New Autism Cure - breakthrough treatments and cures for autism

A few posts back, we took a look at the studies that were showing the benefits of using Ionized Water Filtration systems as a treatment for Autism.  In addition to this method, there are also studies being done surrounding Kangen Water and it’s ability to treat Autism. The majority of these studies are being conducted in Japan, and some are still in experimental stages, however, just looking at some general connections between symptoms of Autism, and the proven benefits of Kangen water show that it seems to only make sense that the use of Kangen water would be a beneficial treatment option.

Kangen Water itself is an alkaline water that has many anti-oxidant properties. In order to produce Kangen Water, regular water ( H20) goes through the electrolysis process and separates into two different substances. One part is an acidic HO molecule, and the other as an alkaline OH- molecule. The Kangen Water creators bottle the OH molecule of the alkaline base for drinking purposes, and the acidic HO molecule is often used for sterilization, skin and plants. The word Kangen is Japanese for “return to the source” or “return to the origin” which explains the creation, philosophy and marketing of the product.

Kangen Water has a very small molecular structure. What does this mean? Traditional tap and bottled water have larger molecules, so they pass through the body quickly without reaching their destination cells. When water doesn’t reach cells, they suffer from cellular dehydration and either die, or do not function to their full efficiency. It is believed that Kangen Water has the ability to rehydrate these cells before they dry out and die.

What Does This Mean For Autism?

The benefits of Kangen Water are proving to be significant and have lead the Japanese researchers to take a closer look at the ways that it may be able to treat Autism symptoms.  A few of the symptoms and conditions of Autism that are being studied are the acidic body, dehydration and inflammation. These three symptoms alone have been found to be decreased in those who consume Kangen Water over traditional non-electrolyzed water.

Our bodies are supposed to have a balance of acidity and alkaline. The balance of these ensure proper metabolism, immune system, and even brain function.  Specifically, a body that is too acidic (a common symptom of Autism ) is a breeding place for diseases. When too acidic, our bodies try to buffer or balance this out by taking calcium from our bones and magnesium needed for heart health. It then turns extra acid into solids and stores them in fatty tissues, which can clog arteries. Because Kangen Water is alkaline, it works to dissolve excess acid and restore balance.

Additionally, mal-digestion is a common occurrence in Autism Disorder. Along with hyperactive intestines and abnormal bowel function, Autism often spells discomfort and abdominal unhealthiness. Drinking Kangen Water with its proven benefits, can help with restoration of both hydration and a healthy digestive tract.

Autism has dozens and dozens of symptoms. It’s important that we take a look at each symptom individually, and then think about what types of treatments are available for each one. For example, it might never be proven that Kangen Water can change say, the sometimes Obsessive Compulsive type behavior that comes with Autism. However, it might be able to treat other physical symptoms. Of course, we hope that one day, there will be a universal  treatment for all symptoms and to hopefully be able to successfully treat the disorder.

If you’re like the majority of the population you’re not exactly a master at all of the technical terms that are thrown about in studies of  various treatments for Autism. Whenever I do any kind of article reading, I’m sure to have my search engine open and ready to go, in order to find the “lay-man’s terms” for different words and medical jargon. Truth be told, it’s a lot

A new study of chromosomes has found a connection between chromosome 5  and Autism.  Great, right? But, what does it all mean?

What’s a Chromosome? The need-to-know basics.

Chromosomes are found in the cell nucleus and consist of long chains of nucleic acids coated with protein. Each chromosome contains hundreds or thousands of the genes that form our hereditary blueprint. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 total. Each parent contributes 1 chromosome to each pair.

Each chromosome has genes that determine almost every detail about us as a person. For example, some of the genes that are located on Chromosome 5 are: Pikachurin - which is responsible for the eye’s ability to track moving objects; FGFR4 which is the fibroblast growth factor receptor, and SMN1 and SMN2 -the survivor motor neurons.

Chromosome Disorders

Chromosome disorders occur if there is an an alteration in the number of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell, or if there is an alteration of the structure of a chromosome. One of the chromosome’s that researchers have looked at in depth recently is chromosome 5.

