As researchers gain a better understanding of Autism and what exactly causes it, more and more evidence suggests that toxins and certain nutrient deficiencies play a major role. When the body is inundated with toxins and is incapable of clearing them out, severe damage is caused to the cells, immune function and neurological system. This is especially important during the developmental stages in the womb as well as the early years of a child’s life.
The importance of key antioxidants and nutrients is emphasized by a pilot study done by researchers at Stanford University in 2012. The study looked at 33 children with Autism over a 12 week period. Roughly half were given a daily dose of NAC (N-acetylcysteine) while the others were given a placebo. The study was trying to determine the effect NAC would have on behavioral symptoms associated with children with Autism. Results proved their theory correct, the children being given daily doses of NAC had significantly improved scores on the irritability ABC sub-score. [ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22342106 ]
So What Is NAC?
N-acetylcysteine is a powerful antioxidant that has far reaching health benefits due to its ability to enhance the body’s natural Glutathione synthesis. Enhancing the detoxifying capabilities of the body with key nutrients capable of crossing the blood brain barrier has profound benefits for neurological development. Many of the behavioral symptoms associated with Autism are due to an imbalance in the brains natural chemistry. By balancing this chemistry, detoxifying the brain and providing the cells with the nutrients they crave you not only improve brain health and development, but mood as well. Resulting in less tantrum-like outbursts and improving the ability of a child with ASD to cope with changes in their routine and environment.
Importance of Natural Alternatives
A common treatment for children with Autism is an antipsychotic drug known as risperidone. However a recent study done by researchers at Shiraz University found that NAC + risperidone had far more positive effects than the use of risperidone alone. Decreasing irritability in children with ASD. [ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23886027 ]
Due to the constant stream of information outlining how harmful many pharmaceutical drugs are, natural alternatives are often prefered. This is why NAC deserves a place in the spotlight. As a natural, safe treatment for improving behavioral symptoms of children and adults with Autism. Naturally improving antioxidant levels, detoxing capabilities and heavy metal chelation in the body, significantly improving cognitive health and function. This is true for everyone, regardless of their medical condition, but it is especially important for individuals with ASD due to their vulnerability to environmental toxins.
Many people take offence when the words “treat autism” are put together. However when we talk about it in this article we are not talking about trying to cure Autism, it is not an affliction. We are simply talking about improving the overall health of individuals with compromised immune functions and an imbalance in brain chemistry. The preliminary studies have yielded extremely positive results and call for further, more elaborate studies done on antioxidants and ASD.
About Jeffrey Sutton
Jeffrey Sutton is the founder of GlutathionePRO and is a regular contributor to numerous health resources. Dedicated to the importance of natural health and improving quality of life. Author of the book “The Master Antioxidant Glutathione”.
Opinions expressed by Autism Daily Newscast Contributors are their own.