trisha rose
02-12-2003, 07:25 PM
my son is autistic i read some where that the herb maca could maybe help him does anyone know mch about it and if it is saft for kids to take.
also any informaion on fish oil there was some thing on t.v the other week about it --i only caught the end of it they were saying fish oil high in EPA helps in autism does that mean anything to some one out there?
also any informaion on fish oil there was some thing on t.v the other week about it --i only caught the end of it they were saying fish oil high in EPA helps in autism does that mean anything to some one out there?
Sponsor
isolated one
02-12-2003, 09:21 PM
Trisha, I use Maca along with Korean Ginseng for extra energy. However, I don't recall hearing of Maca being used for the treatment autism, but who knows, maybe it's possible? From all I've researched about Maca, the herb appears to work directly on the endocrine system with increased stamina (mental and physical) being the end result. I suggest you go to an internet search engine and type in Maca. You will find a wealth of information on Maca. You have to use your own judgement though while reading some of the "many" claims, some of which I think are over blown. BTW, I have an older brother who is 46 and autistic. His condition is at the severe end of the spectrum and he was "assumed" to be retarded for about the first 20 years of his life because of the lack of awareness of autism and, unfortunately, was treated that way by those in charge of his care. I remember it was during the late 70s when we were able to see him in a completely different light and have such a better understanding of him.
[This message has been edited by gar fla (edited 02-12-2003).]
[This message has been edited by gar fla (edited 02-12-2003).]
kat721
02-17-2003, 01:49 PM
If Maca is a substance that increases both mental and physical stamina, I would be concerned about it being too much of a stimulent for an autistic person.
Fish Oil is a primarily beneavolent substance and it it helpful on many levels. Unless the person has an allergy to fish then a Fish Oil suppliment would not be a bad idea. I would chose a high grade fish oil though, like possibly one made from Salmon.
And on that thought, adding Salmon twice a week to the diet would be a good idea. There is so much essential B12 in a workable body delivery form that making such a change in the diet would be a great idea.
also, possibly adding a bit of folic acid as a suppliment or finding a suppliment that contains a good amount of folic acid would be helpful if there is not enough fresh greens and fruit already in the diet.
For Autisitc people either physical therapy or specialized massage therapy is beneficial and anything that requires using both hands to help synchronize both sides of the brain. You might want to contact some holistic body workers and ask if they have experience with body therapy for autistic people.
Kat
Fish Oil is a primarily beneavolent substance and it it helpful on many levels. Unless the person has an allergy to fish then a Fish Oil suppliment would not be a bad idea. I would chose a high grade fish oil though, like possibly one made from Salmon.
And on that thought, adding Salmon twice a week to the diet would be a good idea. There is so much essential B12 in a workable body delivery form that making such a change in the diet would be a great idea.
also, possibly adding a bit of folic acid as a suppliment or finding a suppliment that contains a good amount of folic acid would be helpful if there is not enough fresh greens and fruit already in the diet.
For Autisitc people either physical therapy or specialized massage therapy is beneficial and anything that requires using both hands to help synchronize both sides of the brain. You might want to contact some holistic body workers and ask if they have experience with body therapy for autistic people.
Kat
kat721
02-17-2003, 02:01 PM
P.S. An herb that works directly on the endocrine system probably needs to be considered with great care.
The endocrine system is a complicated and touchy system too easily thrown out of wack with horrible consequences.
I for one would not want anything that makes my Endocrine system have more stamina.
I've been told by the Endocrinologist that my Pancreas works too good. In fact, my Pancreas works so well that it over produces Insulin and causes me to have huge and very dangerous blood sugar drops.
I had great strength and stamina and my body eventually went tilt and got stuck on >>> ON.
After coming close to a coma stage I am now on regulatory medication.
The endocrine system is not very well understood by even most doctors who are not Endocrinologists so before taking something for ones Endocrine system, check with an Endocrinologist and get an assessment of your glandular function by way of a blood test(s)
You will then have a clear picture of which suppliments might be needed for balance in the body.
Because with the Endocrine System in specific, the general health and well being are dependant upon the levels of balance and not necessarily intensified production.
Kat
The endocrine system is a complicated and touchy system too easily thrown out of wack with horrible consequences.
I for one would not want anything that makes my Endocrine system have more stamina.
I've been told by the Endocrinologist that my Pancreas works too good. In fact, my Pancreas works so well that it over produces Insulin and causes me to have huge and very dangerous blood sugar drops.
I had great strength and stamina and my body eventually went tilt and got stuck on >>> ON.
After coming close to a coma stage I am now on regulatory medication.
The endocrine system is not very well understood by even most doctors who are not Endocrinologists so before taking something for ones Endocrine system, check with an Endocrinologist and get an assessment of your glandular function by way of a blood test(s)
You will then have a clear picture of which suppliments might be needed for balance in the body.
Because with the Endocrine System in specific, the general health and well being are dependant upon the levels of balance and not necessarily intensified production.
