Earth Elixir

Autism, often called a spectrum disorder because of its varying degrees of severity,  affects millions of people worldwide, most of them male. The autism label came from American psychiatrist Leo Kanner in 1943. On the autistic spectrum there are ‘higher functioning’ individuals as in Asperger’s syndrome, and savants, who have “special talents.”

The developmental disabilities of Autism impact the individuals’ communication capabilities, resulting in characteristic repetitious body movements, language skill problems, and creates many challenges. There are learning disabilities, hyperactivity, allergies and obsessive behaviour associated with this disorder. In the 1950s parents were blamed for not giving the child enough love.

http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episode/autism-enigma.html

This CBC documentary ‘The Autism Enigma’ on the “Nature of Things” explores the causes of autism gathered from the latest research. In Somalia there is no such thing as autism yet when Somali people move to North America the rate of Autism skyrockets. Autism rates are almost non-existent in Amish and Mennonite communities which live off of the land. Autism rates are higher in cities than in rural country counterparts finally leading to the conclusion that the cause of autism is from toxicity, pollution and poor standard American diet.

Recent evidence suggests that autistic children have a higher than average need for nutrients, due to digestive imbalances that affect absorption of nutrients.[1] Food refusal (a common behavior) and food sensitivities (often an unnoticed problem), puts the group at further risk of nutritional deficiency. Skin conditions are very common along with salt and sugar cravings. Skin conditions are symptoms of allergies. Eliminate allergies so that improvement can take place.

Researchers have found that psychoactive peptides from improperly digested casein and gluten based foods affect brain function negatively in people with autism. Supplement with digestive enzymes like pancreatin,  or take plant enzymes like bromelain and papain before meals to aid digestion, or eat pineapple or papaya where these enzymes come from.

Probiotics are also beneficial for digestion because they add healthy flora.  Improving digestive functioning is crucial while detoxifying other organ systems like the pancreas, kidneys, immune, lymphatic, endocrine, nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Eliminating gluten, dairy and other dietary allergies, intolerances and sensitivities helps take the burden off the immune system and improves symptoms. Toxic bacteria in the digestion tract has a toxic impact on the brain. This area of research holds a promising result.