Autism can be
mastered! There are several very basic things discussed in this paper that
can be done at home with little or no expensive testing. Foremost is the
home testing for
thyroid function discussed toward the end of this paper, and support
of thyroid function. The “unloading of the donkey” is vital to possibly 80%
of these troubled children for they are poisoned, drowning in their own
toxic wastes.
Elimination of bowel disorders is very first on the list of vital
action. It is often as simple as supplying a digestive enzyme supplement, or
removing milk. A few autistic children can be helped dramatically by medical
procedures such as an infusion of the intestinal hormone Secretin, but by
and large, we are dealing with a toxic condition requiring
biochemical/dietary, not drug-based, intervention.
The need and the
beneficial response to Secretin treatment, I think, are dependent upon the
amount of damage to the duodenum and small intestine, and on the stomach’s
ability to produce adequate hydrochloric acid (HCl) for proper digestion.
Additionally, the WGA lectin of wheat (gluten/gliadin) was shown to reduce
Secretin production by 57%; however, administration of 500 mg of
N-acetylglucosamine twice a day (preferably at beginning of the meal)
completely suppressed this effect! Since these factors largely determine
proper digestion and assimilation, it is vital that all systems be
functioning optimally. Healing of the intestines, including rebalancing of
flora, is vital to health and well-being and mental function. Release of
Secretin is dependent on adequate HCl in the chyme and upon the binding
(neutralization) of Lectins found in grains and legumes, in particular.
Secretin is reduced in hypothyroid rats (Robberecht et al, 1981); so,
support the thyroid and bind (or remove) the lectins (more later). Without
adequate HCl, Secretin infusion can, at best, be only partially effective in
restoring digestion and proper physical and mental function. HCl production
and thyroid function are also very dependent on adequate zinc levels,
usually lacking in these children. This lack of zinc may lead to skin
conditions, loss of taste, neuropsychiatric symptoms, sleep problems, and
even the suppression of growth. An advanced zinc deficiency
is indicated by white specks or spots
on fingernails
.
With support for the thyroid, neutralizing of lectins (N-acetylglucosamine
neutralizes the WGA of wheat, and also the potato lectin), adequate zinc and
vitamin B6 intake, supplemental betaine hydrochloride (HCl – where needed),
DMAE, and/or Bethanechol, Secretin infusion may be totally unnecessary.
The path of
autism is different for each child. Some are prone to seizures, some are
not; some behave aggressively, others are overly passive. However, children
with autism and with ADHD share several factors.
“In one study, 66% of patients diagnosed with ADHD were found to be
hypothyroid
(at least as many with autism are
hypothyroid).
Supporting their thyroid levels was largely curative. Visual and auditory
hallucinations may result from altered perception and have been misdiagnosed
as schizophrenia or psychosis (or autism). Other behavioral symptoms have
included fear
- ranging from mild anxiety to frank
paranoia, mood swings, and aggression.
Thyroid hormone disorders may induce
almost any psychiatric symptom or syndrome, including rage
”—Aronson and
Dodman, 1997.
Moods and
behavior are largely influenced by the ratio of five central nervous system
chemicals known as amines. These include: norepinephrine (noradrenaline),
epinephrine (adrenaline), serotonin (5-HT), dopamine, and phenylethylamine
(PEA). The first three excite the CNS (central nervous system) while the
last two inhibit or modulate that excitement. The ratio of these amines
controls our levels of irritability.
Additionally,
there is a deep disturbance in their fatty acid metabolism that impairs
their utilization of amino acids, and often there is an imbalance in their
electrolytes. These can be symptoms of hypothyroidism! Hsu studied the
effects of only one nutrient deficiency, zinc, on the levels of free amino
acids in urine, plasma, and skin. When there was a zinc deficiency, there
was an inability for the body to metabolize all of the available amino acids
that were digested--thus they were excreted into the urine as waste!
Mercury in the system (from sources such as dental amalgam “silver”
fillings, vaccines, and Chlorox) excretes excessive amounts of zinc,
creating a hard to restore deficiency. [McCabe: When we did
our last major round of testing in 2001 that included all seven of our
Electrolytes
control what’s called membrane traffic—what goes in and out of cells. The
delicate balance of electrolytes also controls the electrical activity
within the brain and heart. Additionally,
it doesn’t make any
difference what gets to that cell if it can’t get into the cell. We
know that one of the major ways that you can affect cellular circulation is
by modulating the kinds of fatty acids that you eat. You increase receptor
sensitivity by increasing the fluidity of the cell membrane, which means
increasing the omega-3 content of the diet, because most people are very
deficient. The cell membranes are going to be a reflection of your dietary
fat, and that will determine their fluidity. Thus, providing other
nutritional supplements is relatively ineffective until the electrolyte
(sodium-potassium-magnesium-calcium) and fatty-acid imbalances are
corrected. You can actually make the membranes too fluid. If you eat and
incorporate too many omega-3 oils, then the membranes will become highly
oxidizable (so you must eat vitamin E and monounsaturates as well).
Practitioners suggest the extent of the nutritional problem in these
observations:
1.
Zinc deficiency exists in 90% of autistic children
predisposing to hypothyroidism, poor digestion, and low immune function
2.
Copper excess exists in 85%, suppressing the thyroid. Avoid zinc picolinate
in this case as it will increase copper levels.
3.
Manganese deficiency exists in 20%. Finding these three together
indicates a sick child with
physical and behavioral problems.
4.
Calcium and magnesium deficiencies are common, with 75% of Americans lacking
Mg
5.
Omega 3 fatty acid imbalance exists in nearly 100%
6.
Fiber deficiency exists in nearly 100%
7.
Antioxidant deficiency exists in nearly 100% of Down’s and autistics.
“Clear evidence of higher oxidative stress and damage in treatment-naïve
autistics than in controls” – Dr. Wm. Walsh, Email 7/24/06. This oxidative
stress, particularly from burn injuries, may release excessive histamine.
This increases the production of the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which
generates hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, two potent free radicals that
cause additional tissue damage. The seriousness of this is seen in the
report that this lowers nitric oxide in the blood, reducing oxygen to the
brain by 62%! This can only be offset by a very high intake of carefully
selected antioxidants as recommended herein.
8.
“Massive
deficiency of DHEA in the autistics (factor of three)” – ditto.
