Wishing you all a very wonderful and Happy Thanks Giving & Native American Heritage Days. In these time of social distancing I hope you are able to find time to connect with your family and friends. My family looks forward to making the best of zooming with extended family tomorrow.
If you are looking for that delicious Pumpkin Pie, be sure to check out my Paleo Inspired and Sprouted Pumpkin Pie Recipe, Click HERE.
These two beauties, we harvested from our garden at the beginning of October!
Nutrition for Autism and Related Conditions, ADHD, Picky Eating and More
October is ADHD Awareness Month. If you haven't had a chance to check out my class recording on Nutrition for Autism and Related Conditions including ADHD and tips for picky eating, it's not too late. Simply click on the link below.
Access Passcode: p!=Fw6R7
Festive Fruit & Coconut Vanilla Cake - Happy 4th of July!
This delight is perfect for Gluten Free Casein Free (Soy Free), Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Gut & Psychology Syndrome Diet, Paleo, Low Oxalate Diet (with coconut cream), and Nut Free (with coconut cream).
Recipe Inspired by Julie Mathews
1 1/4 cups coconut flour
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
8 eggs (pastured & whisked)
2/3 cup coconut oil (unrefined & melted, or grass-fed ghee)
1 cup honey (raw)
2 Tbs vanilla
Preheat oven to 330 degrees. Combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients in separate bowls. Grease and flour two 8 inch cake or pie pans. Then combine all ingredients and mix well. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
Top with your favorite Coconut Whip Cream or Cashew Frosting and decorate with Fresh Fruit.
Coconut Whip Cream
Place 1-2 cans full fat coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight. Place your mixing bowl in the freezer for 5 minutes. Open the cans and scrape out the solid cream (save the liquid for cooking or smoothies). Add a touch of vanilla and sweetener (stevia or honey...). Store in the refrigerator until ready to be eaten.
Cashew Frosting
Combine 1 1/2 cups of cashews, 1 cup of water, 2 tsp vanilla, 7 dates (pits removed), and a pinch of sea salt in the blender. Then blend on high.
What do I do to protect myself during cold and flu season?
By Lisa Shelton, M.Ed., CHC
March 14, 2020.
www.LovingWellnessNow.com
In general I like to give my body all the important building blocks or components to run optimally. So often today, because of over farming and depleted soils, our foods are deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. I believe it is more important to supplement today.
Keep in mind that quality supplement matter. Do your research on supplement companies. Not all areas in the world have the same level of quality or the same farming or organic standards. Avoid solvents or additives and look for bioavailable, methylated, and buffered options. Aim for powder, liquid, or capsules rather than tablets as tablets can contain more additives. Where are the ingredients sourced, how are they extracted, what tests are run to ensure purity…
Below you will find supplements, foods, teas, and oils I personally enjoy and use. Please keep in mind the information below is based on literature I have reviewed and for educational purpose only. It is always important to consult with your primary care provider before making any changes to diet and lifestyle especially if you take pharmaceuticals.
Foundational Supplements:
Theses are supplements that I find to be general building blocks to a healthy immune system.
Vitamin C: antioxidant and immune supporting, best taken in divided doses 2-3 times daily. In some instances doctors may use high dose intravenous vitamin C to treat some patients with viral infections (Aslam, 2017, Cheng et al, 2020, Saul 2020, Hunt et al 1994).
Zinc: an essential mineral/trace element is party to more than a 100 enzymatic reactions in the body necessary for a healthy immune system integrity. In particular zinc has direct antiviral properties (Read, S.A., 2019, Fraeker et al. 2000, te Velthuis, A. J. 2010).
Magnesium: a cofactor in estimated 700—800 enzymatic reactions in the body ranging from muscle and nerve support to immune support, and is required to convert vitamin D to its active form (Dean, 2017).
Vitamin D3: Not only helps with calcium absorption and strong bones, it plays a very important role in modulating the immune response. Deficiencies can lead to increased vulnerability to infection and autoimmune disease. Vitamin can be made in the skin through sunshine exposure (though only without sun screen application and without showering). Furthermore, most people in the USA live too far north to get enough direct sunshine rays to make vitamin D even in the summer (Aslam, 2017, Martineau, 2017).
B Complex: Supports many systems in the body including a healthy brain and nervous system as well as supporting biochemical reactions in the immune system (Aslam, 2017).
