Seeking Autism Cures? Try These Natural Remedies

A diet rich in healthy fatty acids may be beneficial. Fatty acids are needed for proper nerve and brain function. Several studies indicate that supplementation with fatty acids may help to cure some of the learning, social and behavioral issues which are pronounced among people with autism.

Children must receive adequate amounts of fatty acids for the brain to develop properly. Fatty acids are essential for several functions of the brain and nerves. Omega-3 fatty acids are popular nutritional supplements. One study used 1.3 milligrams of Omega-3 fatty acids with DPA and EPA fatty acids daily as a supplement for young children with autism. They reported a reduction of repetitive behaviors, improved social interactions, and less hyperactive behaviors.

A small study showed that melatonin improved sleep in children with autism. Melatonin is a safe supplement which replicates the naturally produced melatonin that the human body makes. It is not a sedative like a sleeping pill so there are not morning “hangovers” or harmful side effects or dependence issues that may result from sleeping pills. A dose range of one to six milligrams nightly was found effective during a small study conducted at Vanderbilt University.

Melatonin works quickly. Results may be seen the first night. It takes no longer than one week to evaluate the effectiveness of the supplement. Improvement in behavior and reduced stress were reported to be benefits of melatonin therapy. Family members also reported less stress and fatigue as well. Further studies are ongoing.

Autism is a challenging disorder. Just like each person with autism is different, each approach must be as well. Hopefully, it will not be too long until true autism cures are discovered. In the meantime, try some of the complementary approaches and see if they provide benefits to you and your loved ones.

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in Oct 2013 by Patricia Bratianu RN PhD RH-AHG. Patricia has been a Registered Nurse for almost forty years in a wide variety of settings. As a Registered Nurse, she realized that conventional healthcare was not meeting the needs of all patients. She became an herbalist and obtained a PhD in Natural Health. Patricia is a professional member of the American Herbalist’s Guild, passing the stringent peer reviewed process to become a Registered Herbalist.

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