What natural product do you suggest for Autism with anxiety complications?

Q. I have two Autistic children and am using melatonin for mood and sleep disorders. It is mildly affective, but my son suffers from anxiety disorder and we want to try something other than harmful meds.

A. There are a couple of products which will help your son's anxiety. You should begin with probiotics. In case you are not familiar with these, they are good bacteria which reside in our GI system, and effect the brain and behavior in addition to gut health. In turn, they help autism and anxiety by creating a less permeable gut so proteins can't pass into the blood and cause the opiate effect on the brain. They help anxiety because neurotransmitter production is dependant upon a healthy gut with good bacteria.

The best probiotics which are know to adhere properly in the gut are called HLC Probiotics. He would begin with HLC Intensive, 1 cap with each meal, for 20-30 days. Then, progress to HLC Mindlinx, 1 cap with each meal. You can open the caps.

In the meantime, 5HTP Synergy by DFH may be helpful at calming his moods and helping him sleep at night, as it is a precursor to serotonin.

Also I suggest your son supplement with more DHA, a brain fat responsible for receiving neurotransmitters into the brain. Any of the Pharmax brand fish oils would work well due to their excellent quality. You could try High DHA Finest Pure Fish Oils, or High DHA Berry Frutol which is like a Berry Syrup.