autism and yeast overgrowth

 

Yeast overgrowth in our kids with autism is a common occurrence. Evidence has shown that yeast overgrowth in the GI tract causes dysbiosis, or the lack of good bacteria. https://www.aimspress.com/article/id/2047This dysbiosis causes a breakdown in the GI tract lining (leaky gut,) contributing to autistic behaviors, since the gut ties into the central nervous system, which influences the brain. Behaviors such as depression, anxiety, anger issues, sleep disorder, brain fog, stimming and toe-walking have been attributed to this condition.

What is yeast overgrowth?

Yeast overgrowth is a colonization of yeast, such as Candida albicans. Symptoms in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea and gas. Candida is protected by a biofilm, which is a matrix largely made up of sugar. This biofilm makes it harder for an antifungal such as Nystatin or Diflucan to kill the Candida.

How do I treat yeast overgrowth?

Yeast overgrowth can be treated with an antifungal such as Nystatin or Diflucan, which are medications requiring a doctor’s prescription. But these medications will most likely need help, since they will have a hard time getting past the Candida biofilm.

Lumbrokinases, a group of enzymes, may be needed to break down the biofilm so that the medication can get inside and kill the Candida. These enzymes are derived from earthworms, and work by breaking down fibrin protein. Lumbrokinases have been shown to break down Candida biofilm.

Diet plays a crucial part in eliminating yeast overgrowth. Remember how I said that Candida biofilm is largely made up of sugar? The biofilm matrix requires sugar in order to build itself, and the Candida requires sugar in order to grow.

Therefore, it’s crucial that sugar be eliminated from the diet.

Probiotics are a great treatment for yeast overgrowth. Probiotics increase the good bacteria that the GI tract needs to function healthily, and help crowd out the bad bacteria. Just be sure to get a good dairy-free probiotic with at least 30 billion CFUs and 10 different strains.

Supplements such as garlic, caprylic acid (from coconut oil,) NAC and oregano oil have been shown to break down Candida biofilms. The entire yeast overgrowth removal protocol can be found on this very helpful link. https://www.thecandidadiet.com/candida-biofilms/

Are there any side effects to yeast overgrowth removal?

A common occurrence to removal of yeast overgrowth is the Herxheimer’s reaction. Herxheimer’s usually comes on suddenly after yeast die-off, and can be very uncomfortable. Flu-like symptoms such as chills. body aches and malaise may be present. Parents of autistic kids may see a worsening of autistic behavior, and start to panic, wondering if their child has regressed. But Herxheimer’s reaction means that the toxins are coming out of the body, which is what we want. The Herxheimer’s storm usually lasts from 3-7 days, so it’s short-lived. Activated charcoal can be given to absorb some of the toxins, thus reducing symptoms. But make sure that you give the activated charcoal at least two hours after any medication or supplement, or it will absorb that also. Don’t give more than three activated charcoal in one day, or you risk getting constipation.

So there you have the treatment for yeast overgrowth. I know it may seem daunting at first, but take it one step at a time, and focus on the end result…a healthy and happy child moving towards independence as an adult!

Questions and/or comments? Feel free to contact me https://www.scarlettsouthauthor.com/contact/

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Scarlett South is a registered nurse, an autism specialist and the author of Autistic or Toxic? How I Unlocked the Mystery of My Son's "Autism." But her proudest achievement is her adult son, whom was once considered severely autistic, with talks of being placed in an institution, and whom is now an independent and productive member of society! Scarlett is based in Florida.

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