Immune System Help!
June 29, 2008
Immune dysfunction is common in autism and can make children with autism more susceptible to catching colds and stomach viruses. Of course, antibiotics do not work on viruses, but even with a bacterial infection, I prefer to avoid using antibiotics unless they are absolutely necessary. I have found there some solutions that help to strengthen the immune system and some which actually help the body fight off viruses.
Our first line of defense is high-potency probiotics – 50 billion CFUs (colony forming units) per serving, at a minimum. We actually routinely use at least 100 billion per day, and twice that when fighting off illness. Probiotics are beneficial living microorganisms. They promote gastrointestinal and immune system health. They have also been proven to maintain healthy skin, respiratory systems, and heart.
Some researchers say the digestive system is responsible for 70% of immune system function. It makes sense then to supplement with products that enhance immune function and heal the gastrointestinal tract. Colostrum is helpful with both the immune system and GI health. Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil are also beneficial. Like probiotics, they are also appropriate for daily use.
At the first sign of a cold or stomach virus, I give my son Elderberry extract, which has been proven through clinical study to prevent viruses from replicating in the body. Using Elderberry extract has greatly diminished the length and severity of colds or stomach viruses for both my son and me. We also use Echinacea to boost immune function. We use one that is alcohol-free and has only Echinacea. (Many Echinacea products are blends and contain Goldenseal. Although Goldenseal has proven to be effective, it can cause cross-reactions in those who are allergic to ragweed or pollen, so I don’t take any chances with this.)
When I see a cold coming on, in addition to the Elderberry extract, I give my son colloidal silver. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties and has prevented him from needing antibiotics many times. To relieve cold symptoms like sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, and cough, we use Quertecin (has anti-inflamatory properties), Vitamin C (antioxidant and immune enhancer), and Stinging Nettles (an herb). Another effective antiviral agent we use is Olive Leaf Extract.
I keep all these items on-hand so that we are ready at the first sign of a cold or stomach virus. Of course, you should always consult your child’s doctor before beginning anything. And, I must say it is a great blessing to have a doctor who is knowledgeable in nutrition and natural treatments. It was hard to find our wonderful doctor, but I kept trying and trying until I found one.
May you and your children be blessed with health and healing!
Matthew 14:14 “When He (Jesus) went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick.” NASB
Entry Filed under: Autism Resources, biomedical treatments. Tags: ADD, ADHD, antiviral, ASD, autism, autism spectrum, biomedical treatments, immune system, supplements.
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1.
GCarlson | February 3, 2009 at 10:25 am
Echinacea was identified wrongly in the 1960’s in south Dakota as a cure for the common cold by someone who misinterpreted local native American tribal usage.
Echinacea became reasonably widespread as a supplement take during pregnancy or Lactation in the 70’s and early 80’s with resultant effects on children becoming apparent in the mid eighties and rising steadily from then.
The sale of Echinacea products almost exactly mirrors the rise in incidence of autism.
2.
acttoday | February 3, 2009 at 10:28 pm
As far as a causal link between autism and echinacea – honestly, I tend not to hang my hat on any ONE smoking gun. The work of Amy Yasko, the DAN practitioners, neurosurgeon Dr. Russell Blaylock, and others show the extremely complex nature of autism with many contributing and causative factors – from genetic predispositions, methylation cycle impairments, sulfation cycle impairments, other metabolic impairments, heavy metal toxicity, immune dysregulation, chronic bacterial and/or viral infection, vitamin D deficiency, essential fatty acid metabolism impairments, and many other factors.
Most of the moms of children with autism that I know never used any supplements before they were pregnant or while nursing.
While I don’t believe echinacea is recommended as an “all-the-time” supplement (usually used for no more than 10 days at a time), I do know that master herbalists (like Dr. Richard Schulze) use it seasonally and to help heal from colds. It is an immune stimulant – it has been scientifically proven to encourage white blood cells and lymphocytes to attack invading organisms. Some children with autism need immune stimulants, while some need immune modulators.
It is extremely important to know your child and the issues he/she is facing and to work with a physician with expertise in biochemistry and the dysfunctions common in autism. It is also so important to educate yourself so that you can help your child, but also so that you will know when you have found a good physician to work with!
3.
NEVA COLLINS | June 13, 2009 at 2:16 pm
IS IT A KNOWN FACT THAT LACK OF OXYGEN AT BIRTH BE THE CAUSE OF A CHILD HAVING AUTISM