Healing Diets and Foods

Keeping the gut clean and not continually having your child eat foods with toxins and chemical preservatives will help facilitate healing the gastrointestinal tract more efficiently. Sometimes changes are subtle and on a deeper biochemical level that are not always visible to parent. Good quality foods to which your child is not sensitive are very healing to the gut.

Please see our additional recommendations for healing the gut here, which include:

Healing Diets

Sometimes more than one diet is necessary especially if your child has a chronic disease or disorder, even a neurological disorder. If your child does not show a significant amount of improvement on a particular diet, then try another diet. Below are the most commonly used healing diets:

Autoimmune Paleo

This version of the Paleo diet eliminates additional foods that the standard Paleo diet does not: eggs, seeds, nuts and nightshade vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant). It emphasizes a higher consumption of antioxidant-rich foods and is an excellent way to control inflammation.

Body Ecology Diet (BED)

The BED diet was developed by Donna Gates to heal the gastrointestinal system. While it does allow for the consumption of gluten-free grains, they must not be combined with protein in the same meal. In addition, very few fruits are allowed. By emphasizing an acid/alkaline balance, food combining and fermented foods, expansion/contraction and the “80/20 rule”, the gut is allowed to heal.

Elimination Diet

This diet takes major allergenic foods out of the diet at the same time then adds them back in one by one so you can determine if certain foods are contributing to your child’s symptoms.

Failsafe Diet

This diet eliminates additives, salicylates, amines and high levels of free glutamates. This diet is not suitable for those with food allergies but is well tolerated for those with food chemical sensitivities, autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder and learning disabilities.

Feingold Diet

This diet, developed by Ben Feingold MD back in the 1970’s, is the original diet that showed that removal of certain foods and ingredients can improve a child’s allergies, mood, behavior and ADHD. It calls for the removal of artificial colors, artificial flavors and preservatives as well as foods containing high amounts of phenols and salicylates, which includes natural foods.

GAPS (Gut And Psychology Syndrome) Diet

The GAPS diet was developed by Natasha Campbell-McBride MD, who used it to recover her son from autism. It is similar to the Paleo diet and the Specific Carbohydrate Diet but allows for homemade, fermented dairy as well as eggs and some legumes. All fruits and vegetables must be well cooked. This diet emphasizes bone broth and fermented foods. It can also be helpful for children with ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder and learning disabilities.

Gluten Free/Casein Free Diet

The GFCF diet can help children with autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder as well as those with asthma and allergies improve their symptoms.

Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is similar to the Paleo diet but does allow for the consumption of dairy and peanuts (a legume) while eliminating sweet potatoes and honey from the diet. The daily limit for “net carbs”, the remainder of the total amount of carbohydrates in grams minus the amount of fiber in grams, is between 20 grams and 50 grams, which means that most fruit needs to be eliminated. In general, higher amounts of fats versus carbohydrates are consumed. Because this diet forces the body to run on ketones rather than glucose, it is well documented to help those with seizures, high blood sugar and diabetes.

Low-Glutamate Diet

In this diet, an excess of free glutamate, found in processed foods as well as some natural foods), can cause brain fog, seizures, problems with attention and focus and symptoms of autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and Sensory Processing Disorder.

Low-Histamine Diet

The low-histamine diet is often a secondary, refining diet that is explored if symptoms continue to persist. Having your child follow it can help to reduce inflammation and lowering exaggerated immune-system responses. Because of histamine’s ability to exacerbate allergic and immune responses, a low-histamine diet can be helpful in reducing symptoms of numerous autoimmune, gastrointestinal and neurological conditions.

Low-Oxalate Diet (LOD)

In this diet, oxalates are molecules found in food that join with calcium to create crystallized “stones” in the body that then contribute to inflammation. Unbound oxalates can interfere with sulfate and iron absorption and can impair brain function. Eliminating foods that are high in oxalates such as Swiss chard and spinach can help. This diet can help with symptoms of autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and Sensory Processing Disorder.

Lutein-Free Diet (Sarah’s Diet)

This diet theorizes that children with autism crave opioid-producing foods (gluten and casein-containing foods) as a way to reduce the stress of the immune reaction to lutein, which are found in colored fruits and vegetables.

Mediterranean Diet

This diet includes plenty of olive oil, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, beans, whole grains and some dairy products. It has been shown to prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.

Paleo/Primal Diet

This diet avoids processed foods, sugar, legumes, grains (including corn), potatoes and dairy but does allow for the consumption of sweet potatoes and honey. The paleo diet promotes taking healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals and may have cardiovascular benefits. However, there may be a deficiency of calcium, vitamin D and fiber, so be sure to include lots of animal protein and fats for a good source of vitamin D and lots of cruciferous vegetables because they are rich in vitamin C and calcium. A low-sugar and low-fruit Paleo diet (see ketogenic diet and Wahls Protocol) is an excellent way to control inflammation, high blood sugar and diabetes. This diet can also help with symptoms of autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and Sensory Processing Disorder.

Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)

The SCD diet was developed by Elaine Gottschall to stop the vicious cycle of malabsorption and microbe overgrowth by removing the source of energy to the microbes: sugars and certain carbohydrates. By doing so, inflammation decreases, the digestive system heals and the immune system can return to normal. This diet can help with symptoms of autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and Sensory Processing Disorder.

Wahls Protocol

This protocol was developed by Terry Wahls MD to recover herself from symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. People with MS as well as those with other autoimmune, neurological, metabolic and mood disorders can benefit greatly from following the advice set forth in this protocol. There are four levels to the protocol: the Wahls Diet, the Wahls Paleo Diet, the Wahls Paleo Plus Diet and the Wahls Elimination Diet.

Whole 30 Diet

This diet removes grains, dairy, legumes and added sugars and sweeteners from the diet for 30 days. A challenge with these foods can help determine if these foods are triggering food intolerances and sensitivities.

Healing Foods

Depending on which healing diet you choose for your child, some of these healing foods will or won’t be allowed.

Fermented Foods

  • Sauerkraut
  • Kim chi
  • Miso soup
  • Boiled umeboshi plum tea
  • Apple cider vinegar

Bone Broth

Bone broth from chicken, turkey, red meat or fish bones are very healing. Work them into much of your other cooked foods or serve them by themselves.

Good Quality Fats

Good-quality fats are NOT derived from vegetables or seeds, as they are highly inflammatory due to their high processing and large amounts of linoleic acid. Instead, good fats come from the following:

  • Avocados
  • Butter or ghee
  • Wild fatty fish such as salmon and sardines
  • Coconut oil
  • MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) oil
  • Cold-pressed olive oil
  • Animal fats such as tallow from grass-fed beef
  • Cod liver oil, which includes EPA and DHA

Algae and Seaweeds

  • Wakame
  • Dulse
  • Kombu
  • Chlorella (fresh water)
  • Spirulina

Leafy Green Vegetables

  • Kale
  • Mustard greens
  • Arugula
  • Watercress
  • Beet greens
  • Collard greens
  • Mesclun greens
  • Dandelion greens
  • Turnip greens
  • Parsley
  • Cilantro
  • Escarole
  • Endive
  • Romaine
  • Other dark-green lettuces
  • Micro greens

Cruciferous Vegetables

  • Brussels sprouts
  • Kale
  • Collard greens
  • Bok choy
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli rabe
  • Broccoli sprouts

Root Vegetables

  • Rutabaga
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Leeks
  • Beets
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Yams
  • Parsley root
  • Scallions
  • Celery root
  • Yucca
  • Turnips
  • Carrots
  • Parsnips

Mushrooms

  • Shiitake
  • Maitake
  • Button
  • Porcini
  • Reishi
  • Portabello
  • Turkey tail
  • Oyster
  • Lion’s mane

Antioxidant-Rich Foods

  • Pomegranate arils
  • Goji berries
  • Wild blueberries
  • Dark chocolate
  • Pecans
  • Artichoke
  • Elderberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Currants
  • Acai berries
  • Cranberries
  • Strawberries
  • Mangoes
  • Cherries

Seeds (But Not Seed Oils)

  • Flax
  • Sesame
  • Hemp
  • Pumpkin
  • Chia
  • Sunflower

Nuts

  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Pine nuts
  • Filberts
  • Brazil nuts
  • Cashews
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Pecans

Gluten-Free Grains

  • Millet
  • Amaranth
  • Quinoa
  • Wild rice
  • Buckwheat
  • Sorghum
  • Gluten-free oats
  • Teff

Proteins

  • Grass-fed beef
  • Grass-fed lamb
  • Pastured turkey
  • Pastured chicken
  • Wild game
  • Wild-caught fish
  • Wild-caught seafood
  • Pastured eggs
  • Wild venison
  • Wild buffalo
  • Wild bison
  • Kidney beans
  • Adzuki beans
  • Black beans
  • Pinto beans
  • Navy beans
  • Lima beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Peas
  • Mung beans
  • Lentils

Sweeteners

  • Raw local honey
  • Manuka honey
  • Monkfruit
  • Stevia*
  • Xylitol*
  • Maple syrup
  • Erythritol*

*Not all people can tolerate sugar alcohols.

