There’s nothing like the calming effect of a magnesium epsom salt or magnesium sulfate bath for your autistic child. But if you’ve tried these baths and had poor results your child might have a sulfate sensitivity.
What is Sulfate Sensitivity?
Sulfate sensitivity is not the same thing as a drug allergy to sulfa medications. With a sulfate sensitivity, the sulfa doesn’t get metabolized properly down your child’s metabolic pathways.
This is usually due to MTHFR or CBS genetic mutations. In these instances the sulfate oxidase enzyme is not working properly. The slowed metabolism can lead to an ammonia build up which in turn can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms like: hand flapping and other stimming behaviors, speech and language issues, and irritability and aggression.
What are Symptoms of Sulfate Sensitivity?
If you’re seeing an increase in these neurological symptoms like stimming, language issues, or mood disruptions, after you’ve given your child an epsom salt bath or supplements with sulfate compounds like theanine or taurine you should consider the idea that your child may have a sulfur sensitivity.
In addition to epsom salt baths and taurine, you may find your child’s symptoms worsen with supplements like MSM or methionine. If this is the case, don’t use sulfate based supplements until you’ve addressed the sensitivity.
How Do I Treat Sulfate Sensitivity?
To treat your child with autism’s sulfate sensitivity you’ll need to first treat the root cause of the problem. With a sulfate sensitivity you’ll typically see issues with methylation or the transsulfuration pathway where the transfer of sulfur from homocysteine to cysteine occurs.
You can work to regulate these issues with Vitamin B6, B12, and B9. Once those pathways are up and running your child may be able to tolerate sulfate compounds.
Identifying and treating an issue like sulfate sensitivity can be complicated. When I was at the beginning of my autism journey I thought I’d never be able to learn everything. I was overwhelmed and I desperately wanted to help my child live and feel better.
To help you ease these frustrations I’ve created a course that outlines the first steps you should take to help your child with autism as they begin their journey on a functional medicine path.
There are specific foundational pieces that need to be in place before you dive into the more expensive and invasive options you may come across in your research.
My course will be available in February and it’s been designed to fit your busy lifestyle. It’s organized into bite sized sections created to be helpful, not stressful.
Be gentle with yourself. You’re doing a great job.
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Do you have a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email me at joya@yourautismgameplan.com
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