Omega 3 and Autism Recovery

We didn't know what to think. AJ started to have an accident daily. He was getting his cod liver oil. Luckily JC remembered we had received a free sample at Autism One last year and left it in the car all day. The heat from the sun all day may have destroyed the beneficial fatty acids in the cod liver oil. Earlier in the week we attended a seminar where Dr. Jorn Dyerberg, one of the pioneer's of Omega 3's and heart health, talked about the value of fish oils. He outlined the importance of Omega 3 and Omega 6. Omega 3 includes both EPA and DHA and has anti-inflammatory properties. Omega 3 also improves cognitive function and acts as an anti-depressent. Dr. Dyerberg stated that 20% of the brain and nervous system are made up of essential fatty acids. I wonder if this is why accidents happen when AJ doesn't get his. With his body constantly trying to cope with the excess toxins he needs all the Omega 3's he can get to keep things working properly. I think we're going to double his dosage for a while and see if there is any improvement in his coordination and mood. I asked Dr. Dyerberg about it, but he has never studied the effects of Omega 3's on children effected by autism. Dr. Jorn Dyerberg also mentioned several tests to have done to measure health. He suggested a non-fasting triglycerides test, most Doctors do a fasting test. Elevated non-fasting results warn of possible heart disease. He also suggested checking your 24 hour HRV, heart rate variability. A good high HRV indicates your heart can adapt to changing needs. The last test he suggested was the Omega 3 Index, which measures the amount of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes. I believe this test was pioneered by Dr. Harris and Dr. Von Schacky, but I haven't tried to follow up with it yet. I also had the opportunity to talk to John Carlson the founder of Carlson's fish oil about the difference between fish oil and cod liver oil. He told me the cod liver oil includes vitamins A & D and is suggested for use Sept.- March when we don't get as much natural sun light. The fish oil doesn't have those vitamins included.

Wet Pants, Bloody Noses, and Supplements.

This was a good week for reminders of how important A's supplements are. During the hectic holiday season A's supplements are not always given. We try to keep up the routine, and God bless people who can do it 100%. I admire them. My wife and I stumble at times. Sometimes we run out, sometimes the kids are with their Grandparents and don't get the supplements, sometimes we are rushed and forget. The Omega 3's from the fish oil seems to help with his ability to know when he has to use the bathroom. I noticed a couple of times he had a small accident with wet pants, not a full jean wetting soak, but his underwear was damp. Maybe he doesn't realize he has to go until he feels it on the outside. I don't know why, but making sure he gets his Nordic Naturals will cure that problem. Nose bleeds mean he needs more zinc. When we were shoveling the other day he looked at me holding his shovel smiling, "I'm doing good shoveling. Right Dad?" I looked up to see his eyes shining bright, his toothless grin, and blood running out of his nose down the sides of his mouth. He had no idea. He does not seem to have much sensation under his nose and around his mouth. We've been through this before though. I checked with J later that night and turns out we ran out of his liquid zinc and the powdered form got missed a few times. At least we know what to do, even if we don't completely know why.