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The University of California Davis Health System conducted a study with autistic kids born in the 1990s and noticed that they tended to suffer gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, diarrhea, food allergy, vomiting and the like. It is felt that persons suffering PDD (pervasive developmental disorders) and autism may have problems digesting gluten and casein as these substances form peptides that act much like opiates within the body.

It is not an allergy or sensitivity to these foods. It is largely due to their inability to properly break down certain proteins. This results in altered behavior, perception and responses. These findings have recently been confirmed by researchers at Johnson & Johnson’s Ortho Clinical Diagnostics. In fact research done in the US and Europe reports that in a significant number of autistic children, their urine was noticed to contain peptides.

When children with autism are given a diet free of gluten and casein, they are likely to show reduced symptoms and improved social and cognitive behaviors and speech. Eliminating gluten and casein from the diets of autistic children has shown improvement, ranging from mild to tremendous. But there is a lot of skepticism about whether a gluten and casein free diet (GFCF diet) can help at all since clinical trials have not been conclusive. While there are reports of parents having reported improved eye contact and better behavior, others have noticed minor or no difference at all.

Gluten is found in wheat and most grains, starches, malt etc. Casein is found in milk and milk based products like cheese, butter, ice cream, yogurt and whey. It is indeed a hard task to work on a diet that is completely free of gluten and casein. Check for products that are gluten free targeted at those who suffer gluten intolerance as in Celiac Disease. These days the products also come in casein-free options.

Consult your physician before you embark on a GFCF diet. Ensure that the child gets sufficient fiber, vitamins and minerals. Foods that come within a GFCF diet include eggs, meat, poultry, fish, nuts, rice, quinoa, potato, soy, fruits, vegetables, oil and corn, among others.

Menarche heralds the reproductive phase in a woman’s life. Menstruation brings with it a host of issues and problems that might dog a woman at some stage or other in her life. Regularity of the menstrual cycle is a primary source of concern. From vaginal discharge and sporadic periods to dysmenorrhea and bleeding after menopause, menstrual problems can be inconvenient, painful and often be indicative of a more serious condition.

A woman must track her periods as this is helpful not only for determining pregnancy but is crucial in evaluation other conditions that concern reproductive health. Stress is noticed to be a major factor in the regularity or otherwise in a woman’s menstrual cycle. Medications and other inherent conditions are other causes.

Menstrual cramps are a common complaint with most women. The dull throbbing pain in the abdomen or lower back is usually due to cervical contractions but in some cases the pain is caused by fibroids, ovarian cysts or endometriosis. Many resort to the usage of over-the-counter pain killers to reduce the severity of the cramps by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins. Some women experience mittelschmerz – cramping during ovulation. This typically happens in the middle of a cycle.

With menstruation come a few embarrassing issues such as menstrual odor and bloating. Feminine menstrual odor can be tackled with hygienic practices and right diet. If you notice foul odor that persists, do seek medical guidance. Do not use harsh cleaning products that might affect the delicate female system.

Bloating during and largely before the menstrual cycle is commonly noticed by many women. Reduce sodium intake that leads to water retention. Consumption of natural diuretics such as green tea or cranberry juice helps reduce bloating. Do not reduce your intake of water as it is crucial to the flushing of toxins.

Many of these menstrual problems have been discussed at length in our articles.

Vaginal Bleeding After Menopause

Breakthrough Bleeding

Menstrual Regulation

Menopause Symptom

It sure is not easy being a plus size woman. Most stores seem to cater only to those women who ‘fit’ the accepted standard for female sizes. Does plus size always been boring clothes that always seem to be last year’s styles? What about plus size accessories? Often one cannot find bracelets that don’t cut into the skin or watches that can be comfortably worn.

There is no one size that fits all as far as plus sizes go. You might have a wide rear or ample bust or overall bigger build. You might be tall or short and plus sized. Check your frame to see if you are one with a longer upper half or bottom half of the body. Understanding the body type helps in selecting the right plus size accessories and clothes. Pick up some simple tips for plus size shopping. Find out how you can play down the size.

Don’t opt for bold prints, bold jewelry or loud designs and stripes. Avoid too much detailing on the clothes. But do not go in for very delicate fragile jewelry as it will only serve to accentuate your bulk. Long necklaces and vertical pendants are ideal plus size accessories as they make for a leaner look.

Go in for dresses with tummy control and supporting bust bodice. Invest in a couple of good quality body shapers.

Don’t go for baggy clothes that appear like a tent and make you look sloppy. Wear clothes that fit right, not too tight either. Choose tops that emphasize the natural waistline.

You can select sheath dresses that drape you. Try longer flowing skirts, especially if you are tall and plus size. Grecian styles or halter tops and asymmetrical shoulders can be selected for gowns. Go in for embellishment at the neckline, sleeves and hips for a slimmer effect.

The right plus size accessory can enhance a simple outfit and add to the overall slimming effect that you so desire.

Wearing heels helps in appearing taller and consequently slimmer. This is because the legs are elongated.

The right hairstyle can do wonders for a slimming effect for plus size women. Long hair can be worn straight. If you are going in for very short styles, discuss with your stylist so as to add to the overall attempt to lengthen the frame.

When shopping for plus size pants, do not take one that tapers at the leg. Straight styles give a leaner look. Go in for solid colors, preferably dark.

For plus size prom dresses, try soft fabrics that fall well such as crepe, satin, chiffon and silk. A princess cut or empire waist gown is sure to look good on a plus size.