Omega Complex with EPA and DHA and Cod liver oil with Vitamin A: Beneficial to so many systems in the body including growth, development, and brain health. A good source of vitamin A is important for not only vision but also the immune system (Aslam, 2017).
Probiotics: Supportive of a healthy microbiome and a healthy immune response for most people (those with SIBO may need to be very specific and target which probiotic strains they consume) (Azad et al., 2018, Eguchi, K. et al 2019).
Multivitamin Mineral: Look for a quality whole foods product and/or a product with methyl folate and methyl B12.
Probiotics: Supportive of a healthy microbiome and a healthy immune response for most people (those with SIBO may need to be very specific and target which probiotic strains they consume) (Azad et al., 2018, Eguchi, K. et al 2019).
Calcium (optional): may be a good addition to the diet if one is not tolerant of dairy and does not consume enough green leafy vegetables (green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of calcium and collagen for strong and flexible bones). Plays an important role not only in our skeletal system, calcium also helps in immune response signaling (Grinstein, S. & Klip, A, 1989).
Additional Supportive Supplements:
During certain seasons or circumstances, when stressed, fatigued, or unwell more support may be ideal. Increasing vitamin C, D3, and zinc during times of need is helpful, and considering further support may be warranted as well.
Quercetin: A natural food derived antioxidant that is anti-inflammatory and antihistamine, works most efficiently in combination with vitamin C. Excellent for allergy season, supportive of the cardiovascular system, and antiviral (Anand, 2016, Brenton 2014).
NAC: N-acetal cysteine is a precursor to glutathione which is a major antioxidant in the body, and supportive of the lungs and mucosal lining of the respiratory system. Immune supporting and excellent for those living through wildfire seasons. NAC is also known for breaking down mucus (Healthnotes, 2019).
Silver: Look for colloidal silver or a bioavailable silver in throat spray or nasal spray. Strengthening to the immune system and can repair cellular damage. Anti-viral, antibacterial and anti cancer. (Franco-Molina M.A. et al, 2016, Fatima M et al, 2016)).
Elderberry: rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support the immune system, and antiviral (Zakey-Rones, 2004).
Echinacea: antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, strains of avian influenza, herpes simplex, respiratory syncytial, and rhinovirus strains are all very sensitive to echinacea purpurea. (Hudson, J. 2011).
Resveratrol: antioxidant with adaptive immune regulation. Has been studies for effectiveness against some viruses (Lin, et al, 2017).
Astragalus: adaptogenic, modulates stress, immune supporting and antiviral (Kallon S. et al 2013)
Herb Pharm Rapid Immune Support: source of elderberry, echinacea, and several other immune supporting and adaptogens. Excellent aid when needing to ramp things up.
Boiron Chestal Honey: for Cough & Chest Congestion Homeopathic Medicine. Very soothing when dry or productive cough symptoms are bothersome.
Food as Medicine:
Cinnamon: Antioxidants help to fight infection, is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and blood sugar balancing. (Fatima M. et al 2016, Shen Y. et al, 2012).
Garlic: Antiviral properties may be protective against the cold and flu. Garlic may help prevent and may shorten intensity and duration of infection (Mehrobod, P. 2008/2009).
Oregano: immune supporting, antibacterial and antiviral, oregano culinary herb may be immune supporting and oregano oil is natures strongest antibiotic (Giling, D.H. et al 2014).
Licorice: Immune boosting, stress reducing, supportive of the digestive system, antimicrobial, and antiviral (Wang, L. et al 2015).
Raw Coconut Oil: cold pressed unrefined virgin coconut oil is anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal (Shilling M. et al, 2013).
I love to make a low temperature slow cook crock pot of soup on a regular basis. Packed full of bone and veggie broth, plenty of veggies (fresh or frozen), onion, lots of kitchen spices, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, garlic, ginger, turmeric, sea salt, and sea veggies. I portion this out into quart jars and reheat on the stove throughout the week. After reheating I will add some miso, coconut aminos, raw and cultured sauerkraut, and either a lightly cooked egg, or sprouted quinoa and avocado. Food such as this gets me through the worst of cold and flu season keeping me healthy.
