Five Supplements That Can Help An Individual With Autism
For individuals diagnosed with autism, maintaining the highest level of health possible can help minimize the condition's most common symptoms. One way to help a loved one with autism achieve optimal health is with a regular routine of supplements and vitamins. Though vitamins and supplements are not a cure for autism, they can help reduce the negative effects of prevalent autism symptoms. Check out a few options that may help your autistic loved one.
1. Melatonin
Individuals on the autism spectrum may have trouble falling asleep at night. Once they do fall asleep, they may wake frequently throughout the night. A supplement that can help combat this sleeplessness is melatonin. Melatonin is taken at night close to bedtime.
Not only can melatonin help your loved one fall asleep faster, but it can reduce the number of night wakings, leading to a deeper, more restorative sleep. Being well-rested can help a person with autism better utilize some of the coping techniques learned in therapy sessions.
Check with a physician regarding the proper dosage of melatonin, as it varies based on the patient's weight and individual sleep needs. Usually, you want to start with the smallest dose possible and then increase as needed to ensure a restful sleep.
2. A Daily Probiotic
It is common for individuals with autism to experience frequent stomach problems, such as nausea, diarrhea, and gas pains. These gut ailments can lead to irritability and make it difficult for the individual to focus. A daily probiotic helps the digestive system maintain the appropriate levels of bacterial flora to help reduce signs of gastrointestinal distress.
3. A Daily Multivitamin
Some patients with autism struggle with consistently eating well-rounded diets. They may prefer to eat a limited diet or may refuse to eat at certain meals. A daily multivitamin helps close the nutritional shortfall that an individual with autism may experience. Multivitamins from companies like Spectrum Awakening, contain a number of vitamins and minerals to encourage better health. Not only do healthy patients enjoy a higher level of health, but they also tend to feel better due to the fact that their bodies are properly nourished.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can assist in brain development, making this supplement an excellent choice for a child who has autism. However, some studies have linked omega-3 fatty acid supplements with lower levels of depression and emotional distress. Adults can also benefit from this supplement.
5. Calcium
If your loved one's diet does not include foods high in calcium, a calcium supplement may be recommended. Multivitamins do have calcium, but the levels may not be sufficient to nurture proper bone health.