DEAR DR. GOTT: How about another cookbook to keep up the series?

DEAR READERS: Frankly, another cookbook is not in my immediate plans, but I must admit I have been collecting recipes since my last book went to press, so who knows?

In the interim, use my “No Flour, No Sugar Diet” book, which contains many recipes, including Broiled Portobello Mushroom Steaks With Rosemary Red Wine Reduction, and my “No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook” that you are already familiar with. Branch off from the recipes by modifying them to include other lean cuts of meat or fish and adding fresh fruits and vegetables now available at your local market.

Readers who are interested in keeping their weight down can order my Health Report “A Strategy for Weight Loss: Introduction to the No Flour, No Sugar Diet” by sending a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order made payable to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039-0433. Be sure to mention the title when writing, or print out an order form from my website’s direct link: www.AskDrGottMD.com/order_form.pdf.

DEAR READER: It sounds as though you are doing all the right things. I recommend you visit your physician for some routine lab work and a review of your medical history to determine whether a thyroid condition, prescription medication or other medical disorder might be to blame. It might not be your fault at all, just an undiscovered anomaly.

DEAR READER: Dextrose, sucrose and glucose are all simple sugars. The primary difference between all three is in the way the body metabolizes them. Some manufacturers and packers for food-industry products prefer to use the word dextrose instead of sugar because the public is becoming more savvy and might not purchase a product if weight is an issue for them.

Dates that are dried are usually packed in sugar as a flavor enhancer. Organic or natural-food stores may have alternatives without sugar added, but as it stands, the dates you purchased aren’t allowed. Check the packaging label to verify the packaging content.

Seriously, I am a 56-year-old female teacher, and I wanted to get in shape before I retired a year ago. I also wanted to be healthier and have a long retirement life. At my previous weight, I was unhappy, unhealthy and unfit to do anything physical, so I tried your diet plan. It worked and it has just kept on working.
It took me two years to get the weight off, and I still have around 27 pounds to go, but my doctor says I have probably added 10 years to my life. I used to be on three different high-blood-pressure medications and had to use a c-pap machine every night because of sleep apnea. Now I am medication-free, and my sleep apnea has disappeared.

I have taken up walking each day now, and last week, even at my age of 56, was able to walk 34 miles! I truly believe you have saved my life, so I wanted to send you my belated thanks. You rock, Dr. Gott!

DEAR READER: Congratulations! You have made a remarkable change in your life, and I commend your efforts. Making the decision to turn your life around and work toward better health is often the most difficult part of losing weight.

Healthful weight loss will not happen overnight. It takes time to gain weight and it takes time to lose it. You averaged a weight loss of about 1-1/2 pounds per week, which is appropriate.

I am pleased to hear that you are now able to be more active. If you continue to walk four to five miles a day, you will increase your muscle tone and further improve your health.

Keep up the good work and enjoy your retirement. You deserve it.

Readers interested in learning more about my no-flour, no-sugar diet should order my Health Report “A Strategy for Losing Weight: An Introduction to the No Flour, No Sugar Diet” by sending a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

My son is 17 and has severe autism. For many, many years, he suffered terribly with failure-to-thrive issues because of his aversion and bizarre sensory issues to many things, including food. He would go on what we called starvation diets; for days, he would eat absolutely nothing. I can remember giving him just about anything just so that I could get him to eat something.

When he was 14, out of complete desperation, we placed him on a restrictive diet. We removed gluten, casein, corn, soy, all sugars and dyes. He refused to eat anything at all for five days, but at the end of day five, something miraculous happened; our son said his first meaningful word ever since slipping into autism at 18 months of age. He said, “Eat!” He then proceeded to eat a huge plate of chicken, rice and vegetables. When he finished, he said, “More eat!”

Since that day, he is now eating a large variety of healthy whole foods, and he now says approximately 800 words. Daily he adds to his knowledge. He is now partially verbal, no longer self-abusive or aggressive, and his sleeping issues have been resolved.

I understand where the mother in the previous article was coming from, and yet I completely know what you are saying is true, as well. However, I don’t believe you went far enough into exploring the multifaceted issues with food needs for children with autism. I am hoping that you will take up the cause, especially since you already support living without flour and sugar.

DEAR READER: There are several disorders that make up autism spectrum disorders (ASD), also known as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Those affected experience repetitive behavior or interests, the diminished ability to interact socially and problems with verbal and/or nonverbal communication. Often, sufferers display unusual responses to sensory experiences, such as certain objects, sounds, foods and more.

Autism was first defined in 1943, making it very new in terms of medicine. Currently, there is no known cause, no specific treatment and no cure. Management is based on the specific needs of the child; therefore, what works for one child may not work for another. Experts agree, however, that early diagnosis and treatment are the best means to lessen symptoms and improve quality of life for these children.

Of the possible treatment options, some parents may wish to try dietary changes. This theory is based on the idea that symptoms of autism may be caused or worsened by food allergies and/or a vitamin deficiency. A gluten- and casein-free diet has helped some children, such as your son. Gluten is found in wheat, oats, rye and barley, and is therefore in many fortified foods, such as cereals, breads, baked goods and more. It is the same substance that causes bowel problems in those with celiac disease. Casein is found in dairy products. Eliminating these two substances from the diet can prove difficult because of their prevalence, but, as you have found, it’s worth it if it helps.

Some parents have also found that adding a vitamin B6 supplement along with magnesium (to make the vitamin more effective) improved symptoms. Studies are mixed, however, with some children showing positive results, others negative and still others experiencing little or no effects at all.

Any parent with a child who suffers from one of the disorders on the autism spectrum knows the unique difficulties in caring for these children. Thank you for sharing your amazing results and experience.