Spring Allergies and Yeast Problems in Autism
Spring is near and with this an onset of allergies will descend upon people with the typical itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. For most of us this is just a minor nuisance, but some individuals become very symptomatic and need to take either over-the-counter or prescription anti-allergy medication.
For individuals on the autism-spectrum (particularly kids) spring allergies can be problematic too. The new onset of itchy eyes and sneezing is uncomfortable and this can lead to irritable behavior, poor performance in school or drowsiness if antihistamine medication is needed to control symptoms. However, there is another curious problem that often manifests in the spring for those on the spectrum – yeast symptoms.
Yeast (commonly referred to as chronic candida) is a very common issue seen with individuals on the autism-spectrum. For those susceptible to the toxins that candida produces often will behave strangely with inappropriate laughter, increase in self-stimulatory behavior, erratic mood, and the typical “goofiness, giddiness, and silliness” that are all too common with elevated yeast overgrowth. Many parents will describe that their child appears drunk or “high.” Certain toxins from yeast are known to interfere with brain chemistry leading to these characteristic behaviors.
Spring season seems to be a particular time of the year that yeast behaviors in kids become more problematic. Whether this is from a shift in immune function with increased activity to environmental allergens and less activity to control digestive yeast population, or a general increase in inflammation in the body creating chemical imbalances leading to increase yeast symptoms the same pattern holds true every year – spring season often equals increased yeast problems. Therefore, if you notice that your child is starting to act “yeasty” (as defined before), and you know their diet hasn’t changed or their supplement or medication regimen has remained fairly consistent, you are likely looking at yeast overgrowth secondary to environmental allergies.
Often times controlling the allergies with medication like Claritin can be helpful during this time. Certain supplements like Bromelain or Quercetin can be helpful too as they act as natural antihistamines helpful for allergies. If yeast behavior is happening then treating for it is often necessary as well. Also, medications like Nystatin or Diflucan which reduce yeast overgrowth in the digestive system and various natural remedies like Grapefruit Seed Extract or Candex (enzyme that breaks down the cell wall of Candida) are helpful too.
