Digestive
problems and stool abnormalities may be present in a large portion
of children with autism. Many autistic children display chronic
indigestion and gas. One study that examined a small group of randomly
selected autistic children found that 40% (6/15) had bulky, odorous
or loose stools or diarrhea.1 Interestingly,
many parents of autistic children report
a worsening in behavioral symptoms occurring
in conjunction with a flare-up of gastrointestinal
problems.2
"Although
gastrointestinal symptoms frequently accompany the manifestations
of autism" points out pediatrician Karoly Horvath, M.D., and
his colleagues at the University of Maryland School of Medicine,
"little attention has been paid to this aspect..."2
Dr.
Horvath's team performed gastrointestinal evaluation on 36 children
with severe autism and found several striking abnormalities. The
children often showed signs of chronic inflammation in the gut,
including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Because of enzyme
deficiencies, many of the children had trouble digesting and absorbing
carbohydrates a possible cause for their chronic loose stools and
gas. These abnormalities may be closely linked with sudden behavior
changes in the children such as irritability, aggression, and nighttime
awakenings, the authors suggested. For this reason, it is important
for autistic children to undergo a comprehensive gastrointestinal
evaluation, they stressed.
Malabsorption
of fats, pancreatic dysfunction,
and bacterial overgrowth in the
intestine have also been cited by
clinical experts as common findings
in autism. Dysbiosis, a state of
bacterial imbalances in the intestinal
flora, can arise from a variety
of causes including antibiotic use,
stress, poor diet and other factors.
These imbalances can be exacerbated
if the intestine's protective mucosal
layer, which functions both to keep
toxic bacteria and food allergens
at bay while still allowing for
the absorption of critical nutrients,
loses its normally tight junctions
between cells. This condition, called "leaky
gut syndrome," was identified
in over 40% autistic children in
one study.3 (see Autism
and Intestinal permeability).
The Comprehensive
Digestive Stool Analysis provides a noninvasive assessment
of microbial balance (including yeast and bacterial growth), digestive
function (including enzyme adequacy), and absorption. This test
can be used to develop individualized treatment strategies to improve
digestive function and eliminate or reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.
References:
1 Goodwin MS, Cowen MA, Goodwin TC. Malabsorption and cerebral dysfunction:
a multivariate and comparative study of autistic children. J Autism
Child Schizophr 1971;1:48-62.
2 Horvath
K, Papadimitriou JC, Rabsztyn A, Drachenberg C, Tildon JT. Gastrointestinal
abnormalities in children with autistic disorder. J Pediatr 1999;135:559-63.
3 D'Eufemia
P, Celli M, Finocchiaro R, Pacifico L, Viozzi L, Zaccagnini M, Cardi
E, Giardini O. Abnormal intestinal permeability in children with
autism. Acta Paediatr 1996;85(9):1076-9.
Call
to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed
and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification
and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing
this disorder.
For
an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our
web site www.completehealth institute.com go to lab tests and click
on appropriate test for information.
Dr.
Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a
clinical practice for over 20 years.
Her programs work because she is
so thorough in testing and providing
a nutritional approach. Remember
that the body can heal itself if
given the proper nutrients.
The information herein is not intended
as diagnosis, treatment or a cure.
Should you have a medical condition
please seek the advice of your medical
doctor. |
