The Connection Between Autism, Gut Health, & Inflammation

There’s been a tidal wave of research pouring in from the likes of Harvard and Johns Hopkins Medicine revealing the quickest and most effective way to ease the symptoms of autism may be through, what they’re calling, “the 2nd brain”…AKA The “Gut”

Recently, a review of over 150 papers on ASD and gut bacteria found scientists have been reporting links between bacteria in the gut and autistic behavior since 1960.

The review highlights several studies showing that restoring a healthy balance in gut bacteria can ease the symptoms of ASD.

1 ) The Gut Brain connection

“The enteric nervous system doesn’t seem capable of thought as we know it, but it communicates back and forth with our big brain—with profound results.”

- Jay Pasricha, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Neurogastroenterology

“…many children with autism have abnormal communities of digestive bacteria in their intestines. And some of these studies have associated specific types of gut bacteria with more-severe autism symptoms.”

- Paul Wang, Autism Speaks

2) Imbalance of good & bad bacteria causing a "Leaky Gut"

There’s been several studies conducted which have shown the majority of people with ASD have an imbalance of good and bad bacteria.

Specifically, more bad bacteria than good bacteria.

“Our initial work found major differences in the gut bacteria of children with autism compared to typical children, and our subsequent work has confirmed those findings. Children with autism seem to be missing hundreds of beneficial gut bacteria." - Rosa Krajmalnik Brown (ASU Autism/Aspergers research program)

The excess “bad bacteria” inevitably leads to the over-production of toxins which weakens the lining of the intestine, making it permeable…which leads to what’s known as “Leaky Gut Syndrome.”

Leaky Gut Syndrome is a term used to describe “Hyperpermeable Intestines” which simply means the intestinal lining (Your guts filter) has holes in it, allowing toxins, yeast, undigested food and other dangerous pathogens into your bloodstream.

Once the toxins, particles, and pathogens get into your bloodstream, it triggers the immune system to feel stress and danger.

As a response, the body goes into defense mode and becomes inflamed.

Which in turn puts pressure on the brain which intensifies (or creates) behaviors of ASD.

If Autism is a fire ~ Inflammation is gasoline

3) Chronic Inflammation

One Arizona State Study Revealed the results of chronic inflammation (long-term inflammation) … and the parallels to behaviors of ASD is shocking.

Here’s what they found happened with inflammation…

Cell death in brain and reduced brain cell formation (In other words, brain cells were dying, and fewer brain cells were being formed)

Reducing the response and release of Oxytocin - Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for social interaction, love, human connection, etc. Repetitive behavior, Hyper-sensitivities Motor (movement and coordination) issues

Do those results and symptoms sound familiar?

When they introduced PROBIOTICS (good healthy bacteria) and a non-inflammatory diet to the test-subjects

Inflammation went down, and virtually all the behaviors and symptoms improved dramatically, and in some cases even went away

This is why it’s critical to…

A) Reduce the inflammation inside of people with autism

B) Avoid behavior and habits that cause inflammation. IE: Diet is so important.

5 Foods That Can Make Autism Worse

1) DAIRY

When casein (one of the proteins in dairy) mixes with stomach acid, it produces something called an exorphin. Exorphins bind to the opioid receptor sites and can result in a myriad of troubles – brain fog, spaciness, inability to concentrate, and a numbness to pain, just to name a few.

In our experience, when people with ASD removed dairy from their diet, they began talking more, their hyperactivity was reduced, and bowel problems were resolved.

2) GLUTEN

A mixture of proteins found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye, gluten can increase inflammation when ingested. In fact, your body can create antibodies to gluten which can fire up, or inflame, your brain.

3) CORN

Eighty-five percent of the corn raised in the United States is raised with pesticide. Additionally, it has the unhealthiest fatty-acid profile of any grain…yes, you read that right, GRAIN. Corn is NOT a vegetable.

4) SUGAR

Not only is sugar pro-inflammatory, it also increases erratic brain cell firing and it is very addictive. For many folks with ASD, it is likely that they had some type of insulin to their brain so when they consume sugar, the damage from the insulin is just magnified.

Avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates and increasing lean protein can dramatically improve concentration and judgment and decrease impulsiveness.

5) ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS

While these things are not really “foods”, they are unfortunately in so many food products that we wanted to list them here. Avoid all additives, preservatives, dyes and artificial colors, artificial flavorings, and artificial sweeteners.

The easiest answer to help children with Autism…

“Heal The Gut and Reduce Inflammation”

The easiest and most-simplest way to heal the gut and remove inflammation is by simply taking a Probiotic on a daily basis.

Children with autism need stronger probiotics.

Most kids, especially ones with autism won’t swallow pills. Find a probiotic you can sprinkle on the tongue or mix in food.

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The probiotic can only work if the child consistently takes it on a daily basis, do your research and find the best one for you and your family.

A few I like are listed below.

1. Gut Sense from Common Sense Wellness

2. Probiotic pHlora from Essante Organics

3. Seed from Seed Company Save $25 off your first month's order

A healthy gut is for everyone! A healthy gut is the key to helping you feel better.