My Favorite Teas:
Traditional Medicinals Tea:
Throat Coat with Lemon Echinacea, with Slippery Elm or with Eucalyptus
Echinacea Plus with Elderberry
Gypsy Cold Care
Stress Ease Cinnamon
Pukka Tea
Detox
Licorice and cinnamon
Relax
Gaia Herbs Tea
Bronchial Wellness
My Essential Oil Favorites:
On Guard
Breathe
Purify
Frankincense
Thyme
Rosemary (Brochot, A. et al 2017)
Oregano (Giling, D.H. et al 2014
Cinnamon (Brochot, A. et al 2017)
Eucalyptus (Brochot, A. et al 2017)
Tea Tree
There are any more wonderful essential oils. Always research quality, source, and how an oil is extracted. It is very important do your research as some oils may contain solvents and chemicals. I personally acquire my essential oils from doTerra and I am a Wellness Advocate affiliate of this company.
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/lovingwellnessnow
Disclaimer:
I am not a medical doctor, physician, registered dietitian, psychologist, or other licensed medical professional. I do not diagnose, treat, or cure illness. Information shared here is not intended to replace advice from a medical doctor or licensed health professional. Users of this site should always seek medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your unique health situation with your own primary care physician and other qualified care providers. Always consult with your medical doctor before making dietary and lifestyle changes. The content and materials shared in this site are gathered from my research and experience, and are for general health information only.
References:
Anand David, A. V., Arulmoli, R., & Parasuraman, S. (2016). Overviews of Biological Importance of Quercetin: A Bioactive Flavonoid. Pharmacognosy reviews, 10(20), 84–89. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.194044
Aslam MF, Majeed S, Aslam S, Irfan JA (2017) Vitamins: Key Role Players in Boosting Up Immune Response-A Mini Review. Vitamin Mineral. 6:153. doi:10.4172/2376-1318.1000153. https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/vitamins-key-role-players-in-boosting-up-immune-responsea-mini-review-2376-1318-1000153.php?aid=87232
Azad, M., Sarker, M., & Wan, D. (2018). Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotics on Cytokine Profiles. BioMed research international, 2018, 8063647. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/8063647
Brenton K. Adam T. C., Uma, S.S. (2014). Quercetin: a promising treatment fo the common cold. Journal of infectious Diseases & Preventative Medicine 2:2. DOI: 10.4172/2329-8731.1000111. https://www.longdom.org/open-access/quercetin-a-promising-treatment-for-the-common-cold-2329-8731.1000111.pdf
Brochot, A., Guilbot A., Haddioui, L, et al. (2017). Antibacterial, anti fungal, and antiviral effects of thee essential oil blends. Microbiology Open. 6(4)e00459. https:/doi.org/10.1002/mbo3.459. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/mbo3.459
Cheng, R. Z, Shi, H., Yanagisawa, A., et al (2020). Early large dose intravenous vitamin c is the treatment of choice for 2019-nCov pneumonia. https://www.europereloaded.com/early-large-dose-iv-vitamin-c-is-the-treatment-of-choice-for-2019-ncov-pneumonia/
Dean C (2017) Magnesium. OMNS, http://www.orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v13n22.shtml
Eguchi, K., Fujitani, N., Nakagawa, H. et al. Prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection with probiotic lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055. Sci Rep 9, 4812 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-39602-7
Fatima, M. ., Zaidi, N. S., Amraiz, D. et al (2016). In vitro antiviral activity of cinnamomum cassia and its nanoparticles against h7n3 influenza a virus. Journal of Microbial Biotechnology. 26(1) 151-159. http://www.jmb.or.kr/submission/Journal/026/JMB026-01-19_FDOC_1.pdf
Fraker PJ, King LE, Laakko T, Vollmer TL. (2000) The dynamic link between the integrity of the immune system and zinc status. J Nutr. 130:1399S-406S. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10801951.
Franco-Molina, M.A., Mendoza-Gamboa E., Zarate-Trivino D. G. et al (2016). In vitro evaluation of colloidal silver on immune function: antilymphoproliferative activity. Journal of Nanomaterials. vol 2016. ID 4176212. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4176212
Giling D.H. Kitajima, M. Torrey J.R. et al (2014). Antiviral efficacy and mechanisms of action of oregano essential oil and its primary component carvacrol against murine norovirus. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 116(5): 1149-63. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24779581
Grinstein, S., & Klip, A. (1989). Calcium homeostasis and the activation of calcium channels in cells of the immune system. Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, 65(1), 69–79. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1807782/
Healthnotes (2019). N-acetyl cysteine uses. https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-2888006
Hudson, James (2011). Echinacea - a source of patent antivirals for respiratory virus infections. Pharmaceuticals. 4(7):1019-1031. 10.3390/ph4071019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058675/
Hunt C et al. (1994). The clinical effects of Vitamin C supplementation in elderly hospitalised patients with acute respiratory infections. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1994;64:212-
19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7814237
Kallon, S., Li, X., Ji, J., Chen, C., Xi, Q., Chang, S., Xue, C., Ma, J., Xie, Q., & Zhang, Y. (2013). Astragalus polysaccharide enhances immunity and inhibits H9N2 avian influenza virus in vitro and in vivo. Journal of animal science and biotechnology, 4(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/2049-1891-4-22
Lin, S.C., Ho, C.T., Chuo, W.H. (2017). Effective inhibition of mers-cov infection by resveratrol. 13;17(1):144. doi: 10.1186/s12879-017-2253-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28193191
Martineau AR, Jolliffe DA, Hooper RL et al. (2017) Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data. BMJ. 356:i6583. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28202713.