Chromosome 5 represents almost 6% of the total DNA in cells. Changes to chromosome 5 have been linked to certain types of cancers and Chron’s Disease. A recent study suggests that chromosome 5 may play a major role in Autism cases as well.

Chromosome 5 and Autism - The Connection

An in depth genetic scan of Autism families found an area on chromosome 5 that is strongly associated with Autism. In the October 2009 issue of Nature, it was also said that there were two genomic areas that may harbor typically rare variants relevant to Autism.

There have been previous studies on how genes and chromosomes may affect Autism. These studies have found possible links on chromosomes 15, 16 and 5, but this is the first study that has concentrated the area of chromosome 5 to the 5p15 region. The study has found that a specific gene, SEMA5A (or semaphorin 5A), that is responsible for enabling  neurons to their targets, may have a role in Autism Disorders.

For this particular study, the genomes of 1,031 families were examined. Furthermore, each family was considered a ‘multiplex’ family, or, families with multiple members with Autism Disorders. One method of study that took place was comparing the genes and chromosomes of the family members with the disorder to find like variants. The other method concentrates on comparing people with the disorder with people without the disorder to find similarities and differences to better understand where some causes of the disorder may lie.

A combination of these methods allowed researchers to discover that chromosomes 6 and 20 are are significantly linked with Autism. Additionally, another area on chromosome 5 was found to carry a link as well. The new area, or nucleotide is in very close proximity to  SEMA5a. The variant is protective. In other words, it’s presence decreases the risk of Autism

Despite previous proof that Autism is a hereditary disorder, the genetic scan turned up very few genetic markers. It is believed by many that a mix of common variants that are prominent in 5% of the population as well as some rare variants are more contributory to Autism.

Bottom line - What does this all mean?

Simply put, this means that research is progressing and the causes of Autism are becoming more and more discoverable. Causes, after all, are the first step to finding a treatment. Because Autism truly is a puzzle of a disorder, finding one universal treatment may not be right around the corner. However, the more we find links to the cause, the more treatments we can find that satisfy what particular “form” of Autism is affecting our loved ones.

As humans, we are always putting things into our bodies to get some kind of reaction. Whether its caffeine for stimulation, liquids for hydration, or fiber for regularity, we’re constantly aiming to have our bodies in the best, most healthy state. Even when we’re not at our best, we put medications inside of us to alleviate symptoms and kill viruses. In order to heal, the body needs to return to a balanced state, replenishing things its missing, and taking away the overkill of some other things.

Could treatment for Autism come from something as simple as good old H2O?

The Ionization of Water

It’s no big secret that water in its tap form isn’t the most healthy. Everyday, many of us put our water through a filtration process. It’s become much easier these days with the easily available and affordable water filtration systems.We take out the things that we don’t need. Who wants damaging parasites in their water?

Additionally, we can go a step further and concentrate the benefits of water, while also targeting consistent problem areas with Autism is by putting water through an ionizing process. The Ionization Process concentrates minerals that are already existent in water such as magnesium, potassium and calcium. The produced product is water that can be more easily absorbed by the body and improves the function of antioxidants in the body. Consuming ionized water enables the body’s own antioxidants to neutralize other free radicals than would normally be possible by consuming traditional filtered water.

The Ideal Treatment

In Autism cases, brain inflammation is a prominent feature as certain immune components that promote inflammation are often triggered in autism cases. Also, the autistic person often has oxidation stress. Typically, antioxidant supplements are used to treat this symptom. In order to neutralize the neuro-inflammation, an ideal treatment, no matter if it’s an antioxidant or other form, should have a slight alkaline pH level, an increased anti-oxidation capability, and a very small molecular structure to make for an easier passage through cells.

Where’s the connection?

Well, as we said, the ideal antioxidant would target the problem areas that are often found in Autism. The ideal treatment carries all of the features of ionized water. It concentrates the minerals, carries a slight alkaline pH to balance neuro-inflammation, anti-oxidation capability, and a miniscule molecular structure for cell passage.

Coincidence?

This day in age, it’s no big surprise to see something that was created for one purpose to be used in another. For example, I had a toothache a few weeks ago, and a website recommended using Pure Peppermint Extract. I gave it a whirl, and I had a decent amount of relief from the pain until I was able to make it to the dentist.

