Autism and a healthy gut

Creating a pathway for a healthy gut has received a lot of attention for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specifically, recent studies have been directed at investigating whether increasing fiber and improving gut health can improve communication and other cognitive functions. More work is needed from the scientific community in this area. Below we provide some of the framework behind these suggestions. But first, let’s start with what research is suggesting. 

According to Bibiana Restrepo et al, published for the International Society for Austism Research in 2020, p. 1778, “Children with ASD were three times more likely to experience GI symptoms than typically developing peers. Increased GI symptoms are associated with increased problem behaviors such as sleep problems, self-injury, and body aches. Since GI symptoms are often treatable, it is important to recognize them as soon as possible.” The culprit for GI symptoms and those with ASD may stem from selective eating, diet restrictions or food sensitivities. The link between gut health and autism symptoms has gained momentum at numerous health institutes and universities across the globe. Ongoing studies aim to discover whether improving gut health can lead to improvement in symptoms related to ASD. Gut health requires a delicate balance of healthy gut bacteria. These bacteria can be impacted by both prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics help feed healthy bacteria while probiotics introduce new bacteria to support the gut. Fiber is also used in the gut as a “cleaning tool” to help rid the body of unwanted waste. Soluble fiber and its role as a prebiotic to support the healthy gut bacteria may play a role at improving gut health and regularity.

A peer reviewed article titled “The Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorders” evaluated the role of the gut microbiota in the pathology of ASD. This article suggests that there may be potential interventions within the gut microbiota that may also have therapeutic benefits for those with ASD. Prebiotics have a positive impact on healthy gut bacteria that already exist within our intestinal tract. An additional study published by the International Journal of Molecular Science, “ The Possible Role of Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis Autism Spectrum Disorder” concluded that, “the correlation between changes in distinct bacterial populations and several bacterial metabolites, and the behavioral changes related to ASD warrant further investigations into the microbiota-gut-brain-axis aiming at in-depth examination of mechanisms leading to the pathology of autism”. It remains yet to be unequivocally determined whether dysbiosis is a factor causing ASD, or if the disease is causing the microbial alterations. The mutual correlation between ASD and alterations of microbiota, however, has been undoubtedly confirmed by many animal and human studies.

HyFiber for Kids is a soluble liquid fiber with FOS prebiotics. There are no allergens to consider such as gluten, eggs, dairy, peanuts or nuts. In a small serving of citrus flavored liquid, this can be consumed alone or mixed with your child’s favorite beverage. HyFiber for kids contains six grams of fiber per serving and includes FOS PREBIOTICS to promote intestinal health and bowel regularity for your child. Although the HyFiber product line has been found safe and given all over the world without side effects, always discuss the use of medical food products with your healthcare provider.

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Sources

  • Angel Belle C. Dy, Randi J Hagerman, Ying Han, Qinrui Li. (2017). The Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. 11(120). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5408485/ on 01/03/2021.
  • Bibiana Restrepo, Kathleen Angkustsiri, Sandra L. Taylor, Sally J Rogers, Jacqueline Cabral, Brianna Heath, Alexa Hechtman, Marjorie Solomon, Paul Ashwood, David G. Amaral, Christine Wu Nordahl. (2020). Developmental-behavioral profiles in children with autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring gastrointestinal symptoms. Autism Research: official journal of the International Society for Austism Research. 13(10):1778-1789. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32767543/ on 01/03/2021.
  • M. Hasan Mohajeri, Piranavie Srikantha. (2019). The Possible Role of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis in Austism Spectrum Disorder. International Journal of Molecular Science. May; 20(9): 2115. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6539237/ on 01/03/2021.

How does gut health impact your child?

Parents and children know the phrase “Eat Your Vegetables” and “Drink Your Milk”, but how many of us actually understand the importance of nutrition and what it actually does for our gut? What is gut health?

Gut Health

The gut is a group of organs that are a part of the digestive system. This includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, gallbladder, liver, pancreas and rectum. Gut health is important in all of these areas. Gut health involves digestion of food and healthy bacteria along the lining of the digestive tract. Studies are now focusing on how good gut health can positively impact chronic health conditions and even improve cognitive ability. Two big ingredients that positively impact gut health are fiber, prebiotics. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber helps bring water into the gut, therefore softens the stool. Examples of this in food include apples, carrots, oats/barley, berries and pears. Insoluble fiber helps move the contents of the large intestine along more quickly. Foods high in insoluble fiber include whole grains, broccoli, cauliflower and green beans.