9.
Shaw recently reported 17-19% have low cholesterol
(GPL- Cholesterol, RMC 12/07/07.
A recent study
(Arnold GL, Hyman SL, Mooney RA, Kirby RS. Journal of Autism and
Developmental Disorders. August 2003; 33(4): 449-454), found that 58% of
children with autism who consumed a regular diet, had at least one essential
amino acid deficiency, and this group was most likely to be deficient in
valine, leucine, phenylalanine (that produces tyrosine, dopamine, and
adrenal hormones), or lysine. Sixty percent of children with autism on a
restricted diet had at least one amino acid deficiency, and this group was
most likely to be deficient in valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine,
or lysine. These were slightly more likely to be deficient in tryptophan,
the amino acid that is a necessary element in the production of serotonin
and in prevention of subclinical Pellagra. Isoleucine, leucine, and tyrosine
(that produces dopamine and adrenal hormones) were reported as being the
most frequently observed deficiencies. Only 1 of 24 children in the control
group had an essential amino acid deficiency. In another study, researchers
measured plasma, amino-acid levels of 36 ASD children and found that all had
multiple deficiencies. This should come as no surprise, but what is
troubling is that 10 of the 36 children were on a gluten-free/casein-free
(Gf/Cf) diet, and those ten were found to have the most severe deficiencies.
This is not surprising, as commercial interests, habit, and self-selection
have made Gf/Cf into a high-carbohydrate diet. In time, increasing allergies
and self-selection narrow the diet still further. Initial gains are
sometimes lost, and the child is literally starving. A child cannot thrive
on such a diet! Either the SCD diet or Donna Gates’ Body Ecology diet is
likely a better approach.
Protein plays a
critical role in every aspect of health. Our skin, hair, and nails are
protein. Our immune system functions largely by releasing proteins called
immunoglobulins; so, without enough protein, the immune system comes to a
halt, systemic inflammation develops, and the body lives (exists) by eating
its muscles, which are protein! Brain chemistry itself is dependent on
protein and fatty acids, which are used to make neurotransmitters. Without
enough protein, the brain can’t make these neurotransmitters and depression,
hyperactivity, or behavioral disorders can result. The thousands of enzymes
needed for life processes are proteins. There are many physical signs of
protein deficiency in children. A very common one is the characteristic
protruding abdomen that so many children with autism have. Other signs
include low muscle tone, reduced weight gain or growth, and weak or
slow-growing nails. You must not allow the diet to be largely carbohydrate.
Every meal and major snack must have a balanced amount of protein in ratio
to carbohydrates! Seeds and nuts are good sources supplying about ¼ to 1/3
their content as good quality protein. Sunflower seed has 52% protein, and
sesame seed provides good quality protein; but nothing can replace animal
sources. A vegetarian diet typically lacks protein, zinc, and vitamin B12. A
largely carbohydrate diet has too little protein. The liver depends heavily
upon adequate amounts of protein, or it can become cirrotic. When animals
were protein starved for only two weeks, their livers shrank 40%! A growing
child must have at least 100 grams of protein daily. This may be too little
for the older, active child. A
grown man of 175 pounds needs 125 grams (24% of a 2000 calorie dietary). The
Government says you need only half that!
Eggs have from 6
to 12 grams of protein depending upon their size. A serving of about 4 oz of
meat, poultry, or fish contain about 16-20 grams of best quality protein,
(beef is 15-25% fat, pork is 25-37% fat, chicken is 12% fat, and turkey is
20% fat), a serving of potato provides only 2 grams of protein (and should
be eaten only with butter or cream). One cannot go by this table of content,
however, for even though a healthy person can digest meats and eggs at 97%
efficiency, cereals and fruits supply only 85% of their protein; vegetables,
83%, legumes, 78%, and nuts only 70%. Those who lack hydrochloric acid will
not digest protein that well by any means. More frightening, without
adequate zinc, the amino acids that are digested are largely excreted in the
urine as waste and vitamin A cannot be released into the blood! A lack of
zinc contributes to the chronic diarrhea often seen in autistics. A
supplement of zinc showed a 15% reduction of diarrhea.
Recent research
has shown that the cascade of signals in the proinflammatory immune response
tend to cause the amino acid tryptophan to break down into damaging
kynurenic acid rather than serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood.
“That’s extremely interesting,” says Fallon, “because serotonin depletion
seems to be involved in depression. So, you can see a very clear mechanism
whereby people with chronic immune activation can become depressed.”
Supplementing vitamin B6, niacin, and various anti-inflammatories may offset
this, allowing tryptophan to metabolize to serotonin. Ensure adequate zinc
and protein intake.
The brain is the
most cholesterol-rich organ of the body. Myelin is largely cholesterol.
Pregnant women with low cholesterol readings are twice as likely to have
premature births, or to have babies with small heads (brains). Great Plains
Laboratory reports dangerously low cholesterol in 17.5% of autistics
studied. NIH concluded earlier that people with total serum cholesterol
below 160 mg/dl had a death rate 10-20% higher than those with 160-190
mg/dl. Specifically, they died of cancer (lung and bladder cancer,
primarily), respiratory and digestive disease, suicide and trauma, and
hemorrhagic stroke. They suffered depression, anxiety, bipolar and
Parkinson’s disease, and tuberculosis, and men with LDL levels below 160
mg/dl had significantly lower numbers of white blood cells of all types.
Thus, LDL protects against infections, and also against deadly toxins such
as that produced by staphylococcus. Shaw studying autism and Tierney
studying the rare genetic condition SLOS found that particularly those with
total serum cholesterol below 100 mg/dl additionally displayed autistic
symptoms such as sleep disturbances (lethargy and excess sleeping),
inability to talk or walk, antisocial tendencies, increased rates of
infection, skin rashes, self-hurtful behavior, low-muscle tone, tactile
defensiveness, poor growth rate, and various behavioral problems. Low
cholesterol values are associated with manganese deficiencies, celiac
disease, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, malabsorption, and malnutrition.
These conditions all significantly improved, even some adults spoke for the
first time, all within days of taking a cholesterol supplement! The lack of
adequate cholesterol was found to be from a lack of production in the liver.
