Irregularity can cause all of us to feel grumpy once in a while. But for the 1 in 59 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, chronic digestive issues and irritability can be an ongoing problem. Thanks to this Houston Style Magazine article, parents now know that daily Sunfiber intake may help.
The article describes a pilot study in which 13 autistic children, ranging in age from four to nine years old, were given 6 grams of Sunfiber daily. By the end of the first week, all the children experienced some constipation relief. They went from defecating once or twice a week to being able to go two to four times a week. Their irritability – measured on a standardized scale – also improved significantly.
Nutritional biochemist Shawn Talbott, Ph.D. explains the gut/brain connection between a healthy gut microbiome and mood. “What your gut tells your brain – and vice versa – is part of what scientists call the gut/brain axis. The good bacteria (probiotics) in your gut create most of the serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters responsible for your mood.”
He adds, “Ten years ago, if researchers had told their universities they wanted to give fiber to address symptoms of autism, they would have been laughed out of the room.” Yet today, this is a promising area of clinical research.
Adding Sunfiber to children’s diets is simple because it doesn’t alter the taste, consistency or aroma of food and beverages. Here are more tips for increasing children’s soluble fiber intake.
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