What is the common link between childhood conditions such as autism, ADD/ADHD, allergies and asthma? A growing community of parents and medical professionals are focusing on the leaky gut syndrome, or increased intestinal permeability.
Research has focused on the importance of the relationship between events that affect the function of the central nervous system (brain) and the influence these factors ultimately have on the function of the intestines via the specialized enteric nervous system of the intestine (The Brain Gut Axis). The central nervous system controls the communication pathways to and from the enteric nervous system which monitors visceral sensation and intestinal motility.
Disturbances, or neuropathophysiology, of the brain-gut axis are among the key factors in generating multiple gastrointestinal conditions that can be of primary etiology or exacerbations of other primary conditions. Neurological disturbances can be caused by psychosocial factors such as stress, environmental factors, chemical factors, inflammation, and physical factors such as macro trauma, micro trauma (repetitive strain) or even the birthing process.
Disturbances in the brain-gut axis and leaky gut syndrome can present as gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis (inflammatory bowel diseases) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Symptoms include painful cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and bleeding that result from the malfunction of nerves that control the gastrointestinal system.
The focus of autism research migrated from psychological studies to exploration of the biologic basis of this disorder. Whether the behavioral disturbances are of psychological origin, biological origin or both, neuropathophysiology is the primary underlying cause. Today, there is significant information that is documenting the relationship of behavioral and gastrointestinal disorders being affected by the nervous system. Unrecognized gastrointestinal disorders may contribute to the behavioral problems of the non-verbal autistic patients.
With regard to the behavioral disorders that often present with the leaky gut syndrome, the presentation can also vary widely depending on the Autism Spectrum. Wide variations can occur in language development, social interaction, eating, and sleeping habits. “Typically, they either reported that the gastrointestinal symptoms manifested at almost the same time as the behavioral symptoms or that they were present since birth.”
The focus of the chiropractic treatment plan is to remove nervous system interference and restore function. A recent study, published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research concluded that the clinical outcome of chiropractic care showed higher efficacy with upper cervical adjustment when compared to full spine adjustment in autistic children. Restoration of function and removal of nervous system interference at the level of the brainstem and upper cervical spine so that the body may heal itself and have optimal vitality is imperative. With the nervous system functioning at 100% the body has the potential to heal itself from even the most complex of ailments.
