Protocol for Autism and Developmental Disorders(OMEGA 3 DHA-500-INULIN)-Guide for Restoring Neurological Functioning

For anyone with small children with Autism, this article is my Christmas present to your child.
There is growing scientific evidence that an imbalance of intestinal bacteria called SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is responsible for triggering Autism.

Small numbers of bacteria live in the upper, small intestine with larger numbers of bacteria down in the colon. SIBO happens when colonic bacteria migrate up into the small intestine and cause symptoms.

SIBO symptoms include heartburn after particular foods such as tomatoes, spices, bell peppers, or lettuce. SIBO also causes IBS, anxiety, eczema, and it can trigger many autoimmune disorders or cause inflammatory pain in joints and muscles.

SIBO is being linked through a variety of studies to cause a chemical inflammatory state within the brain often referred to as metabolic inflammation. This inflammatory process is triggered by the priming (a state of permanent activation) of the primary white blood cell within the brain, microglia.

Primed microglia are being linked to a phenomena referred to as cumulative brain injury or CBI. Under normal healthy conditions, the human brain is designed to fully recovery from most physical, emotional and inflammatory injuries.  But once the microglia are primed, some residual damage is left behind after each of these injuries and is added to prior residual damage leading to CBI.

 
This same microglial inflammatory state slows down synaptic pruning during childhood development and is responsible for most developmental delay as well.  The underlying neuroinflammation in children with Autism greatly contributes to their developmental delay, unresolved autonomic damage from head injuries that lead to ADD and ADHD, and frequent seizures.

And finally, SIBO bacteria also produce a chemical called propionic acid. In autistic children, propionic acid levels are high. In animal studies, high propionic acid leads to the development of antisocial behaviors, increased sensitivity to sound, light, and touch, as well as gait abnormalities.

By eliminating the propionic acid production from SIBO and reversing the microglial inflammatory state in the brain, I have successfully reversed the major features of Autism in many small children.
I use a prebiotic fiber called inulin to reverse and control SIBO, and high doses of omega-3 fatty acids to normalize microglial function and normalize the inflammatory state within the brain.  Cooking with extra virgin olive oil also helps reduce inflammatory from excessive omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid) exposure from vegetable oils.

Inulin is a natural fiber found in onions, garlic, artichokes, and chicory root. You can buy powdered inulin online. I prefer Fiber Choice gummies that can be found at local pharmacies and grocery stores. Remember, the first ingredient must be inulin.1- 2 inulin scoops a day often reverses SIBO propionic acid enough to allow a preschool age, non-verbal autistic child, to begin speaking within 4-6 weeks.

This is equal to ¼ to 1 teaspoon of powdered inulin daily. If the children do not like the gummies or they are not available, I recommend pure powdered inulin (without additives such as enzymes or probiotics).  Inulin is heat-tolerant and can be mixed or sprinkled over any form of liquid or food.  NOW Foods makes a reasonably priced pure organic inulin and is found at many online retailers.

My patients take 2 Nordic Omega-3 Fishies (made by Nordic Naturals), a dose of 600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per day.  This equals about 600 mg of omega-3 (DHA + EPA).

If the Nordic Fishies are not available, it can be replaced with other forms of fish oil liquid or capsules.  I recommend buying a high-quality brand that has been verified by an outside agency as there is a very high level of fraud in the supplement industry.
 
All families are asked to cook their foods in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).  EVOO contains 70% oleic acid, and oleic acid reverses the underlying inflammation coming from excessive linoleic acid toxicity.  Linoleic acid is most commonly found in the unnatural vegetable oils added to the foods we purchased.  See my other post about omega-3/omega-6 rebalancing for more information.

Reversal of SIBO with inulin results in a drop of propionic acid and can result in a sudden improvement in function within a few weeks. But many children don’t fully return to normal because they still have an underlying developmental delay (some quite severe) as well as ADD, ADHD, chronic depression or anxiety/aggressive states.

These remaining conditions take longer but week by week things will slowly improve.  If there is no significant improvement within 2 months I generally increase the dosage of omega-3 fatty acids and even add vagus nerve stimulation if necessary.