Mehrbod P. Amini E., Tavassoti-Kheiri, M. (2008/2009). Antiviral activity of garlic extract on influenza virus. Iranian Journal of Virology. 2(1). http://journal.isv.org.ir/article-1-205-en.pdf
Read, S.A., Obeid, S., Ahlenstiel, C., Ahlenstiel, G., (2019). The Role of Zinc in Antiviral Immunity, Advances in Nutrition, 10(4):696–710, https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmz013
Saul AW. (2020). Nutritional treatment of coronavirus. Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, 16:6, Jan 30, 2020. http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v16n06.shtml
Shen, Y., Jia, L. N., Honma, N., Hosono, T., Ariga, T., & Seki, T. (2012). Beneficial effects of cinnamon on the metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and pain, and mechanisms underlying these effects - a review. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 2(1), 27–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2225-4110(16)30067-0
Shilling M., Matt, L., Rubin, El, et al (2013). Antimicrobial effects of virgin coconut oil and its medium-chain fatty acids on clostridium difficile. Journal of Medicinal Food. 16(12):1079-85. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24328700
te Velthuis, A. J., van den Worm, S. H., Sims, A. C., Baric, R. S., Snijder, E. J., & van Hemert, M. J. (2010). Zn(2+) inhibits coronavirus and arterivirus RNA polymerase activity in vitro and zinc ionophores block the replication of these viruses in cell culture. PLoS pathogens, 6(11), e1001176. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1001176
Wang, L., Yang, R., Yuan, B., Liu, Y., & Liu, C. (2015). The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb. Acta pharmaceutica Sinica. B, 5(4), 310–315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsb.2015.05.005
Zakey-Rones, Z., Thom, E., Wollan T., et al (2004). Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. Journal of International Medical Research. 32(2):132-40. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/147323000403200205
Paleo Inspired and Sprouted Pumpkin Pie
Pie Crust:
1/2 cup hazelnuts
1 cup pecans
4 tablespoons melted coconut oil
pinch of sea salt
For this delicious crust I purchase organic and raw hazelnuts and pecans. Soak the raw nuts for 6-12 hours and then sprout them in a jar upside down for an additional 6-12 hours. Your jar should be covered with a screen lid, or a cloth and rubber band will do. Place your upside down jar on a pie tray over a plate to catch the drip. The process of soaking and sprouting enlivens the digestive enzymes, enhances the nutrient bioavailablity, and predigests or breaks down the phytic acids. Phytic acids, are a sort of protective coating on all seeds, nuts, and grains, however, they are not digestible and are in fact an anti-nutrient. An anti-nutrient means it drawn on your reserve of nutrients in order to process it. Preparing your food correctly ensures that you are gaining nutrients rather than spending nutrients. Following the soaking and sprouting process I like to dehydrate my sprouted nuts on a living foods temperature of 105 degrees that will preserve the enzymes and nutrients. Now my sprouted hazelnuts and pecans are ready to create into a Paleo-inspired and sprouted crust for a most delicious pumpkin pie.
Preheat oven to 350. In a food processor, process the sprouted nuts until they have a grainy consistency. In a small mixing bowl, combine the nut meal, coconut oil and salt and mix into a thick dough. Using your hands, spread evenly into a pie pan and bake for 10 minutes. Add your pie filling and bake for an additional 45 minutes.
Thank you Stephanie Berg for sharing this Paleo-inspired crust recipe with me years ago, it has consistently been a favorite among all who sample in its delight.
