avoid include soy oil, soy sauce, tofu, and frozen veggie patties.

As sudden changes in the meal plan can lead to the worsening of autism symptoms, any significant modifications should be supervised by healthcare professionals such as doctors and nutritionists.

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Hyperkalemia – 10 foods to avoid

Potassium plays a huge role in the health of our heart muscles and nerve cells. And high levels of this element in the blood cause hyperkalemia. If you consume meals high in potassium, your doctor may advise you to decrease portion sizes and concentrate on fruits and vegetables with a lower potassium content. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium that must be avoided if you have hyperkalemia. Yogurt and dairy products A serving of nonfat yogurt weighing eight ounces has roughly 625 mg of potassium, making it one of the dairy aisle's highest sources of potassium. Even reduced fat milk contains 366 mg of potassium in a glass of cow's whole milk. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also high in potassium. Goat cheese is a low potassium food, proving that not all cheeses are made equal. Likewise, About 131 milligrams of potassium may be found in a half cup of vanilla ice cream. Bananas When people consider foods high in potassium, bananas frequently come to mind. A banana normally contains 422 mg of potassium. Among all the fruit, bananas are athletes' favorite as they provide energy. However, it could be highly dangerous for someone suffering from hyperkalemia. Consult your doctor if you have hyperkalemia and stick to fruits such as apples and berries. Leafy vegetables About 420 milligrams of potassium can be found in only a half cup of cooked spinach. Raw spinach, young or mature, has roughly 167 mg per cup. Fennel, bok choy, beet greens, and Swiss chard are also high in potassium. You can opt for kale instead. Kale has more nutrients than these other dark leafy greens, but it has less potassium. 73 mg is present in one cup of raw kale. Fish Clams, which provide 534 mg of potassium in just 3 ounces, are the finest source of protein from seafood. Around three ounces of skipjack tuna offers 444 mg, another major source of potassium. One of the most popular fish, salmon, frequently has a lower potassium content. Keeping a check on what type of fish you are eating if you have hyperkalemia is a must. Kidney beans Beans are a balanced addition to any meal plan as they're rich sources of protein and fiber. However, according to data from the USDA, one cup of the kidney-shaped type has 713 mg of potassium. A half-cup of black beans has 489 mg of potassium. Avocado This creamy, green-fleshed fruit is packed with 690 mg of potassium and is high in fiber and heart-healthy lipids. Although it might seem good for your heart, you should avoid it if you have hyperkalemia. Potatoes Potassium is heavily concentrated in potatoes; 925 milligrams of potassium may be found in a baked potato. A three-ounce portion of french-fried potatoes has 470 mg of potassium and a lot of fat and calories. The potassium content in an ounce of potato chips is 465 mg. Indulging in fast foods like fries is adverse for those with hyperkalemia. Oranges A single orange has 240 mg of potassium, making it a food with a high potassium content. With 450 mg per 8 oz glass, orange juice is a more potent source of potassium. Fruits vary in their potassium content. Berries are a poor source of potassium and can be a decent substitute for oranges and orange juice. Another good option is apples. Dried fruits The nutrients in fruit, including potassium, that have been dried are concentrated. You get roughly 750 milligrams from half a cup of dried apricots. Also, even though raisins and dried plums make a fantastic snack, they should be avoided by someone with hyperkalemia. Legumes and beans Legumes are a significant source of potassium as well. White beans have the most, with 600 mg of potassium in a half cup. In half a cup serving, other legumes such as lima beans and pinto beans have between 300 and 350 mg.

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Do not ignore these 5 early signs of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that affects the nervous system. This includes the spinal cord, optic nerves, and the brain. The condition’s symptoms may range from vision loss to muscle weakness and can differ from one person to another. Some people may experience mild symptoms, and in severe cases, it may result in paralysis. However, in most cases, the symptoms worsen during flare-ups and improve during the remission period. Early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) Patients with multiple sclerosis may notice that no pattern of MS applies to everyone. Different symptoms are experienced at different times. However, the early signs of multiple sclerosis may be the same in both men and women. Hence, here are some early signs of the condition to look out for. Inflammation of the optic nerve One of the most common signs of MS, a person with optic neuritis may experience blurred vision, headache, and eye pain. Mainly, it occurs on one side and may lead to partial or total vision loss. Cognitive changes People with MS may experience a few cognitive changes, such as slowed processing. This might lead to difficulty finding words, short-term memory loss, and problems multitasking. Furthermore, one may also notice that they might have to read words a few times to understand them. Changes in bladder habits Another common symptom that’s an early sign of MS includes changes in bladder habits. This can either increase the frequency of urination, or one may also experience hesitancy where they may feel like going to the restroom, but the bladder does not empty. Fatigue An extremely common early sign of MS, fatigue can also result from other medical conditions. Hence patients are advised to seek the advice of a healthcare expert at the earliest. This usually happens during the afternoon and can be accompanied by weak muscles, sleepiness, and slowed thinking. Dizziness MS patients may also have bouts of dizziness. This can happen due to the condition’s impact on the patient’s equilibrium and ability to balance. Moreover, other symptoms, such as vision loss and sensory issues triggered by multiple sclerosis, can throw one off the kilter. Multiple sclerosis can begin due to a mix of factors such as lifestyle and environment. Hence patients noticing any early signs of the condition are advised to seek medical attention for a treatment plan.

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