I *Heart* Cheese!

Many of you know our oldest son, Isaac, has autism. Along with his autism, came an allergy to milk. In fact, he didn't look at us or even speak until after we took him off milk. Then within 2 weeks, he had over 150 words in his vocabulary and was speaking in short sentences. He calmed down and started initiating eye contact. All within an amazing two weeks & due to taking out one small item of food from his diet.

The last five years, there's been a lot of research about autism and the milk issue. Just in the past year or two, studies have shown that using the digestive enzyme DPP-IV (pronounced DPP-4) helps individuals with autism digest the milk protein much faster so it doesn't leak out of their gut and enter their bloodstream.

My hubby and I have debated for the last year about whether or not to try this enzyme or not. I've been really afraid to try it, let him eat the foods he misses, and then if it didn't work, go through heck and back to transition him back to a milk-free diet. But Isaac is 10 years old now. Next year, he's going to Jr. high (or middle school if they rename it to that). What an incredible thing for him if he could eat lunch at school, just like all his peers - and to go hang out with his friends without Mom needing to send substitute food for him.

So I finally broke down and decided to go for it. I had to search for several days to find a brand that had the right amount of DPP-IV. I finally found Enzymedica's GluetenEase at Whole Foods. A boy, that stuff's not cheap! We purchased one bottle for $40, which is enough to split between home & school for a two week trial.

My hubby and I had several conversations with Isaac about trying the new diet and enzymes. He showed a good understanding and has really taken a lot of the responsibility seriously. We started the new diet on Monday. Isaac asks for his enzyme before every meal or anything he eats a snack that has milk in it. His teacher & aide at school are keeping careful data on his behaviors to see how the new diet plan effects him. And so far . . .

It's going great!

Isaac hasn't had any of the normal behavior issues we usually see when he gets even just one cupcake made with milk. He's stayed steady and is his normal self. He's enjoyed trying a bunch of new foods - and even asked if I'd make him Kraft Mac & Cheese this weekend because he really wants to try it.

This week, we've had pizza & birthday cake, 3 Cheese Chicken & Noodle, and White Lasagna. Today after school, we are planning to take the kids out for ice cream as a family. We've never, ever been able to do this before. And I'm so totally excited!!!

So I'm crossing my fingers, toes, and eyes and praying, praying, praying that everything continues going well!

It's been so much fun to introduce our family to meals my hubby and I loved before we started the milk-free diet. It's also been interesting to discover I can't remember half of the meals we used to cook! We've been doing the milk-free diet for at least eight years. I've had to search for recipes online because I don't have some of my old favorites anymore. So here's where you can help me. If you have a favorite recipe, please send it to me! I'd love to try it out. You can email it to QueenOfTheClan@gmail.com A huge thank you to everyone who sends me recipes!

Would you like to comment?

Sara said...

ourbestbites.com It is the best! So far I have loved everything I've tried...except for the Southwest Beef Wraps. Try their buttermilk pancakes. To. Die. For!

Rebecca Irvine said...

How interesting. Thank heaven for medical advancements that make life better for so many people.

Kimber said...

How exciting! Here's an EASY alfredo sauce: blend 1/2 c cream cheese, 1 c milk, 3 T Parmesan, 1 clove garlic, 1 t pepper, 1/2 t salt. Add 3 T dried parsley. Cook 10 minutes on medium heat. Yummy! It is enough for a pound of pasta. This is my "go-to" meal when I bring someone dinner. Add some chicken and broccoli for a more compelte meal.

Kimber said...

P.S. Thanks for coming over to my blog! Pop back over for a minute. I have a brand-new post that I think you'll like. :o)

Donna's Next Chapter Art said...

I'll be interested to know how the experiment goes. I have a granddaughter who has an autism spectrum diagnosis... asperger's and a couple of other labels. If the product might help my granddaughter and her family, it will be sooo appreciated!

Janice said...

What a wonderful blessing for you and your family! So happy for you. (And I can't wait to read your new book!)

Cindy Beck, author said...

That's so great for Isaac! I'm totally excited for him and the rest of the family!

Unknown said...

We are happy our product is working for you. Here a site we sponsor where you can find more information about autism: http://agrt.org

Anonymous said...

Oh, thank you, thank you for showing this to me! Our dudes are autistic and I'm eager to see how this would help them!

Unknown said...

How cool is that? I'm so excited for your family!!!

Did you know you can use the money in flexible spending (tax free) for stuff like this?

themeese2 said...

That's wonderful! How nice to be able to go back to some of your old favorites. Although I still think your mashed potatoes with chicken broth are better than the original, LOL!

Kellie said...

That is so exciting! I get almost all (and I mean we'd be eating mac and cheese every night if it wasn't for this) my recipes from tasteofhome.com. I get the Simple and Delicious magazine (a gift every year from my mother in-law who much know about my inability to cook) and LOVE it.