Enzyme Therapy for Autism

The pounding went on all day and all night. My son was a chronic head-banger from early on. Our efforts to help him resolve this and other debilitating problems, such as extreme sensory sensitivities and socialization difficulties, led us down many roads. Enzymes provided one of the key paths.

In the past five years, enzyme therapy has emerged as one of the most successful treatments for autism-related conditions, based on a new understanding about how closely the digestive, nervous, and immune systems function together and on how to use specific enzymes. Since taking them, my older son, who was diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition (ASC), no longer bangs his head on the floor 10 to 14 hours a day. He now interacts with others around him and communicates well. His sleep and sensory problems have also improved. The rest of us took enzymes as well, and my younger son’s reflux and bowel problems faded away and my chronic migraines disappeared.

My family isn’t the only one to experience these outcomes. After tracking results for more than five years, I’ve found that 90 to 93 percent of people with ASC see improvements after trying a good-quality enzyme product. Benefits appear in a wide range of behavior, language, cognitive, and physical issues, and older children and adults experience these benefits as much as younger kids.

Food Intolerances and Allergies
Autistic children often suffer from numerous kinds of food intolerances and digestive problems. My son was so sensitive to dairy, he would begin banging his head hard on the floor about three hours after eating it. While this reaction occurred with other foods and stimuli, we knew that dairy was a specific trigger. To resolve it we found a product containing several proteases including one known as DPP IV, which breaks down dairy and gluten proteins.

Unlike many drug therapies, enzymes are a quick and relatively inexpensive option to try, with a high probability for success. You will usually see results within the first four weeks, and often with just one bottle. While we found success by focusing on specific enzymes, some ACS children respond equally well to a broad-spectrum enzyme product that focuses on the digestion of carbohydrates and fats in addition to proteins. As you plan out a course of enzyme therapy, think in terms of categories: Children who have trouble digesting proteins need proteases; amylases break down carbohydrates; problems with candida yeast respond well to fiber digesting enzymes; and those with dairy intolerance benefit from lactase and DPP IV enzymes. Ascertain which category applies best to your child’s particular problem and then choose among the enzyme products within this category. Most families with children who have developmental delays tend to get best results using one of the broad-spectrum products at all meals along with one of the strong protease products.

The Bug Connection
Many children with autism related conditions also suffer from candida yeast or bacterial overgrowth in the gut. To resolve the problem try yeast-targeting products with high levels of fiber-digesting enzymes (like cellulases) to break down the outer walls of yeast cells. The product should also contain a high level of proteases to help clear out pathogenic yeast and reduce any die-off reactions. Consider combining a yeast-controlling herbal supplement such as grapefruit seed extract or oregano with the enzymes for a synergistic effect.

Underlying persistent viral infections also seem prevalent in autistic children, and when these are addressed, the children show some permanent improvements in language, socialization, behavior, and cognitive ability. Several autism specialists are turning to Valtrex, a prescription antiviral medication that provides good results. Another alternative, ViraStop, is a specialty blend of enzymes used between meals at high therapeutic doses (12 to 15 capsules per day). Two preliminary investigations using ViraStop resulted in a program that has delivered excellent results. Combining this with other supplements that have antiviral properties, such as olive leaf extract, vitamin C, or monolaurin, increases its effectiveness against viruses.

While the exact mechanisms of enzyme therapy remain obscure in the case of autism, it clearly works on underlying causes, not just symptoms. Even though not all my son’s sensory problems have disappeared, he has became much more social, his grades have improved, and his general anxiety has gone away. Now when people ask me how my son is, I’m thankful I’m able to say, truthfully, “He’s fine!”

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By Karen Defelice, Natural Solutions magazine

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Joe S.

4:22AM PST on Dec 5, 2011

Thanks for the information.

send a green star

Past Member .

2:17AM PDT on Jun 15, 2009

thanks...
Kabin

Konteyner

Sneh A.

6:22AM PST on Nov 25, 2008

I think Yoga and meditation can also help to some extent.
My Favorite Links:
For discounted blood and labwork, MRI, etc: http://tinyurl.com/6fxdjm
What not to eat: http://www.feingold.org/
Different alternative treatments [most comprehensive- pl. read carefully]: www.quickdoctors.com
CST: http://www.iahp.com/pages/search/index.php
Neurofeedback Therapy : http://www.neuropathways.com/index.html
Yoga-Meditation: http://www.divyayoga.com/freePranayamTraning.htm

Cynthia H.

6:45PM PST on Nov 9, 2008

I am a Holistic Health Counselor with celiac and gluten intolerance in my family. Taking an enzyme will not help you to digest the gluten proteins in wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, etc. You will perpetuate a cytokine inflammatory reaction that cannot be resolved without removing the offending food.

Cynthia Henrich
The Holistic Hooligan
www.SANCTUARYontheGLEN.com

Johanna R.

8:09PM PST on Nov 6, 2008

I just read a great book that talks about how Enzymes can heal. The Author is Dr. Ellen Cutler. It talks how Enzymes can help with ADS as well as ADHD. It teaches us what we need to look for in Enzymes. A company Called BioSET has a wonderful chewable enzyme that is great for children. My friends son has ASD, he was treated with BioSET and takes the BioSET Chewable Enzyme. They have seen amazing results.

Juanita C.

12:56PM PST on Nov 6, 2008

The author of the article entitles one paragraph "Food Intolerances and Allergies" but does not actually reflect any allergies in her discussion. Not being able to digest lactose, is not an allergic reaction. An allergy presents with a rash, respiratory distress or worse. By using the word "allergies" in the heading it leads one to believe that the symptoms and resolution discussed were aimed at allergic reactions to food, when in fact none were listed or discussed.
Regarding Diana's comments and Kathy's response; if children with autism have problems with food textures, why not juice the raw vegetables? They are then more easily assimilated by the body and full of vitamins and nutrients.

Aviva G.

8:31AM PST on Nov 6, 2008

A group of three new broad-spectrum supplements has just come out specifically geared to children with ASD's, and one of them is a digestive enzyme complex. They're mixed with water to make an isotonic (highly absorbable) and tasty drink, which may help children who can't tolerate swallowing pills. I get it here:
http://www.marketamerica.com/thelivingyou/sku-13069/single-bottle-90-servings.htm
They also have digestive enzymes for adults.

Kathy L.

7:38AM PST on Nov 6, 2008

To Diana:

What you say is true. However, some people with autism cannot tolerate the taste or texture of vegetables, making a raw vegan diet impossible. Also, although autistic traits can be respected alternative approaches to the world, when they lead to self-injury and violent emotional meltdowns, they interfere with the gifted mind's potential. Each person with autism is unique, and what is helpful for one person doesn't work for others. The more information we have, the better for all people on the autism spectrum.

Diana L.

6:09AM PST on Nov 6, 2008

It's wonderful that enzymes seem to have helped improve this child's quality of life. A raw, vegan diet is packed with enzymes and naturally free of dairy and gluten.

I'd like to point out that not everyone regards autistic traits such as "sensory problems" and "socialization difficulties" as defects that need to be corrected. For many people on the autistic spectrum, these are simply different approaches to being in the world, approaches that deserve respect. Freedom from obligatory socializing and/or disruptive sensory stimuli can allow a gifted autistic mind to excel.

Linda S.

3:26AM PST on Nov 6, 2008

Houston Enzymes are particularly helpful for many with ASD. Some families doing the gluten-free, casein-free diet find them helpful in the case of a dietary infraction.