My child needs a good basic nutrition & supplement program for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). What do you recommend?
Since the link between poor GI health and ASD is very strong, you should start by healing the gut. In order to do this, remove common allergens from the diet; this gives the GI tract a chance to rest and repair. Just as a construction crew cannot fix a highway as cars and traffic zoom by, the gut cannot heal itself without stopping the bombardment of aggravating foods. Gluten (found in wheat, oats, rye, barley, etc.), casein (dairy), soy, corn, citrus, yeast, sugar, sweeteners, colors, MSG, & other flavors and fillers are the most common allergenic foods for those with ASD. You may choose to have your child tested to find out if other foods should be removed. Also, your child will need nutritional supplements to aid in gut healing and brain health. Below is a list of our most popular and effective supplements, organized into categories.
Probiotics
Genestra HMF Neuro Probiotics are identical to those in humans and therefore very effective
at implanting and colonizing. Glutamine helps with
gut tissue healing. (dairy and gluten free).
HMF Intensive capsules are for those who want a Probiotic with no FOS, and no
glutamine (dairy and gluten free)
Vitamins/Minerals
Why Important: Vitamins and minerals
replenishes missing nutrients needed to facilitate healthy brain
function and behavior.
Since most ASD kids have poor diets and are highly deficient in many
nutrients, children have ranging mild to dramatic improvements often
within days or a couple of weeks of taking , as their body
becomes nourished.
- Note:
During first few months of treatment, if
intestinal health is very poor (leaky gut, yeast, colitis), taking
vitamins & minerals could make symptoms worse since they are not
properly absorbed and leak into the bloodstream. Be sure to be using
Probiotics, Enzymes, and Omega 3s either in tandem or for a
couple months prior. Gradually work up to the full serving dose
after intestines have had some time to heal.
B-6 (P5P) Plus Magnesium (50mg P5P &
100mg Mag Gly)
- Why Important: Taking
“megadoses” of P5P
(a form of Vit B-6) and Magnesium have shown tremendous behavioral
benefit in many children. P5P is about 5x more absorbable than
Vit. B-6 pyridoxine, thus 50mg P5P may equal about 250mg B-6.
- Dosing: Take 1.6mg P5P per pound body
weight (or 8mg Vit
B-6 p/lb).
To find the amount that works best, experiment with increasing dosages
using the smallest amount to show benefit. Relax Factors can be
taken in addition to ASDplex since some kids do well on these larger
amounts of P5P & magnesium.
Enzymes
- Digest Gluten Plus and Digest Dairy Plus
Why Important:
helps break down any small amounts of gluten & casein
ingested in diet so it has minimum effect on behavior and destruction of
intestinal lining). Enzymes should be taken in addition to,
not in place of probiotics. Dose: 1-2 with each meal or snack. -
Omega
3s – Fish Oils/Essential Fatty Acids (choose one)
Omega 3’s are the body’s natural anti-inflammatory nutrient.
They work
throughout the whole body such as for intestinal repair, immune function
& brain health. They also make up a part of every cell. Those listed are all excellent quality (free of toxins, PCBs and heavy metals), and very good tasting.
Dose: 1-5 teaspoons per day (either straight off the spoon or mixed
into smoothie or applesauce).
Amino Acids
- Pro Rice
Developed specifically for kids and adults with amino acid
imbalances. Why Important: Promotes intestinal
repair and behavioral improvements by correcting amino acid imbalances
&
protein deficiencies.
Other Suggestions
Blend All Your Kid’s Daily Nutrients into a Smoothie!
Mix 1
tsp
vitamin powder with water (or coconut, almond or rice milk), ½ tsp. HMF Neuro, and 1+ tsp. Omega 3s. Blend & drink! (you may also open any other capsules or
add in other supplements into smoothie. Experiment to see what your child will take.) |
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