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  • Writer's pictureDietician Neha Rai

Including seeds in the diet of individuals with autism can provide various potential benefits due to their nutritional profile. Here are some benefits associated with different types of seeds:

1. Chia seeds: Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to improved brain function and cognitive health, which may be beneficial for individuals with autism.

2. Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are another good source of omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain fiber and lignans, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may contribute to overall well-being and support a healthy gut.

3. Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are a great source of essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, iron, and protein. These nutrients are important for brain health, immune function, and energy production.

4. Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and supports brain health. They also provide healthy fats, protein, and minerals like selenium and magnesium.

Incorporating seeds into a well-balanced diet can be a nutritious addition, but it’s important to remember that individual dietary needs and preferences vary. Consultation with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can help determine the best approach to incorporate seeds or any other dietary modifications for individuals with autism.



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  • Writer's pictureDietician Neha Rai

There are several potential connections between autism, diet, and behavior. Here are three known one's,

  1. Food sensitivities or allergies: Some individuals with autism may have sensitivities or allergies to certain foods. These sensitivities can potentially contribute to behavioral changes or exacerbate existing symptoms. Identifying and eliminating trigger foods from the diet, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, may help manage these issues.

2. Gut-brain axis: The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. Research suggests that disruptions in the gut microbiome, which can be influenced by diet, may impact brain function and behavior. Modulating the gut microbiota through dietary interventions, such as probiotics or prebiotics, may have some impact on behavioral symptoms in individuals with autism.

3. Nutritional deficiencies: Individuals with autism may have specific nutritional deficiencies due to selective eating habits or other factors. Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, play crucial roles in brain development and function. Addressing these deficiencies through a well-balanced diet or dietary supplements may support overall health and potentially influence behavior positively.

It’s important to note that the relationship between autism, diet, and behavior is complex and varies among individuals. Consulting with healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nutritionists, or dietitians who specialize in working with individuals with autism, can provide tailored guidance and support in navigating dietary considerations.

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Updated: May 10, 2019


Kidney stones are small -- usually between the size of a kernel of corn and a grain of salt. When your body has too much of certain minerals, and at the same time doesn’t have enough liquid, these pebble-like objects can form.

The stones can be brown or yellow, and smooth or rough. Both men and women can get kidney stones, but men’s chances of getting them are about double that of women’s.

Causes

It’s often hard to figure out the reason you got a kidney stone. But they are created when your urine has high levels of certain minerals. These include:

calcium oxalateuric acid

Think about stirring up your favorite drink from a powder mix. If you don’t add enough liquid -- say, water or juice -- the powder will clump up and turn into hard, dry chunks.

Similarly, if you don’t have enough urine in your body to water down the high concentration of minerals, stones can form.


5 WAYS TO PREVENT KIDNEY STONES BY MANAGING YOUR DIET

1) Drink lots of water: On an average, a person must be drinking at least 3 liters of water every day. If you live in a more hot and humid climate, your water intake must be even more than that, so that on an average, 2.5 liters of urine is passed throughout the day, which decreases the chance of unnecessary retention of minerals from the urine and release them more easily from the body.

2) Continue eating foods rich in calcium: It is a common misconception that calcium accelerates the formation of kidney stones. Calcium is digested by the intestine, only excess calcium cannot be digested by the intestine and is sent to the kidney. Continue consuming calcium rich foods unless your doctor prescribes you against it. Make sure your diet includes enough dairy products such as milk, cheeses, etc., or other calcium rich foods, such as oats and broccoli.

3) Limit intake of oxalic acid: Oxalic acid is mostly found in foods obtained from plants. It restricts the absorption of calcium in the intestines and as a result, more calcium is passed into the kidneys; thus, forming calcium oxalate, or oxalate stones. Try to avoid foods, such as rhubarb, Swiss chard, nuts, tea, sweet potatoes, etc.;mainly leguminous plant products.

4) Decrease the ingestion of sodium salts, sugar and meat protein : Salts and sugars, mainly found in packaged foods are used to prevent them from expiring. They increase the release of calcium and oxalates into the blood, which thus increases the chance to develop kidney stones. Meat contains fibers which affect certain nutrients in the kidney, thus aggravating the formation of stones.

5) Increase the consumption of insoluble fibers: Insoluble fibers are those rough fibers which are not soluble in water during the process of digestion. They are found in rice, wheat, barely, etc., and are found to decrease calcium absorption in the kidney. They attach themselves to the calcium and oxalates, which enable them to be released as stool instead of urine .Should you have any concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

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