So much for the drive to have everyone use a statin drug to reduce
production by 40%! Ensure that your child’s total serum cholesterol is above
160 mg/dl, and that LDL is 150-160 mg/dl, that is, his total serum reading
should be around 200! This is best done with foods (eggs and red meat) where
possible, but a supplement may be necessary (New Beginnings Nutritionals
Sonic Cholesterol). A child with IgE allergy to eggs should eat them only on
advice of his doctor. These foods help to ensure that both protein and
cholesterol are adequate.
After feeding a
mixture of amino acids to brain-damaged mice, the right balance of brain
chemicals was restored in the animals and their learning ability returned to
normal! The amino acids given were leucine, isoleucine, and valine, known as
branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). BCAAs make up nearly one-fifth of all
muscle proteins and enhance the biogenesis of mitochondria in the cells
ensuring greater energy production. One study of elderly diabetics showed
that a BCAA-rich amino acid mixture improved numerous parameters of blood
sugar metabolism, including hemoglobin A1c. Animal studies show promise that
oral BCAAs can improve the devastating consequences of traumatic brain
injury by improving cognitive performance. BCAAs have improved the survival
and the quality of life of those with liver cirrhosis (free from hepatic
failure, rupture of esophageal or gastric varices, or liver cancer.) These
essential amino acids are vital for the creation of two, brain chemicals
that play a key role in the functioning of nerves. The two
neurotransmitters, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), work
together to keep brain activity in balance. Glutamate excites neurons,
stimulating them to fire, while GABA inhibits them. If neurons are too
excited or not excited enough, the brain does not function properly – Online
journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In fact, too much
GABA causes lethargy and will cause a distinct learning disability as there
is no retention of things studied!
Additionally,
there is
heavy-metals poisoning: Jill James, found that many autistic children
are genetically deficient in their capacity to produce glutathione, an
antioxidant generated in the brain that helps remove mercury from the body.
A recent study found 85 percent exhibited severely elevated Copper/Zinc
(Cu/Zn) ratios in blood, suggesting a disorder of metallothionein (MT), a
short, linear protein responsible for homeostasis of copper and zinc and
many other metals. “The severity of the Cu/Zn imbalance was far greater than
that of any other population we have studied over the past 25 years,” said
William Walsh, Ph.D., Physician, biochemist, and chief scientist of the
So, serum iron is not the best measure of iron sufficiency.
Blood tests for hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels that are checked for
transferrin saturation percentages are more useful, but the results of these
tests are confounded in states of prolonged inflammation or disease such as
autism, for autism
is a state of chronic brain inflammation (Dr. Marcel Just, John
Hopkins). Transferrin is a glycoprotein that binds iron very tightly but
reversibly. The affinity for Fe(III) is extremely high, but the affinity
decreases progressively with decreasing pH below neutrality. A skilled
hematologist is often the best professional from whom to obtain personal
information concerning blood iron levels. Ferritin metabolism is influenced
by thyroid hormone as well as by iron. Thus, the raised serum ferritin in
hyperthyroid patients may be partially attributed to increased ferritin
synthesis in the liver and its possible leakage into circulation. When
copper is deficient, the body can’t use iron, so it accumulates and causes
damage, increasing the risk of Type II diabetes by 3 times. There may be a
copper-deficiency anemia. The disease is called siderosis, which is
characterized by a gray pallor to the skin from iron accumulation in the
tissues. “In addition, these sufferers (of excess serum iron) are unusually
sensitive to lead, cadmium, mercury, and other toxic metals so that they
tend to accumulate rather than eliminate them. This is probably because
Phase I was overactive compared to Phase II in 86%. Phase I was functional,
but Phase II was impaired in 14%, thus 100% of children with autism had
abnormal liver detoxification— S. Edelson and D. Cantor, Toxicology and
Industrial Health (2000) 16 1-9. Children are more susceptible than adults.
They have more exposure (crawling, playing in dirt, licking hands), and they
excrete less (adults retain only 1%, children retain 33%). Iron interferes
with the absorption of the essential minerals zinc, manganese, and
molybdenum, and it destroys vitamin E. Its own absorption is blocked by
calcium and magnesium. Additionally, when a mineral is lacking, its heavy
metal equivalent tends to be held and used, for example: cadmium sits just
beneath zinc in the periodic table of the elements, so their structures are
similar. Cadmium can replace zinc in the tissues and in enzyme binding
sites. An important
cause of cadmium toxicity, other than exposure, is a zinc deficiency.
If zinc is deficient due to poor diet or stress, the body will absorb
cadmium from food, water, or the air, and use it in place of zinc.
Our greatest
exposure to cadmium is white flour!
Nevertheless, if
a mouse cannot make MT, then it should not get copper deficient when fed a
high-zinc diet. We fed some of these mice and some control mice (ones that
can make MT) diets that contained normal amounts of zinc and some that
contained much more zinc. The results showed that the mouse without MT got
copper deficient when fed the same high-zinc diet as the mouse that had MT.
This study strongly suggests that the old theory is not true and that
stimulation of MT is not necessary for high-zinc to bring about a copper
deficiency. We suggest instead that the high zinc is inhibiting a copper
transport protein in the intestinal membrane, and copper cannot be
absorbed”—Reeves PG, Copper Metabolism in Metallothionein-null Mice Fed a
High-zinc Diet. J Nutr Biochem 9:598-601, 1998. Copper is preferentially
bound to transferrin, the protein transport molecule in the mucosa,
competing with iron. Normally, this transport mechanism is not completely
saturated, so there are adequate binding sites for both the iron and the
copper. Nevertheless, when copper is administered in excess, iron absorption
is inhibited because of the preferential binding of copper to the
transferrin. Supplement copper and zinc, and copper and iron, at different
times of day. When serum iron is high, supplement transferrin (lactoferrin)
to bind the iron and transport it safely. Colostrum is a good source of
lactoferrin.
Transferrin is a
blood protein that carries iron through the blood to the bone marrow,
spleen, and liver for either the storage of iron as ferritin or the
manufacture of new red blood cells. It is a protein with a relatively short
half-life that can be a marker for recent protein status, and it is used for
this purpose. Low blood transferrin may be an indicator of protein or
calorie malnutrition, resulting in inadequate synthesis of transferrin by
the liver or it can result from excess protein loss through the kidneys
(proteinuria). A systemic infection or cancer can also lower the blood
transferrin level. A high blood transferrin is a marker of iron deficiency.
