Question 1

What is Gut Balancing?

Accepted Answer

Gut Balancing is a 10 week microbiome modulation 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.

Question 2

Who is Gut Balancing for?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with suspected dysbiosis may find microbiome modulation helpful, and may enroll in the program, but Gut Balancing is particularly targeted toward children at least 3 years of age and adults under guardianship with moderate to severe autism seeking improved gut health, regulation, and symptom burden.

Question 3

How can gut health affect autism and behavior?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Do I need to stop other supplements / medications?

Accepted Answer

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. Vitamins and minerals (including Mineral Balancing) are compatible, as well as mitochondrial supports, fish oils, nutraceuticals like NAC; if you are unsure just ask!

Question 5

How do food and dietary changes fit into the plan?

Accepted Answer

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. For further guidance on diet, consider adding mineral balancing, as this comes with recommendations on how to balance the body's oxidation rate (speed of metabolism).

Question 6

How long does it usually take to see changes?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

We have already been working on the gut, is this worth doing?

Accepted Answer

While gut health is often a big focus in the autism-biomed world, many times it gets done incorrectly. Most doctors are using stool tests which do not show the overall balance of the microbiome and urine tests which only focus on certain metabolites, but it is possible to have dysbiosis that gets missed on these tests. Many are also using antibiotics and broad-spectrum antimicrobials, which is against the philosophy of microbiome modulation/gut balancing. In gut balancing we look at all the bacterial genera and relationships and use precision supplementation to increase or decrease what needs to be adjusted. Supplements are chosen carefully in order to not cause further harm. It is understood that probiotics are a tool, not a fallback for broad killing.

Question 8

What is the total cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Frequently asked questions