Gastrointestinal issues are experienced by the majority of children and adults with autism. According to the CDC, children with autism are 3.5 times more likely to suffer from chronic diarrhea or constipation than typically developing peers. Other symptoms include vomiting/reflux, abdominal pain, gas and foul-smelling stools.

In my practice, we look at ways that we can help heal gut permeability rather than just the symptoms it causes.The first line of defense is probiotics. Probiotics are living nonpathogenic microorganisms that can benefit your child's health. Research on probiotics have found them useful in a wide variety of health issues and have also been proven to help in influencing the immune system. Probiotics help to colonize the GI tract with healthy bacteria that can make a huge difference in a child’s health

The GI tract is a complex ecosystem with a delicate balance of intestinal microflora and the host. A healthy GI tract should contain a high percentage of beneficial bacteria to prevent the over colonization of disease causing pathogens such as Candida or Clostridium and since 80% of your immune system is located in your gut, making sure it’s populated with beneficial bacteria is of utmost importance.

According to the Journal of Gastroenterology Research and Practice, it is well established that there is bidirectional communication between the gut, the immune system, and the brain. Therefore, healing the gut can help improve behaviors in children and can help them with cognitive functioning.

Recent information suggests that probiotics also help the body to detoxify. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that 90% of methylmercury is excreted through the bile in feces and scientist believe that with a large number of probiotic bacteria, mercury can effectively be driven towards expulsion and prevent any recycling of toxic mercury.

Homeopathics that Help with Gut Symptoms and Issues

Arsenicum Album helps with diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Natrum Muriaticum helps with constipation.

Calcarea Carbonica helpful for stomach pains that are typically coupled with a headache.

Nux Vomica can be very effective with acid reflux

Original Quinton Sea Minerals

I also strongly recommend Original Quinton Sea Minerals that aid with gut flora balance quickly and effectively for all my patients with autism. Original Quinton helps with common issues in children with autism such as diarrhea and gut repair.