Kat
wholeharted
02-26-2003, 05:40 PM
Hi KAT721,
I'm interested in knowing what meds your on for your insulin.
my endo dr has been working with me, or I him I should say, he keeps wanting me to take glucophage, I tried a few years ago but something wasn't feeling right when I tried it. long story short for me, 3 yrs ago he mentioned ruling out a pancreative tumor, or other that can spur that organ to produce too much insulin. I had a full body scan, nothing (which I was happy about obviously)
but my symptions were continuing. I was gaining weight, 20 lbs a year - I even took up snowboarding in the winter months to increase my activity, it seemed to make me gain weight more and by weight I mean fat not muscle.
so this last december I breatched 199 (my usual weight is 130-40) I was in st louis and my boyfriends moms sister told me she was taking L-carnitine 500, and it was helping her lose weight.
so I went to the health food store bought it, started doing pilaties once a day to get my metabolism up,
I asked my dr about the l-C and he said I could up y dosage, so far I have lost 14lbs.
what it seems my body was doing was turning sugar to fat faster than I could use it, and having low blood sugar - I haven't had low blood sugar in a while since taking the L-C now but I still can;t talk myself into taking the glucophage.
I'm interested in knowing what meds your on for your insulin.
my endo dr has been working with me, or I him I should say, he keeps wanting me to take glucophage, I tried a few years ago but something wasn't feeling right when I tried it. long story short for me, 3 yrs ago he mentioned ruling out a pancreative tumor, or other that can spur that organ to produce too much insulin. I had a full body scan, nothing (which I was happy about obviously)
but my symptions were continuing. I was gaining weight, 20 lbs a year - I even took up snowboarding in the winter months to increase my activity, it seemed to make me gain weight more and by weight I mean fat not muscle.
so this last december I breatched 199 (my usual weight is 130-40) I was in st louis and my boyfriends moms sister told me she was taking L-carnitine 500, and it was helping her lose weight.
so I went to the health food store bought it, started doing pilaties once a day to get my metabolism up,
I asked my dr about the l-C and he said I could up y dosage, so far I have lost 14lbs.
what it seems my body was doing was turning sugar to fat faster than I could use it, and having low blood sugar - I haven't had low blood sugar in a while since taking the L-C now but I still can;t talk myself into taking the glucophage.
kat721
02-26-2003, 11:54 PM
Wholehearted, I've been into suppliments, herbs, and alternative health options for years. I was a licensed massage therapist and an aromatherapist for years with a focus on therapudic health.
I've taken L Carnitine in the past. It's not a particulary troublesome suppliment but it's doesn't do much for me except make my heart race. And I suppose it might have that effect for some people just depending on the body chemistry since it ups the metabolism and helps to burn fat.
Currently I am on a Beta Blocker for a tachycardic heart along with the meds for insulin resistence.
With a tachycardic heart I try not to take anything that is going to make my heart race. I already drink a cup of coffee a day for my bowels so that's probably plenty enough stimulent for me at this time.
I do take Glucophage.
I have not had much trouble adjusting.
Early on we had to fiddle around with timing and dose but we've got that under control now.
A friend of mine who is also a holistic practitioner was really concerned about the Glucophage because she read a report on how damaging it is to the system.
But heck, I'm past the point of caring or being afraid of medicines anymore these days. If I feel better, then it's fine by me.
When ones life gets to the point of agony and the edge of life and death there is very little one cares about other than finding a comfortable safety zone with as much of a safety net as possible.
In less than a year I've had 3 surgeries and one being an emergency surgery for some pretty intense body problems. So for me the things that bring even a minute amount of balance to my body (which was already careening out of control) are the things I am greatful for, for how ever long or short they last.
The problems associated with Glucophage could be the same for anyone who has untreated Diabetes too.
The thing about side effects is that if there is an imbalance in the body that clashes with any substance, then debility or mortality is the obvious result.
Heck, Eggplant, being of the nightshade family has the side effect of causing swelling and resperatory problems in people with sensitivity.
There are some dietary schools of thought that believe we shouldn't eat plants of the nightshade variety.
So basically, what I am saying, is that a negative case can be proven for just about everything if one investigates the cons long enough.
The answer is to do ones personal research and then make an assessment for what might be right for your body with respect for what the body is doing at any given point in time.
I spent many many years living a pretty holistic life with wonderful and varied alternative therapies.
But then, one day, my body went into crisis and didn't stop having crisis until some real physical problems were addressed.
Now I am mending. But for me, the choices of healing and remedy have changed and I have found my self needing a bit more stability than a suppliment can give.
There's a time for alternative and a time for regular medicine and we all need to be wise enough when to choose any particular modality.
As for Carnatine in general, It's a good substance.
Since it is found in most animal by products, much like B-12, I make sure to eat a good balanced B-12 Carnetine etc...Protein diet.
I'm not a vegetarian. I never did well on a total veg. diet. I eat poultry, big fish, and mostly lamb for my red meat. I also eat dairy mostly in the form of high culture yogurt with water to make yogurt milk.
I have some pretty serious bowel problems and the lactobacilli are essential for the action of my gut.
I don't like taking acidopholous suppliments because I don't trust that those bottles of refrigerated pills managed to stay refrigerated on their long journey from processing plant to the natural foods grocer refrigerated shelves.
