Magic Potions
In healing Hunter, there are several "potions" that we have created to optimize his health and wellness. We have always been a "natural" family- no preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial colors. Hunter started having GI issues around two years of age, and we decided to have his diet strictly gluten free. I cannot tolerate wheat (family history of Celiac Disease), so many of our meals were already gluten free, but now all snacks and cereals had to be GF. His GI issues disappeared- we figured if his belly was happy, maybe it would help with his demeanor.
We also started Juice Plus- highly recommend this supplement. Kiddos on the spectrum often have sensory issues with some foods. Hunter used to gag on broccoli, chunky yogurt, blackberries.. Since it is recommended we eat 7 to 13 fruits and vegetables per day, it was difficult to get close to that number. With the gummies (which he thinks are candy), he gets 17 of the fruits and vegetables every day. JP is not supposed to take the place of fruits and vegetables, but an addition to your diet. I can rest a little easier knowing that he is getting the nutritional base that is so important for his health and development.
We also give an Omega-3 supplement to support brain, vision, and nerve tissue development. Researchers have proven that a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids aids in the structure and function of every cell membrane in the body. Dr. Sears had recommended in a conference one time that we eat salmon twice per week to get our fatty acids. Hunter, being a picky eater, will do the kid favorite fish sticks, but that is about it.
After meeting with Dr. Rao, an allergist and immunologist (as well as a DAN doctor- see a later post about this), he recommended trying a supplement. L-Theanine is an amino acid, commonly found in green tea. It directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, which produces a deep relaxation state (not drowsiness). It also can be helpful with OCD tendencies, which are characteristic with children on the spectrum. Hunter's obsessions are centered around Lightning McQueen, the iphone, and the ipad. We have been keeping careful data on the effects of this supplement, and Hunter's social language has dramatically improved. His fits, on most days, have decreased and shortened in length.
We are not ready to try mega doses of supplements and we are a long ways away from starting medication. Our potion will remain naturalistic and hope some of the behaviors we are targeting will subside (with therapy, behavior modifications, and a healthy diet).
We also give an Omega-3 supplement to support brain, vision, and nerve tissue development. Researchers have proven that a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids aids in the structure and function of every cell membrane in the body. Dr. Sears had recommended in a conference one time that we eat salmon twice per week to get our fatty acids. Hunter, being a picky eater, will do the kid favorite fish sticks, but that is about it.
After meeting with Dr. Rao, an allergist and immunologist (as well as a DAN doctor- see a later post about this), he recommended trying a supplement. L-Theanine is an amino acid, commonly found in green tea. It directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, which produces a deep relaxation state (not drowsiness). It also can be helpful with OCD tendencies, which are characteristic with children on the spectrum. Hunter's obsessions are centered around Lightning McQueen, the iphone, and the ipad. We have been keeping careful data on the effects of this supplement, and Hunter's social language has dramatically improved. His fits, on most days, have decreased and shortened in length.
We are not ready to try mega doses of supplements and we are a long ways away from starting medication. Our potion will remain naturalistic and hope some of the behaviors we are targeting will subside (with therapy, behavior modifications, and a healthy diet).
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