FIBER

Fiber plays a major role in digestion. It keeps your our children’s digestive track moving by adding weight and making stools softer which allows stools to pass more easily. Some studies are taking this a step further and equating a healthy gut to other positive physical and physiological to the children. The physical benefits may be fairly obvious such as a reduction in pain due to constipation and reduction in potty accidents as discussed in another post. While many foods provide natural sources of fiber, 9/10 children do not get enough fiber in their diets. Adults don’t either! A child between the ages of 1-3 should should receive 19 grams of fiber a day and children ages 4-8 should get 25 grams of fiber a day. That is about the same amount as an adult woman should have in one day as well. This is the equivalent of 8 bananas, or 7 cups of blueberries, or 5 large oranges… you get the picture. It is hard for all of us to get in that healthy fiber on a daily basis. The first recommendation for treatment of constipation is increasing daily fiber intake. It can be an uphill battle to obtain that goal, particularly with small children. Not to mention trends in dietary habits of western nations….thanks to the convince of fast food, microwaves, and junk food. Or more accurately, ‘No Thanks’, but that’s the reality of today’s society.

PREBIOTICS AND HEALTHY GUT BACTERIA

Bacteria influence the environment of the gut. About 100 trillion bacteria, both good and bad, live inside your digestive system! Prebiotics and probiotics are available in foods and in health care aisles to help support gut bacteria, but there are important differences between the two. Prebiotics act like food for the growth of good bacteria in our body. Probiotics are living strains of bacteria that add to the population of the good bacteria.

According to the  U.S. Health and Human Services Department , probiotics might help your body maintain a healthy community of microorganisms or help your body’s community of microorganisms and return to a health condition after being disturbed. They may produce substances that have desirable effects, and may influence your body’s immune response as. Probiotics are considered by the FDA as a dietary supplement, and are not regulated. There is little to no oversight into what probiotics are actually in probiotic supplements. Further research is needed to fully understand how to use this supplement for specific causes. If you are interested in learning more about largely unregulated probiotic market, check out this article from Science Direct.  

So why does HyFiber for kids contain prebiotics instead?

Prebiotics are plant fibers that feed the healthy bacteria in our gut and help them grow.

HyFiber for Kids focuses on using FOS (Fructooligosaccharide) prebiotics to help support existing strains of good bacteria in our body. It does not introduce any new strains of bacteria, and only supports the good bacteria already there in your body. HyFiber for Kids is considered a medical food and is approved for use in hospitals and health care facilities in the U.S and numerous countries.

HyFiber for Kids contains important fiber that can help reduce constipation. It comes in a small volume of citrus flavored liquid (a slight orange taste) that can be consumed by itself, with another beverage, and even food! HyFiber for Kids doesn’t only contain fiber like many other products out there. FOS prebiotics are also included to support the healthy bacteria in the gut to promote sustainable, healthy gut environment.

If you are looking for a great article on fiber and prebiotics check out this article published in the National Library of Medicine. 

Want to add a good source of fiber to your child’s diet? Order HyFiber today.

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HyFiber for kids - a good source of fiber

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Potty Training and Accidents

Did you know constipation can lead to urinary accidents?

Potty training accidents are a fact of life. It’s part of the learning process for children. However, if parents are concerned that accidents are occurring frequently despite following the standard recommendations, it may be time to speak with your pediatrician. Your pediatrician may bring up constipation as a cause of accidents. Typically, making sure the child is getting enough fiber in their diet is one of the first recommendations (in addition to plenty of water). This sounds easy at first, but children need up to 20-24 grams of fiber a day.  Below we take a look at what the research says and why fiber is important.

According to an article from the Children’s Hospitals of Los Angeles, “A colon full of poop can put pressure on the bladder and lead to potty accidents”. Source: CH1. Further, it can be tough for kids to distinguish signals from their body whether they need to pee or poop. Constipation isn’t necessarily obvious either. Parents and kids may miss the signs of constipation. For more info on the implications of constipation and potty accidents click here. 

Kids and Constipation

Consider the statistics about constipation and why talking to a pediatrician may be beneficial. 

