As a Primal Health Coach, I’m passionate about helping people optimise their health through whole, unprocessed foods and a lifestyle that aligns with our natural biology. Today, I want to talk about a nutrient that’s often overlooked but plays a crucial role in joint health, especially for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Why is Joint Health Important for Kids with ASD?
Many children with ASD experience physical challenges that can impact their quality of life. These challenges might include:
Delayed motor skills: Difficulty walking, running, or climbing.
Hypotonia: Low muscle tone.
Hyperactivity: Excessive energy and movement.
Sensory sensitivities: Over- or under-sensitivity to touch, sounds, or sights.
Strong and healthy joints can help alleviate these challenges by:
Improving mobility: Enabling children to move more freely and confidently.
Reducing pain: Minimizing discomfort associated with joint issues.
Enhancing balance and coordination: Helping children feel more stable and secure.
Boosting self-esteem: Building confidence in physical abilities.
The Role of Gelatin
Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body. It’s rich in amino acids that are essential for building and repairing connective tissues, including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. In it's natural and pure form it's bioavailable (easily processed by the body) and hugely beneficial.
There are no plant-based alternatives to gelatin. All plant-sourced gelling ingredients are highly processed and inflammatory.
Here’s how gelatin can benefit joint health:
Joint support: Gelatin provides the building blocks for healthy joints and connective tissues.
Reduced inflammation: Gelatin helps to reduce inflammation, which can contribute to joint pain and stiffness.
Improved gut health: Gelatin can support gut health, which is closely linked to overall well-being and can indirectly impact joint health.
For more information about gelatin and it's many health benefits check out this other blog post
A Delicious Gelatin Recipe: Fluffy Egg Squares
This recipe is a great way to incorporate gelatin into your child’s diet. It’s packed with protein and nutrients, and the fluffy texture is a hit with kids.
Ingredients
4 pastured eggs (large)
2 tbsp filtered/spring water
2 tbsp pure grass-fed beef gelatin powder
Mineral salt to taste (good quality Himalayan, Australian lake salt or sea salt)
Handy items to have
Small rectangle loaf tin
Baking paper (here's a good eco option)
Stick blender and jug (or regular blender)
Method
1. Pre-heat oven to 160 degrees Celsius and line a loaf tin with baking paper
2. Pour the water into the stick blender jug
3. Slowly sprinkle the gelatin powder in on top, fairly evenly. You'll see the gelatin granules start to soften as they absorb the water (called "blooming"), this won't take long at all
4. Add the eggs and salt then blitz with the stick blender on high speed for a few seconds
5. Pour the mixture into the loaf tin then place the oven to cook for about 15-20 mins
6. Check doneness the usual way you would for a cake or bread, by inserting a skewer or knife into the centre
7. Grab the baking paper edges and remove the whole 'egg loaf' from the tin, onto the bench, a chopping board etc and slice in half. If the centre is still a bit wet simply place the whole thing back into the tin and bake for a few more minutes.
Once fully cooked cut into squares and serve. You'll notice there's two layers, with the bottom layer being quite bubbly and lighter in colour; this is due to the water settling on the bottom with less egg there and more on the denser top layer. This two-layer effect makes it more interesting and 'fun' for kids!
The reason this recipe is so good is the gelatin! It's a true superfood. Eggs + gelatin = super duper superfood!
Add a good quality bacon, mince, herbs, spices, whatever you want if you'd like to jazz this up a little but as a simple food for all ages, this already makes eggs so much better!
The kids can help make this one too. Bonus!
Aimee
Disclaimer:
This disclaimer governs your use of Autism & Beyond website and blog. By using this website, you accept this disclaimer in full. If you disagree with any part of this disclaimer, do not use this blog, this website or any affiliated websites, properties, or companies. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. You should therefore check back periodically for changes. By using this website after we post any changes, you agree to accept those changes, whether or not you have reviewed them.
All information and resources found here are based on the opinions of the author unless otherwise noted. All information is intended to motivate readers to make their own nutrition and health decisions after consulting with their health care provider. I am not a doctor, lawyer, psychiatrist, therapist, or your mother, and I don’t play one on the internet.
The author of this site encourages you to consult a doctor before making any health changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition. No information on this site should be relied upon to determine diet, make a medical diagnosis, or determine treatment for a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.
None of the posts and articles by Autism & Beyond may be re-printed without express written permission of the author. Autism & Beyond will respond to written requests to re-print parts of posts and excerpts/quotes (10% or less) may be reprinted with attribution as long as all links are left intact.
Comments