If an individual has a low blood transferrin level, the production of
hemoglobin can be impaired and can lead to anemia, even if there is ample
iron in the body.
Ceruloplasmin is
a copper-containing protein involved in handing over iron from transferrin
to hemoglobin in the formation of new red blood cells, or in removing iron
from old red blood cells for inclusion in new ones. A copper deficiency
results in low ceruloplasmin and can result in anemia that presents much
like iron-deficiency (microcytic, hypochromic) anemia, possibly leading to a
misdiagnosis. A ceruloplasmin deficiency is associated with iron
accumulation in the pancreas, liver, and brain, resulting in neurological
disorders. Laboratory testing for iron overload/hemochromatosis begins with
two specific blood tests, Serum Iron and TIBC (total iron binding capacity),
from which the Serum Transferrin Saturation is calculated. Serum Ferritin is
frequently measured as well, if possible while fasting, to evaluate the
body’s iron stores and estimate the degree of iron overload.
Blood and urine
analyses yielded evidence of a metallothionein dysfunction in 499 of 503
patients (99%) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, according to Walsh,
suggesting that autism may be caused by either a genetic MT defect or a
biochemical abnormality, which disables MT protein. Mechanisms with the
potential for disrupting MT functioning include severe Zn depletion,
possibly from a pyrrole disorder, impaired synthesis of GSH, toxic metal
overload, and a sulfur amino acid abnormality. “An MT disorder may affect
the development of brain neurons and may cause impairments in the immune
system and gastrointestinal tract, along with hypersensitivity to toxic
metals,” he said. The excess copper in these kids is probably from two
causes. Mercury depresses zinc, and there is a high incidence of zinc
malabsorption. To reduce copper, you must use significant amounts of vitamin
C and zinc. Nevertheless, the slower the metabolism of an individual, the
more likely he is to develop copper overload, regardless of his copper
intake, according to David L. Watts, D.C., Ph.D., director of research at
Trace Elements, Inc., in Dallas, Texas, and author of Trace Elements and
Other Essential Nutrients (Trace Elements, 1995).
Treatment for
this imbalance between zinc and copper centers on stimulation of MT protein
with divalent metals (such as zinc and manganese) that are in depletion, and
by providing N-acetylcysteine, serine, selenium, and other constituents of
MT. Of secondary benefit are vitamins B6, A, C, D, E, glutathione, and
glucocorticoids (anti-inflammatory drugs). This treatment should be gradual
during the first 4 weeks of treatment to avoid rapid release of copper from
tissues, which could cause a sudden worsening of symptoms. MT-Promotion must
be done very carefully to avoid zinc depletion that can result in temporary
worsening of behavior, stimming, enuresis, etc. “Severe zinc deficiency has
effects on the distribution of nine elements (potassium, phosphorus, sodium,
magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese) in regions of the rat
brain” J Nutr 113(10):1895-905 (1983)].
Speaking of
Fibromyalgia, Dr. Brice E. Vickery, DC stated, “At the end of the seventies
I found that nine out of ten subjects examined were not able to
digest/transport, utilize, or incorporate the daily dietary protein that was
usually adequate (except for some vegetarians) in intake. The discoveries of
Rheinholdt Voll, M.D. enabled me to put two and two together and establish
that the malfunction of the pancreatic points that he identified as protein
digestion function, carbohydrate digestion function, and fat digestion
function on the Pancreas Meridian were almost always caused by lack of
suitable amino acids (which can be from a lack of zinc to form a digestive
enzyme, or an imbalance in sodium and potassium -WSL). We developed the
Vickery-Voll test that was the beginning of an entirely new view of the
body.
“The way it is
believed to work is simple. The (supplementation of) amino acids in the
correct proportions and in adequate amounts reverse this deficiency by
supplying the pancreas and intestinal glands with the ingredients necessary
to synthesize adequate digestive enzymes to digest the dietary intake.
Having the necessary enzymes, the daily food intake is more completely
utilized and the transport or carrier proteins are manufactured in suitable
amounts and the entire ‘Enzyme Cascade’ of the body is re-established. This
begins within twelve hours! Signs of a lack of enzymes are: fatigue,
headaches, sinus problems, allergies, colon problems, arthritis and joint
pain, acne, and ADD/ADHD”—Dr. Susan Lark. If taking the labeled amount of
the enzyme supplement with each meal and major snack doesn’t solve the
digestive problem, increase the amount.
Every case of
fibromyalgia is found to have this deficiency of enzymes, and a vitamin D
lack, as does many other problems. Oxidative stress plays a role in
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). In fact, those with
Pancreatitis have low levels of vitamins D and E and other antioxidants.
This may be due to lack of absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (such as
vitamin E) because the enzymes from the pancreas required to absorb fat are
not functioning properly, or, this may be due to poor intake. Surely, these
children lack needed proteins for enzymes and carriers, and use of a
digestive enzyme supplement and additional protein input (including pure
amino acids—proline and lysine being particularly important in building
collagen) will greatly benefit these children in most cases.
Mercury
adversely affects detoxification systems such as metallothionein (MT),
cytochrome p450 (Phase I) liver enzymes, and bile. Mercury ties up this
material so it cannot bind and clear other metals such as lead, cadmium, and
aluminum. Mercury inhibits sulfur ligands in MT and, in the case of
intestinal cell membranes, inactivates MT that normally binds cuprous ions,
thus allowing buildup of copper to toxic levels and malfunction of the zinc
and copper containing antioxidant, Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD). Mercury
induced reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation (forming free
radicals) has been found to be a major factor in mercury’s neurotoxicity,
along with its leading to decreased levels of the vital enzymes glutathione
peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Attempts to
lower this mercury/heay metal load can be problematic when you chelate heavy
metals too aggressively with DMPS or DMSA. They can damage the pancreas as
testified to by those who have been there. There are safer, perhaps slower,
ways that will preserve your pancreas.
Subject: Chronic
Pancreatitis and Depletion of Glutathione Disease ...
Xenobiotic
metabolism, oxidant stress, and chronic pancreatitis. Focus on glutathione.
