Down's Syndrome Natural Treatments

Supplements that may be helpful in people with Down's Syndrome

There is a lot of information available on nutrition and Down Syndrome. I will not attempt to explain the particulars about nutritional abnormalities and deficiencies in people with Down Syndrome, as this type of protocol should be individualized. I do however, want to make a few points. Most of my recommendations focus on adults.

1. Good nutrition is important for everyone. It can impact your energy level, mood, immune system, strength, growth, etc.
2. Putting additives, preservatives, colors, chemicals, excess fats and sugars into your body negatively impacts so much and makes your body work extra hard to process and detoxify. .
3. Individuals with Down Syndrome tend to have a weaker immune system and get colds, infections and viruses at a greater rate and intensity than the general population.
4. Individuals with Down Syndrome tend to have certain nutritional deficiencies.
5. Individuals with Down Syndrome tend to have an excess of free radicals (oxidative stress) in each body cell causing imbalances.
6. Individuals with Down Syndrome tend to develop symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease as early as their 30'S. Alzheimer plaques and tangles in the brain can be helped with antioxidants.

I do not have a particular protocol for patients with Trisomy 21, but I do like to offer vitamin and mineral testing to find and address nutritional gaps. Please discuss any nutritional supplements with your physician.

Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant and immune system enhancer. Antioxidants play an increasingly important role in maintaining health by reducing free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that researchers have linked to no less than 60 diseases and disease processes. By utilizing Coenzyme Q10’s free radical scavenging capability, we may be able to reduce the effects of or actually prevent certain diseases affecting cognitive skills.


Essential Fatty Acids- Two types of fatty acids are considered essential to the human diet. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained from the diet. Omega fatty acids support brain and eye development. Researchers link low levels of omega-3 fatty acids to attention problems and learning disabililties. Improvements in immune function, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and constipation have also been seen with essential fatty acid (EFA) supplementation.

Flaxseed Oil (organic cold pressed in the refrigerated section) or Fish Oil (pharmaceutical grade) supplements seem to be the best sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Body bio balance oil- A blend of Omega 3&6 recommended by the changing minds foundation. Most North Americans and Europeans now get far too much of the omega-6s and not enough of the omega-3s. Spectracell does offer a blood test to assess Omega levels prior to supplementation if you want.

Phosphyatidylcholine emulsifies and breaks down fat deposits in the body which makes it an effective prevatative against atherosclerosis, gallstones, heart disease, and liver problems. The most important function of phosphyatidylcholine is that it acts as a supplier of choline which is required to maintain cell membrane integrity. As a component of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, phosphyatidylcholine is essential in maintaining normal brain functioning, particularly in infants. Recent medical research has also linked phosphatidylcholine as a useful treatment to depression, memory loss, and neurological disorders. Each tablespoon (7.5 grams) of lecithin granules contains about 1700 mg of phosphatidyl choline, 1000 mg of phosphatidyl inositol, and about 2,200 mg of essential fatty acids as linoleic acid. It also contains the valuable fish-oil-like, omega-3 linolenic acid. The dose for adults according to changing minds for adults is 1-2 Tbsp (1 Tbsp = 9 pills)


B vitamins- Studies have shown that there is a tendancy in Down syndrome to have low levels of B12 and Folinic (or Folic) Acid. Replacing B12 and Folinic Acid helps to normalize metabolism. Specifically, B12 and Folinic Acid are used in a metabolic cycle called the SAM cycle. The dose of folinic acid recommends ranges between 800-2000 micrograms per day, and B12 1000-2000 micrograms per day.


Ginkgo Biloba has been used in Chinese medicine for about 5000 years. It has no major side effects. If you put Ginkgo Biloba into a search engine, you will see that they say it improves memory by increasing blood flow. Recent research on animals also suggests that Ginkgo works as a GABA antagonist. According to changing minds foundation, the dose is 3mg per pound three times per day

Ashwagandha-Known as a revitalizing tonic for the brain and body, ashwagandha is also a herb becoming recognized for its ability to enhance cognition and rebuild components of the neuronal network in damaged brains.

Several studies have shown zinc and selenium serum levels are decreased among children with Down syndrome.

I haven't seen alot of conclusive studies regarding digestive enzyme and antioxidant supplementation in Down's Syndrome but they are useful in selected cases in people without Down's Syndrome so the usage of these supplements should be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Autism and Pregnancy

If a couple already has a child with autism, the possibility of having another one is approximately 8 percent. Autism Spectrum Disorders are sometimes treated with nutrient supplementation. If you have a previous child with autism, or a family member with autism, you may consider tailoring your supplement intake to include the supplements given to treat autism to give yourself the extra "edge".

Neither a disease nor a mental illness, autism is a behavioral syndrome that originates early in life, possibly well before birth. Many children with autism are deficient in digestive enzymes, resulting in poor digestion and inadequate absorption of nutrients. Research published by the Defeat Autism Now! Project (DAN!) on the “Nutritional Status of Autistic Children”, and also by Tim Buie, M.D. of the Harvard Pediatric Gastroenterology Department, and others shows that most autistic children have a number of nutritional deficiencies. For example, low vitamin B6, zinc, vitamins A and D, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, low B1, B3, and B5 function, low methionine levels, and low levels of essential fatty acids such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, a component of omega-3 fatty acid) and GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), abnormal mineral levels, and many others.

