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Sounds Fishy? Maybe Not!
New Research Shows EFA's As Possible Treatment for Autistic Behaviors
Join the Discussion
"My little Elizabeth takes: fish oil, chelated calcium. magnesium, and
zinc; Mega Taurine and a multi. You can sure tell when she doesn't take
them. Mainly the fish oil. She becomes even more noncompliant. I think
these are things her little body truly need!!
Have you tried fish oil?
New research from a biochemist in the United Kingdom is being released
as a possible treatment to fight some of the symptoms of autism. Dr.
Gordon Bell, who is not only a researcher but a father of an Autistic
child as well, believes that fish oils may relieve some of the
behavioral issues Autistic children display. This week Dr. Bell will be
presenting his findings at Stirling University in Scotland.
Dr. Bell bases his theory on studies that children with Autism are
deficient in essential fatty acids. His findings discovered that
two-thirds of these children show this deficiency.
His presentation will include the recommendation that Autistic children
be supplemented with:
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA)
Vitamin E
"In children taking supplements daily, parents have reported less
aggression, hyperactivity and improvements in sleep disturbance, which
can be a major problem in autism. In some instances, there have been
improvements in speech and basic behavior as well as the ability of the
child to concentrate and attend what is going on."
says Dr. David Bell
Signs of Fatty Acid Deficiency
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Dry skin
Dry hair
Soft or brittle nails
Dandruff
Depression episodes
Rough, dry and/or bumpy skin especially on the upper arms and legs
Dr. Bell also states this also is a theory towards dyslexia, dyspraxia
and ADHD.
More extensive studies are planned in the future to include a larger
amount of children and to explore the possibilities of this treatment.
How do I get these Essential Fatty Acids into my child?
This is the "good news - bad news" story. The foods that contain these
EFAs are not foods most Autistic children will eat. Seeds, nuts, grains,
legumes, cold water fish and algae are the best dietary sources. The
reality is that a parent wishing to add this into a child's diet is
going to need to supplement through products. Contacting your physician
about this supplement program is the best option, as doses should be
regulated by a health care professional. Vitamin E can be toxic at too
high of a dose so finding out safe amounts based on age and weight is
important.
Only time and further research will tell if Dr. Bell has struck upon an
important new treatment. It is known that these EFAs are helpful in
treating many other diseases, such as heart disease. It is also known
they are helpful in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. With the
theory and research currently in progress that ties Autism and
autoimmune disorders together in some way, it makes sense and may be a
safe and affordable way to treat some of the more difficult behaviors
that parents deal with daily.
***********
Latest word on treating some depressions has shown great benefits
with EFA's & Omega 3's
Insufficient intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs) may contribute
to the pathogenesis of mental diseases, while their supplementation may
relieve some symptoms, according to researchers who attended the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Workshop on Omega-3 Essential Fatty
Acids and Psychiatric Disorders held in Bethesda, Md., in September
1998. Get your Omega oil Click
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