Pie Filling:
4 cups cooked organic pumpkin
1/4 cup pure maple syrup or 1 Tbl. black strap molasses
1/2 cup homemade sprouted grain, seed or nut milk of your choice, or store bought coconut milk
4 tsp. coconut oil left on the counter overnight or melted
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. vanilla oil
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 Tbl. arrowroot powder
1 pie crust
Preheat oven to 350’F. Precook the pumpkin halves in the oven pumpkin chunks in a steamer. Remove the skin from the cooked pumpkin. In a food processor, blend the pumpkin with maple syrup, milk, oil, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and salt, until smooth. Add arrowroot powder and blend some more. Pour the pumpkin filing into the crust. Bake for 45 minutes or until it appears firm. Remove the pie from oven and cover with pecans. Drizzle black strap molasses over top (optional). Cook for an additional 20 minutes. Let the pie cool for several hours or make it ahead of the time and serve it chilled.
Pie Toppings
1 1/2 cups sprouted pecan halves
1 Tbl. black strap molasses (optional)
Toss all ingredients in bowl, mix well, and set aside. After the pie has cooked for an initial 45 min. or so, decorate the pie with pecans. Bake for an additional 20 min or thereabouts.
Last but not least - Coconut whipped cream
Can coconut milk, full fat
1 Tbl maple sugar (optional), or 4 drops whole leaf stevia
1/4 tsp vanilla
Leave a can of full fat coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight. Place a mixing bowl in the freezer shortly before mixing the cream. Open the can and separate the oil from the cream (you can save the coconut oil for other recipes). Scoop the coconut cream into the chilled mixing bowl and combine with the maple syrup and vanilla. Whip the cream with hand mixer or ladle.
To make these special eggs:
1) Boil onion skins (red or yellow) for 5 minutes, then let sit overnight.
2) Wet leaves and stick them to egg, wrap egg in pantyhose and secure with a twist tie.
3) Put wrapped eggs in onion bath, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes.
4) Remove eggs from onion bath, let cool, unwrap, and that is it (reuse the onion bath dye as many times as you need).
My long awaited research project on Pre-conception and Prenatal Strategies Towards Prevention of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Holistic Nutritional Practices for Parenting the Child with ASD (Shelton, L. 2018) is finally available on Research Gate. To view my research in its entirety please click VIEW RESEARCH. You can also view a handout of this research by clicking HANDOUT.
Abstract
Background: Literature review suggests nutritional intake, proper folate utilization, clean environment free of air pollution or toxic exposure, and minimizing stress levels in mothers, are all contributing factors towards a heathy pregnancy and normal child development. Nutritional intake, avoidance of certain foods, and supplementation are important for children and especially those with ASD. Dietary elimination of food allergies and food sensitivities, including inflammatory foods, may help to reduce core conditions of ASD in a subpopulation. Specifically, following a gluten free and casein free (GFCF) diet, and avoiding artificial food colors and additives, may further help to ameliorate conditions in many children on the spectrum.
Objective: This study examines pre-conception and prenatal strategies towards prevention, or reducing the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pregnancies, as well as holistic nutritional practices for parenting the child with ASD.
Methods: Carried out in multiple phases, phase I will study nutritional approaches used for children with ASD, and effectiveness of nutritional approaches in reducing core symptoms of ASD though survey/questionnaire and interview. Phase II will implement holistic health coaching and nutritional recommendations for future parents, from pre-conception through pregnancy, to support a normally developing child while reducing the risk of a child developing ASD. Additionally, implementation of nutritional guidance for families with children on the autism spectrum. Families will be followed for many years. Pre and post questionnaires and surveys, interviews, chart notes and observations will be analyzed and compared. All analysis will be combined for interpretation of patterns, what patterns mean, conclusions, recommendations, and next steps.
