the true root cause?

One month of gluten free has meant amazing changes for Josiah.  I continue to be astounded every day by the things I am seeing in him not just as a mother but also as a teacher.  So where does that leave us now?

Here is what I have learned over the past 1 1/2 years on this diet journey after reading numerous books and talking to other parents who are successfully addressing their children's behavioral issues through diet:

1. ADHD type behavior can often be a symptom of food sensitivities. (However, there are many other symptoms of food sensitivities that can also include cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or physical health issues.)

2. Numerous food sensitivities are often a symptom of gut damage.

In theory, if you can address what is damaging the gut, you may eventually be able to decrease the number of food sensitivities.

Things that can damage the gut include:
-antibiotics (which destroy good gut bacteria and allow yeast to proliferate)--Josiah was on these almost constantly for a year when he was a toddler
-inflammation (due to food sensitivities like gluten)
-lack of nutrients in a diet of over-processed foods and/or an inability to absorb nutrients (especially when gluten or casein sensitivity is a factor)
-other environmental factors  (food additives, pesticides, even the many chemicals released through scented products or absorbed through the skin from soaps)

How to address gut damage:
-pull irritating foods and chemicals
-probiotics
-appropriate supplements
-improve the nutritional value of diet


We've addressed sensitivities, now we are addressing the gut and praying that sensitivities improve.  Only time will tell, but we are amazed and thankful that God has brought us this far.