To date, dairy is the #1 allergenic food.
Why? The issues are linked to two main reasons.
The 1st: A1 cows – 90% of the dairy cows in America are a newer breed of cattle, classified as A1 cows. Approximately 5,000 years ago these cows encountered a natural mutation that changed the beta-casein (protein) they produced. Older, A2 cows, or better known as Jersey cows, do not have this protein mutation.
Proteins are long strands of amino acids. Beta-castein is a chain with 229 amino acids. At number 67, A2 cows have a proline; whereas A1 cows have a histidine because of the mutation. Proline binds strongly to a smaller protein called BCM7, which keeps it from getting into our milk. The histidine in A1 cows does not bind well to the BCM7 which causes it to be liberated in the cow’s blood, urine and milk.
BCM 7 has been linked to neurological changes in animals & people exposed to it, particularly in people with autism and schizophrenia. When BCM 7 was injected into animals, it affected their immune response and was shown to provoke type 1 diabetes.
Simply switching breeds of cows could result in amazing results
The 2nd: The Pasteurization process – Studies have shown that the pasteurization process is the main reason for dairy allergies and intolerances. Manufacturers pasteurize milk to kill anything that could be lurking in the milk, such as bacteria, before it reaches our glasses or cereal bowls. This process damages the casein, making it difficult to digest, especially for people on the autistic spectrum. The culprit has been linked to an enzyme malfunction in the autistic gut that doesn’t break this protein down. When they’re not broken down, the casein produces exorphins – morphine like compounds that enter the blood stream and are absorbed by areas of the brain where they cause cells to dysfunction. The area of the brain that is particularly affected is vision, hearing and communication.
Findings from one such study showed 95% of 81 autistic children had 100 times the normal levels of the milk protein in their blood and urine.
This is just one connection between the brain and the gut. If the gut is messed up – our whole bodies are messed up! This goes for everyone. Things like GMO foods, environmental toxins, heavy metals, overuse of Rx or meds can cause damage to the inner lining of the intestines.
When the intestinal lining is damaged, particles leak into the blood stream that shouldn’t normally be there. This signals our defense system – immune system – that there are “invaders” in our bodies. When these particles continue to leak into the bloodstream our bodies remain in an inflammatory state. Inflammation has been linked to over 90% of all diseases.
Two of the biggest threats to our guts are refined grains & dairy – particularly dairy for people with autism.
For someone with autism, removing dairy can reduce the link between dairy and the autistic autism spectrum:
- Reduce anxiety
- Boost energy
- Improve mood
- Improve thinking & memory
- Improve communication
- Promote clear skin
- Improve sleep
- Improve cramps, joint pain, etc
People who do not have autism have experienced some of the same benefits when eliminating dairy from their diet.
Live it!
Look for raw, or low temp processed milk & milk products. Raw cheese can be found at some grocery stores. Ask for help in finding it to save you the headache. Most of the time it’s kept in a small section of the store.
Goat’s milk, cheese and kefir are recommended above cow’s milk & milk products. Raw is best but pasteurized is okay. Goat & sheep products are A2.
Also, many children with autism have thrived on fermented dairy such as yogurt and kefir. These are high in probiotics and support a healthy immune system and overall gut health – everyone can benefit from that!
#The link between dairy and the autistic autism spectrum
References:
Dr. Mercola
Dr. Axe, Autism Natural Treatment
http://www.peta.org/features/got-autism-learn-link-dairy-products-disease/
Milk Intol, Beta-casein & Lactose, 2015 study