Wallig MA -
Digestion - 1998; 59 Suppl 4: 13-24
Chronic
pancreatitis, although relatively rare in the Western World, is common in
certain tropical zones where staple crops such as cassava are rich in
cyanogenic glycosides. This paper reviews the evidence for a cyanide
connection, with reference to experimental studies using another plant
nitrile, crambene; and then examines the hypothesis that chronic
pancreatitis represents a manifestation of uncoordinated detoxification
reactions between Phase I, pancreatic cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenases, and
phase II conjugating enzymes, resulting in the irreversible consumption of
glutathione in the acinar cell of the pancreas. The conclusion is that the
central role of disrupted pancreatic glutathione status, as a result of
'xenobiotic stress', in the evolution of chronic pancreatitis cannot be
overestimated. This position contrasts with that in acute pancreatitis, in
which glutathione depletion has a pivotal role too, but occurs as a result
of 'stress' from reactive oxygen species. End.
Dr. Jill St.
James found that 80% of autistic children lack up to 80% of normal levels of
glutathione and its precursors, leaving none to spare for aggressive
detoxification. There seems to be a direct correlation between levels
Hepatitis A, B, and C viral infections and mercury toxicity and levels of
glutathione, whereby increased viral activity precedes decreased glutathione
levels. For a successful recovery from mercury poisoning, among other
disorders, the importance of additional glutathione and supplementation of
essential fatty acids (fish oil etc.) and anti-oxidants should be
emphasized. This lack of adequate antioxidants allows further toxicity and
free-radical damage; however, use of Sodium Ascorbate in high amounts will
prevent much of this damage. Nevertheless, the use of this phenolic (as
ascorbid acid) can make barbiturates more toxic, and is pharmaceutically
incompatible with sodium salicylate, sodium nitrate theobromine, and
methenamine. Twenty percent of the people tested were reactive to ascorbic
acid. Sodium Ascorbate is better tolerated. Some of this reactivity may be
from allergy to source material (usually corn).
As with other
cell types, the proliferation, growth, and differentiation of immune cells
is dependent on glutathione (GSH). The B-lymphocytes require adequate levels
of intracellular GSH to differentiate, and healthy humans with relatively
low lymphocyte GSH were found to have significantly lower CD4 counts.
Intracellular GSH is also required for the T-cell proliferative response to
mitogenic stimulation, for the activation of cytotoxic T “killer” cells, and
for many specific T-cell functions, including DNA synthesis for cell
replication, as well as for the metabolism of interleukin-2, which is
important for the mitogenic response. Experimental depletion of GSH inhibits
immune cell functions, sometimes markedly, and in a number of different
experimental systems the intracellular GSH of lymphocytes was shown to
determine the magnitude of immunological capacity. These and other findings
indicate that intracellular GSH status plays a central role in the
functioning of immune cells. Interestingly, in those animals that could not
make their own ascorbate (newborn rats, guinea pigs), GSH depletion was
lethal. Supplementation of the diet with ascorbate protected these animals
against GSH depletion and saved their lives. Since children with autism are
very low on GSH, ensure that they are getting significant amounts of vitamin
C, preferably as Sodium Ascorbate.
Vitamin C
possesses abilities that are characterized by its capacity to antagonize
(neutralize) many of the pharmacological effects of histamine
(undermethylation). It should be employed with (in place of) the
antihistamine drugs in all allergic states. It is because of this factor
that it serves so well in the treatment of acute rheumatic fever.
Additionally, sufficient quantities of vitamin C will relieve the
intraocular pressure in glaucomatous eyes, relieve prickly heat, and is a
positive reversal for pemphigus. Aside from this and the virus diseases (in
proper amounts, it kills all viruses), it is of tremendous value in all
diseases in which an exotoxin is produced (Candida, Clostridia, etc.). It
also has specificity for SNAKE BITE, except for the cobra and the coral. It
neutralizes all exotoxins. It is directly concerned with antibody formation,
and this in turn leads to an increase in gamma globulin of the blood serum.
It joins with the virus to form a new compound that is destroyed by
oxidation. It makes all body cells more permeable which allows entrance of
immune factors otherwise denied. It prevents or lessens tissue damage. It
serves as a hydrogen transport in cellular respiration. It functions as a
dehydrator and diuretic. It is the KEY to good health. Watch for the signs
that reveal pre-existing chronic vitamin C deficiencies. Shaw (1945 5)
states that food deposits on our teeth and dental tartar represents this
condition. (I might add any signs of pyrrohea and/or nosebleed should be a
red flag.) People who find that they are counted in this group should
supplement their diet with at least two grams of vitamin C (as Sodium
Ascorbate) each day - Dr Fred R. Klenner, MD.
Glutathione
consumption from foods ranges from 25-125 milligrams per day. With the
provision of sufficient amounts of sulfur, the liver will produce far more
glutathione (up to 14,000 milligrams per day) than what the diet provides.
Sulfur-rich foods (garlic, eggs, asparagus, onions) may be lacking in
various diets and the provision of sulfur in food supplements
(sulfur-bearing amino acids like N-acetylcysteine, taurine, MSM, and lipoic
acid), or glutathione itself may be advantageous.
“Glyconutrients have proven to enhance glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase”—Sugars that Heal, by Emil I. Mondoa, MD, Page 191. The Mannose found in Ambrotose® significantly inhibits superoxide anion formation, thus reducing hydrogen peroxide formation — Kim HS, et al, 8/99. Ambrotose AO™ by Mannatech™ combines vital glyconutrients with needed antioxidants and precursors that form glutathione nicely addressing this lack. Additionally, vitamin D reduces inflammatory cytokines and increases concentrations of glutathione - the brain’s master antioxidant. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can raise abnormally low GSH levels also. Van Zandwijk found that a daily dose of 600 mg NAC was beneficial and innocuous while 1200 mg and 1800 mg per day caused significant adverse effects, possibly by contributing to cysteine toxicity and to its chelating heavy metals (moving mercury). Cysteine catabolism produces two sets of products: pyruvate + sulfate + ammonia and taurine + CO2. One of cysteine’s “breakdown” enzymes, cysteine dioxygenase (CDO), needed to form these metabolites has been demonstrated to be low in children with autism. This tends to an excess of cysteine that can reach toxic levels, and possibly to a lack of CO2. Excess free cysteine has been implicated in several degenerative diseases including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism (neurodevelopmental), Parkinson’s Disease, Peripheral Neuron Degeneration, and others. This requires some caution in using NAC and GSH (transdermally). Note that cysteine dioxygenase is a non-heme iron enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of L-cysteine to cysteine sulfinic acid (cysteine sulfinate) by incorporation of dioxygen. Supplement serine and vitamin B6, magnesium, zinc, selenium, molybdenum, and iron (if needed) to support this pathway. The amino acid glycine readily converts to serine and supports glutathione production.
