Autistic Children Antifungal Support

Last month we reported on Jenny McCarthy's own experience with autism and her child and how she used antifungal strategies as an important ally in the fight she has waged-and is winning-for the health of her son. A number of prominent researchers are looking at the link that children's bowel ecology has with autism. They are saying that poor bowel ecology causes overgrowth of fungi and other microbes and that their metabolic byproducts become toxic. Indeed, scientists now link fungal overgrowth with diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, so its underlying pathology is being uncovered for a number of serious illnesses.

They further note the prevalence of fungal metabolites in autistic children. Ms. McCarthy tells her story of the use of antifungal drugs and nutritional support for her own child. She says the window of time for which such a treatment or support program can help, however, is narrow-so knowing about this information as early as possible is important.

Doctors dealing with autism increasingly order the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis test,available at Great Plains Laboratory or Great Smokies Laboratory, now known as Genova Diagnostics (see Resources).

Doctors who're interested in complementary alternative medicine are looking for fungal imbalancesas an important diagnostic tool in trying to help children.

The fungal substances themselves can produce toxic substances such as desmorphin and other compounds which could play a direct pathological role or act as a marker for other underlying health problems. As one autism information site points out, one thing many doctors are discovering is that many children with autism score high for yeast and anaerobic bacteria on such tests, and they respond to antifungal treatment.

Candida albicans is linked with autism as well and "may exacerbate many behavior and health problems in autistic individuals, especially those with late-onset autism."

THE TREATMENT
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) doctors dealing with autistic children are more and more likely to prescribe antifungal drugs and perhaps recommend nutritional support as well.

Diflucan and similar medications are usually effective in one to two months. However, prolonged use of prescription antifungal drugs may be required, and this can negatively impact liver function. But if such drug therapy is stopped, it is possible for the fungal organisms to return.

That is why CAM doctors rely on naturopathy, which offers a terrain-oriented prevention program that perfectly complements prescription medication used in disease treatment.

Antifungal herbs and probiotics work supportively to enhance the healthy immune defenses of the body. Thus, rather than working in an isolated way to treat a disease, they are effective at supporting the body's underlying health.

Of course, whenever dealing with a medical condition, including autism, you should tell your doctor of your intention to provide the child an herbal antifungal program and discuss any potential interactions (although, as we have reported, many antifungal herbs have no drug interactions).

Most experts agree deodorized garlic is a wonderful antifungal herb, as is neem, traditional in Ayurveda. Caprylic acid is also a standard antifungal nutrient, and olive leaf extract has potent antibacterial properties.

Other researchers say that repopulating the body's friendly bacteria is critical to keeping out the harmful organisms and their toxic metabolic byproducts. So be sure to take a quality probiotic containing lactobacillus and bifida strains known to colonize in the human gut. Also, to avoid a reaction from the poisons created by this "dying-off" process, you should probably use a combination of soluble and insoluble fibers-and don't forget a multiple vitamin with antioxidants.

NATURAL PACKAGE
Well, all of this can be quite a lot to remember, whether you are working on an antifungal program for yourself or a child, which is partly why Guy Evans of BioActive Nutrients in Wisconsin created the industry standard program-his BioActive Nutrients Antifungal Kit.

The Antifungal Kit makes addressing fungal health support simple by including all of the key herbs, nutrients, beneficial bacterial strains, fiber, and an antioxidant multiple vitamin together in a package driven by value and quality.

Resources

• greatplainslaboratory.com
• gdx.net