Condiments

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Cocoa
  • Carob
  • Mustard
  • Himalayan salt
  • Paleo ketchup
  • Paleo mayonnaise
  • Paleo salad dressings

Other Fruits

  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Apples
  • Pineapples
  • Melons
  • Bananas
  • Oranges
  • Grapes
  • Pears

Other Vegetables

  • Asparagus
  • Radishes
  • Zucchini
  • Cucumber
  • Celery
  • Sprouts
  • Artichoke
  • Beets
  • Tomatoes
  • Eggplant
  • Fennel
  • Carrots
  • Summer squash
  • Winter squashes

Healing Herbs

Herbs have been used in traditional medicine practices for millennia. We recommend that you work with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner to determine which, if any, of the following healing herbs can help your child:

  • Ginger (for nausea)
  • Turmeric (for inflammation)
  • Garlic (to support the immune system)
  • Cinnamon (to lower blood sugar)
  • Hot pepper (to stimulate the liver)
  • Thyme (for sore throats)
  • Oregano
  • Holy basil (to reduces stress)
  • Horse chestnut (for hemorrhoids)
  • Rosemary
  • Kudzu (to counter alcoholism)
  • Sea buckthorn (for dryness)
  • Chamomile (to aid digestion)
  • Ginseng (for energy)
  • Sage (for colds)
  • Green tea (to support immune system)
  • Dill (to aid detoxification)
  • Hops (for calming)
  • Licorice root (to balance blood sugar)
  • Nettles (to support kidneys)
  • St. John’s Wort (to counter depression)
  • Slippery elm (to heal leaky gut)
  • Echinacea (to support the immune system)
  • Goldenseal (natural antibiotic)
  • Mullein (to support the lungs)
  • Kava (for anxiety)
  • Lemon balm (for digestive calming)
  • Herbal marshmallow (for a sore throat)
  • Chasteberry (for PMS)
  • Calendula (for skin soothing)
  • Black cohosh (for hot flashes)
  • Ashwagandha (to support the adrenals)
  • Hibiscus (to lower blood pressure)
  • Milk thistle (to aid in liver regeneration)

Foods That Promote Detoxification

Lemon water first thing in the morning supports liver detoxification, and here are other foods that aid the removal of toxins form the body:

  • Beets
  • Brazil nuts
  • Goji berries
  • Seaweed
  • Onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Basil
  • Ginger
  • Avocados
  • Artichokes
  • Broccoli
  • Collard greens
  • Dandelion
  • Dill
  • Cinnamon
  • Apples
  • Green tea
  • Kale
  • Garlic
  • Mung beans
  • Parsley
  • Pineapple
  • Fennel

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O’Hara, N.H., et al. The recovery of a child with autism spectrum disorder through biomedical interventions. Altern Ther Health Med. 2008 Nov-Dec;14(6):42-4.

Olivito, I., et al. Ketogenic diet ameliorates autism spectrum disorders-like behaviors via reduced inflammatory factors and microbiota remodeling in BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mice. Exp Neurol. 2023 Aug:366:114432.

Pelsser, L.M., et al. Effects of a restricted elimination diet on the behaviour of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (INCA study): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2011 Feb 5;377(9764):494-503.

Philpott, H., et al. Allergy tests do not predict food triggers in adult patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis. A comprehensive prospective study using five modalities. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2016 Aug;44(3):223-33.

Pietrzak, D., et al. The Therapeutic Role of Ketogenic Diet in Neurological Disorders. Nutrients. 2022 May 6;14(9):1952.

Piwowarczyk, A., et al. Gluten-Free Diet in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blinded Trial. J. Autism Dev. Disord. 2020;50:482–490.

Quan, L., et al. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Benefits of a Gluten-Free Diet and/or Casein-Free Diet for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nutr. Rev. 2022;80:1237–1246.

Qureshi, F., et al. Multivariate Analysis of Metabolomic and Nutritional Profiles among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J. Pers. Med. 2022;12:923.

Rimland, B., et al. Parent Ratings of Behavioral Effects of Biomedical Interventions. Autism Research Institute Newsletter. Volume 34 ARI Publication; San Diego, CA, USA: 2009.

Ristori, M.V., et al. Autism, Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Modulation of Gut Microbiota by Nutritional Interventions. Nutrients. 2019;11:2812.

Shakoor, Z., et al. Prevalence of IgG-mediated food intolerance among patients with allergic symptoms. Ann Saudi Med. 2016 Nov-Dec;36(6):386-390.

Silfverdal, S.A., et al. [Food additives can increase hyperactivity in children. Results from a British study confirm the connection]. Lakartidningen. 2008 Feb 6-12;105(6):354-5.

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Smith, J., et al. Ketogenic diet restores aberrant cortical motor maps and excitation-to-inhibition imbalance in the BTBR mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Behav Brain Res. 2016 May 1:304:67-70.

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Stare, F.J., et al. Diet and hyperactivity: is there a relationship. Pediatrics. 1980 Oct;66(4):521-5.

Stevens, L.J., et  al. Dietary sensitivities and ADHD symptoms: thirty-five years of research. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2011 Apr;50(4):279-93.

Stockton, S., et al. The Impact of a Food Elimination Diet on Collegiate Athletes’ 300-meter Run Time and Concentration. Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 Nov;3(6):25-40.

