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Nature's Answer to Autism: The Broccoli Compound Challenging Medical Dogma



What if the key to improving autism symptoms was hiding in your vegetable drawer all along?


Challenging the Conventional Wisdom: Evidence-Based Natural Approaches to Autism Treatment


For years, the National Autistic Society (NAS) and many mainstream medical organizations have maintained that there are no effective treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, a growing body of scientific research is not just challenging this view - it's shattering it. Emerging studies demonstrate that certain natural, non-patentable approaches can lead to significant improvements in individuals with ASD, offering hope to millions of families worldwide.


One particularly promising area of research involves sulforaphane, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli. A groundbreaking 2014 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA titled "Sulforaphane treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)" provides compelling evidence that contradicts the NAS stance.1


This placebo-controlled, randomized pilot study involved 44 males with ASD, aged 13-27. After 18 weeks of treatment with a sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extract:


  • 46% of participants showed significant improvements in social interactions

  • 42% demonstrated significant improvements in verbal communication

  • Over half the participants exhibited decreases in abnormal behaviors, including irritability, hyperactivity, and repetitive movements


These results directly challenge the assertion that there are no treatments for core ASD symptoms. Importantly, sulforaphane is a natural compound, not a patented pharmaceutical, making it an accessible and potentially affordable option for many families.

The researchers selected sulforaphane based on its well-characterized physiological effects, which address many of the underlying issues associated with ASD:


  • Reducing oxidative stress and improving antioxidant capacity

  • Enhancing glutathione synthesis

  • Improving mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation

  • Decreasing lipid peroxidation

  • Reducing neuroinflammation


This multi-faceted approach to addressing ASD's root causes may explain its effectiveness compared to more narrowly targeted pharmaceutical interventions.


It's worth noting that sulforaphane is just one of many natural substances showing promise in ASD treatment. The GreenMedInfo.com database has indexed research from the National Library of Medicine on over 30 natural substances that may play a role in improving ASD symptoms.2 These include various dietary interventions, nutritional supplements, and other non-pharmaceutical approaches.


For instance, studies have shown potential benefits from:


The fact that such research exists and continues to produce positive results raises important questions about why organizations like the NAS maintain there are no effective treatments for ASD. Some possible explanations include:


  1. Bias towards pharmaceutical solutions: Many mainstream medical organizations have close ties to the pharmaceutical industry, which may influence their perspective on non-patentable treatments.7

  2. Resistance to paradigm shifts: The idea that ASD is purely genetic and untreatable has become deeply ingrained in many medical circles, making it difficult to accept contradictory evidence.

  3. Lack of large-scale studies: While promising, many studies on natural interventions for ASD have been relatively small. However, this highlights the need for more research rather than dismissing existing findings.

  4. Focus on complete "cures" rather than improvements: While natural interventions may not completely eliminate all ASD symptoms, significant improvements in quality of life should not be discounted.


The sulforaphane study and others like it demonstrate that evidence-based, natural approaches to treating ASD do exist, contrary to the NAS's claims. These findings underscore the importance of keeping an open mind and continuing to explore all potential avenues for improving the lives of individuals with ASD.


For families affected by ASD, this research offers hope and potential new options to explore under the guidance of healthcare professionals. It also serves as a reminder that conventional wisdom in medicine should always be open to challenge and revision based on emerging scientific evidence.


As we move forward, it's crucial that organizations like the NAS and other autism advocacy groups remain open to new research and are willing to update their positions based on the best available evidence. Only by doing so can we ensure that individuals with ASD have access to all potentially beneficial treatments, whether they come from pharmaceutical labs or nature's pharmacy.


The sulforaphane study's lead researcher, Dr. Andrew Zimmerman, put it best: "We believe that this may be preliminary evidence for the first treatment for autism that improves symptoms by apparently correcting some of the underlying cellular problems."8 It's time for the medical community to embrace these findings and work towards a more holistic, integrative approach to autism care.


To learn more about natural approaches to autism, read about the exciting new autism reversal study we reported on here: The Twins Who Conquered Autism: A New Frontier in Natural Treatment



References


1. Singh, K., Connors, S. L., Macklin, E. A., Smith, K. D., Fahey, J. W., Talalay, P., & Zimmerman, A. W. (2014). Sulforaphane treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(43), 15550-15555.

2. GreenMedInfo.com. (n.d.). Autism Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.greenmedinfo.com/disease/autism-spectrum-disorders

3. Mazahery, H., Stonehouse, W., Delshad, M., Kruger, M. C., Conlon, C. A., Beck, K. L., & von Hurst, P. R. (2017). Relationship between Long Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control and Randomised Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 9(2), 155.

4. Saad, K., Abdel-Rahman, A. A., Elserogy, Y. M., Al-Atram, A. A., El-Houfey, A. A., Othman, H. A., ... & Abd El-Baseer, K. A. (2018). Randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 59(1), 20-29.

5. Sanctuary, M. R., Kain, J. N., Angkustsiri, K., & German, J. B. (2018). Dietary Considerations in Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Potential Role of Protein Digestion and Microbial Putrefaction in the Gut-Brain Axis. Frontiers in Nutrition, 5, 40.

6. Pennesi, C. M., & Klein, L. C. (2012). Effectiveness of the gluten-free, casein-free diet for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: Based on parental report. Nutritional Neuroscience, 15(2), 85-91.

7. Moran, A. E., Forouzanfar, M. H., Roth, G. A., Mensah, G. A., Ezzati, M., Murray, C. J., & Naghavi, M. (2014). Temporal trends in ischemic heart disease mortality in 21 world regions, 1980 to 2010: the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study. Circulation, 129(14), 1483-1492.

8. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2014, October 13). Broccoli Sprout Extract May Protect Against Oral Cancer Recurrence. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/broccoli_sprout_extract_may_protect_against_oral_cancer_recurrence


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