Aspergers and Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS)

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects the lining of the digestive tract. Some researchers believe that this digestive problem is a contributing factor to Aspergers (high functioning autism). The digestive tract lining becomes irritated and permeable. As a result, undigested food particles (particularly proteins) and toxins end up leaking into the blood stream. This leakiness can lead to disturbances in neurological brain function.

Part of the problems inherent in LGS is that the body is naturally designed to fight off foreign entities. The food particles and toxins cause the body to put the immune system into overdrive, which is suspect for causing autoimmune disorders. Specific symptoms indicate that there might be a problem with a permeable intestinal tract. They include:
  • aggressive behavior and mood swings
  • anxiety, confusion, and nervousness
  • asthma
  • bed-wetting
  • bloating and constipation
  • chronic pain
  • diarrhea and gas
  • discomfort in the abdominal area
  • disorientation and memory problems
  • fatigue
  • indigestion and heartburn
  • poor immunity
  • recurrent infections
  • shortness of breath
  • skin rashes

Aspergers kids who suffer with LGS are bound to suffer frequent bouts of allergies or common illnesses as protein substances and other “hard-to-break-down” molecules filter through their intestinal tracts into the intestines, causing the body to misinterpret them as a harmful substance (such as a virus) and go into an anti-body production overdrive to combat these.

Other complications arising from LGS are caused when the child’s body starts to cause an auto-immune disease. As a result, (a) the body begins to attack itself, and (b) bacteria (that should only be found in the intestinal tract) gets transported to bloodstream, which causes infections and weakens the liver besides resulting in increased toxicity elsewhere in the body.

To avoid these problems associated with LGS, it is advisable for parents with Aspergers children to raise their awareness of this disorder. This includes avoiding intake of a diet that is high in carbohydrates, alcohol and caffeine content, and drugs such as ibuprofen and antacids – all of which work to reduce the impermeable nature of the intestinal walls that is a measure of disease control. Also, since the digestive system of Aspergers kids is very sensitive, medical advice strongly recommends going on a gluten and casein free diet – and avoiding spicy food.

There's a variety of supplements for LGS. The process of choosing the right ones for a specific case can be time consuming, but the results can be quite dramatic! While a diet composed of a combination of vitamins and minerals can be ideal, it might be better to take a gradual approach to introducing these elements into Aspergers children’s diet.

1. Shark liver oil often tops the lists of supplements that can be used to treat LGS.

2. Vitamins and minerals that can be used in the treatment of LGS include:
  • beta carotene
  • co-enzyme Q10
  • digestive enzymes
  • glutamine
  • methyl sulfonyl Mmethane (MSM)
  • selenium
  • vitamins A, C, and E

3. Other dietary supplements include:
  • aloe vera juice
  • barley grass powder
  • bovine colostrums
  • garlic
  • Kolorex Intenstical Care capsules
  • lactobacilus
  • lactoferrin
  • olive leaf extract
  • virgin coconut oil

Frequently track your youngster’s progress, and make sure to use a systematic approach for introducing different elements. After you've selected the best supplements for LGS, the results can be well worth the effort. Consult your child’s doctor before beginning any program.

Part of answering the questions about LGS revolves around finding out how the condition affects the brain. Research is a continuing process, which we hope will provide more answers in the near future.

The Aspergers Comprehensive Handbook

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