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From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with AutismAuthor: Ryan Sumner
I'm Ryan, and I have Autism. From the Spectrum is a podcast about Autism. I am on a mission to explain a likely cause of Autism. Autism suddenly shows up in human evolution, and it seems to be a biological adaption (neuroplasticity) to an environmental change used by living organisms for life- light. Maybe, people fail to understand how living organisms use the energy from light to drive biochemistry. In addition, I want to explain Autism. I use various scientific literature, personal experiences, and opinion. With opinion, I will explain why I feel the way I do, and give examples. I will provide links to various references for each episode. For each episode, we will discuss various aspects of Autism. Lastly, thank you for listening to From the Spectrum podcast.X: https://twitter.com/rps47586Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrumemail: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Dr. Kenda Rigdon: The Gut's Microbial Ecosystem, Yeast, Melanin, Birth, & Development
Episode 73
Monday, 18 August, 2025
My guest today is Dr. Kenda Rigdon. Dr. Rigdon is a microbiologist with a PhD in microbiology and virology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Drawing from her expertise, she explores how the gut’s microbial ecosystem—comprising bacteria, yeast like Candida and Malassezia, and other microbes—interacts with genetic and epigenetic factors to influence Autism. Dr. Rigdon highlights the critical role of the birthing process, particularly how vaginal delivery seeds a newborn’s gut with beneficial microbes like lactobacillus, setting the stage for healthy development in the first three years. She also delves into how yeast overgrowth, nutrient competition (e.g., for tryptophan), and environmental factors like manganese and glyphosate exposure can disrupt this delicate ecosystem, potentially exacerbating autism-related symptoms.Dr. Rigdon shares insights into the surprising links between melanin, Neanderthal DNA, and Autism. She discusses how specific genetic mutations, such as MTHFR and PAI1, can intersect with Autism. Additionally, she connects melanin production—potentially influenced by gut yeast like Malassezia—to neurological health, drawing parallels with conditions like Parkinson’s. By viewing the gut as a dynamic ecosystem shaped by birth, diet, and early development, this episode offers a fresh perspective on Autism’s microbial roots and practical implications for health, urging listeners to reconsider modern birthing practices and dietary choices in fostering a balanced gut microbiome.Dr. Rigdon X https://x.com/KendaRigdonDaylight Computer Companyuse "autism" for $25 off athttps://buy.daylightcomputer.com/RYAN03139Chroma Iight Devicesuse "autism" for 10% discount athttps://getchroma.co/?ref=autism0:00 Dr. Kenda Rigdon1:14 Journey into Microbiology4:08 The Gut's Ecosystem8:21 Genetics, Autism, & The Microbial Connection13:08 MTHFR & PAI1: Homocysteine, Methionine, Folate20:21 The Role of Yeast in Health & Disease; Serotonin, Candida26:39 The Fight for Tryptophan31:14 Impact of Birthing Method on Gut Health (!)33:13 Modern versus Evolutionary Births, Breastfeeding; Oxygen, Acidity, PH37:15 Melanin, Cell Protection, Neanderthal DNA, Autism40:46 Neuromelanin; Biological Energy, Melanocytes43:20 Neanderthal's & Modern Disease & Environments47:23 Microbes in the Brain53:21 Manganese & Gut Health58:22 Gut-Brain Connection & Microbial Balance01:03:19 Early Gut Health & Development; Modern Insults01:07:21 Future Direction in Gut Health & Kenda's Passion & LoveX: https://x.com/rps47586YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuAemail: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com