Treating Autism Symptoms with Vitamins and Supplements (Part 3)

Part 3: Combating Oxidative Stress and Brain Inflammation with Vitamin C

Oxidative stress is a big problem with most autistic children. Oxidative stress refers to the body's inability to detoxify, or remove toxins from the system. When toxins, viruses or heavy metals cannot be removed, free radicals are produced at an alarming rate. Free radicals damage all parts of the cell, including proteins and DNA. They also cause long term inflammation in the body and nervous system. Oxidative stress inhibits the body's ability to reduce the amount of free radicals and can lead to a myriad of health and neurological problems.

Many people have tried to detoxify the body of these toxins and heavy metals that are causing oxidative stress by using the chelation method. This is a controversial method of cleansing the blood and it can be dangerous.

Alternatively, vitamin C is an extremely safe substance to use as protection from oxidative stress. This fact has lead researchers to start looking at vitamin C, not only as a way to stop autism from worsening, but also as a possible prevention for autism.

There have only been a handful of studies to test vitamin C's effectiveness in treating autism, and it has yet to be determined what dosage may be effective in treatment. What we do know is that vitamin C has been proven safe and effective in improving cognitive abilities, boosting immunity, reducing allergen reactions and sweeping free radicals, heavy metals and toxins from the body.

This can be very beneficial to individuals on the autism spectrum. Since they are almost all under oxidative stress, they are being bombarded by free radicals that cause inflammation all of the time. Vitamin C mops up free radicals. It also protects cells by keeping mitochondria and cell walls from being damaged by toxins, free radicals or unstable heavy metals in the body.

Vitamin C is also vital for brain function, yet we do not produce it on our own. We must get it from our diets or through supplementation. Vitamin C is known to increase cognition, mental function and memory, while decreasing depression, confusion and brain fog. It boosts immunity, clears the body of free radicals and protects cells from damage.

As we mentioned earlier, autistic individuals can have very long term brain inflammation. When inflamed, the brain produces glutamates to protect itself. Over long periods of time, glutamates can damage myelin sheaths in the brain. Inflammation may be reduced by using vitamin C, omega 3's, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods. You may be able to minimize and prevent damage to nerve cells using this method. The hypersensitive state induced by inflammation in the brain may also be lessened, thus, reducing autism symptoms.

Vitamin C powder or vitamin C tablets should be taken daily. Vitamin C is safe, even in large doses. If the body gets too much vitamin C, it simply eliminates it. If you are interested in taking vitamin C to try and reduce autism symptoms, talk with doctor about vitamins and supplements before you begin.

About the Author: Phil Le Breton is owner at Wholesale Nutrition. He has a strong interest in helping people achieve greater brain and body health. For more information about C-Salts, otherwise known as the best Vitamin C, or about other Vitamin C powder products, visit http://www.nutri.com where you can buy Vitamins and Supplements of the highest quality.