Autism & Probiotics

Autism affects about 1 out of every 100 children in developed countries where boys are four times more likely of developing autistic spectrum disorders.

Research by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride a neurologist from the United Kingdom who treats children and adults with autism (including her own child) has revealed that nearly all of the mothers of autistic children have abnormal gut flora, which is significant because newborns inherit their gut flora from their mothers at the time of birth. Dr. Campbell is convinced that autistic children are in fact born with perfectly normal brains and perfectly normal sensory organs.

“What happens in these children [is that] they do not develop normal gut flora from birth…” she says. “Gut flora is a hugely important part of our human physiology…”

Alessio Fasano, MD, chief of the division of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition and director of the Mucosal Biology and Immunology Research Center and the Center for Celiac Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children reported preliminary evidence to suggest that indeed there is an imbalance of bacteria in a subgroup of individuals with autism and that probiotics can help improve children’s health.

7 Tips for Autism Prevention and Treatment

1. Expecting Moms, consider optimizing your gut health by taking probiotics (both prior to and during pregnancy and for your new-borns).

2. Eat whole organic foods, fermented foods, avoid processed foods & GMO foods and artificial sweeteners.

3. Avoid pasteurized milk; it’s crucial to the treatment of autism

4. Reduce sugar/fructose, juice, soda, and foods such as French fries and foods with wheat (pasta, bagels, cereal, pretzels).

5. Consider breast feeding vs bottle feeding.

6. Establish a toxin-free environment for your whole family.

7. Carefully review the vaccination issue, including the conventional vaccination schedule.