What have toxins got to do with a child's behaviour?
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, over time, 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 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.
The majority of modern homes has a vast array of synthetic chemicals. It is relatively undeniable that the majority of homes have cleaning products, personal care products and fragrances, sadly many are synthetic rather than therapeutic essential oils.
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]
Here are a few suggestions on how to lessen a child's exposure to synthetic chemicals in the environment.
Clean up your home environment
- Use bicarbonate of soda and vinegar to clean the house, avoid all 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 little goes 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.
- Avoid synthetic drier sheets. Learn how to make your own dryer balls.
- 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.
The list may seem long but just removing some synthetic chemicals can make a difference to home air quality. The sheer number of products on the market mean that children today are exposed to many smells and synthetic chemicals. It is wise simply to be aware and take whatever empowering actions you can.
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.
Tags: autism, bacteria, sugar, toxins, synthetic chemicals, candida, learning difficulties
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