Metallothioneins across species are rich in cysteine (~30%) and have higher affinities for mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) than for zinc. Therefore, as Hg and Cd bind to metallothionein, and are restricted from entering the mitochondria, zinc is released. The free, ionized zinc, which would be toxic if permitted to accumulate, binds to a metal regulatory element on the promoter region of the metallothionein gene and “turns on” the synthesis of metallothionein. Increases of as much as 3-times are reported. Such induction of metallothionein provides increased binding capacity for both toxic metals (protective) and zinc (functional). The displacement of zinc in the presence of toxic metal burden may explain in part why increased levels of zinc are so commonly seen in the scalp hair of patients exhibiting significant levels of toxic metals Hg, Cd, Pb (Quig, unpublished observations). Most of the zinc is cellular with only a small amount in the blood plasma. For this reason, blood tests are a poor indicator of systemic zinc status.
Retrospective analysis of the full-blood count and, as far as was available, serum-ferritin measurements of 96 children (52 with autism and 44 with Asperger’s syndrome) was undertaken. Six of the autistic group (11.54%) was shown to have iron deficiency anemia and, of the 23 autistic children who had serum ferritin measured, 12 (52.17%) were iron deficient. Only two of the Asperger’s group (4.55%) had iron deficiency anemia and, of the 23 children who had their serum ferritin measured, only three (13.64%) showed iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency, with or without anemia, can impair cognition, and is associated with poor muscle strength, and with developmental slowing in infants, and mood changes and poor concentration in children.
Furthermore, autistics’ minerals, fatty acids, and
amino acids are deficient and/or imbalanced. Their production of red and
white blood cells is irregular. They have a dysfunctional immune system
(often attacking “self”). They frequent show a high, white-blood-cell count
indicating inflammation (now seen as a stroke predictor—chronic, low-level
inflammation increases risk of heart disease by 5 and risk of stroke by 4 in
postmenopausal women) that will quickly normalize when adequate
anti-inflammatory enzymes are provided. (I recommend Vitalzym™ or Wobenzym
NTM from your health food store. At the very least, give bromelain in
significant amounts. Nevertheless, remember that some who take bromelain get
diarrhea and some are allergic to it. Dr. Carlos Pardo-Villamizar, an
assistant professor of neurology and pathology at Johns Hopkins, studied the
brain tissue of 11 people with autism who died at ages 5 to 44. He found a
pattern of inflammation in the same regions that appear to have excess white
matter. The brain has an innate immune system separate from the body. Tart
cherries have been shown to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling more
effectively than aspirin! Tart cherry juice is 10-times more effective than
aspirin according to a
Dr. Robert Ader,
Additionally, Ader’s colleague noted that emotions have a powerful effect on the autonomic nervous system, which regulates everything from how much insulin is secreted to blood pressure levels. They then detected a meeting point where the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) directly talks to lymphocytes and macrophages, cells of the immune system. They found synapse-like contacts where the nerve terminals of the autonomic system have endings that directly abut those of the immune cells. This physical contact point allows the nerve cells to release neurotransmitters to regulate immune cells, indeed they signal back and forth. Additionally, the nervous system and the immune system communicate with each other through hormones and other substances. This pathway connects the emotions to the immune system via the hormones released when under emotional or other stressors. So, the nervous system not only connects to the immune system; but it is essential to its proper function. Stress suppresses immune function when these stress hormones are elevated, becoming chronic and long-lasting when stress is constant as it is for these affected children. People who experienced chronic anxiety, long periods of sadness, pessimism, unremitting tension, incessant hostility, relentless cynicism, or suspiciousness were found to have double the risk of disease – including asthma, arthritis, headache, peptic ulcers, and heart disease. Parents, as well as their autistic children, are likely to suffer from several of these risk factors; so, Mom, Dad, take care of yourself first!
Eighty percent
suffer mitochondrial disorders (lack of energy production) according to Dr.
Colemen, of
The most common
deficiencies of poor diet and malabsorption are fatty acids, the minerals
iodine, zinc, selenium, magnesium, and calcium, and the vitamins A, B6, C,
D, K, and E. There are various reasons, for example, acid foods make
selenium insoluble,
so babies regularly fed fruit juices are liable to malabsorption of
selenium. Do not give selenium with acid juices! Further, a study of
children in Zaire, found that in hypothyroidism induced by iodine
deficiency, supplementing as little as 50 mcg/day selenium caused increased
hypothyroid conditions, lowering T4, raising TSH (probably due to increased
conversion of T4 to T3 – a good thing). Do not supplement selenium when
iodine is deficient, or better, do supplement iodine significantly when
supplementing selenium. Additionally, you must supplement iodine and
antioxidants vitamins C and E and selenium when supplementing the fatty
acids or you will deplete these vital nutrients and suffer free-radical
damage.
Results
obtained following iodine supplementation revealed that in some subjects,
the urine levels of mercury, lead, and cadmium increased by several fold
after just one day of supplementation! For aluminum, this increased
excretion was not observed usually until after one month or more on the
iodine supplement. Additionally, iodine supplementation resulted in marked
increase in bromide excretion, and to a lesser extent in fluoride also.
Iodine may cause gastritis and reflux by disengaging the bromine found in
commercial bread, in particular, in the gut, and it is relieved by
chlorophyll. Lack of iodine and zinc contribute to lack of stomach acid
production. These findings have since been replicated in a large number of
tests. Female patients with breast cancer seem to retain more iodine on the
loading test then normal subjects and excreted more bromide than normal
subjects.
The form of B6
supplemented may be important, as it was found that the amount of activated
B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) was low in 42% of autistics. These deficiencies
compromise immune function, and provide inadequate, antioxidant protection
to offset the high, oxidative stress these children suffer, thus causing
significant damage to cells throughout the body and brain.
