Autism is a development disorder that affects one’s ability to interact socially and communicate due to various behaviors and social problems. Experts characterize the condition as having specific neurological, gastrointestinal, neurobehavioral, and immunological dysfunctions. It’s also known as a spectrum disorder because it affects people differently and to ranging degrees.
What are the causes of autism?
The chances of a child having autism are high in the first three years. At this age, the development of the intestinal microflora, the brain, and the nervous system is not complete. Since they are at their formation stage, introducing vaccinations and antibiotics in large volumes affects the intestinal microflora negatively. That is because the child’s immune system is not strong and has a fragile intestinal microflora. That causes a toxic condition in the gut affecting the nervous system and the brain. The majority of children with this condition show abnormal gastrointestinal symptoms such as yeast infections, constipation, and food allergies.
Almost 50 percent of children with ASD have abdominal related symptoms. But now, researchers have come to a conclusion concerning probiotics and autism. Probiotics are microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host when administered in adequate amounts. They can multiply the friendly microbes in the gut and balance the gastrointestinal microbiota to the host’s ultimate benefit safely and naturally. The potential mechanisms that probiotic bacteria can have an impact on the microbiota include:
- Direct effect on pathogens
- Enhanced barrier function
- Ease bioconversion, for instance, converting sugars into fermentation by-products with inhibitory properties.
- Producing growth substrates
- Reducing inflammation
- Stimulating the innate immune response
Probiotics are useful to children living with ASD. By using the recommended dosage, it can protect the child’s immune and digestive system before, during, and after the administration of vaccinations and antibiotics. Parents should ensure to follow the correct probiotic formulation and dosage as recommended by a pediatrician. Researchers claim probiotic effects on children with autism-like symptoms, boost their behavior, and improve their dysbiosis.
The Food and Drug Administration categorizes probiotics as supplements, not a medication, and therefore, does not regulate their quality. It is, therefore, essential to be keen while buying this product for your child since some may contain low probiotic levels or lack probiotics. Worse, some manufacturers may mix harmful bacteria with probiotics.
All probiotics are not equal. They come in various kinds and types, and each has specific effects for particular situations, just like different antibiotics for different infections at different levels.
If your child requires probiotics, it is better to avoid concentrated supplements and give him or her a probiotic yogurt. Check the label on the product to get the probiotic designation. Also, check the number of applicable microorganisms in the supplement. The best number should be in terms of billions. If there is no apparent improvement after some time, stop using the product since adverse effects can arise with time.
Probiotics can significantly improve your child’s life. However, you may have to try different probiotics before finding a suitable type for your child. You should also not use probiotics as medicine for ASD. Make sure that you also consult a doctor or pediatrician before giving probiotics to your child.
