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How did this happen? What could possibly be the relationship of autism and yeast infection?
Studies done have shown that children who suffer from autism have a different 'gut flora' as compared to those children who are normal and are not suffering from autism. Generally, to keep the digestive system from malfunctioning, healthy, good bacteria are needed and working in the digestive tract. However repeated exposure to antibiotics (which is caused by, for example, a prescription for a child's regular ear infection) or childhood diseases like chicken pox can destroy a large amount of gut flora, which causes the candida to grow and increase.
However children cannot only be exposed to candida through regular intake of antibiotics, but it is also believed that environmental factors contribute to such problem. Some factors that were seen to contribute to the increase of candida are the following: exposure to toxins (for example in the air the child breathes in and in the water he drinks) and genetic factors. A mother who is prone to yeast infection may pass this trait to her child. Also, a diet that is high in sugar opens the possibility for a child to have candida overgrowth.
Today, researchers believe that there may now be a link between yeast infection and autism. This happens when Candida, the fungus responsible for yeast infection, multiplies and changes the functioning of the digestive tract causing it to release a large amount of toxin in the body. Since the body's systems and the brain are strongly associated, the disturbances occurring in the digestive system can very well have an impact on the functioning of the brain thus leading to the worsening of the symptoms of autism.
The belief between autism and yeast infection link was supported further by a study done by the researchers of the Center for the Study of Autism in Oregon. The researchers treated autistic children for yeast outgrowth and they found out that when the gut flora levels come back to its normal state, the children's hyperactivity as well as their self-stimulatory behavior decreased. These children were also able to have more restful sleep and better eye contact. Evidences of increased concentration and improvements on verbal activities were also recognized.
One treatment that is used to cure yeast infection is the anti-fungal treatment. When using this kind of treatment, it is important to take note that the yeast is more likely to return if the process is stopped too early. And one effect of which is that the yeast might become more aggressive than before. This is because the fungi might have become immune to the drug that was used to cure it. Therefore, it is said that autistic children should generally undergo anti-fungal treatments for a minimum of six months. In doing such, the improvements in the patient could be maintained.
However, over the years, there have been great developments regarding the natural cure of yeast infection. What is good about natural treatments is that they work on the root cause of the infection thus, not only eliminating existing outbreaks, but also, more importantly, helping prevent the initial occurrence of any further infection.
Systemic yeast infection is a much more serious form and is usually felt all over the body. Many people who have this condition are not aware they have an overgrowth of yeast because the symptoms present themselves in the same way many other diseases do. The most common systemic yeast infection occurs in the gut and many people start to have stomach problems which are often mistaken for other illnesses. The symptoms may be fatigue, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, mood swings and the symptoms are many and unique to the individual person. What the yeast does is to cause a 'leaky bowel' syndrome where with their strong roots, they are able to penetrate through the stomach walls and find their way to the bloodstream. This will happen if the yeast has multiplied at a very high rate due to enabling environment.
When yeast finds the right condition in the gut to multiply, it changes from its simplicity to a very strong and complex form which is more dangerous because it has very strong roots and it is able to implant itself very easily in the intestine walls. As a result, a way or passage is created where yeast can multiply in the bloodstream. All this causes so much discomfort and the result is an irritable bowel cycle and a host of other conditions. They include oral thrush, food sensitivity, muscle pain, respiratory problems, bladder inflammation, urinary tract infection, confusion, memory loss, short span of concentration, depression, insomnia, learning disability, eczema, acne, hives, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, systemic lupus, anemia and the list goes on. This is how serious systemic yeast infection is.
Some specialist can tell what the problem is by just listening to the symptoms but the conclusive tests for systemic yeast infection are available. They will include testing of the stool to determine if yeast is present. The test is really simple unlike other tests. If you are found to have a very high amount of yeast then this proves that there is an imbalance of organisms in your intestines which has caused the yeast. There are so many medication options available to treat the illness and going through the internet will reveal so many remedies and solutions to the problem. One practical solution I found was the use of diet and supplements to overcome yeast. It is a process that takes time to see how certain foods will react in your body. In the treatment, patients are advised to keep off every food that contains yeast.
Whole foods are highly advised together with green vegetables. The foods that you should stay away from include all refined sugars. Honey is also not good for this condition because it will encourage yeast. You should take fruits that are recommended in the treatment and the fruits that are not good for you are grapes, raisins, dates, prunes and figs. Alcoholic drinks will make you case worse and avoiding them will improve your condition. The supplements include probiotics and they work very well to discourage the growth of yeast. There are so many other treatments for systemic yeast infections an you have to be careful to get a treatment that will not harm your health and one that will work.