Constipation: What Can You Do About It?

Chronic constipation is a common problem for individuals on the autism spectrum. Constipation often occurs when there is not enough fibre and water in the intestines to move things along, but it can also be a symptom of underlying GI issues like a food intolerance or allergy. Keep reading to learn more about the best ways to deal with constipation to help keep your or your loved one's digestive system running smoothly!

Understanding the Link Between Autism and GI Issues

As we said, children with autism are more likely to struggle with gastrointestinal issues. These problems may include the following:

  • Chronic constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Bowel inflammation
  • Bloating
  • Chronic diarrhea

Interestingly, there is a symptomatic link between autism and the GI tract. A study that reviewed the treatment of GI symptoms found that treating gastrointestinal symptoms may also relieve symptoms of autism spectrum disorders.

Overall, there hasn't been much headway into autism spectrum disorders and what causes the condition. However, studies that examine the relationship between autism spectrum disorders and the GI tract have led to two beliefs regarding the cause of autism spectrum disorders:

  1. Excess immune activation causes inflammation in the GI tract and contributes to the development of symptoms related to autism spectrum disorders
  2. The types of gut bacteria present alter the symptoms present

Signs of Chronic Stomach Issues in Children With Autism

Children with autism may not always express themselves in the same way as children without autism. Because of this, adults around children with autism may need to look for signs of GI problems themselves.

You don't have to follow your child into the bathroom. But, you should have a conversation about their bowel habits if you suspect that something is going on.

Here are some symptoms to look for:

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Pain while having a bowel movement
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Children with autism may communicate these kinds of feelings differently. For example, they may avoid a certain food if it makes their stomach hurt.

Treating GI Issues in Children With Autism

Just like every child, the goal with children with autism should be to provide enough nutrients in their diet to promote lifelong health. To do this, you should develop a care team that is focused on your child's health:

  • The child and his/her family should work with a dietitian that assesses the quality of the child's diet and watches for potential deficiencies
  • The care team should speak with the child about food selectivity and explain what could happen as a result of nutrient deficiencies
  • The child's care team and family should coach and encourage the child to plan and prepare meals with the family

Both the child's family and the child's care team should work together to make an easy and clear plan for the child to follow. At home, the child's family should help the child understand how to make these decisions on his/her own.

Supplements for Chronic Constipation

If your child is experiencing gastrointestinal problems, you should consider giving them supplements. Here at BrainChild, we offer two highly beneficial formulas:

  1. IntestiMend
  2. Basic Support Probiotic

IntestiMend

Intestimend is a gastrointestinal support supplement. It contains a range of sulfur-containing ingredients.

A healthy gastrointestinal tract is naturally lined with sulfate. This protects the intestine from a variety of threats. If that sulfate lining becomes compromised, this could cause GI issues.

Therefore, you can build this sulfate lining by taking Intestimend. This promotes healthy intestinal mucosa and good gastrointestinal function. Plus, it may help lessen food reactions like those with casein and gluten.

The supplement is also great for children with a history of low sulfur/sulfate.

Basic Support Probiotic

This probiotic is a blend of ten certified probiotic strains. We designed this supplement for individuals who require lower amounts of probiotics.

Probiotics help with digestive health. They can help us grow good microorganisms in our gut. In turn, probiotics can help us combat a range of digestive challenges:

  • Yeast overgrowth
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Parasites
  • Bloating
  • Indigestion

Taking the basic support probiotic is beneficial for anyone with digestive issues. But, it's especially helpful for children with autism spectrum disorders.

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