There is a lot of stigma around autism. Mostly because not everyone knows what autism looks like, and they have curiosity and speculation.
What is Autism?
Let us explain the term from a medical and then from a psychological standpoint. Autism is a lifetime development disorder that typically affects a child and carries out throughout adult life. Psychologically it can affect the cognitive mind and can affect emotional, social, and physical health, causing difficulty in communication, learning, and socializing. It can give rise to other psychological disorders like OCD [obsessive compulsive disorder] or ADHD [Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder].
Causes And Treatment Of Autism
Now, another question that we often hear is, what causes autism? Now, there isn’t any definite reason which can tell us what causes such disorders. Most researchers have found the cause to be genetic, but there can be non-genetic, environmental factors as well. When it comes to treatment, recognizing the early symptoms and getting the child into therapy can be a lot helpful. A child suffering from autism doesn’t automatically have to be ostracized from society. They can lead a normal life! One of the other treatments which have been helpful in the past is food supplements.
How Can Food Supplements Help Autism?
Children and adults with autism are known to have gastrointestinal conditions, trouble sleeping, and fatigue. When someone suffers from autism spectrum disorder, they need to have a lot of vitamins and minerals in their body. Therefore, their diet needs to be comprehensive, covering all the key nutrients but in larger quantities.
Now, a diet might not hold all these nutrients, and thus, doctors prescribe nutrients that have been tried and tested for patients with autism.
Helpful Supplements For Autism
Here are some of the supplements that should be incorporated into the everyday diet of an autism patient.
1. Melatonin For Sleep
One of the common symptoms that are seen among autistic children is the lack of sleep. There could be many things that are affecting their sleeping patterns, like obsessive behavior, anxiety, and hypertension.
Melatonin supplements or food items are the means of giving the melatonin hormone, which causes sleep to the body. Now food items like nuts can naturally produce melatonin, but doctors can also recommend a supplement.
2. Vitamin D For Cognitive Behavior
Studies have shown that vitamin D can exponentially help someone suffering from ASD by reacting with the cognitive brain. There have been experiments where researchers have seen a phenomenal change among patients. These changes have been noted in terms of their repetitive movements, hyperactivity, irritability, and social withdrawal.
Doctors also prescribe Vitamin D3 as a supplement to autism Spectrum Disorder.
3. Probiotics For The Stomach
Other than the cognitive brain, which is always on hyper-alert because of the condition, ASD patients also suffer from gastritis issues. Thus, probiotics are a very good food supplement to add to their diet. Doctors may test the problem first among these children and recommend doses of Bacteroides fragilis probiotic.
They are known to improve gut barrier integrity and even get some of the people with the same amount of work as before.
4. Oxytocin For Socializing
This is a natural chemical produced in the cognitive brain, and this induces our social behavior. Yes, it is true that some children have more oxytocin than others. However, it is significantly low among the people who suffer from this condition.
Giving a prescribed dose of oxytocin to children and adults has resulted in them showing mild changes in their social behavior.
5. Omega 3 For Brain Muscle
The brain and sensory organs are the two major body parts affected by this disease. This is one of the reasons why doctors are always recommending food items or supplements which can help in their development. Children with Autism already have a deficiency of omega-three and fatty acids. This is the reason why people suffering from these disorders have a dysfunctionality in their brains.
This nutrient can be incorporated into your diet through natural sources of omega-three supplements. You will not be able to see any drastic change but can ensure that the right food supplement is reaching the brain.
6. Vitamin B6 & Magnesium
Our body secretes an enzyme called the PLP enzyme, which is responsible for the release of dopamine in our brain. Unfortunately, the PLP enzyme of an autism-affected brain loses its ability a little. However, this can be activated with the intake of Vitamin B6. On the other hand, magnesium helps in the proper functioning of our brain’s muscles. Plus, magnesium deficiency is also common in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
They are often taken together for the magnesium to counteract some of Vitamin B6’s side effects. Magnesium can be found in green leafy vegetables and even whole grains, so medical supplements are not always required.
7. Sulforaphane
Autism is a strange disease. It is probably the only disease which can be improved with fever. Thus, you need Sulforaphane for the ASD patient because they are known to have the properties which can trigger fever. It can be naturally found in vegetables like broccoli and brussel sprouts. At the same time you can also find Sulforaphane supplements which can be extracted from these green vegetables itself.
After a study, it is seen that more than 65% of patients have been able to get better after taking a daily dose of Sulforaphane. However, before you put the patient under this supplement positively consult a medical professional. This is because excessive fever with the purpose to improve might not be great.
Supplements To Ease Their Life!
There you have it, Autism spectrum vitamins and supplements that can help in the treatment of Autism, along with regular cognitive behavioral therapy. When we talk about the doses, it is advised to talk to a medical professional and get some tests done. Do not take any of these supplements without talking to a doctor.
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