The mechanism of
stress upon the body was just reported in the May 2008 issue of Brain,
Behavior, and Immunity. Telomeres are caps at the ends of chromosomes that
contribute to their stability. Each time a cell divides, telomeres lose
length; and thus, a cell’s life is determined. Abnormally shortened
telomeres in white blood cells, known as lymphocytes, have been associated
with HIV, osteoporosis, heart disease, and aging. Telomeres also lose length
in response to chronic stress. Activity of an enzyme within the cell known
as telomerase helps prevent telomere shortening and maintains the cells’
ability to continue dividing. Rita Effros, et al, UCLA David Geffen School
of Medicine studied lymphocytes from healthy donors between the ages of 25
and 55. After three days, cultures treated with high cortisol levels found
in the chronically stressed had fewer cells than the control cultures.
Telomerase activity was reduced by up to 50 percent compared with activity
measured in control cultures treated with the amount of cortisol found in
nominally stressed humans (that had no effect upon the telomerase activity).
The discovery explains how stress by reducing telomerase activity
accelerates cellular aging (and destroys brain cells by the billions), via
increased cortisol production. Reducing stress and or its effects is vital
to your health and length of life and to your autistic child’s responses.
Dr. Bill Walsh
confirmed this: “I returned from last week’s DAN! Think Tank convinced that
the preponderance of evidence now points directly to oxidative stress and
oxidative damage as the prime culprit in autism. My definition of autism is
the following: A genetic weakness in ability to cope with environmental
insults, resulting in severe, oxidative stress, incompetent intestinal and
blood-brain barriers, and incomplete maturation of the brain during early
development. I may be wrong, but I doubt it”-Email to Kathy Blanco, 2/21/04.
Dr. Walsh went on to state, iron free radicals (ions) represent the primary
oxidative stress in the brain of most humans. ASD involves oxidative stress
during early brain development. In theory, elevated iron in the brain could
result in ASD. A genetic inability to regulate iron might be causative in
1/3 of autism cases.”
Underlying all
these biochemical imbalances, according to the report,
Still No Free Lunch, food scientists have compared the
nutritional levels of modern crops with historic, and generally
lower-yielding, ones. Today’s food production methods provide 10 to 25
percent less iron, zinc, protein, calcium, vitamin C, and other nutrients in
our foods. Researchers from
Mothers are
under as much or more stress than their children and need to deal with it as
outlined herein. Studies show that vitamin C at 1500-3000 mg day reduced all
markers of stress in both marathoners and work-stressed subjects, including
lower cortisol levels. Still other studies showed that both omega-3 fish oil
and Phosphatidylserine significantly blunted the rise in cortisol levels and
lowered other markers of stress, resulting in reduction of anger,
aggression, and depression. Chromium (200 mg day) reduces cortisol levels by
47%, as does a 45-minute massage (backrub?). Take a hot, Epsom salts bath.
Rhodiola Rosea, an adaptogenic herb, prevents adrenal burnout that often
occurs from long-continued, chronic stress. Finally, moderate, daily
exercise lowers stress-induced hormone levels, enhances immune function,
boosts circulation to the brain, improves quality of sleep, and aids in
weight-control. A recent study showed that the telomeres, that determine
when a cell can no longer reproduce itself and must die, were shortened by
oxidative stress, decreasing by at least 10 years one’s life expectancy!
Another study showed that those who were optimistic had a 55% lower risk of
death from all causes, and a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular death! Another
study found that those under constant pressure were up to 2-1/2 times more
likely to suffer a heart attack than those with relatively stress-free
lives. Mom, use these supplements, keep a hopeful, expectant outlook.
Socialize, laugh a lot, take a walk, and take care of yourself first! Your
family needs you for the full course.
Another study is
reported: Abou Donia of
Now, Abou Donia
has demonstrated that the combination of stress and short-term exposure to
chemicals (28 days) can promote cellular death in specific brain regions and
serious injury to the liver. Brain regions that sustained significant damage
in this study were the cerebral cortex (motor and sensory function), the
hippocampus (learning and memory), and the cerebellum (gait and coordination
of movements). His earlier studies demonstrated severe damage to the
cingulate cortex, dentate gyrus, thalamus, and hypothalamus.
Stress alone
caused little or no brain injury in the rats, nor did the three chemicals
given together in low doses for 28 days. “But when we put the animals under
moderate stress by simply restricting their movement in a plastic holder for
five minutes at a time every day, the animals experienced enough stress that
it intensified the effects of the chemicals dramatically.” The study showed
that stress plus chemicals increased the amount of destructive molecules in
the brain called reactive oxygen species -- also known as oxygen free
radicals. This astonishing study shows again the absolute necessity of
maintaining high levels of a variety of antioxidants by all who value their
health and well being in today’s toxic, stress-filled world!
An explanation of the why of some of these things is suggested in tests on mice. Since the immune system develops during gestation, maternal zinc deprivation has been studied in mice. The results showed that the offspring born to zinc-deficient dams had a greatly reduced immunocompetence, the lymphoid organs being particularly affected. Another study by the same authors found that this diminished immunocompetence can persist for as long as three generations of normally fed offspring! The problem is inherited, but not genetic! Further studies showed that if the offspring were only moderately deprived of zinc during the latter two-thirds of pregnancy, even this can lead to long-lasting, aberrant patterns of serum Immunoglobulins-G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin-A (IgA) levels, despite a complete, nutritional rehabilitation beginning at birth. This seems discouraging of recovery, but the possibility of recovery is in therapeutic amounts of vitamin B6 and zinc. Additionally, the powerful antioxidant formula, Ambrotose AO™, will greatly enhance that possibility. Since much of the problem is from “toxins” from Candida or other gut pathogens and environmental poisons, it is helpful to know that vitamin B12, greatly lacking in the American diet, is powerful in decomposing all toxins. Sublingual Methylcobalamin (Source Naturals) or B12 injections are very beneficial. Many DAN! doctors are using B12 injections with good results.
Having read the above, one may get the impression that all is well with Mom and Dad. Not so! Though a recent study reports that autistic patients are in fact characterized by presenting in their blood high levels of non-inherited antibodies against the body’s own brain tissue, and confirmed that these antibodies were not present in their parents, these are still inherited characteristics. Studies show tremendous lack in the American public. Men and women show these deficiencies in astonishingly high numbers:
Vitamins
Men
Women
A
8%
9%
B1
38%
63% Yes!
