Parent Tips
Pathfinders for Autism
Autism and the
Digestive System
Hippocrates, whose wisdom is over 2,000 years old and is considered the father of modern medicine, quoted:
“All disease begins in the gut.” Through modern scientific research we now know not all diseases begin in
the gut, but many health issues are either directly or indirectly related to the health of the digestive system.
Gastrointestinal problems are among the most common conditions associated with autism.
The Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract
The digestive tract, also known as the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract, begins at the
mouth, includes the esophagus, stomach,
small intestine, large intestine and rectum,
and ends at the anus. The entire tract is
about 30 feet. Maintaining the health of this
very large structure is extremely important.
The digestive tract’s function is not
exclusively for digestion to provide the body
nutrition. The digestive tract is also a large
component of the immune system. With the
combined function of the digestive tract’s
role of feeding the body and protecting
the body from infection, its influence on
other systems and functions in the body
are widespread and extremely important.
Recent scientific research has shown how
much the gut and brain work together, so
much that the gut has been considered a
“second brain”.
Autism and the Digestive System
Gastrointestinal problems are among
the most common conditions associated
with autism. These problems can include
chronic constipation, diarrhea, and other
inflammatory bowel conditions. The Centers
for Disease Control (CDC) has estimated
children with autism are 3.5 times more
likely to suffer from chronic diarrhea or
constipation. Other research has associated
strong links between gastrointestinal
symptoms and autism severity. Considering
the relationship between the health of the
digestive tract and its association with
autism, optimizing digestive health of an
individual with autism should be paramount.
The Digestive System Barrier
The lining of the digestive tract participates
in many important functions that include:
breaking down food for digestion and
the extraction of nutrients, protecting
against foreign invaders (pathogens),
and eliminating waste materials and
toxins. Degradation of the digestive tract
can have a serious effect on its ability to
perform these functions allowing unhealthy
pathogens into the bloodstream as well
as improperly digested food that could
be recognized by the immune system as
“foreign” and cause the immune system to
react. This issue is referred to as “leaky gut
syndrome” and literally means the gut’s
barrier is allowing things to leak into the
rest of the body (partially digested foods,
pathogens, toxins) as well as allowing things
to leak out (blood).
The Digestive System Biome
Another important aspect of the digestive
system is the “environment” that exists
within the digestive tract. The digestive
tract is home to over 100 trillion microbes
(about 3 pounds). Gut microbes (also
known as gut flora) are the “ecological
community” of organisms that live within
the digestive tract. These microbes play
a major role in the digestive system and
the immune system. They assist in the
Pathfinders for Autism
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Hunt Valley, MD 21030
443.330.5341 Help Line 443.330.5370 Office
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digestion of food, aid in vitamin production,
participate in weight management, and
communicate with the neurological system.
This neurological system connection
is being researched to show a direct
connection between the digestive system
environment to brain function and behavior.
The Journal of Psychiatric Research in a
recent publication states: “Gut microbes are
part of the unconscious system influencing
behavior. Microbes majorly impact on
cognitive function and fundamental
behavior patterns. Disorganization of the
gut microbiota can negatively impact
mental health.”
Digestive System Inflammation
Inflammation is often viewed as a response
in the body to an injury (such as a sprained
ankle) or a fever response to an infection
(such as the flu). In fact, inflammation is a
healthy response by the body to deal with
a wide variety of issues and imbalances
in many different systems in the body.
After the initial inflammatory response, the
body should return to normal. Problems
develop when the inflammation response
does not return to normal. This “chronic
inflammation” can continue at a low
level and has also been termed “silent
inflammation”. Low level, chronic, or silent
inflammation often occurs when the body is
stimulated to produce inflammation by any
variety of factors. These factors can include
poor food choices, lack of healthy sleep, and
stress.
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Parent Tips
Pathfinders for Autism
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Autism and the Digestive System p.2
Digestive Tract, Digestive System
Biome, and Inflammation
The proper feeding, functioning, and health
of the entire digestive system should be
considered in relation to the multiple
issues associated with autism. Common
health problems in individuals with autism
can often be related to the digestive/
immune system. These include chronic
constipation, chronic diarrhea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When
considering the new research showing the
gut-brain connection, the health of the
digestive system needs to be considered in
maintaining the health of the neurological
system, optimizing brain function, and
behavioral health.
Nutritional Recommendations
Some basic dietary recommendations
for optimizing digestive system function,
maintaining a healthy gut biome, and
managing inflammation include:
• minimizing the consumption of refined
sugars and grains.
• drinking water as the primary beverage.
• consuming foods high in soluble fiber.
These recommendations will help maintain
the digestive tracts healthy barrier, “feed”
the digestive system biome, and manage
inflammation.
Nutritional supplement recommendations
include:
• a quality multi-vitamin to ensure a
comprehensive intake of vitamins and
minerals.
• vitamin-D to address any deficiency and
maintain the immune system.
• omega-3 fatty acid (fish oil) to address
any deficiency and health of the gut
microbes.
• probiotic to help feed the microbiome.
These supplement recommendations
all have benefits related to managing
inflammation as well.
Always consult your health care
provider for specific information
regarding diet and supplementation
to ensure the best possible results.
http://www.issfal.org/news/
articles/2014/07/02/omega-3-fats-mayreduce-risk-of-gastrointestinal-diseases
http://www.optibacprobiotics.co.uk/
blog/2015/08/could-omega-3-oils-supportour-gut-bacteria
http://www.pnas.org/content/107/1/454.full
http://fixyourgut.com/magnesium-mostoverlooked-mineral-for-improving-health/
http://fixyourgut.com/magnesium-mostoverlooked-mineral-for-improving-health-2/
Sources
http://www.eufic.org/article/en/artid/The_
role_of_gut_microorganisms_in_human_
health/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/
article/pii/S0022395615000655
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/
archive/2013/07/25/probiotics-new-prozac.
aspx
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/
archive/2003/10/18/bacteria-gut.aspx
https://authoritynutrition.com/does-alldisease-begin-in-the-gut/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
articles/290747.php
http://www.neuroscientistnews.com/
research-news/missing-link-found-betweenbrain-immune-system-major-diseaseimplications
http://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/
abcs-of-nutrition/magnificent-magnesium/
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/
Research/High-dose-vitamin-D-mayboost-diversity-of-the-gut-microbiomeStudy/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_
medium=email&utm_campaign=27-May2016&c=jkvLqik4bzj7e%2Bex1cnkK3hyIK8A
MsRY&p2
Written by Lynn Shumake, MS, PD,
Owner of VitaScript Compounding
Pharmacy & Nutrition Center
http://vitascriptrx.com/
Pathfinders for Autism does not endorse
any products or services.
© 2016 Pathfinders for Autism
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/
treatment/treatment-associated-medicalconditions/gi-disorders
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/
Omega-3-could-help-support-friendlybacteria-in-the-gut
http://www.thecandidadiet.com/healthbenefits-omega-3/
cont.
• magnesium for neurological function.
Pathfinders for Autism
303 International Circle, Suite 110,
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
443.330.5341 Help Line 443.330.5370 Office
www.pfamd.org
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Pathfinders’ Resource Center