It has been well reported that autism is intimately connected to the immune system and acts in some way as an autoimmune condition. Immunity begins to develop during the 14th week of gestation, as undifferentiated developing immune cells, which later become major cells of a human’s immune system, with specific and necessary function. The placenta, provides nourishment for the baby, also secretes hormones, primarily progesterone, which shifts mom’s chemical profile away from Th1 (offers protection to pathogens that pose a threat to get inside of cells) and towards Th2 (response offers protection against pathogens outside of cells).
The baby then will trigger his/her increase in Th1 when traveling through the birth canal and swallowing, sitting and slipping through on its earth side voyage. The development of the Th1 mechanism is continued during breastfeeding, for which the “World Health Organization” recommends at least 2 years, to glean all the necessary immunologic benefits for the baby. Continued, through childhood with encounters from viruses and bacteria help build this individualized Th1 response to properly enhance the child’s immune system. If at birth immunity is skewed toward Th2, for such reasons as a c- section, multiple exposures to antibiotics in utero or mother receiving passive immunity exposure, breastfeeding is interrupted or cut short; Th2 is accelerated and can predispose a baby toward eczema. If the baby is prone toward a Th2 response, as they were unable to develop a proper microbiome, autism can be triggered or allergies and asthma may also develop.
Gut Bacteria
The answer to the triggers for these conditions may be found in the gut bacteria that babies are gifted on their way down the birth canal. Since we know, One third of all antibiotic prescriptions given to children are unnecessary (according to medical research). Antibiotics are well reported to disrupt a child’s gut microbiome in ways that a growing amount of evidence suggests may have long-term consequences, including asthma, allergies, and eczema.
Balancing gut bacteria with proper diet free of chemicals, processed foods, irritants and GMOs help balance the biome. Identifying triggers and reducing or eliminating passive immunity can also help improve these conditions. When a body is inclined toward a Th2 response, the cells will “over react”, with an inflammation response. Passive immunity such as vaccination bypasses the Gut and triggers this over response in the blood stream. This compounds the “inflammation” cascade and revs up the immune system in an “autoimmune” fashion creating a global multi-faceted reaction that will prone the body toward constant “reaction” as seen in eczema, allergies and asthma.
Pharmaceuticals
Conventional pharmaceutical modalities may cause additional “stress” to the body, and since stress and stress hormones can elevate inflammation, they are intimately related.
Autism is rising at epidemic rates with some prognostication that 50% of our children will have autism in the next generation!
Some easy tips to get started on healing the gut and rebuilding your microbiome are:
Eliminate Inflammatory Chemicals in Your Environment
Start with anything with a scent and replace them with non-toxic bio degradable choices
Eliminate Inflammatory Foods
Dairy, wheat, corn, and soy are the most common food triggers associated with autism, asthma, allergies, and eczema
Eliminate GMOs
these chemicals are not digested or assimilated well in a healthy gut, worse for one that needs healing
Use Safe Skincare
Use only products you can eat on your skin, like coconut oil, avocado or shea butter for example
Check Lab Work
Check Lab work with a qualified provider, check immune markers, MTHFR status, stress hormones, vitamin and mineral levels; all of which play into the inflammation cycle.
Remember there is no one size fits all approach; every child is different and every healing process is different.
Dr. Kendra Becker is one truly integrated physician practicing in for 10 years; She is Connecticut’s only “4A Specialist” (asthma, autism, allergies, atopy/eczema). She holds an ND degree from University of Bridgeport and MS, APRN from Sacred Heart University. She is board certified in both areas. Her specialties include MTHFR, fertility and treatment of “the 4As” (asthma, autism, allergies, atopy/eczema). Dr. Becker focuses on primarily treating the pediatric population and their parents as well as using her own “Pre-Conception Health Care” protocol to improve pregnancy outcomes among her patient population. Dr. Becker is a member of Both PEDANP and ANCC, as well as holding certifications for Nutrigenomics, Epigenetics and Methylation. Dr. Becker is adjunct Faculty Yale School of Nursing. She was recently chosen as one of Connecticut’s “Top Naturopathic Doctors”.
Dr. Becker lectures on various topics throughout the nation, including elimination diets, vaccine education, methylation and fertility. She has made regular appearances on both local and national TV programs, featured as a specialist and expert in the areas of holistic medicine. Dr. Becker writes for an international publication and Dr. Becker is published her first book this fall, ”A Delicious Way to Heal the Gut” a healthy cook book to help families jump start special diets.
References:
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2015.04.006
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684040/