  • 9 out of 10 children do not receive their recommended fiber intake. source (1.NHIL)
  • Children on average receive only 50% of their daily fiber intake.  source (1.NHIL)
  • Inadequate fiber intake contributes to constipation in children in addition to other health problems (1. NHIL)
  • Constipation can lead to potty training issues. source (2. VW)

Research and pediatricians agree that increasing fiber intake and water is a good way to help children develop regular bowel movements. Most children only receive 50% of their daily fiber intake. (1. NHIL) Over the course of a week a child may be receiving 63 grams of fiber under the recommended intake. That leads to a loss of 3,276 grams of fiber a year. Unfortunately, this is a function of society and western diet habits (1. NHIL). In a society that makes it increasingly difficult to sit down for a homemade meal, it is hard to find high nutritional meals on a regular basis in fast foods or processed foods. Parents also understand that often, kids don’t make it easy to provide well-balanced meals. Picky eaters, vegetables and grains thrown on the floor by the stubborn three year old, frustration and tears- it can be a regular evening for the parents of young children. Whether potty training, treating constipation, or looking to add fiber to your child’s diet, HyFiber for Kids is a safe and effective product.

HyFiber for Kids

HyFiber for Kids is a liquid soluble fiber that also contains healthy prebiotics. HyFiber for Kids is classified as a medical food by the FDA. This means that dosing, effectiveness and safety falls under guidelines supported by the FDA. Most other fiber and probiotic products available are classified as “supplements” and are not regulated as closely. HyFiber for Kids is also not a stimulant or laxative, does not contain chemicals such as PEGs, and is not habit-forming. Six grams of soluble fiber is provided in one tablespoon with no messy mixes or powders in large amounts of water to manage. Most children love the mild orange flavor without added sugars. HyFiber for Kids can be taken on it’s own, and can also easily be added to drinks or foods. When increasing fiber into a child’s diet, start with the recommended dose of one tablespoon or 6 grams of fiber. Children may be able to tolerate up to 12 grams or 2 tablespoons of fiber. Hyfiber for Kids provides gentle relief and can be used to help promote regular bowel movements and it is not a stimulant or laxative. Whether you child takes HyFiber for Kids directly or with their favorite food or beverage, this should be given consistently to have the biggest impact. Remember to discuss starting Hyfiber for Kids with your pediatrician, as it is always important to keep your doctors informed of any changes in bowel or bladder habits.

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Potty Training

What goes in must come out! It’s just a matter of when and where!

A lot goes into potty training. The internet is filled with tips and tricks. However, one item that shouldn’t be overlooked is focusing on what your child eats. This can impact how potty training goes. First let’s look at some research to understand this often overlooked but very important issue. 

What the experts say

  • 9 out of 10 children do not receive their recommended fiber intake. source (1.NHIL)
  • Children on average receive only 50% of their daily fiber intake.  source (1.NHIL)
  • Inadequate fiber intake contributes to constipation in children in addition to other health problems (1. NHIL)
  • Constipation can lead to potty training issues. source (2. VW)
  • Constipation can put pressure on the colon and block signals between the abdomen and colon making it difficult for children to decide if they need to go number one or number two. source (3. Pull)

Solution

Research and pediatricians agree that increasing fiber intake and water is a good way to help children become regular. However, as told above, this simply isn’t happening. The scary thing is most children only receive 50% of their daily fiber intake. (1. NHIL) Think about that!!!  Over the course of a week a child may be receiving 63 grams of fiber under the recommended intake. That’s a whopping 3,276 grams of fiber deficiency a year. Sadly, this is likely a function of society and western diet habits (1. NHIL). In a society that makes it increasingly difficult to find high nutritional meals on a regular basis (fast food, processed foods, soft drinks) consider using HyFiber for kids. If you are looking for a natural way to add soluble fiber to your or child’s diet, consider HyFiber for Kids. When increasing fiber into a child’s diet, remember this is not an overnight fix. This is a pathway over time to help your child become regular. Whether you child takes HyFiber directly or with their favorite food or beverage, this should be done with consistency to have the biggest impact.

Also, check out the resource center to see the other positive benefits of HyFiber for kids. 

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Sources

  1. NHIL World J Gastroenterol. 2016 Aug 14; 22(30): 6864–6875.Published online 2016 Aug 14. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i30.6864 1.NHIL (more on the same topic)Adv Nutr. 2012 Jan; 3(1): 47–53.Published online 2012 Jan 5. doi: 10.3945/an.111.001362
  2. VW https://www.verywellfamily.com/potty-training-problems-not-pooping-on-the-potty-26345493
  3. Pull https://www.pull-ups.com/en-us/potty-training/regression/the-potty-training-enemy-everything-you-need-to-know-about-