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.