There are countless examples of this in medicine, and one of the more controversial examples is the use of OSR#1 specifically for the treatment of Autism. OSR#1 was originally developed to remove heavy metals from soil and acid mine drainage. After further research and testing, OSR#1 was found to be an effective antioxidant. Although the website openly says that the drug is not approved by the FDA nor has it been proven to cure any illness or disease, it provides links in order for parents and caregivers to obtain lists of pharmacies who distribute OSR#1.

How does OSR#1 Treat Autism?

Autism is often suggested to be directly linked to toxic levels of metals, especially mercury.  This being said, OSR#1 works to scavenge free radicals in the body and helps to maintain safe glutathione levels. More simply - it removes toxic metals. A study was done of children ages 3-8 years old where their severity of autism was compared with their level of excreted toxic metals. There were several positive correlations between the two. If Autism is in fact caused or affected by the level of toxic metals, then it seems only logical that a compound used to remove toxic metals would be an effective treatment.

Critics’ Questions and Clinicians’ Answers

Critics argue the basis of the compound to be considered “safe”. An FDA toxicologist questioned the safety of OSR#1 and inquired what studies had been done to prove that this was indeed safe for human ingestion. Dr. Boyd Haley, the developer of OSR#1 responded with a 10 person study. He said: “We looked at everything, including OSR#1’s effect on essential minerals. This project was done on the relatives (children, parents, spouses) of two medical doctors who also treat autistic children, as well as older individuals, and whose children also had ASD problems. No blood or urine test indicated any adverse effect. However, the glutathione results improved dramatically. We obtained an IRB (Institutional Review Board) to evaluate these results and this also showed no adverse effects of OSR#1.”

The Chicago Tribune published an article claiming that OSR#1 went through insufficient testing and was unsafe.  Within a few hours, the OSR1 Twitter page had an announcement saying that the article was false, and appropriate testing was conducted. It directs you to their website, where the history of testing is disclosed. The site even goes as far as saying that the compound is proven to be non-toxic in levels thousands of times higher than the amount suggested for human intake.

What Does This Talk of OSR#1 Mean For Your Autistic Child?

As with all treatments, it’s going to depend on your child’s needs. Though OSR#1 isn’t yet approved by the FDA, it’s important to pay attention to the studies that have been done, and the logistics of it all. The anti-oxidant is available and many doctors swear by it and support its benefits.  As parents, you surely won’t give your child just anything especially when it isn’t safe, so be sure that no matter what route you take for any treatment, medicinal or behavioral, that you take a look in depth and studies and findings.

Day in and day out, researchers are looking for treatments for the often life-changing condition that affects over 1% of children between 3 and 17. Though a cure for Autism may or may not be around the corner, there are often new advancements, and specialists are trying to find the missing link that will answer the difficult questions. One route that many researchers take, is associating Autism with other similar conditions in which there are successful treatments for. Another way, is to take a look at similarly structured conditions that might not have a cure yet, but have had their own advancements. The possibility of joint-discoveries gives researchers another avenue to explore when searching for cures and treatments for Autism.

One of the conditions that appears to have many of the same characteristics as Autism is one that affects over 26 millions people worldwide. Alzheimer’s traditionally affects the elderly population, but with many of the same symptoms as The one substantial difference is simply the age range of the people that the conditions effect. Autism traditionally affects adolescents while Alzheimer’s tends to attack the elderly population. Setting aside this key difference, Autism and Alzheimer’s have a striking amount of similarities as well.

Autism shares a number of symptoms with Alzheimer’s including those on both physical and psychological level.  Both conditions often leave their sufferers with the tendency to become catatonic at times, have attention transition issues, become easily distracted and/or disoriented and have difficulty with language comprehension. The similarities between the two conditions are in the hundreds - particularly in the similar brain patterns and symptoms.

These likenesses leave you thinking - could Alzheimer’s hold a piece of the puzzle that is finding a cure for Autism? There is currently research being done on a common drug, Namenda which slows the rate of decline in Alzheimer’s patients. Clinicians are studying the possibility that the drug will assist in the treatment of Autism by targeting the same areas in which Alzheimer’s Patients are affected.