Those living with autism (ASD) as well as loved ones of these individuals have looked towards CAM, complementary and alternative medicine for help. CAM includes dietary changes and nutrition. The Keto diet has become an increasingly popular diet to aid individuals with autism.
The Keto diet is known as a low-carb, high-fat diet. This diet helps the body produce ketones (which are used to break down fat) in the liver and use fat stores as energy instead of carbohydrates. The diet has been used for many decades to treat seizures in those affected by epilepsy. Both epilepsy and ASD are neurological disorders with metabolic abnormalities. The Keto diet is a metabolic-based therapy and has become widely studied by researchers and used successfully by those with autism.
The keto diet has shown to help reduce and treat seizures. It also improves maldigestion, malabsorption, food intolerances and allergies. The Keto Diet is known to help improve cognitive and behavioral skills. The Keto diet can be an extremely beneficial alternative therapy for ASD.
You can find guidelines about the Keto diet in this document: