Autism is a condition that presents in early childhood. It is one of several conditions that are known as autism spectrum disorders, which negatively impact the ability of children to communicate and interact with others. Diet modifications to eliminate yeast consumption may help ease symptoms in autistic children, but there is currently no cure for autism.
Candida Albicans and Autism
Candida albicans is a type of yeast found in the digestive tract, mouth and the genital tract of women. This yeast can harm a child's developing brain, according to the Wisconsin Nutrition Institute. Candida albicans makes chemical compounds that are toxic and then these compounds become absorbed into the body. These include alcohols, acetone and hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is poisonous to the nervous system. Alcohols are a known depressant. They slow the nervous system. Acetone causes coma, according to the institute. A person's liver should eliminate these chemical compounds before they can do damage, but in some instances a person's liver does not this for unknown reasons and the chemicals are able to get to the brain and cause mental symptoms associated with autism.
Yeast-Free Diet
The combination of yeast in the body and that which enters the body through food could be part of the reason autistic children show a slowing of the brain's functions, according to the Wisconsin Nutrition Institute. Therefore, people with autism should eat a yeast-free diet to reduce the amount of yeast in the body. This means that all fermented foods must be eliminated from the diet. Soy sauce, aged cheese, vinegar, pickles and chocolate are some of the most important foods to avoid, along with any alcoholic beverages, including non-alcoholic beer. Completely eliminating fermented foods may improve symptoms in children, particularly children under 2 1/2 years old. Children may be calmer, speak better and sleep better. There are no known side effects for yeast-free diets, according to a 2005 article in "Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities" journal.
Other Dietary Factors
Sugars such as table sugars, lactose in milk products and fructose in fruits promote yeast growth, according to "Latitudes" online magazine. Eating too much sugar could feed the growth of canidida albicans. Contrarily, eating garlic cloves, citrus seed extracts and probiotics such as those found in yogurts may reduce the growth of candida albicans, according to "Latitudes." Ask your doctor if reducing sugar or including garlic, citrus seed extracts or probiotics could be helpful for your situation.
Medication
Taking antibiotics helps candida albicans grow, but a doctor can prescribe medication to counter the growth of this yeast. Nystatin is a commonly prescribed anti-yeast medication. Taking nystatin kills the yeast in the intestinal tract. Even with medication though it is still important not to eat yeast. Following a yeast-free diet prevents new yeast from taking over for the yeast that the medication killed. The body does not absorb nystatin so the only possible side effect are mild nausea and diarrhea. Other anti-yeast medications a doctor might recommend include Diflucan, Sporanox and Nizoral.
References
- "Latitudes"; Hyperactivity and the Yeast Connection; Sheila Rogers
- Wisconsin Institute of Nutrition; Autism: You Can Help by Changing to a Yeast Free, Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet and Using Homeopathy; July 2009
- "Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities"; Novel Treatments for Autistic Spectrum; Susan E. Levy and Susan L. Hyman; 2005 (pdf)
- Mayo Clinic; Autism; May 2010
