Introduction
The Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS) or 'abnormal intestinal permeability,' is one the most poorly understood concepts in western medicine, but it clearly defines what is happening to the child with autism and how this affects the functioning of the brain (gut/brain connection). The healthy gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract absorbs only the small molecules of completely broken down food particles that are the result of fully digested food. Ideally, the intestinal wall should have the ability to keep out large and undesirable molecules. When that ability is reduced, then permeability increases and large spaces develop between the cells of the gut wall allowing for yeast overgrowth, pathogens, toxins, bacteria, viruses and foods to leak across the intestinal lining. Now the gut lining is permeable, and therefore, becomes further inflamed and damaged disrupting the normal functioning of the G.I. tract. The body sees this foreign matter as "an attack" and develops a production of antibodies in defense. These newly formed antibodies may also attack the body's own cells developing auto antibodies and causing increased inflammatory reactions that trigger a condition called "autoimmunity". The neurotransmitters in the brain are also found in the G.I. tract, so now they are unable to make the normal connections with the brain; hence the gut/brain disconnection. So, this may be one of the beginning stages of how autism spectrum disorder issues develop.
Related Sites
Timothy Buie MD – Gastroenterology and Autism Description: Dr. Buie is a pediatric gastroenterologist at the Lurie Center for Autism at Massachusetts General Hospital who treats and understands the gut/brain connection in children with autism. Dr. Buie has been very successful in treating difficult cases of non-verbal children with undetected acid reflux and the connection to aggressive, self-mutilating behaviors.
Natasha Campbell-McBride MD – GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) Description: Dr. McBride’s website provides excellent information regarding how to treat and repair the leaky gut. She also gives extensive details on the connection between the GI tract and the brain and how this influences behavior and neurodevelopment. She provides parents with an effective dietary plan called GAPS.
Books
Tools
Parent Forums/Blogs
Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.
Forum/Blog Name: Leaky Gut/Food Allergies and Candida Description: Do you suffer from food allergies, food sensitivities, eczema, acne, depression, ADD, ADHD, autism, chronic fatigue and/or have been diagnosed with candida? Then let’s fight together against leaky gut!
Forum/Blog Name: Autism Leaky Gut Description: This group is to give parents a place to talk about treating leaky-gut and yeast.
Consumer Corner
Community Library
Gastrointestinal Conditions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Developing a Research Agenda (Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics) Description: This publication discusses the sources of the GI condition, the underlying biology of the GI dysfunction in ASD, treatment protocol, function, research and footnotes.
Gut Flora May Offer Clues about Autism by Joseph Mercola MD Description: Dr. Mercola talks about the latest research and information regarding the status of the gastrointestinal tract in children with autism. He outlines the importance of healthy gut flora and makes suggestions on tips for autism prevention and treatment.