An Indiana mother recently got media attention after allegedly giving her daughter a bleach-like concoction to supposedly cure her autism. According to the mother, she got the idea from a Facebook group.
However, miracle mineral solution or master mineral solution or MMS has actually been around for quite some time, with claims of being able to cure multiple illnesses and conditions.
'Cure' For Autism
There are many treatments for autism, of which Applied Behavior Analysis remains the top choice. However, when an Indiana mother allegedly gave her daughter a bleach drink to "cure" her autism, her story shed light on a potentially dangerous treatment that some parents have been giving their children.
As it turns out, the mother got her idea from a Facebook group, claiming that the bleach drink would cure autism. The logic behind the toxic treatment is that autism is "made up" of parasites, bacteria, yeast, heavy metals, food allergies, viruses as well as inflammation and that the MMS would rid the body of pathogens through oxidation without harming the body's beneficial bacteria.
What Is MMS?
MMS is an unlicensed product that is basically a concoction of sodium chlorite and citric powder known to make up chlorine bleach. Those who sell the product claim that although they are similar, MMS (Chlorine Dioxide) is different from the industrial grade cleaners.
The products often come in liquid drop forms to be added to beverages and claim to be able to treat a multitude of conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, celiac disease, down syndrome, dyslexia, eating disorders, erectile dysfunction, HIV/AIDS, Influenza, and more. As such, they have been marketed as a "miracle cure."
Crackdown On False Claims
However, such "cures" can carry serious health risks. High doses of the product could lead to nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. As such, the FDA warns the public regarding the use of such toxin-cleansing treatments, especially if used in lieu of FDA-approved treatments.
In fact, in 2010, the FDA released a warning, describing the mixture as a potent bleach used for stripping textiles and industrial water treatment. In the warning, FDA recommends its consumers to stop using the product immediately and to throw it away.
Furthermore, to date, there is no cure for autism but instead entails lifelong guidance, therapies, and support. At most, medications are given simply to address specific autism symptoms such as irritability.
"There is no proper scientific evidence of any kind that any products 'cure' autism and these products are dangerous," says The National Autistic Society.
How To Spot False 'Cures'
Commander Jason Humbert, M.H.S., R.N. of the FDA gives a few tips on how to recognize false cures. First, the public must be wary of products described as "miracle" cures, which could treat a condition in a jiffy as few conditions can be treated fast. This is especially true if such cures contain supposed secret ingredients. People must also be suspicious of any product that claims to treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions.
Basically, the public must be vigilant of false treatments that could potentially be harmful, even if it is backed by personal testimonials but not by scientific evidence. If a person comes across a little-known treatment, it would be best to consult a professional healthcare provider before giving it a try.
