Autism and Stomach Yeast

October is Autism Awareness month in Canada. In order to raise awareness to autism, I will be posting several times this month on various aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder. There are many things that falls under the umbrella of Autism. Here is a graphic that will give you an idea of some of them.

First of all, let's look at the definition of stomach candidas:

An overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that lives in your gut, can result in a serious condition called candidiasis - which causes a range of symptoms including chronic fatigue, thrush, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, depression and, if left unchecked, can also result in irritable bowel syndrome.

Now, let's take it a step further and find out how yeast affects those on the Autism Spectrum.

People who are on the Autism Spectrum are likely to have excess yeast (candida) in the intestinal tract. It seems that this yeast can also enter the bloodstream if it isn't properly controlled. If there is excessive yeast in the intestinal tract, it can prevent nutrients from being absorbed, as well as the ability to digest food properly. It also prevents vitamins that are necessary for optimum health to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Excessive candida has the ability to produce toxic byproducts. One of these byproducts is gliotoxins, which can impair the immune system. Candida cell wall protein is very similar to wheat gluten and binds to the intestinal lining in long strands. This has been likened to ivy climbing a brick wall. This anchoring of candida to the intestinal wall prevents it from passing naturally with digested food and prevents the digestion of wheat gluten. Therefore, many of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder are allergic to wheat gluten.

When candida cell wall protein enters the bloodstream, it may interact with blood clotting enzymes that are naturally produced by the body. This can cause dangerous complications with natural blood clotting mechanisms in the body. As well, modified proteins are not recognized by the immune system and can cause autoimmune disease.

Another danger of excessive candida in the gut is that it can produce digestive enzymes that will damage or eat through the intestinal lining. This allows undigested food to pass into the bloodstream, which in turn can cause a wide range of food allergies.

Many times excessive candida can't be controlled by antifungal medications. Yes, yeast or candida is a fungus. Those people who are on the Autism Spectrum seriously lack immunity to candida and it is important that they are treated if excessive candida is found in the gut. This can be done with a simple urine test that measures the chemicals that are produced in the intestinal tract. Your doctor may also ask for a stool specimen.

If you know someone who falls on the Autism Spectrum, please be sure to ask your doctor for them to be tested for candida to ensure that they don't suffer from autoimmune disease.

Please support Autism Research. Follow these links to learn more about autism.

Autism and Environmental Triggers

Autism Society of America

Autism Society Canada

Autism Awareness Products

Please help to promote autism awareness. Every individual deserves to live in a world where they are accepted. ~Blessings, Mary~