Autism or autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social, language and communication deficiencies. It affects 1 in 68 children worldwide. Parents often notice signs of autism in their children’s first two years of life.
Some children with autism reach their developmental milestones at a normal rate and then regress. Children with autism also have a restricted and repetitive pattern of behavior such as turning objects over and over again, echolalia. Autism can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Research has shown that neuroinflammation exists in the brains of people with autism and other mental disorders. This could be due to several factors, such as the presence of environmental toxins in the body that can damage the DNA repair system in cells. When the DNA repair system is damaged, free radicals accumulate. Free radicals are produced during normal cellular metabolism, but when they accumulate in cells due to DNA damage, they become harmful to the body.
In autism, intestinal inflammation, “leaky gut syndrome” and neuroinflammation are common. Leaky gut syndrome is increased intestinal permeability mainly caused by environmental factors such as toxins, antibiotics, etc. In leaky gut syndrome, undigested food compounds pass through the intestine into the bloodstream and cause an allergic reaction that can lead to the development of various diseases.
When the gut microbiome is compromised, nutrient absorption is impaired and this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. These deficiencies can also damage DNA and lead to disorders such as autism and other diseases. For example, for people with autism and other mental disorders, studies show that there are deficiencies in vitamins B6, B12, folic acid, and zinc. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological damage and brain dysfunction. Zinc deficiency can lead to brain and immune dysfunction. All of these can be treated by healing the gut and eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Eating a diet that consists mainly of fresh fruits and vegetables and some cooked foods that include animal protein can go a long way in providing the body with the great nutrition necessary for good health.
Raw foods contain antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and help repair cells in the body. Probiotic foods and probiotic supplements can help heal the gut by increasing good gut bacteria and decreasing leaky gut syndrome. Adding vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens to your diet is vital for good mental health and reducing symptoms of autism. Juices and smoothies contain a large amount of nutrients and antioxidants that heal the gut and the body in general.
