Fact Check: Can Fixing Gut Issues Cure Autism?

An Instagram reel claims that Fixing Gut Issues Cures Autism. The claim by the user is False.

Claim

An Instagram reel claims that Fixing The Gut Issues Cures Autism. In the reel by the_asd_mommy, the user writes "If you want to fix the brain of a child on the autism spectrum, fix the gut first."

The reel is captioned, "Gut is the most important part of autism healing. If the gut is not fixed, the brain will also be in a mess. If your child is constipated or has diarrhea, fix it first and then see how things start improving." It can be accessed here.

Fact Check 

The claim by Instagram user is False. Fixing Gut Issues may help in managing the symptoms but it cannot Cure Autism. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition and cannot be cured.

What is Autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), encompasses a range of developmental conditions that affect brain function. Individuals with ASD experience varying challenges with social interactions, and communication and often display distinctive patterns in behaviors and activities. Common characteristics include difficulties transitioning between activities, intense focus on details, and unique sensory responses.

The needs and abilities of people with autism vary widely, with some capable of living independently while others may require lifelong support. Autism can significantly influence educational and employment opportunities, as well as place considerable demands on families and caregivers. Societal attitudes and the extent of support from both local and national entities often influence the quality of life for individuals with autism.

WHO says, "People with autism often have co-occurring conditions, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as challenging behaviors such as difficulty sleeping and self-injury. The level of intellectual functioning among autistic people varies widely, extending from profound impairment to superior levels."

Can Autism Be Cured?

Autism is not a disease but a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning the brain develops differently from those without autism. Since it’s not an illness, there is no “cure” for autism. Instead, autism is a lifelong characteristic of how a person’s brain functions. While therapies and support can help individuals with autism manage specific challenges and improve quality of life, the condition itself is not something that can be treated or cured.

What are Gut Issues?

Gut issues also known as gut troubles, is a common experience, and can stem from various causes, ranging from simple indigestion to chronic conditions. While occasional pain may be due to dietary reactions or infections, persistent symptoms can indicate more serious digestive diseases.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms that occur together, including repeated pain in your abdomen and changes in your bowel movements, which may be diarrhea, constipation, or both. With IBS, you have these symptoms without any visible signs of damage or disease in your digestive tract.

The prevalence of IBS in India is reported to range between 4.2% and 7.5%.

How Can Gut Issues Be Fixed?

Fixing of gut issues depends on diagnosis and managmenet of the causes . Some of these gut issues can also be addressed with diet which also plays a major role in precention of gut issues. As per NHS, A diet for optimal gut health should include fiber-rich options like whole wheat, brown rice, fruits, and vegetables, along with adequate hydration for smoother digestion. Avoiding foods high in fat, fried items, caffeine, and aerated beverages can minimize gut discomfort. Incorporating lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and grilled dishes into a diet is beneficial, especially for those with digestive sensitivities. For individuals prone to gut issues, spicy, acidic, or allergenic foods such as chilies, tomatoes, citrus fruits, gluten, and dairy may need to be excluded. Prebiotics and probiotics are excellent additions for supporting a healthy gut environment.

How do prebiotics and probiotics support gut health?

Probiotics, often called "friendly bacteria," are live microorganisms naturally present in the gut and found in foods like live yogurt or supplements. They help maintain gut health by balancing the gut microbiome and supporting digestion. 

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible fibers found in foods like garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus, which nourish beneficial gut bacteria and enhance their growth. Together, probiotics and prebiotics work synergistically to improve gut health, support the immune system, and enhance nutrient absorption. For optimal benefits, probiotics should be consumed consistently for at least four weeks, while prebiotics can be included through a balanced diet. 

Does Fixing Gut Issues Cure Autism?

Improving gut health may assist in managing certain autism-related symptoms. However, autism remains an incurable condition, and there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that fixing the gut issues cures autism.

Current research suggests that prebiotics and probiotics could offer targeted benefits for managing behavioral symptoms in autism spectrum disorder. A review article by Huan Yang et. al. suggests that preliminary evidence points to a beneficial preventive effect of probiotics and prebiotics on neurological and mental health conditions, including autism.

Similarly, findings from an article published in Frontiers in Psychology indicate that certain probiotics could play a role in improving various behavioral symptoms seen in autism.

A review by Pengya Feng et. al. highlights the promising potential of probiotics as a non-invasive therapy for managing autism symptoms by addressing gut microbiota dysbiosis and gut-brain axis dysfunction.

Gut-brain axis therapies may help manage autism-related symptoms. A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine highlights that exploring the gut-brain axis may help manage autism-related neurological symptoms. It reviews therapies focused on the gut microbiome, showing promising results with interventions like probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), microbiota transfer therapy and dietary changes.

Research suggests that improving gut health may help ease certain symptoms associated with autism. However, autism is an incurable condition and cannot be completely cured. Hence, fixing gut issues cannot cure Autism.

Responding to the claim Dr Pallavi Gupta, Senior Resident, Department of Pediatrics, ESIC Hospital said "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with a variety of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors contributing to its development. While there is an observed link between gastrointestinal (GI) issues and autism, research suggests that addressing gut health can help improve certain symptoms, such as irritability, behavior, and quality of life for individuals with autism, but it does not cure the underlying condition. It is important to understand that Autism is a chronic condition and cannot be cured. Managing gut health can play a supportive role in the overall well-being of individuals with autism by potentially reducing discomfort and improving focus and behavior. However, it's important for parents to seek comprehensive care from doctors, as treating gut issues isn't a cure for autism."

Dr Pretty Duggar Gupta, Consultant - Psychiatrist, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru further said, “Fixing gut issues does not cure autism. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with multifactorial causes, and no single intervention can resolve it. However, research indicates that improving gut health and dietary habits may positively influence behaviors and overall well-being in individuals with autism. Addressing gut issues can help manage co-occurring symptoms, but it should be integrated into a holistic treatment plan that includes behavioral, educational, and medical interventions. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a personalized approach.”

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Enhancing gut health may aid in managing some symptoms associated with autism; however, autism remains an incurable condition with no available treatment. Currently, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that Fixing The Gut Issues Can Cure Autism.

Hence, the claim by the Instagram user is False.