Autism and herbal supplements

Many children with autism related conditions have Candida yeast or bacteria overgrowth in the gut. The disruption in the gut can directly affect the nerves located nearby. For yeast, the best results tend to come with using one of the enzyme product specifically designed for yeast. Yeast-targeting enzymes contain much higher amounts of fiber-digesting enzymes (like cellulases) to break down the outer cell walls of yeast cells. The product should also contain a high level of proteases to further clear out pathogenic yeast and reduce any die-off reactions. Parents find that combining a yeast-targeting enzyme with an herbal supplement such like that has yeast control properties is more effective than either alone. There appears to be a pronounced synergistic effect. Grapefruit seed extract and oregano are two herbs often combined with enzymes for yeast control. find more about herbal supplements at Herbal Nutrition Network.

Emerging research is finding many children with autism have underlying persistent viral infections. Viruses are notoriously hard to control and there are few options. When viruses are addressed, children show some permanent improvements in language, socialization, behavior, and cognitive ability. Several autism specialists are turning to Valtrex, a prescription anti-viral medication providing good results. Another alternative is ViraStop, a specialty blend of enzymes used between meals at higher, therapeutic doses (12 to 15 capsules per day). Two preliminary investigations with ViraStop resulted in a program that can bring excellent results. Combining this with other supplements having anti-viral properties, such as olive leaf extract, vitamin C, or monolaurin, increases the effectiveness against viruses. The high success of enzymes with autism and gut problems is probably because enzymes work on several areas at the same time. Enzymes actually deal with and heal underlying problems, such as healing a leaky gut, not just help control symptoms. Even though not all my son’s sensory problems disappeared completely, the head-banging finally stopped, he became much more social, his grades improved, and his general anxiety went away.

Autistic Drug Treatment

There are no psychiatric medications for “autism,” but there are many psychiatric medications used for treating specific symptoms often found in autism, such as aggression, self-injury, anxiety, depression, obsessive/compulsive disorders, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  These medications generally function by altering the level of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain.  There is no medical test to determine if a particular medication is called for; the decision is based on the psychiatrist’s evaluation of the patient’s symptoms.  This is a “trial and error” approach, as dosages need to be adjusted differently for each person, and one medication may be ineffective or have negative effects while others are helpful.   This info has nothing to do with what Residential drug rehab does.

For some classes of drugs the doses which are successful for reducing symptoms, such as aggression or anxiety, are much lower for those with autism than for normal people.  For the SSRI drugs, such as Prozac (Fluoxetine), Zoloft (Sertraline), and other and other antidepressants, the best dose may be only one-third of the normal starting dose. Too high a dose may cause agitation or insomnia.  If agitation occurs, the dose must be lowered. The low dose principle also applies to all drugs in the atypical or third generation antipsychotic drug class, such as Risperdal (Risperidone).  The effective dose will vary greatly between individuals.  Start low and use the lowest effective dose.  Other classes of drug, such as anticonvulsants, will usually require the same doses that are effective in normal individuals.

Psychiatric medications; by Drug Treatment Center e.g; are widely used to treat the symptoms of autism, and they can be beneficial to many older children and adults.  However, there are concerns over their use.  There is relatively little research on their use for children with autism.  There are almost no studies on the long-term effects of their use, especially for the newer medications, and there is a concern that their long-term use in children may affect their development.  They treat the symptoms, but not the underlying biomedical causes of autism.  One must balance risk versus benefit. A drug should have an obvious positive effect to make it work the risk.  In order to observe the effect of a drug, do not start a drug at the same time as you start some other Drug Treatment and do not quit until the treatment achieve significant results.

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