Hi Sazisi
I had an infection in my bladder cos my muscles stopped working after ds was born and I couldn't pee. I was breastfeeding him too. Anyway I had (and I'm quoting the gastro urinary dr) "this is the nucleor bomb of antibiotics -- it'll kill anything"
What he didn't mention was that it would also kill all the beneficial flora! My ds went on to develop colic, he would cry day and night! I think his gut was damaged by the abx (and then further damaged by early vaccination) He became constipated (with intermittant diarrhoea) would feed fretfully. When he went on to solid foods he only wanted certain colours, textures etc.
If you consider our immune system lives in our gut and that our gut 'protects' us from the outside world (including toxic substances) If the gut is compromised so is our ability to defend ourselves. Good gut flora is essential to nourish our body, protect our immune system etc. Loads of asd kiddies have compromised immunity, inflammation, allergies, gut problems etc.
You can read about the gut-brain connection in 'Gut and psychology syndrome'
My ds has autism and I personally think this was caused in part by him having abx at birth (via me). But there's no point in blaming yourself. I didn't know and even if I did I had no choice but have the medicines. I would however had given him a probiotic.
I've had him tested (privately) and he did have gut dysbiosis, he had lots of pathogenic flora and low levels of beneficial flora. So, for the last 2 years we've been giving probiotics and giving fermented foods like home made yogurt, we've been healing his gut using diet, enzymes and fatty acids amongst other things. We've been making sure he doesn't get constipated by giving him aloe vera juice, prune juice, magnesium etc to help things move along.
He's doing great! We were told he was severely autistic, would prob never speak, be in nappies etc. He's just 4 and has started using 1 word sentances. He's potty trained too (trained himself 4 days after taking out stuff he was allergic to) We suspect he has bowel disease but we're waiting for a referral so will have to wait and see.
As we sort out each medical problem he seems to be a bit more 'with it'. Like his sleeping is improved and his receptive language is only 6 months behind!
J
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