It’s That Time of the Year
It’s lovely to see the snow but I can do without Flu, Covid, RSV, Strep, etc.
Has your home been plagued with illness yet?
Many of our kids with ASD can regress when they get sick.
They may not exhibit classic symptoms of illness but only neuropsychiatric changes similar to PANS/PANDAS.
If this is the case, have them evaluated to rule out something like an ear infection, strep throat, or an infected tooth, since they may not be able to express what’s bothering them.
When some of our kids get a fever, some of their ASD features may improve.
How can we support their immune system to prevent getting attacked by the creepy crud?
· Eat nutrient-dense whole foods and avoid nutrient-depleted ultra-processed foods such as finely refined carbs/sugar and seed oils that impair the immune system.
· Get plenty of sleep- insufficient sleep can decimate your immune system.
· Exercise regularly
· Support the microbiome- these protective microbes are throughout our body and concentrated in our gut- 70% of our immune system is here. Our microbiome can be supported with prebiotic fiber from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds and probiotic food sources such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha.
· Sauna (if you have access to one) has been quite effective in supporting the immune system and detoxification.
What can you do once they get sick?
· Maintain hydration and nutrition- add honey, ginger, and/or turmeric to fluids and eat chicken soup to help fight the infection.
· Rest!! The body needs this to recover and also prevent transmission to others.
· Steamed mist from a hot shower can help open the airways to mobilize secretions.
· Gargling with salt water can loosen mucus and alleviate sore throat.
· Salt water nasal rinses break up congestion and remove viral and bacterial particles from the nose.
· Supplements that can help fight infections include garlic, oregano, thyme, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, echinacea, and n-acetylcysteine (NAC).
Hopefully, you can stave off these germs throughout the winter.
#sickness #autism #ASD #PANS #PANDAS
