Tips & Advice

The exact cause of autism is unknown with theories ranging from the result of immunization, genetics, or a combination of both. However, latest findings have demonstrated that there may also be an autism yeast infection link.

So what does yeast have to do with autism?

Studies show that autistic children have different ‘gut flora’ when compared to non-autistic children. Generally, healthy “good” bacteria are at work throughout the digestive tract to keep the digestive system operating normally. However, repeated doses of antibiotics (as would be prescribed, for example, for a regular childhood ear infection), or even exposure to common childhood diseases such as chicken pox, can destroy a large amount of the necessary gut flora, permitting Candida – an aggressive and opportunistic yeast infection – to grow and flourish.

Even in children who have not suffered from many common childhood diseases or who have not recently been prescribed antibiotics, there remain other ways for Candida to take hold in the body.

It is believed that general environmental factors may also be contributory factors. Exposure to toxins in the air a child breaths and the water he drinks, as well as genetic factors – for example, if a child’s mother is prone to yeast infections, this may be passed on to the child – and a diet high in sugar all open up a child to a greater risk of Candida overgrowth.

Researchers now believe that there may be an link between autism and yeast infections which occurs when the Candida multiplies and changes the workings of the digestive tract, releasing a multitude of toxins into the body. The brain and the rest of the body’s systems – such as the digestive system - are strongly linked. Therefore, disturbances within the digestive tract may have a direct impact on the brains functioning leading to a worsening of autism symptoms.

A study performed by researchers from the Center for the Study of Autism in Oregon treated autistic children for a yeast overgrowth. They demonstrated that once gut flora levels returned to normal, the children showed a decrease in hyperactivity and self-stimulatory behavior, as well as better eye contact and more restful sleep. There was also evidence of increased concentration and improve verbal abilities.

When treating yeast infections it is important to note that if the anti-fungal treatment is halted too early the yeast is likely to return, and it may be more aggressive, having developed some resistance to the drugs that had been used to treat it. Generally, the recommendation is for an autistic child to proceed with antifungal therapy for a minimum of six months in order to maintain improvements.

However, with use of antifungal therapy, drugs are only one half of the battle. Diet plays an important role in reducing yeast in the system, especially when it comes to sugary foods. Sugar is among the worst dietary contributors to Candida overgrowth, as yeast can flourish 200 times faster when sugar is available within the body.

So for anti-fungal treatments to be most effective it is recommended that your child follow a restricted diet that eliminated all sugars and any foods that contain yeast, which include bread products, cheese, and mushrooms.

The Autism Research Institute (ARI) founder, the late Dr. Bernard Rimland MD believed that in most cases, Candida is not the singular cause of autism. However his own research led him to conclude that a “small but significant” proportion of autistic kids – between 5% and 10% - will improve when properly treated for Candida.

For more information on whether yeast infection autism treatment is suitable for your child speak to your physican.

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There could be a link between antidepressant and reflux disease. Therefore, if you take antidepressants and are suffering from frequent acid reflux/GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), your antidepressant medication could be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing.

Researchers have discovered that a link between antidepressant and acid reflux does in fact exist. Of course, there are different types of antidepressants and not all of them cause or exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. The type of antidepressant that has been most commonly linked with GERD is known as Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). TCAs are a certain type of antidepressant designed to provide relief from symptoms related to depression such as sadness and irritability.

Tricyclic antidepressants work to restore and balance chemicals within the brain to help treat and prevent depression. However, though effective, these antidepressants also have a number of potential side effects including an increased risk of acid reflux. This link exists because the neurotransmitters the TCAs work on in the brain are the same as those found in the stomach.

Thus, both the brain and stomach are equally affected, which means when the TCAs slow down and relax the muscles in the brain, they also slow down and relax the muscles in the stomach. Hence, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) becomes relaxed, allowing the contents within the stomach to be refluxed back into the esophagus. In addition, the slowing down of stomach muscles can also cause delayed stomach emptying allowing acid to remain longer, increasing the chance of reflux.

The most common acid reflux symptom to watch for if you think your antidepressant medication may be affecting you is heartburn. Heartburn is characterized by a painful, burning sensation within the upper chest.

Though there are other antidepressant medications, tricyclic antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat a variety of depression disorders. If you are on any of the TCAs that have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for depression and you suffer from GERD, or are noticing an increase in your acid reflux symptoms (I.E. frequent heartburn), you need to bring this to your doctor’s attention.

Tricyclic antidepressants include: Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Desipramine, Doxepin, Imipramine, Nortriptyline, Protriptyline, and Trimipramine.

Your doctor may be able to suggest or approve another type of medication to treat depression to reduce the chance of reflux disease, however this attempt at switching medications may be unsuccessful. The reason is because there are diverse antidepressant drugs and everyone responds differently to medications. Thus, what works well for someone, may not be beneficial to another. Therefore, if TCAs are the only meds that work for you in terms of bringing depression under control, your only option is to try other methods to prevent or control acid reflux.

To help limit and prevent acid reflux symptoms try the following:
- Increase your intake of water
- Limit or stop consuming alcoholic beverages
- Stop smoking
- Eat frequent and smaller portions of food.
- Avoid foods that can trigger acid reflux or make it worse (i.e. spicy, fatty foods, chocolate, mint, caffeine, citrus fruits and juices)
- Refrain from lying down or exercising at least one hour after eating
- Sleep with your head elevated 4 inches to prevent reflux from occurring while sleeping.
- Manage your stress. Stress can exacerbate GERD symptoms, learn how to reduce your stress by finding ways to relax and release your tension.

Finally, be sure to talk to your doctor about your antidepressant and reflux disease concerns. He or she may be able to help you find a method of acid reflux treatment that works well for you.

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