FAQ for Gut Balancing
What is Gut Balancing?
Gut Balancing is a 10 week program developed by Alex Zaharakis that uses 16s stool testing to see the relative abundances of bacteria, and uses targeted herbs, prebiotics, and probiotics to shift the microbiome to a more favorable state, often improving clinical outcomes for children with autism.
Who is Gut Balancing for?
Gut Balancing is for children at least 3 years of age and adults under guardianship with moderate to severe autism seeking improved gut health, regulation, and symptom burden.
How can gut health affect autism and behavior?
Pain from constipation or gut inflammation can greatly contribute to meltdowns, aggression, and self-injurious behavior. Beyond this, gut health can influence autism and behavior through the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication pathway linking the gastrointestinal system to the brain via neural, immune, hormonal, and metabolic signals. Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience gut microbiota imbalances (dysbiosis) and gastrointestinal issues, which research associates with altered production of key neurotransmitters (like serotonin, largely made in the gut), inflammatory responses, and microbial metabolites that affect brain function. These changes may contribute to behavioral symptoms such as social difficulties, repetitive behaviors, irritability, or emotional regulation challenges.
How long does it usually take to see changes?
Most people see improvements in their first 6 weeks, sometimes sooner. Personally, with my son, we saw increased frequency of bowel movements within the first couple of days, and greatly reduced negative behaviors in 2 weeks. Many people continue to see improvements through their 3rd round and beyond. As everyone might respond differently, results cannot be guaranteed. Of parents surveyed in Alex's gut balancing program, 94% saw at least some improvement.
How do food and dietary changes fit into the plan?
Dietary changes are not required for Gut Balancing, nor are restricted diets generally recommended. Often the reason people find they need to avoid certain foods (including cases of pickiness) is ultimately due to dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability (aka "leaky gut"). After sufficient gut balancing and healing, picky individuals may find an expanded taste and sensitive individuals may find reduced reactivity.
Do I need to stop other supplements / medications?
Please talk to your doctor regarding any medications. Gut Balancing is not compatible if you are actively taking antibiotics or antifungals, as this will interfere with our efforts to shift the microbiome in a particular way. It is best to wait at least 3 months after you have stopped antibiotics/antifungals to start Gut Balancing. Regarding other supplements, these will need to be disclosed on your intake form and they can be considered on a case by case basis. Do not introduce new things around the time of taking the test (within a week). It is not necessary to stop taking things unless you are taking antimicrobial agents. Taking components like Biocidin is not compatible with this program.
What countries do you serve?
As long as you are able to order and send back a Biomesight stool test, and purchase supplements such as herbs, prebiotics, and probiotics, we can work it out. Researched Elements products only can be shipped to the United States, and Fullscript ships to the US and Canada, but we can find alternatives. Email me about finding a time that work for us both for the consultation call if time zone is a concern; alternatively that part can be done over email as well.
What is the total cost?
In addition to your package price, each stool test costs $130 USD with my coupon code. Supplement prices may vary, but could be at most $1000. These will often last longer than just the 10 week protocol, and may be used again in future rounds if you choose to continue.