Autism Spectrum Disorders vs. Leaky Gut – Where to Begin

By: Dr. Julie A. Wilczynski, ND, CNC

When I teach and counsel my families regarding where to begin with their children’s dietary changes the challenges come quick and steady. Most autistic children are picky eaters and to force any dietary restriction can be overwhelming, to say the least.

I encourage my families to start at the beginning, it seems so obvious, but can be a hard step to take. Most autistic children suffer with digestive malfunction which only makes worse their autistic behaviors. Improper breakdown of wheat and dairy proteins have an opiate like effect on their brains. If we can wake up the digestive processes we can aid these children in dealing with their behaviors and allow them more access into our world.

Many of my clients and patients ask if Leaky Gut Syndrome is a factor in their child’s inability to absorb properly from the foods they are eating. And my answer is always YES. Within the wellness centers were I work we can test for Leaky Gut through Live Blood Cell Analysis and also with a Yeast Panel.

Leaky Gut Syndrome or (LGS) is a poorly recognised but extremely common problem. It is rarely tested for. Essentially, it represents a hyper-permeable intestinal lining. In other words, spaces develop between the cells of the gut wall, and bacteria, toxins and food leak through. The official definition is an increase in permeability of the intestinal mucosa to luminal macromolecules, antigens and toxins associated with inflammatory degenerative and/or atrophic mucosal damage.

  The barrier posed by the intestinal mucosa is, even in normal subjects, an incomplete one. Small quantities of molecules of different sizes and characteristics cross the intact epithelium by both active and passive mechanisms. The route by which such transfer occurs is, at least in part, dependent on molecular size.

Once the gut lining becomes inflamed or damaged, this disrupts the functioning of the system. The spaces open up and allow large food antigens, for example, to be absorbed into the body. Normally the body sees only tiny food antigens. When it sees these new, larger ones, they are foreign to the body's defence system. So the attack results in the production of antibodies against once harmless, innocuous foods.

It might sound good that the gut can become leaky, because it would seem that the body would be better able to absorb more amino acids, essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. For the body to absorb a mineral it does not just slowly diffuse across the gut membrane it must be attached to a carrier protein. This protein hooks onto the mineral and actually carries it across the gut wall into the bloodstream. However, when the intestinal lining is damaged through inflammation these carrier proteins get damaged as well, so now the victim is vulnerable to developing mineral and vitamin deficiencies, and may begin to suffer with Malabsorption Syndrome.

There are 7 distinct stages of an inflamed gut, they are:

1.      When the gut is inflamed, it does not absorb nutrients and foods properly and so fatigue and bloating can occur.

2.      As mentioned previously, when large food particles are absorbed there is the creation of food allergies and new symptoms.

3.      When the gut is inflamed the carrier proteins are damaged so nutrient deficiencies can occur.

4.      Likewise when the detoxification pathways that line the gut are compromised, chemical sensitivity can arise. Furthermore the leakage of toxins overburdens the liver so that the body is less able to handle everyday chemicals.

5.      When the gut lining is inflamed the protective coating of IgA (immunoglobulin A) is adversely affected and the body is not able to ward off protozoa, bacteria, viruses and yeasts.

6.      When the intestinal lining is inflamed, bacteria and yeasts are able to trans-locate. This means that they are able to pass from the gut lumen or cavity, into the bloodstream and set up infection anywhere else in the body.

7.      The worst symptom is the formation of antibodies. Sometimes these leak across and look similar to antigens on our own tissues. Consequently, when an antibody is made to attack it, it also attacks our tissue. This is probably how autoimmune disease start.

Now it is important to note where to begin to reverse the LGS and it’s hand held culprit Candida Albicans overgrowth. Again, we have to start at the beginning. Candida Albicans is a single cell organism that lives in the stomach and intestinal tract. If in proper balance with the presence of abundant friendly flora, Candida is harmless. If the friendly flora levels drop due to use of antibiotics, steroids, poor digestion, toxicity and so many other culprits, opportunistic Candida will overgrow and take over. Candida Albicans overgrowth impairs digestion, which in turn impairs absorption; it weakens the immune system and also stresses out the nervous system.

In dealing with LGS and Candida healthy diet is essential for autistic children. First and foremost, foods containing sugar, phosphates and other additives should be avoided totally. These substances have been shown to interfere with proper brain function. Foods such as wheat, corn, milk, eggs and chocolate must be avoided because of the possibility of food intolerances and allergies as contributors of autism. Documentation exists showing hundreds of children whose behavior greatly improved when cow’s milk, wheat, eggs or other common foods are removed from the diet. If just starting out on a GFCF (gluten free/casein free) diet there are steps to follow that will make the transition much easier for all involved.

A healthy diet is based on whole foods organically grown. Fruits, vegetables, fresh juices, fresh soups, brown or basmati rice plus yams and oily fish are good sources of nutrition that can add to children’s bodies whatever they’re missing in complex carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Whole food supplements are essential to strengthen the immune system and give the autistic child’s body needed concentrated nutrients. To help with digestion and assimilation: probiotics, enzymes, and EPA-DHA.

If there is positive evidence of Candida Albicans overgrowth it is very important to start there, cleaning up the yeast overgrowth while repopulating with friendly flora and restricting the foods that were contributing to feeding the yeast.

Each child is different, in my practice I do not believe in a “cookie cutter” or “one size fits all” method of working with my autistic children. Each child is different, suffers more or less with food sensitivities and as such is treated as an individual.