Food and Nutrition for Childhood Disorders

GFCF diet? SCD? GAPS diet? Body Ecology diet? Low oxalate? Feingold? Failsafe? FODMAPS? Paleo? GenoType?

Parents often ask, “Which diet do I choose? They’ll say “My friend’s child is doing great on THIS diet… or is THAT right diet for me?”

Many diet practitioners and books specialize in a single diet, advocating one particular approach. Through my years in nutrition consultation, and study of the varied biochemistry seen in children, I’ve learned that there is no “one size fits all” approach to healing diets. A diet that best suits one person’s condition can be a less effective choice for someone else.

In order to know WHICH particular dietary strategy an individual should follow, it’s important to have an understanding of biochemistry and the role of food, nutrition, and supplementation in the restoration of health and well-being. In my work with autism, ADHD, and healthy children, I understand, apply and customize the varied dietary strategies, aiming to identify a most suitable diet for a specific individual based on their unique biochemical needs–I call this a BioIndividual Nutrition^TM approach.

I’ve synthesized years of autism nutrition research and clinical experience in my book, Nourishing Hope for Autism.  I explain the scientific rationale for dietary intervention and give a 12-step guide for nutrition intervention. Nourishing Hope explains all the different diets, including when and why for each – so you can make the best choice for your child and ensure good nutrition.  To help parents cook nourishing meals, I created Cooking To Heal. It’s a nutrition and cooking class on DVD, and my Cookbook where I label recipes by compliance with the top 5 autism diets. I’ve made it easy to learn, and to layer multiple dietary principles for those evolving their approach and improving effectiveness.

Nutritious foods are the foundation for all healing diets.  My philosophy embraces good nourishing food for everyone, regardless of which “diet” you are doing. Grass-fed animal foods and ghee, pastured eggs, fermented foods, bone broths, organ meats, and vegetables contain essential nutrients for growing children.  Of course, always avoid food allergies/intolerances and artificial additives, and reduce sugar.  It is also helpful to consider intolerances to certain food substances/chemicals: gluten, lectins, oxalates, phenols, salicylates, amines, and more.

Changing diet is a step-by-step process toward greater health.  As you seen improvements, you will be inspired to learn and add more.

Wishing you the best on your nutrition journey,

Julie Matthews
Certified Nutrition Consultant