Results: Results from phase I of this study brought in parent and practitioners responses, 13 respondents representing 15 case study children with ASD reported on the part one survey regarding nutritional approaches. Of the 15 total, 12 case studies, or 80%, suffered from gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, 10, or 67%, were following specific dietary approaches, however, 11 indicated benefits from dietary approaches. Case studies generally found multiple behavior benefits from dietary approaches, 10 reported improvements in social reciprocity, 6 reported improvements in nonverbal communication, 7 reported improvements in relationships, 9 reported reduction in restrictive/repetitive behaviors, 9 reported reduction in sensory issues and sensitivities, and 9 reported reduction in GI complaints. Other benefits reported included remission from epilepsy seizures, increased ability to withstand change, try new things, and be flexible, overall health and wellbeing. Of the 15 case study children, 14 or 93% report they are utilizing nutritional supplements, and of these, 7 reported improvements in social reciprocity, 5 reported improvements in nonverbal communication, 9 reported improvements in relationships, 6 reported reductions in restrictive/repetitive behaviors, 10 reported reduction in sensory issues and sensitivities, and 7 reported reductions in GI complaints. Of the 15 case studies, 3 reported having utilized detoxification strategies, and 2 of the 3 indicated benefits from detoxification. On the questionnaire part two regarding effectiveness of nutritional approaches, 8 respondents representing 9 case study children with ASD reported. The questionnaire effectiveness scale range was 1 = poor/minimal, 2 = fair, 3 = moderate, 4 = good, and 5 = very/excellent. Out of 9 case studies, the gluten free casein free (GFCF) diet was rated by 4 case studies, the mean was 2.75, median 3.00, and mode 3.00. The Feingold diet was rated by 3 case studies, and the mean was 2.67, median 2.00, and mode 2.00. The gut and psychology syndrome (GAPS) diet was rated by 4 case studies, and the mean, median, and mode were all 2.00. The allergy free diet was rated by 3 case studies and the mean, median, and mode were all 5.00. The sugar free diet was rated by 5 case studies, the mean was 3.40, median 3.00, and modes 3.00 and 5.00. Overall effectiveness of nutritional supplements was rated by 7 case studies, mean 3.29, median 4.0 and mode 4.0. Vitamin B12 supplements were rated by 4 case studies, and the mean was 3.25, median 3.0, and mode 3.0. Vitamin B6 were rated by 4 case studies, the mean was 2.75, median 2.5, and mode 2.0. Magnesium supplements were rated by 4 case studies, the mean 2.75, median 2.5, and mode 2.0 Folate was rated by 5 case studies, the mean 3.4, median 3.0, and modes 2.0 and 5.0. Sulfurophane was rated by 4 case studies, the mean 3.0, median 2.5, and mode 2.0. Zinc was rated by 5 case studies, the mean 4.0, median 5.0, and mode 5.0. EPA/DHA omega fatty acids were rated by 7 case studies, the mean 3.86, median 5.0, and mode 5.0. Probiotics were rated by by 6 case studies, mean 4.67, median 4.5, and mode 5.0. Enzymes were rated by 3 case studies, the mean, median, and mode were all 5.0. Multivitamins were rated by 8 case studies, the mean 2.38, median 2.0, and mode 1.0. Effectiveness of detoxification strategies was rated by 3 case studies, the mean 2.67, median 3.0, and mode 3.0.
Conclusion: Dietary approaches and supplement utilization can have ameliorating effects on some individuals with ASD. Findings in this phase I study provide additional support for the use of nutritional dietary approaches and supplement utilization for subpopulation treatment of children with ASD recognizing each child’s unique individuality. It is crucial that replication of this phase I study and future studies combine all survey and questionnaire items into one clickable survey link for consistency of respondents on all questions as this will lead to increased information gathering from respondent reports. Additionally, this study indicates the importance of further investigation into nutritional approaches and the cumulative and synergistic effects between use of multiple dietary approaches combined with multiple supplements. Individual biomedical approaches are geared towards reducing core conditions of ASD, and shine potential towards prenatal prevention, or reducing the odds, of a child developing autism spectrum disorder.
Nutritional Approaches for Autism Spectrum - Downloadable Handout
By Lisa Shelton, MEd, CHC, AMC...
The past couple of years have been an exciting and very busy time for me as I have been devoted to learning, research, and professional growth. I am expanding my practice of women's, youth, and family wellness to include nutrition and health coaching for children with autism and related disorders and their families.
During the 2017-2018 school year I explored my M.Ed. thesis project examining Preconception and Prenatal Strategies Towards Prevention of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Nutrition for Parenting the Child With ASD.
For a downloadable handout from my thesis research on nutritional approaches for autism, click HERE. Stay tuned as will make my complete research and study available in the near future.
More recently in January 2019, I completed my study with the Autism Mastery Course (AMC) through the Integrative Medicine Academy, specializing in biomedical approaches for autism, applicable to other neurological, behavior, and learning disorders, and in general chronic health conditions.
As a parent of a child on the spectrum I have experienced first hand the ameliorating effects diet, supplementation, gastrointestinal support, and methylation support in combination with other therapies, can be profound. A healthy child is integral to helping them achieve their full potential.
I am passionate about helping children and their families. Please contact me to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.
