Leaky Gut

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.

Signs of Leaky Gut Syndrome:

Gastrointestinal symptoms of chronic diarrhea, constipation (or both), abdominal discomfort, flatulence, bloating, undigested food particles in stool and irritable bowel syndrome (enterocolitis).
Nutritional deficiencies.
Intestinal pathogens – yeast, fungus, systemic Candida, parasites, bacteria, viruses, biofilm, microorganisms, etc.
Food and environmental allergies, food intolerances, asthma, bedwetting, ear infections.
Behavioral issues, hyperactivity, noncompliant behavior.

Related Sites

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.

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.

Books

Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies: The Ground Breaking Program for the 4-A Disorders by Kenneth Boch, MD
Description: Dr. Boch gives parents an in depth explanation of how the 4-A disorders are all related to the immune system and healthy functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. He outlines common issues such as deadly modern toxins, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, genetic vulnerabilities and assaults on the immune and gastrointestinal systems that trigger the majority of symptoms of the 4-A disorders.

Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural Treatment for Autism, Dyspraxia, ADD, Dyslexia, ADHD, Depression, Schizophrenia by Natasha Campbell-McBride MD
Description: As a parent of a child diagnosed with learning disabilities, Dr. Natasha clearly understood the importance of nutrition and treating the gastrointestinal system in order to help the brain rebuild its connections to function appropriately. Her experience and knowledge is invaluable. GAPS is a very detailed and informative account for parents on how to make the necessary changes to help your child heal.

Tools

Office Hours with Tim Buie: Exploring Autism's Gut-Brain Connection
Description: Dr. Buie talks about what we know and what we don’t know about the gut/brain connection.

GAPS.me website
Description: This site is a source of information on the GAPS diet, which has been an effective tool in healing the leaky gut and attenuating and/or reversing many of the symptoms of autism.

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

The AEX Directory
Description: We do not provide medical advice on this site. Please consult your practitioner to discuss treatments for medical conditions. We do have a Directory feature that includes Practitioner Lists as well as Supplement Suppliers, Lab Test Companies, Compounding Pharmacies, and Prescription Drug Lookup. This feature can be accessed by clicking the link above or clicking The AEX Directory icon from our home page or any of the Navigation bar pages.

Community Library

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.

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.

(coming soon)