Autism & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
What is the biomedical approach to autism?
The biomedical approach to autism takes into consideration that autism can have some biological causes, such as heavy metal toxicity, pathogen (Candida, parasites, etc.) infections, food sensitivities, nutritional deficiency, etc.
Scientific research is showing and parents are reporting that children with autism also have problems with the following:
- Digestion: Including food sensitivities – These can include; wheat, dairy and soy. Many parents see dramatic results by implementing restricted diets, such as gluten/casein free (GF/CF), specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), low-oxalate diet, etc
- Toxic heavy metals: Analyses of the hair, urine and excrement of children often reveals significantly higher levels of toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic and particularly mercury.
- Antibiotics: Excessive use of antibiotics can cause gut problems, such as yeast / bacterial over growth, as well as prevent mercury excretion.
- Minerals: Our children tend to be deficient in minerals such as sulphur, zinc, magnesium, iodine, lithium and potassium.
- Environmental toxins; Daily exposure to environmental factors (chemicals, phosphates, synthetic additives, preservatives, pesticides, etc.) is also believed to contribute to autism and other behavioural problems.
What is the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) protocol?
Essentially, the Defeat Autism Now protocol means that autism is treatable. Through biomedical treatments, your child can imporve and in some cases lose their diagosis completely.
Founded in the 1960's by Dr. Bernard Rimland, the Defeat Autism Now protocol is based on the idea that autism is a biomedical disorder. The thinking that autism is a complex disorder caused by a combination of: a compromised immune system, external toxins from vaccines, and issues that are intensified by certain foods direct the Defeat Autism Now treatment protocol.
Whether new to autism or a veteran ASD parent, each can attest that autism is not merely neurological. Many of our children have: food sensitivies, gastrological disorders, chornic constipation or diarrhea, heavy metal toxicity, yeast issues, the list goes on.
HBOT and Autism
Hyberbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is not the cure for autism. It may be, however, a way of ensuring the most complete recovery possible. HBOT is a very powerful and large piece of the autism puzzle. HBOT is generally considered the simplest, safest and most effective way known in the field of medicine to provide substantial extra oxygen support when needed.
How HBOT addresses the concerns found with autism?
- Helps the metabolic function of the brain, stimulating cerebral tissues, aiding in recovery of idling neurons.
- Reduces neurological inflammation and excess fluid in the brain
- Increases the blood flow to certain parts of the brain, particularly to the temporal lobe (lack of blood flow in those areas, can greatly compromise things like speech)
- Reduces oxidative stress
- Improves stem cell mobilization
- Improves immune function.
Oxidative Stress - Researchers have found that children with autism have a much higher level of oxidative stress. Damaged cells, called free radical are simply understood as damage to body cells due to oxidation, a process whereby elements react with oxygen. These damaged cells are called "free radicals". These free radicals are associated with premature aging and with degenerative diseases like hardening of the arteries, cancer, inflammatory skin diseases, diabetes, alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. In children with autism their oxidative stress is much higher. This is why supplements such as vitamin A, C and E are shown to benefit children with autism.It might seem strange but children with autism are benefiting highly from the treatment of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a process that introduces more oxygen into the blood and brain. But, scientific evidence is confirming that HBOT is actually reducing symptoms and aiding in reducing inflammation associated with oxidative stress.
Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18005455
Candida and Parasites – Children with autism are found to have compromised digestive and immune systems. This is a result of toxic damage and the overgrowth of pathogens. Candida (yeast) overgrowth becomes a common and persistant problem. Symptoms associated with candida and parasite infections include bloating, constipation or diarrhea, sugar craving, mental fog, high inflammation, sleeping problems, increased mucus production, damage to the mucous membrane system, picky eaters, failure to thrive and sinus congestion etc. Oxygen, by its oxidative nature, is anti-fungal. We encourage all families looking at HBOT, to ensure they are using a high-dose probiotics while treating. This will help re-populate the gut with a good bacteria species.
Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/354633