The B12, biotin, B1, B3, and B5 can often be found together in a complex formulation, and in liquid and sublingual forms.

Magnesium supplementation during pregnancy has also been studied for brain development enhancing properties, so it would be great to make sure you are getting this in your prenatal vitamin.

Magnesium and vitamin B6 have been used the longest for autism, with good effect. The upper safe limit in pregnancy of Magnesium is 350 mg and Vitamin B6 is 100 mg.

Most prescription prenatal vitamins have adequate B6, vitamins A and D, folate, and vitamin B12. Some include DHA and or EPA, so make sure you do not miss this supplement. It is available separately if you are not currently taking it. Some have biotin and zinc, check your supplement to see if you need to take these separately. They are widely available and inexpensive.

Vitamin B12: This vitamin is becoming very popular and is available orally, sublingually, or an IM injection. In addition to helping neurochemistry, it increases glutathione antioxidant status.

Folate: Another enzyme important for neurochemistry function, the methylated folate (5-MTHF) is indicated in autism. The methylating enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase, can be inhibited in autism. Your carrier status of this enzyme deficiency can be assessed by a simple blood test. See my blog on MTHFR.

cut and paste this link or see side panel http://naturalwomenscare.blogspot.com/2010/07/folic-acid-metabolism-problems.html

Zinc: Wonderful for the immune system, zinc also balances copper in the body. The copper level in autistic children is usually high, and can be removed with supplemental zinc.

Antioxidants: Inflammation causes oxidation, which destroys the body, even the neurons. Most children with autism have decreased antioxidant levels. A plethora of antioxidants are available, including Vitamins A, C, E, Selenium, Zinc, CoQ10.

Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant. It helps to regenerate stores of other antioxidants like Vitamin C and E. It also protects both mother and fetus from the damaging effects of free radicals and oxidative stress. Many pregnancy complications and birth defects have been linked to oxidative stress, free radical damage and low glutathione levels in the mother and fetus.Glutathione can be obtained from food sources like Watermelon, Avocado, Asparagus, Broccoli, Grapefruit, Strawberry, Orange and Tomato.

Although clinical studies appear to be lacking, some naturopathic practitioners believe that intestinal malfunctioning may contribute to autism symptoms. If this is true, then supplementing with digestive enzymes may help to boost the body's natural digestive process. If you suffer from heartburn, gallstones, or are lactose intolerant... you may find additional benefits to taking digestive enzymes.


I have a Calcium/Magnesium/Vitamin D/Zinc supplement and a Coenzyme Q10/Omega 3 supplement that many of my patients add to their prenatal regimen. They are taking it for reasons not related to Autism, as I usually suggest it for hypertension and preeclampsia prophylaxis. Click on the link to enter my online store or cut and paste the link below if you do not find the supplements elsewhere.

http://shop.NATURALWOMENSCARE.COM/

If you smoke cigarettes or marijuana, stop immediately, talk to your physician if you need help.
Avoid artificial colors, flavorings, and sweeteners.

Check with your physician before starting any supplementation program. This advice is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Beta HCG Shopping List

Shopping Hints for the Beta HCG diet protocol

You are allowed:

100 grams of meat for lunch and dinner
100 grams of vegetables for lunch and dinner
1 fruit serving for lunch and dinner daily
The juice of one lemon daily
One tablespoon of milk daily
At least 2 liters of water daily
2 pieces of melba toast or grissini (italian bread sticks) daily
Unlimited unsweetened coffee or tea daily (may use zero calorie sweetener)

Beef 3.5 ounces/100 grams

Lean Ground Beef = 150 calories
Veal = 110 calories
Filet Mignon = 152 calories


























Fowl 3.5 ounces /100 grams
Chicken Breast = 87 calories
Turkey, Dr. Simeons does not list Turkey or other fowl on the hCG diet.
































Seafood 3.5 ounces/100 grams

Cod = 83 calories
Crab Meat = 100 calories
Flounder = 90 calories
Lobster = 98 calories
Shrimp = 110 calories
Tilapia = 94 calories
Whiting = 87 calories







Crab Meat Canned






























Vegetables 3.5 ounces/100 grams

Asparagus = 3 cal
Celery = 15 cal
Cabbage = 24 calories
Cauliflower = 22 calories
Cucumber = 12 calories
Lettuce all varieties = 20 calories
Red Radishes = 12 calories
Spinach raw = 20 calories
Spinach frozen = 23 calories
Tomato = 20 calories
Onion - 42 calories
Fennel = 31 calories

































































Fruit

Apple (s) = 55 calories
Apple (m) = 72 calories
Apple (l) = 110 calories
Navel Orange = 69 calories
Florida Orange = 65 calories
Strawberries 12 (l) = 72 calories
Strawberries 20( m) = 80 calories
Pink California Grapefruit = 92 calories
Pink Florida Grapefruit = 74 calories










Bread 3.5 ounces or 100 grams

Grissini Bread stick = 12 calories
Melba toast = 12 calories



grissini breadsticks traditional







































Vinegar, for example Balsalmic or Apple Cider







































Chicken, Vegetable and Beef Broth.