When I found out that my son will be possible suffering from autism? I research for various causes of autism and one of these reasons is the overgrowth of candida in the digestive tract. Candida is a form of yeast or fungus that normally found in our bodies. Candida Albicans is the most common fungus that is present in everyone and also we have a beneficial bacteria and an immune system that keep it in balance. If the candida grows rapidly, the mucous lining in the gut wall will break down. This lining will help to digest proteins before entering to the blood scream. If the gut lining is unhealthy, the peptides go to the blood scream undigested and have an opiate type effect on the brain.
Here are some causes of Candida Overgrowth:
- Antibiotics
It is use to fight infection against disease however beneficial bacteria is also kill by antibiotic that is why candida will grow in its place. - Insufficient Nutrition
There are kids that born with clean gut but have unbalanced system and there is no adequate good bacterium in his gut to protect. When the gut is loaded with sugar, processed food and carbs then the candida grow out of control quickly. - Pregnancy Issue
The mother may pass her intestinal ecology to her child. If the mother takes antibiotic during her pregnancy at any time, she may lack of beneficial bacteria and have candida overgrowth and pass it to her child without ever knowing. Another cause of candida overgrowth is the high dosage of birth control.
Here are some autistic behaviors that cause by candida overgrowth:
- Toe walking
- Stimming
- Hyperacidity
- Mood Swing
- Craving for Sweet and carbohydrate such as pasta, bread, etc.
- Rashes and yeast infection
- Problem on focusing and low attention span
- Abnormal bowel movement (diarrhea or constipation)
- Abdominal pain or abdominal bloating
- Rocking
- Brain fog
- Laughing for no reason
- Aggressive
- Climbing all the time
- Standing on head or hanging upside down
- Loss of energy
- Demanding
- Hands over ears
- Rashes or eczema
- Ear infection
Some researchers linked the candida overgrowth to autism. They believe that autistic kid may have leaky gut that cause by yeast infection. Treatments available are candida diet that limits sugar, wheat and dairy to starve the candida, taking anti fungal medicines, probiotics supplementation to rebalancing the gut and gluten and casein free diet. Better check medical issues of your child with your doctor to determine the right treatment for his child’s autistic behaviors.