Posted in Traditional Nutrition

I have recently been asked to do more work with children and families suffering from autism. While continuing my education on the subject of autism, and the results found through diet changes, I read an article entitled 'Gut and Psychology Syndrome: The GAPS in our Medical Knowledge' by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. I found this article in the Winter 2007 edition of Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and the Healing Arts, a publication of the Weston A. Price Foundation. I have always been blessed with the information I find in this publication, along with all readings that the WAPF recommends. However, this article taught me so much more about our bodies extreme need for beneficial bacteria. Dr. Campbell-McBride begins by citing the incredible increase in cases of autism, ADD, and ADHD in the past 15 to 20 years. She then goes on to state that she has never worked with a child who was suffering from one of these disorders that did not also suffer from a digestive problem. Allergies and malnutrition are also universally preset among her patients. She states, 'When we test ... patients, we always find that they do not have normal gut flora. The beneficial bacteria in these patients have been replaced by all sorts of pathogens." She goes on to state that many 'harmful' pathogens exist in every patient...however in those with a healthy balance of gut flora the pathogens are not a problem. It is when the balance is off that the pathogens are able to reap havoc on the body, such as in cases of autism, ADD, or ADHD. She goes on to recommend fermented foods, a very small amount of probiotic increased over time, and a bacteria friendly diet as ways to begin recovery. This article cements my belief that the health of our bodies are so amazingly linked to the balance of healthy flora present. Victoria LaFont is the owner of Kentucky Roots Market. You can contact her at kentuckyrootsmarket@riseup.net.