"Leaky gut syndrome" is increased intestinal permeability caused by mainly by environmental factors like toxins, antibiotics, food allergies etc. Symptoms may be bloating, cramps, gas, aches and pain. In leaky gut syndrome, undigested food compounds pass through the gut into the bloodstream and causing an allergic reaction which can lead to the development of various diseases.
The Gut Brain Connection
Multiple research studies have shown that there is a connection between the gut and brain known as the gut-brain axis (GBA). It is the communication between the central and the enteric nervous system, linking emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with peripheral intestinal functions. Recent advances in scientific research have described the importance of gut microbiota (gut microorganisms) in influencing these interactions. This interaction between microbiota and GBA has been shown to be bidirectional through signaling from gut-microbiota to brain and from brain to gut-microbiota by means of neural, endocrine, immune, and humoral links.
When the gut microbiome is compromised, nutrient absorption is impaired and this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies can be treated by healing the gut and eating a well balanced nutrient rich diet. Eating a diet that consists fresh fruits, vegetables, meat etc. can go a long way in providing the body great nutrition necessary for great health.
Nutritious food like leafy greens, vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants that get rid of free radicals and enhance cell repair in the gut and body as a whole.
Probiotic food and probiotic supplements can help to heal the gut by increasing good gut bacteria and decreasing leaky gut syndrome. Adding vegetables, fruits and leafy greens to the diet is vital for good mental health and decreasing autistic symptoms. This is what happened with my son who was diagnosed with autism years ago. He also took specific supplements that helped him tremendously.
Our diet can influence the microbial communities in our gastrointestinal system also known as the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome consists of good bacteria (beneficial bacteria) and bad (pathogenic) bacteria. Bacteria in the gut has pathogenic properties as well as great health inducing properties. Balance of bacterial numbers in the gut is vital, if the numbers grow too high or too low, it will result in harm to the host.
Emerging scientific data supports the role of microbiota in influencing anxiety and depressive-like behaviors and gut dysbiosis in autism. It has been shown that autistic people with autism have specific microbiota alterations according to the severity of the disease.
If you need more information on how food and specific supplements can help your child with autism you can email me at [email protected]. I look forward to connecting with you.