Developmental reading disorder, also called dyslexia, is one of the most common learning disorders. Out of all students with a learning disorder, 80 percent have dyslexia. The cause of dyslexia is not well understood, however some naturopaths and other physicians suggest that diet may influence learning disabilities. Always consult your physician before changing your diet.
Identification
Symptoms of dyslexia vary. Although a common symptom is transposing letters in words, many people with the disorder have a number of other symptoms, including not being able to comprehend simple sentences or difficulty rhyming. Doctors believe that your brain has difficulty interpreting language, which contributes to dyslexia. However, the learning disorder does not affect intelligence. People with this learning disorder have average or above-average intelligence. There seems to be a genetic component involved, as dyslexia runs in families, according to PubMed Health.
Casein and Gluten
Casein is a protein found in milk and other dairy products. Some individuals can be allergic or experience a sensitivity to this milk protein. Symptoms include hives, rash, swelling, nasal congestion, vomiting or diarrhea. Extremely high levels of casein may cause damage to your kidneys. Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye and barley. An intolerance to gluten is called celiac disease. Symptoms of a gluten intolerance vary but often include gastrointestinal discomfort.
Research
Some physicians suggest that gluten and casein may influence dyslexia. A 1997 study published in “Developmental Neurorehabilitation” investigated a possible link between the two. Researchers studied 30 fourth graders, 15 with dyslexia and 15 without. The researchers stated that children with dyslexia had significantly different levels of antibodies to food proteins. Researchers suggest that these abnormalities occur because people with dyslexia have difficulty breaking down gluten and casein. However, more research is needed to determine the effects of these proteins on learning disabilities.
Treatment and Precaution
If you choose to try a gluten- or casein-free diet, consult your physician. The prognosis for dyslexia is good with proper treatment. With dyslexia, you comprehend things differently from other people, and it may take longer to learn. If diagnosed and treated early, many children can overcome their learning disabilities. If dyslexia persists into adulthood, it can affect job performance. Children with dyslexia may experience self-esteem or behavioral issues, especially if the learning disability is not diagnosed.
