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Are Autism And Gastrointestinal Disorders Connected?
Question: Hey, so I was wondering, what's the relationship between autism and the gut? Are GI disorders and/or food sensitivities what cause autism, vice versa (i.e. the neurological disorder leaves a person more prone to GI problems), or something else entirely that leaves a person more predisposed to either? I'm another one of those really lucky people who have this disorder, and I'm teetering on whether to focus solely on treating my gut problems or whether I should take psychiatric medications; psycho stimulants for focus, energy, and possibly social boost; SSRIs for OCD, perseverative thoughts, and depression; or etc.
Brief Answer:
There are no direct relationship between gut disorders and Autism
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
If you ask me for conclusive evidence it can be stated that as per available data no direct relationship exists between two entities although gut disorders are most common comorbities. In other words it can be stated that autism pathology is involved with gut pathology but conclusive evidence is not available on current day.
Regarding the treatment part I think focusing on gut parts should be priority as they cause more impairment of quality of life and there is little option for management of autism in regard to medications.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
There are no direct relationship between gut disorders and Autism
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
If you ask me for conclusive evidence it can be stated that as per available data no direct relationship exists between two entities although gut disorders are most common comorbities. In other words it can be stated that autism pathology is involved with gut pathology but conclusive evidence is not available on current day.
Regarding the treatment part I think focusing on gut parts should be priority as they cause more impairment of quality of life and there is little option for management of autism in regard to medications.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I just have a couple more questions, both of them sort of related to this.
First off, have you heard of the gluten-free/casein-free diet that many people go on to improve autistic symptoms in either themselves or their children? Some people claim it's really effective. One big theory is that due to an autistic person's bad digestive system, they can't break down the gluten and casein proteins properly, causing it to get into the bloodstream into the brain and act like a sort of morphine, messing with the brain. I'm wondering how effective this GF/CF diet is, and if this theory is any good.
I'm also planning on getting a neurotransmitter test by measuring neurotransmitter levels in my urine. I'm curious if this is a good way to measure neurotransmitter deficiencies or excess. Thanks
First off, have you heard of the gluten-free/casein-free diet that many people go on to improve autistic symptoms in either themselves or their children? Some people claim it's really effective. One big theory is that due to an autistic person's bad digestive system, they can't break down the gluten and casein proteins properly, causing it to get into the bloodstream into the brain and act like a sort of morphine, messing with the brain. I'm wondering how effective this GF/CF diet is, and if this theory is any good.
I'm also planning on getting a neurotransmitter test by measuring neurotransmitter levels in my urine. I'm curious if this is a good way to measure neurotransmitter deficiencies or excess. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
Regarding the theory between of connection between CF/GF I completely agree that there are improvement reported in autistic symptoms but these individuals meet criteria for gluten intolerance. If the same is applicable for you I think you can opt for gluten free diet. However if there are nothing suggestive of gluten intolerance the likely improvement is questionable.
I have not heard of any utility for neurotransmitter measuring in urine although it is done for research purpose. This is one theory but still in the testing phase and no significant data support it on current date.
I hope this helps you further.
If you have more questions I will be glad to answer you.
If you do not have more questions, please close the discussion and if possible rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
Regarding the theory between of connection between CF/GF I completely agree that there are improvement reported in autistic symptoms but these individuals meet criteria for gluten intolerance. If the same is applicable for you I think you can opt for gluten free diet. However if there are nothing suggestive of gluten intolerance the likely improvement is questionable.
I have not heard of any utility for neurotransmitter measuring in urine although it is done for research purpose. This is one theory but still in the testing phase and no significant data support it on current date.
I hope this helps you further.
If you have more questions I will be glad to answer you.
If you do not have more questions, please close the discussion and if possible rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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