Nope. Just give me that plain no fat yogurt that is certain to have stayed refrigerated and I'm a happy person. Besides, by taking my lactobacillus medicine in food form I also eliminate the need for a B-12 suppliment and a carnetine suppliment.
Now, cook yourself up a meal of good Alaskan Salmon, some Brown rice, some spinach and a nice yogurt dill sauce for the fish, once a week and heck, you are on the road to good nutrition.
Unfortunately sometimes the higher plan of our genetic code is set for it's timing and then if our conditions become serious enough, inspite of all our greatest efforts, then the world of medicine does help us prolong our lives with a little help from the pharmeceuticals.
Suppliments can be great.
But if you need a medication, assess the risks and the benefits and make a personal decision.
Ultimately it's your body and you have to live in it.
kat
I've taken L Carnitine in the past. It's not a particulary troublesome suppliment but it's doesn't do much for me except make my heart race. And I suppose it might have that effect for some people just depending on the body chemistry since it ups the metabolism and helps to burn fat.
Currently I am on a Beta Blocker for a tachycardic heart along with the meds for insulin resistence.
With a tachycardic heart I try not to take anything that is going to make my heart race. I already drink a cup of coffee a day for my bowels so that's probably plenty enough stimulent for me at this time.
I do take Glucophage.
I have not had much trouble adjusting.
Early on we had to fiddle around with timing and dose but we've got that under control now.
A friend of mine who is also a holistic practitioner was really concerned about the Glucophage because she read a report on how damaging it is to the system.
But heck, I'm past the point of caring or being afraid of medicines anymore these days. If I feel better, then it's fine by me.
When ones life gets to the point of agony and the edge of life and death there is very little one cares about other than finding a comfortable safety zone with as much of a safety net as possible.
In less than a year I've had 3 surgeries and one being an emergency surgery for some pretty intense body problems. So for me the things that bring even a minute amount of balance to my body (which was already careening out of control) are the things I am greatful for, for how ever long or short they last.
The problems associated with Glucophage could be the same for anyone who has untreated Diabetes too.
The thing about side effects is that if there is an imbalance in the body that clashes with any substance, then debility or mortality is the obvious result.
Heck, Eggplant, being of the nightshade family has the side effect of causing swelling and resperatory problems in people with sensitivity.
There are some dietary schools of thought that believe we shouldn't eat plants of the nightshade variety.
So basically, what I am saying, is that a negative case can be proven for just about everything if one investigates the cons long enough.
The answer is to do ones personal research and then make an assessment for what might be right for your body with respect for what the body is doing at any given point in time.
I spent many many years living a pretty holistic life with wonderful and varied alternative therapies.
But then, one day, my body went into crisis and didn't stop having crisis until some real physical problems were addressed.
Now I am mending. But for me, the choices of healing and remedy have changed and I have found my self needing a bit more stability than a suppliment can give.
There's a time for alternative and a time for regular medicine and we all need to be wise enough when to choose any particular modality.
As for Carnatine in general, It's a good substance.
Since it is found in most animal by products, much like B-12, I make sure to eat a good balanced B-12 Carnetine etc...Protein diet.
I'm not a vegetarian. I never did well on a total veg. diet. I eat poultry, big fish, and mostly lamb for my red meat. I also eat dairy mostly in the form of high culture yogurt with water to make yogurt milk.
I have some pretty serious bowel problems and the lactobacilli are essential for the action of my gut.
I don't like taking acidopholous suppliments because I don't trust that those bottles of refrigerated pills managed to stay refrigerated on their long journey from processing plant to the natural foods grocer refrigerated shelves.
Nope. Just give me that plain no fat yogurt that is certain to have stayed refrigerated and I'm a happy person. Besides, by taking my lactobacillus medicine in food form I also eliminate the need for a B-12 suppliment and a carnetine suppliment.
Now, cook yourself up a meal of good Alaskan Salmon, some Brown rice, some spinach and a nice yogurt dill sauce for the fish, once a week and heck, you are on the road to good nutrition.
Unfortunately sometimes the higher plan of our genetic code is set for it's timing and then if our conditions become serious enough, inspite of all our greatest efforts, then the world of medicine does help us prolong our lives with a little help from the pharmeceuticals.
Suppliments can be great.
But if you need a medication, assess the risks and the benefits and make a personal decision.
Ultimately it's your body and you have to live in it.
kat
serenitynow
08-13-2003, 02:11 PM
what I have read on maca is that it benefits-among other things- the pituitary and endocrne system in multiple ways. Its touted for pecific things but overall it is a 'tonifier' for the endocryne system and is thought to benefit many condition by balancing and strengthening hormonal systems. I use it for fatigue and i think its great. If you can buy it bulk it is the most economical way to effectly get a good dose.
bb
bb
serenitynow
08-13-2003, 02:14 PM
- as to maca and autism. I agree to be catious because maca can be very stimulating. Specifically the reason fish oil is beneficial to autism is the DHA content, whcih is being marketed currently as an attention deficit product for teens.
..sorry for mis spelling endo above.
..sorry for mis spelling endo above.