Autism
Today many children are diagnosed with autism, the increase is remarkable even from twenty years ago. Now, in the USA 1 in 110 children [1], and in the UK, 1 in 100 people [2] are likely to have autism.
Understandably there are many theories on what causes autism, yet I feel it is not one single thing that causes it, rather the dramatic shift in lifestyle and global habits that have contibuted to this conditions increase.
One subject that is touched on, but I feel requires further expansion, is the issue of "Body Burden"
The body's
toxic load can be increased by exposure to synthetic
chemicals, found in household cleaners, personal care
products, air fresheners and foods. The gut is the body's
main detoxification system and a child with autism, invariably, has
a lack of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Thus the toxins can build
up and behaviour can be seen to alter.
Often it can seem like one thing is the trigger but it might just be a subtle, but consistent, exposure to toxins that then reaches a critical level.
Natasha Campbell McBride writes in her, excellent, book 'Gut and Psychology Syndrome' "A well-functioning gut with healthy gut flora holds the roots of our health. And, like a tree with sick roots is not going to thrive, the rest of the body cannot thrive without a well-functioning digestive system." [3]
It is relatively undeniable that, in our lives, and in our homes, there is the prevalence of synthetic chemicals. According to Dr Paula Baillie-Hamilton's book 'The Detox Diet' ..."synthetic chemicals are thought to play a role in a whole range of childhood disorders such as learning difficulties, attention deficit disorder, autism, dyslexia, diabetes, cancer, ezcema, asthma - and the list goes on and on." [4]
Candida albicans is a fungus which is increasingly prevalent in our modern society. We all have it in our gut, yet it is when it gets out of balance that chronic conditions can occur and illness may well result. W. Crook in The Yeast Connection says that ear infections, hyperactivity, behaviour and learning difficulties are problems commonly associated with systemic candida infections. Fortunately Bruce Fife in his book 'The Coconut Oil Miracle' says "It (coconut oil) is very effective against candida and other forms of fungi."
It is somewhat of a 'chicken and egg' scenario, as getting a six year old to detox is a challenge. However there are empowering things that we can do, I would not be so bold as to make a claim that they will solve the issue, but they are my recommendations for a more healthful existence and will address some of the fundamental issues that can contribute to the problem.
Eat real food
Make a point of buying fresh food, fruits and vegetables.
Eat butter not margarine - butter is thought to have components that disables pathogenic viruses [5], such as candida, which can be an issue with autistic children.
Avoid fast foods and packet foods, if humanly possible.
Coconut oil - It has medium chain fatty acids that are reported to kill candida and infections. [6] Can be used for cooking and is an ideal skin moisturiser.
Avoid foods which make 'health claims'!
Soak grains: rice, quinoa, lentils in a water & fresh lemon juice, prior to cooking- aids absorbtion.
Clean up your home environment
Use bicarbonate of soda and vinegar to clean
the house, avoid conventional cleaners.
Label watch! Only use on your skin that which you would be happy to eat! Avoid synthetic chemicals, names you can not pronouce are often a good indicator of a synthetic chemical! Certified organic is worth the money, as a little can go a long way.
Avoid fluoride toothpastes.
Buy organic cotton pyjamas, many conventional nightclothes have been treated with flame retardants!
Cease using artificial air fresheners, candles and perfume sprays.
Open a window to cleanse the air, or use carefully chosen essential oils; a drop of essential oil on a cotton wool pad placed on a wardrobe or bookcase will fragrance a room!
Use an eco-friendly and not artificially scented washing powder, avoid using drier sheets.
Get going with good bacteria
Good bacteria are vital. You can make sauerkraut, its easy! Eat with every meal, it is a great way to start repopulating the gut with good bacteria. If you find it easier to buy it then make sure that it has not been pasteurised and does not contain any synthetic preservatives. Sauerkraut is important, according to Donna Gates (Body Ecology), to consume for a few weeks, prior to taking probiotics.
Beneficial bacteria can help eliminate heavy metals in the body, thus a good quality probiotic is crucial, before and after, any vital medications are administered, such as tetanus injection etc.
Having a working gut is crucial for excretion and detoxification, regular bowel movements is key. I like InLiven or Fast Tract, they are easy to take, and hide in foods!
Onions, leeks, artichokes, bananas are all prebiotic foods, which feed the good bacteria.
Good bacteria love sugar, please limit sugar or exclude if feasible, diet products are not the answer!
Be aware of the 'Herxheimer effect' or die off. That can basically be the period where good bacteria and bad bacteria are fighting and toxins get released into the body, resulting very often in headaches and exacerbated symptoms. Thus START SLOWLY. Rome wasn't built in a day, take it slowly.
Sleep and Relaxation
Stimulation from video games or television is not condusive to a good night's sleep. It is wise to ensure that there is an hour of quiet time before bedtime and that bedtime is appropriate for the age and development of the child.
The body detoxifies at night and restful sleep is worth it.
References
[1] MMWR Surveillance Summaries. December 18, 2009 / Vol. 58 / No. SS-10. Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, United States, 2006
[2] The National Autistic Society. UK. http://www.autism.org.uk/autism
[3] [5] Gut and Psychology Syndrome, Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD, MMedSci(neurology), MMedSci(nutrition).
[4] The Detox Diet, Dr Paula Baillie-Hamilton, Penguin, quoting W. Rea Chemical Sensitivity, vol. 2, Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, Florida, 1994, pp. 1935-2006.
[5] Know Your Fats: The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils, and Cholesterol. Mary G. Enig, Ph.D. p.193 Bethesdapress.com
[6] The Coconut Oil Miracle, Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D. published by Avery.
©Actual Organics 2010