GI Dysfunction and Autism

What is it?

In recent times, significant strides have been made in understanding the link between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and gut microbiota. This connection is not mere speculation, as the composition of the microbiota and its by-products have a profound impact on the Gut-Brain axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and the immune response. This is a crucial area of research that is shaping our understanding of ASD.

What Causes it?

1.        Prenatal Exposures

2.       Toxins (glyphosate and more)

3.        Nutritional Deficiencies (Zinc, etc)

4. Mitochondrial Dysfunction

5.        Genetics (HLA etc)

What are some Associated Conditions? (Not all are represented here*)

1.        Constipation & Diarrhea

2.        GI Inflammation

3.        Impaired Intestinal Barrier (ie leaky gut)

4.        Clostridia bacteria overgrowth

5.        Increased intestinal yeast/fungus/mold

6.        Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

7.        Food Allergies/Sensitivities

8.        Folate Receptor Antibodies

9.        Behavioral Changes

10.  Neuroinflammation 

Common Biomarkers Associated with Gastrointestinal Dysfunction (No one biomarker exists to confirm diagnosis):

1.        IgA

2.        OAT metabolite increases

3.        Stool Analysis abnormalities

4.        Increased Bacteroids/Firmicutes ratio

5.        Zonulin

6.        Calprotectin

What Treatments are Available?

1.        Gluten Free- Casein Free Diet

2.        Zinc

3.        Probiotics/Prebiotics

4.        FMT/MTT

5.        Antibiotics (vancomycin)

6.        Antifungals

7.        Ketogenic Diet

8.        Breastfeeding infants

9.        Reduce Glyphosate in Diet

10.  Multivitamins

11.  Digestive Enzymes