Nutrition & Autism

Diarrhea and constipation indicate an underlying imbalance in the gut and need to be addressed immediately to avoid detrimental effects on the health and growth of the child.

7 POSSIBLE CAUSES OF DIARRHEA IN AUTISTIC CHILDREN

1. Stomach infection and inflammation in the intestines
2. Parasite infestation
3. Antibiotics
4. Sensitivity to food additives
5. Bacterial growth
6. Drinking bathwater with Epsom salts
7. Medications

These two practical Nutritional interventions have proven sustainably helpful:

Increase in soluble and insoluble fiber in the diet

Fiber is from plant-based foods and passes through the digestive system without being digested or broken down. There are two types of dietary fiber, though different, that play a critical role in bowel health. These are the soluble and insoluble fibers. The key difference between the two is one is soluble in water while the other does not dissolve in water. Plants contain both though in different quantities. The soluble fiber helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar, while the insoluble fiber makes the stool easy to pass without straining. They support gut health by providing good bacteria in the large intestines and bulk the stool to ease bowel movement.

Good sources of insoluble and soluble fiber include:

• Oats
• Sweet potatoes
• Broccoli
• Bananas
• Avocadoes
• Beans
• Lentil
• Cabbage
• Apples
• Guavas
• Green leafy vegetables

2. Increase water intake in the diet

Water is an essential element of good health for all living beings. It is vital to ensure that the child drinks enough water to prevent dehydration or possible constipation. An excellent way to ensure that the child is well hydrated is by creating monitoring sheets with tick boxes and time so that whenever the baby is given water, the box is ticked. By tracking their consumption, the parent/caregiver can relate to their behavioral trends. Such that one can know when the baby is thirsty or not.

Bananas are excellent sources of magnesium and potassium, known to have the ability to relax tight muscles, and are a favorite to many children. Therefore they are highly recommended as they help with autism stiffness. They also contain L-tryptophan, an amino acid converted to 5-HTP in the brain known to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety. So yes, they are very suitable for children with the autism spectrum.