Healing the Gut: Strategies to Combat Yeast Overgrowth in Autistic and ADHD Children

In this episode of the Brain Development Podcast, Lara delves into the impact of yeast on gut health, particularly in children with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. She welcomes Vicky Finlayson from Healthy Happy Unicorn, who shares her expertise on how yeast overgrowth can lead to inflammation and various behavioural symptoms. Vicky explains the mechanisms behind yeast's opportunistic nature, its effects on the immune system, and how it can disrupt gut health, leading to issues like leaky gut and food sensitivities. The discussion also covers practical strategies for parents to manage yeast overgrowth through dietary changes, stress reduction, and specific supplements KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Yeast Overgrowth: Yeast, particularly Candida, is a commensal organism in the gut that can become harmful when it overgrows, often due to a suppressed immune system, antibiotic use, or an imbalance in gut bacteria. Impact on Behaviour and Health: Yeast overgrowth can lead to various behavioural and health issues in children, including intense cravings for sugar and carbs, emotional instability, and symptoms resembling intoxication due to the production of alcohol-like byproducts. Dietary Influence: A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can exacerbate yeast overgrowth. Strategies for Management: Effective strategies to manage yeast overgrowth include increasing vegetable intake, avoiding refined sugars, ensuring proper hydration, and using specific supplements like apple pectin and prebiotics to support gut health. BEST MOMENTS "Yeast overgrowth is like when fungus sort of takes over... when the immune system is possibly not firing on all cylinders." - Vicky Finlayson "When antibiotics happen, yeasts can change into a different form called hypha... they penetrate the gut lining." - Vicky Finlayson "If your child is in this heightened state all the time and their blood sugar's being pushed up constantly, then of course that's going to cause this issue." - Vicky Finlayson "Antibiotics will kill off all of the beneficial bacteria... the only thing that's left is the fungus." - Lara HOST BIO Lara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ www.braindevelopment.co.uk https://thehappyhealthyunicorn.com/