WHAT IS CURCUMIN?
Turmeric, used as a culinary spice, makes the yellow color in curry. Turmeric comes from the rhizomes (underground stems) of the plant Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family. The most active constituent of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is known for its medicinal use due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The Indian and Chinese cultures have embraced curcumin for thousands of years. Studies demonstrate curcumin's valuable properties which include: anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, cholesterol lowering, antibacterial and anti-fungal effects. Part of its efficacy is related to its mixture of powerful antioxidant phytonutrients called curcuminoids.
HOW DOES CURCUMIN HELP AUTISM SYMPTOMS?
Where autism comes into the picture relates to curcumin's powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This anti-inflammatory action can assist the neural pathways to clear in neurological conditions such as autism.
Dr. Martha Herbert, a neurology professor at Harvard Medical School has researched thousands of children with autism spectrum disorders. She argues that autism is not a handicap, and ASD patients can experience improvement if given the right nutrition and environment.
“I think science is telling us autism is not a fixed life sentence because people improve – sometimes a little bit, and sometimes a lot, and sometimes they even stay improved,” Herbert states. “So we’re seeing a lot that’s changeable in autism.”
Although ASD kids can adapt as they mature, even more positive change can occur if they are evaluated and given specific vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes and other gut and brain changing nutrients.
One antioxidant that seems to be lower in children with ASD and ADHD is glutathione. As a result, several biochemical problems exist for children with ASD, one being an inability to detoxify toxins such as lead and mercury. These toxins adversely affect chemicals in the brain that support attention and focusing. Curcumin assists in increasing glutathione levels leading to an improved ability to eliminate toxins from the body.
The most effective form of curcumin we have seen with our patients has been Lee Silsby's Compounding Pharmacy's Enhansa and for ease of use, Nordic Naturals Curcumin Gummies.
Enhansa 150 mg Capsules (Curcumin)
Enhansa 600 mg Capsules (Curcumin)
Curcumin Gummies
TESTIMONIALS
Here are two Enhansa testimonials from the Age of Autism, the daily web newspaper of the autism epidemic: "We use Enhansa, and we've seen results in each of the girls. One of my daughters' reading level has advanced from second grade to fourth grade during the school year. Another is clearly more aware of her surroundings and participating with the family. The other day she grabbed her sister's hand and said, "Come on!" after pretty much ignoring her sibling since her birth. Receptive speech and ability to follow directions has leaped in one of my darlings too."
"Just wanted to post how we are doing on Enhansa. . . .He is caught up to age level in speech and is at a 5 year old level in motor skills!! His teachers report that he has friends and they said the kids love him and he is very popular. Enhansa has been awesome for his viral issues and yeast too."
According to Brian Udell, MD, the Autism Doctor's website regarding curcumin:
"I have noticed great improvements in cognition and language with your suggested supplement. She seems a little more irritable, but the the gains are so good."
"The curcumin has been amazing. Improved language and cognition. Significant improvements."
". . .He is doing amazing in school! He is now sitting with the other kids and doing his seat work. According to the school staff, they have witnessed attempts to talk and word approximations. TheABA therapist visited him at school yesterday, and reported the same. She is extremely pleased with his progress, and we are as well. I’m going to send you a picture."
"Our child reacted well to the turmeric and LDN compound. . .We have continued on the path and he seems to be reacting nicely. He is babbling much more and mood has improved…"
"This supplement has been amazing so far at 75 mg bid. Her focus and sustained attention and receptive language are much improved and all her therapists across the board have noticed!"
"It has been amazing. Improved language and cognition. Significant improvements."
Check with your physician to make sure it's ok to take curcumin. We would love to get your feedback on what curcumin has done for you or your child.