As a developmental disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) implies a systemic, multidimensional, and interrelated set of symptoms that continuously affect individuals throughout their lives. As a result, many individuals with ASD require ongoing medical support. 

The gut microbiome might well hold the largest unexploited treasure trove of new discoveries for human health—and the first steps toward unlocking the microbiome’s secrets have proven to be immensely promising. In recent years, a flurry of new research has shed light on the possibility the gut microbiome holds the key to effective treatment of a broad range of health conditions due to its multidimensional role in key physiological processes

As a first-line treatment for cancer, chemotherapy saves the lives of countless individuals who wouldn’t otherwise survive their illness. At the same time, it is one of the most feared treatments in medicine because of its destructive and wide-ranging side effects. I

For individuals who don’t have a gastrointestinal disorder, gut health is rarely a priority. In fact, many fail to consider the wellbeing of their gastrointestinal system at all, particularly when it is overshadowed by the more ostensibly pressing concerns of supporting the health of their brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. However, the importance of gut health is difficult to overstate because it directly impacts the health of all other of the body’s organ systems.

Every time someone eats a hamburger, there’s a risk they’re exposing themselves to a substance that might cause or exacerbate autism—so major food companies, like McDonald’s, are scrambling to pull it from their products. The substance is calcium propionate, and a growing body of scientific literature suggests that limiting exposure to it is critical to protecting health.

Most individuals have likely encountered these instructions at some point when using nutritional supplements. Many assume such directives are aimed at preventing gastrointestinal discomfort, and sometimes that is true.

Even when taking medication, individuals suffering from Crohn’s disease shoulder a heavy burden of symptoms and side effects that can significantly reduce their quality of life. In addition to the physically uncomfortable symptoms associated with Crohn’s, individuals often experience self-consciousness, anxiousness, and even depression as they struggle to cope with the disease’s impact. 

Autism spectrum disorder drastically shapes the lives of patients and caregivers, often presenting challenges that greatly compromise quality of life.

Although oxidative stress might not be the most dangerous form of cellular damage, individuals should still take measures to protect themselves. And while oxidative stress has long been recognized as a part of many pathologies, newer perspectives have begun to see the utility of nutritional supplements for oxidative stress as a means of symptom management. 

Individuals with health issues ranging from autism to epilepsy are increasingly experimenting with dietary supplementation of gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), one of the body’s most important neurotransmitters.