What is yeast overgrowth treatment for autism?

This therapy involves managing the growth of yeast in the body.

Yeast is a type of fungus commonly found in the human body, including in the intestines. As a treatment for autism, ‘yeast overgrowth’ in the intestines is controlled by using antifungal agents, probiotics and a yeast-free diet.

Who is yeast overgrowth treatment for?

Supporters of yeast overgrowth treatment for autism say it can be used with autistic people of any age.

What is yeast overgrowth treatment used for?

Supporters of yeast overgrowth treatment for autism claim that autistic people might have a yeast overgrowth in the intestines, which contributes to autism characteristics. They say that treating the yeast overgrowth can reduce autism characteristics.

There’s no scientific evidence that yeast overgrowth causes autism or that yeast overgrowth treatment changes autism characteristics.

Where does yeast overgrowth treatment come from?

This treatment gained popularity based on anecdotal reports and very small, poor-quality case studies in the 1990s.

What is the idea behind yeast overgrowth treatment for autistic people?

Yeast is a micro-organism commonly found in the human body in areas like the intestines.

Probiotics are other micro-organisms that live in the intestines. They’re also in supplements and some foods. Probiotics are considered to be ‘good bacteria’ – they promote a healthy balance in the intestines and prevent yeast overgrowth.

When an imbalance occurs, the number of probiotics is reduced and yeast overgrowth can happen. It’s claimed that toxins from the excess yeast enter the bloodstream, which causes autism or makes autism characteristics worse.

The idea is that treating the yeast overgrowth and restoring the balance between yeast and probiotics removes the toxins from the body, reducing autism characteristics.

There’s no evidence that yeast overgrowth causes autism or that managing yeast reduces autism characteristics.

What does yeast overgrowth treatment involve?

Yeast overgrowth treatment uses antifungal agents, probiotics and restrictive diets. There are no standard guidelines for how long this treatment should go on, but it might be weeks or months.

Antifungal agents

The person usually takes oral antifungal agents to kill the yeast in the intestines. They might also have to eat foods with antifungal properties.

Probiotics

The person eats probiotic foods or takes probiotic supplements to restore a healthy balance in the intestines. Probiotic supplements are usually swallowed in either capsule or powdered form.

Restrictive diets

Dietary changes like limiting sugar and yeast-containing foods are also part of this approach. It’s claimed that eating these foods promotes yeast overgrowth.

Does yeast overgrowth treatment help autistic children?

There’s no research evidence that yeast overgrowth causes autism or that yeast management reduces autism characteristics.

Warnings about the use of yeast overgrowth treatment

• Use of the antifungal medicine fluconazole can cause side effects like nausea, headaches, diarrhoea and skin conditions. People who take this medicine long term should have their liver function monitored to make sure there are no toxic effects.
• Side effects including diarrhoea have been associated with long-term use of the antifungal medicine nystatin.
• Children need to eat a wide range of healthy foods to give them all the nutrients they need to grow and develop well. Restricting a child’s diet can cause nutritional deficiencies.

Which professionals offer yeast overgrowth treatment?

GPs, paediatricians or dietitians can give you information about this therapy.

Where can you get yeast overgrowth treatment?

See your GP or paediatrician or a dietitian. They can talk with you about the risks and benefits of using antifungal agents or changing your child’s diet substantially.

How are parents involved in yeast overgrowth treatment?

If your child is taking antifungal agents, you need to learn about appropriate doses for your child. You also need to ensure that your child is monitored for potential side effects like liver toxicity.

If your child is taking probiotics, you need to give these to your child.

How much does yeast overgrowth treatment cost?

You will have pay for antifungal agents and probiotics. It will also cost money to change your child’s diet.

Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.