Gastro-intestinal issues and ASD

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A number of people have mentioned gastro-intestinal problems on other threads, so thought I would start a dedicated thread. Until I went on Prozac I was plagued with dyspepsia on a daily basis, which I put down entirely to anxiety, caused by having to deal with people. I was an expert on indigestion treatments and in frequent pain. Does anyone know if any research has been done on this link, because it seems common?

I used prozac , but only as an antidepressant .
Not sure if it helped me with digestion .
But gluten free diet surely did .

I was a bit unclear, there. I meant that the Prozac lessens the anxiety, which causes the dyspepsia.

Digestion problems are common with anxiety. I would say that digestion problems are not directly related to autism but that most autistics have high anxiety.

I have GERD and other digestive trouble.

I have an autoimmune disease that effects my digestion, and I've read that there may be a link between autoimmune diseases and autism. One of the guys that goes to the clinic I do for treatment (my disease requires IV infusions of medication) I think is on the spectrum.

Hmm... Interestingly, I'm a female autistic with anxiety, and I have no digestive issues.

Yeah, I officially have moderate-to-severe illeo-colonic Crohns. I do self injections for it. I use lexapro for my anxiety issues.

There's quite a bit of research on autism and digestive disorders. Folks with ASD have been found to carry different intestinal flora, which interestingly impacts their neurotransmitter levels and anxiety - your gut is full of nerve tissue, and has been characterized as almost like a second brain. There are feedback loops in both directions in the gut-brain axis that are affected by ASDs. I have tried about a dozen antidepressants and can't tolerate them, so that's not an option for me. I've been on a like number of anti-anxiety meds and they likewise cause me more harm than help. However I do supplement with omega-3 oils in the form of chia seeds, ground flax seed, and fish oil capsules, and these help with my chronic gut and joint inflammation. I've had duodenal and stomach spasms and inflammation since I was a kid and then almost 30 years ago I had intestinal surgery that aggravated those. I stay away from sugar, starch, and gluten (primarily ketogenic diet) and this helps some too. Probiotics and prebiotics were recommended to me and I took them for a long time, but I finally realized they weren't making a difference.

I have had unexplained chronic gastrointestinal issues for a while now. I have really bad nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, and I can literally taste acid coming up my esophagus. I am now on a chewable probiotic as well as a medication known as Pepcid, and they seem to be helping. It is really annoying though! I have wondered if anxiety is the cause, but I have been much more anxious at other times and I never had gastro issues. I’m still not sure. I am seeing the doctor again this week though.

StampySquiddyFan
Post subject: Re: Gastro-intestinal issues and ASD Reply with quote
I have had unexplained chronic gastrointestinal issues for a while now. I have really bad nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, and I can literally taste acid coming up my esophagus. I am now on a chewable probiotic as well as a medication known as Pepcid, and they seem to be helping. It is really annoying though! I have wondered if anxiety is the cause, but I have been much more anxious at other times and I never had gastro issues. I’m still not sure. I am seeing the doctor again this week though.
Post Posted: 20 Nov 2017, 03:41



Before I managed to lessen my anxiety with Prozac I also had serious acid reflux. Changes to diet didn't seem to get rid of it and the only thing that did work was Omeprazole, because it inhibits acid production, rather than trying to neutralize the acid like most antacids do. With most antacids you simply produce an acid-rebound, because your body fights back. For me, anxiety was THE cause of digestive troubles.

^^^^^^I am seeing a psychiatrist in December to be prescribed an anxiety medication, so hopefully that will stop this, if anxiety is the root cause. I also have excessive mouth watering, and I don't know why that would happen. It isn't fun going to school like this. Thank you for your reply. I hope I can find something that works!

I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Incontinence and I need to take medication for the IBS and I need to wear adult diapers for the incontinence 24 hours a day 7 days a week. My family doctor tells me that many Autistics lack a certain enzyme in their intestines to properly digest food so this is a very common link with Autistics.

_________________
*** High Functioning Autism - Asperger's Syndrome ***

ADHD, OCD, and PTSD.

Keep calm and stim away.

Not only have I had GI issues but everyone in my family does too, NT or otherwise. I do find it interesting that so many people here have the same types of problems I do.

I had a lot of problems with cramps or constipation when I was a teenager. For a while, tried treating it as possible lactose intolerance.

As an adult, the symptoms haven't been as severe, but often feel bloated after certain foods.

I've recently switched to using Gluten Free bread which I think is helping.

Autism studies hampered by lack of reliable test for gut problems