Autism refers to a group of developmental problems belonging to the condition known as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children diagnosed with autism will experience differing levels of severity of symptoms, however these symptoms are all known to affect how children interact and communicate with others. As of 2011, there is no cure for autism, but there are therapies and treatments that are known to be beneficial, including specific nutritional changes. Limiting or eliminating the sucrose your child ingests may be beneficial in managing the symptoms of autism.
Sucrose
Sucrose is most commonly known as table sugar. Sucrose is obtained either from sugar cane or sugar beets. Sucrose is a carbohydrate that occurs naturally in all fruits and vegetables. It is created in plants through photosynthesis, a process whereby plants convert energy from the sun into food. As sucrose is a carbohydrate, it is digested first by your small intestine where monosaccharides are absorbed into your blood stream. Blood sugar is then regulated by three hormones in your body: insulin, glucagon, and epinephrine.
Liver Function and Autism
If your child has autism, he may also struggle with the clearing of toxins from his body. Your autistic child's body may be unable to naturally detoxify, leading to higher rates of gastrointestinal problems. Your child's liver may become overburdened with high rates of biotoxins, neurotoxins and heavy metals, and he may experience immune dysfunction. Liver dysfunction may occur as a result of the high burden of these toxins.
Sugar Metabolism and Liver Dysfunction
In order to assist the liver in clearing toxins, it is recommended that your child follow a diet that promotes liver health. To do this, you must remove refined carbohydrates and sugar from your child's diet. You will also ensure that your child is getting enough of the "right" foods such as specific fruits and vegetables, enough filtered water, specific herbs and vitamins. If your child's liver is already functioning poorly, sugar in particular may prove to be a serious health concern and risk to your child.
The Sugar Effect
Children with autism who follow a diet tailored to their specific needs tend to achieve a higher rate of overall health and their behavior may also improve. If your child's liver is already compromised, sugar can pose a significant risk to your child's health. Sucrose can cause quick spikes in blood glucose levels, which your child's body may not be equipped to handle. Your child's liver may be unable to assist in the metabolizing of glucose, leading to irregular blood sugars -- both too high and too low -- mood swings and behavior issues.
Autism and Gut Health
Your child may have been exposed to many antibiotics in the early years of his life, as is common with many children diagnosed later with autism. Your child may now have increased levels of candida, or yeast, in his system that feeds off carbohydrates and sugars. Remove the sugars in order to help curb high levels of candida in your child's system. Bacteria overgrowth in your child can lead to mood swings, fatigue, bloating and behavior problems.