Swann., O.G., et al. Dietary fiber and its associations with depression and inflammation. Nutr Rev. 2020 May 1;78(5):394-411.

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Resources
Articles

Bone Broth Recipe

CBS News: ADHD Diet Study Suggests Healthy Eating May Help Kids

Chicago Tribune: Do Diet Changes Help ADHD Children?

The Feingold Diet: Our Family’s Experience with a Dye-Free Diet

Julie Matthew’s BioIndividual Nutrition recipes

Julie Matthew’s BioIndividual Nutrition Feingold Diet / Failsafe Diet

Our Journey with the Feingold Diet

Books

Adams, Mike. The Truth About Aspartame, MSG and Excitoxins. Truth Publishing, Inc., 2010.

Ballantyne, Sarah. Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease Heal Your Body. Victory Belt Publishing, 2014.

Blaylock, Russell L. Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills. Health Press, 1996.

Bock, Kenneth. Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders. New York, NY. Ballantine Books, 2008.

Campbell-McBride, Natasha. Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural Treatment for Autism, Dyspraxia, A.D.D., Dyslexia, A.D.H.D., Depression, Schizophrenia, 2010.

Cordain, Loren. The Paleo Diet Revised: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Foods You Were Designed to Eat. Harvest, 2010.

Davis, Sheri. All Natural Mom’s Guide to the Feingold Diet: A Natural Approach to ADHD and Other Related Disorders. Sheri Davis, 2014.

Ernsperger, Lori, et al. Just Take a Bite: Easy, Effective Answers to Food Aversions and Eating Challenges! Future Horizons, 2004.

Feingold, Ben. The Feingold Cookbook for Hyperactive Children, and Others Associated with Food Additives and Salicylates. Random House, 1979.

Feingold, Ben. Why Your Child Is Hyperactive: The Bestselling Book on How ADHD Is Caused by Artificial Food Flavors and Colors. Random House, 1985.

Galland, Leo. The Effect of Intestinal Microbes on Systemic Immunity. Excerpted from Power Healing. Random House, 1998.

Giustra-Kozek, Jennifer. Healing without hurting: treating ADHD, apraxia, and autism spectrum disorders naturally and effectively without harmful medication. Howard Beach, NY: Changing Lives Press, 2014.

Herbert, Martha, Weintraub Karen. The Autism Revolution: Whole-Body Strategies for Making Life All It Can Be. New York: Ballantine Books; 2012.

Hersey, Jane. Why Can’t My Child Behave?: Why Can’t She Cope? Why Can’t He Learn? The Feingold Diet Updated for Today’s Busy Families. Pear Tree Press, 2014.

Hong, Maria Rickert. Almost Autism: Recovering Children from Sensory Processing Disorder, A Reference for Parents and Practitioners. 2014.

Lambert, Beth. A Compromised Generation: The Epidemic of Chronic Illness in America’s Children. Sentient Publications, 2010.

Lemer, Patricia S. Outsmarting Autism: The Ultimate Guide to Management, Healing and Prevention for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Tarentum, PA, Word Association Publishers, 2014.

Matthews, Julie. Nourishing Hope for Autism: Nutrition and Diet Guide for Healing Our Children. Healthful Living Media, 2008.

Scott, Trudy. The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood and End Cravings. New Harbinger Publications, 2011.

Seroussi, Karyn. Unraveling the Mystery of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder: A Mother’s Story of Research and Recovery. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000.

Sisson, Mark. The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram Your Genes for Effortless Weight Loss, Vibrant Health, and Boundless Energy. Primal Nutrition, Inc., 2019.

Tam, Michelle, et al. Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Volume 1). Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2013.

Voegtlin, Walter. The Stone Age Diet: Based on In-depth Studies of Human Ecology and the Diet of Man. Vantage Press, 1975.

Wahls, Terry. The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles. Avery, 2020.

Wahls, Terry. The Wahls Protocol Cooking for Life: The Revolutionary Modern Paleo Plan to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions. Avery, 2017.

Websites

Amy Yasko’s list of foods with high free glutamates

Katie Reid’s pantry list of recommended foods.

Unblind My Mind: Dr. Katie Reid’s website gives extensive explanation about the science, a TED talk by Dr. Reid and video tutorials to help parent’s discern appropriate foods in a local supermarket.

Videos

Excitotoxins, Neurotoxins & Human Neurological Disease Lecture by Russell Blaylock MD

Glutamate, Excitoxicity and Autism

Minding your mitochondria | Dr. Terry Wahls | TEDxIowaCity

Unblind My Mind: What Are We Eating? Dr. Katherine Reid at TEDxYouth@GrassValley

Websites

Arizona State University Autism/Asperger’s Research Program

Feingold Association

Terry Wahls MD

More To Explore

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