Treating yeast overgrowth in children with autism can be tricky. In this final installment of my three-part video series on How Yeast Overgrowth Affects Children with Autism, I’m providing you with an overview of treatment options for yeast overgrowth including both prescription medications and natural treatments.
If you haven’t already, check out part one and two of my How Yeast Overgrowth Affects Children with Autism video series to learn the Signs and Symptoms of yeast overgrowth and what Testing Options are available if you suspect a yeast overgrowth is at the root cause of your child’s issues.
Prescription Medication Yeast Overgrowth Treatment Options
- Nystatin: This is a prescription anti-fungal medication used to treat yeast overgrowth. Nystatin is an inexpensive drug that’s available at most pharmacies and is usually covered by insurance.
- Advantages: Nystatin is typically well-tolerated with very few side effects or drug interactions. This drug acts locally, which is beneficial for localized treatments of yeast overgrowth like intestinal yeast or oral thrush.
- Disadvantages: Because nystatin only works locally it won’t be as effective for more widespread or severe yeast overgrowth.
- Fluconazole (Diflucan): Women might recognize Diflucan because it is commonly used to treat vaginal yeast infections. When it’s used for yeast overgrowth in children, the treatment protocol is often a lower dosage over multiple days. Diflucan is an inexpensive drug that’s available at most pharmacies and is usually covered by insurance.
- Advantages: Diflucan is a strong medication that can treat widespread and more severe yeast infections by readily penetrating into tissues. This makes it especially good for treating skin infections, for example, associated with candida.
- Disadvantages: Diflucan is processed by the liver. While your child is on Diflucan their liver function should be monitored through lab work. Because Diflucan is processed by the liver, there is also a higher potential for drug interactions.
Natural Yeast Overgrowth Treatment Options
- Probiotics: A probiotic approach is a rebalancing approach that uses good yeast to balance out the bad yeast causing some of your child’s problems. Probiotics are most effective when used to treat mild to moderate cases of yeast overgrowth.
- Saccharomyces Boulardii (S. Boulardii): This common source of good yeast can help balance out the bad yeast. It is great for treating mild to moderate infections. S. Boulardii comes in capsules which can also be emptied into food.
Need help getting your child with autism to swallow pills? Check out my video 3 Tips for Teaching Your Child How to Swallow Pills.
- Saccharomyces Boulardii (S. Boulardii): This common source of good yeast can help balance out the bad yeast. It is great for treating mild to moderate infections. S. Boulardii comes in capsules which can also be emptied into food.
- Herbs: Yeast can morph and change as time progresses, making it very tricky to treat. That’s why it’s essential to evolve your yeast treatment to align with the yeast’s evolution by rotating the herbs and medications you’re using every few weeks.
- Caprylic acid: This is a fatty acid found in coconut oil. Studies have shown that caprylic acid is effective in treating some candida infections.
- Pau d’arco: This herb comes from the pau d’arco tree that originates in the Amazon rainforest. Pau d’arco can be bought in capsule form, tinctures, and as a tea.
- Black walnut: Black walnut is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter yeast treatments. It can also be purchased in a concentrated form.
- Caprylic acid: This is a fatty acid found in coconut oil. Studies have shown that caprylic acid is effective in treating some candida infections.
- Enzymes: Biofilm is a collection of microorganisms that create a sticky mucus where yeast can hide (think dental plaque). Enzymes help herbs penetrate the biofilm and kill the yeast overgrowth.
- Essential oils
- Oil of Oregano: It’s important to note that oil of oregano is different than oregano essential oil. Oil of oregano is a much safer option than oregano essential oil, the latter of which is very potent.
- Thyme: Thyme is commonly included in yeast treatment formulations due to its effectiveness in the management of yeast and other fungal infections.
- Oil of Oregano: It’s important to note that oil of oregano is different than oregano essential oil. Oil of oregano is a much safer option than oregano essential oil, the latter of which is very potent.
Use Natural Remedies Safely
Remember, just because a product or remedy is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Before you begin any treatment plan you should thoroughly research the product to make sure you’re using it safely.
Whenever possible, I suggest consulting with a knowledgeable functional medicine provider or naturopath who knows how to use these probiotics, herbs, enzymes, and oils safely across age groups.
Find a Local ProviderYeast overgrowth can be a big problem for kids with autism. This video series was designed to help you identify the signs and symptoms, complete the right tests, and develop an informed treatment plan so you can start seeing results fast.
Be gentle with yourself. You’re doing a great job.
I hope this information has been helpful to you as part of creating Your Autism Game Plan.
Do you have a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email me at joya@yourautismgameplan.com.