B2
01%
21%
B6
57%
86% Yes! The Pill is largely responsible.
C
29%
24%
D
98%
98% Wow!
E
40%
60%
Pyrophosphate
46%
46%
Is it any wonder that Dr. Chandra found that even healthy oldsters were greatly benefited in Immune Function by taking a slightly higher than RDA multivitamin/mineral supplement? A recent study states, “These results are the first experimental evidence that deficiency alone results in early developmental defects in the brain. The decreased maturation of the radial glial cells of the CA1 region of the hippocampus is related to the deficiency of thyroid hormones in the fetal brain, mainly caused by the maternal hypothyroxinemia, and not to a deficiency of the trace-element itself.” These deficiencies are passed to the children with the above-mentioned results. Is it any wonder our children are less and less healthy and plagued with infections and mental problems? Nevertheless, our and our children’s diets still lack iodine, even when taking a multi!
In the 1940’s Francis M. Pottenger, M.D., began a ten-year study using 900 cats to determine what effects processed foods have on the body, and to examine the genetic propensity of passing degenerative disease traits from generation to generation. The cats were divided into five groups with two of the groups fed raw whole foods and while the other three groups ate cooked, enzyme-less foods. At the time, it was thought that this single difference accounted for the observed problems, but we now know that the cats cannot metabolize taurine (people can) and must obtain it from raw (animal) foods. This does not change the below observations. The fact that people do eat some raw, enzyme-bearing food, and do metabolize taurine, probably accounts for the fact that we haven’t yet failed totally in our being able to reproduce. The cats were observed over a four-generation period, and the following results were documented:
POTTENGER CAT EXPERIMENT SUMMARY
|
GROUP |
A |
B
|
C |
D |
E |
|
FOOD FED
|
Raw meat |
Raw milk
|
Pasteurized milk
|
Evaporated milk
|
Condensed milk |
|
1st Generation |
Remained healthy |
Remained healthy |
Developed diseases and illnesses
near end of life |
||
|
2nd Generation
|
Remained healthy |
Remained healthy |
Developed diseases and illnesses in
middle of life |
||
|
3rd Generation
|
Remained healthy |
Remained healthy |
Developed diseases and illnesses in
beginning of life; many died before six months of age;
|
||
|
4th Generation |
Remained healthy |
Remained healthy |
No fourth generation was produced:
either third generation parents were sterile, or fourth
generation cats were aborted before birth
|
||
|
Source: Pottenger’s Cats, a Study
in Nutrition |
|||||
Similarly,
the nutritional importance of using only fresh, stone-ground grains was
revealed in studies done in
This and the
Pottenger’s cats study give insight into why children today are getting
degenerative diseases that used to only show up in humans at an age of 50
years or older.
These genetic weaknesses will get worse with each succeeding generation if they continue an enzyme-less, nutrient-poor diet. The study proved that epigenetic weakness becomes more evident with each generation, but more importantly, that there comes a point when it becomes totally out of control. This is evident in the fourth generation. It took another three generations for third-generation cats placed on a raw-food diet at birth to return to base-line health of the first generation! Confirming this, a study of very old humans showed that their lifestyle had more to do with their advanced age than did the age attained by their parents. Nevertheless, parents must take care of their health needs before conceiving a child! Those concerned may request my paper “Preparation for a Healthy, Happy Child”.
One study found that problem foods in the diet accounted for 24% of the symptoms in children who were already gluten-free and casein-free; however, problem foods in the diet accounted for 34% of the symptoms in children who were not previously gluten-free and casein-free. Although there is great variation among children, in most children, we found approximately one-third of the symptoms were food related and two thirds of the symptoms were related to the environmental factors: volatile organics, plastics, resins, and molds. In terms of the types of symptoms, there was great variation; however, most children responded as follows: Physical symptoms such as congestion, eczema, and asthma were equally caused by food and environmental factors. Symptoms associated with the digestive system were associated with foods two-thirds of the time, and associated with environmental factors one-third of the time. Neurological symptoms were associated with environmental factors 84% of the time, and associated with foods 16% of the time. Included in this group of symptoms were head banging, seizures, cognitive abilities, withdrawal, depression, temperament, moodiness, OCD, violence, aggression, sensory sensitivity, self-stimulation, and social interaction - social awareness and abilities. Nevertheless, a study of 45 children following an SCD dietary and environmental avoidance protocol found the children’s symptoms largely disappeared.
It is interesting to note that uric acid plays a key, antioxidant role in the plasma: uric acid (along with glutathione and lipoic acid) scavenges peroxynitrite (a dangerous, free radical that contributes to inflammatory processes and hardening of the arteries—Chen 2002); and thus inhibits CNS inflammation, blood-CNS barrier permeability changes, and tissue damage in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis—FASEB J 2000 Apr; 14(5):691-8. Many of these children have low urea/uric acid, possibly reflecting high, oxidative stress. Stress also causes the body to use zinc and magnesium, and the resulting lack of magnesium can cause depression, anxiety, sensitivities to light, sounds, temperature, and touch, and to heart problems, particularly a rapid beat and arrhythmias. This may not be from lack of intake but due to excessive gastrointestinal losses from malabsorption (take magnesium taurate to greatly enhance absorption and to reduce the laxative effect of unabsorbed magnesium), diarrhea, bowel resection, or renal losses due to hypercalcemia, alcohol excess, or use of diuretics, chemotherapy, or antibiotics. It occurs also as a metabolic derangement of both thyroid and parathyroid disorders. The lower levels of magnesium within the cell not only doubles the generation of free radicals, but greatly lowers glutathione (as does a lack of vitamin D), resulting in 40 to 50% more damage! The nutrient deficiencies can occasionally cause extreme behaviors; some children with autism have been reported to have actually gouged out their eyes due to a calcium deficit. If your child is pushing at his eyes, supplement calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D3, and get him in the sun. Nevertheless, researchers took skin biopsies of 12 children with burn injuries and tracked their vitamin D levels for seven years. They found that the children’s skin (even unburned skin) became so inefficient at generating vitamin D that exposure to sunlight alone does not produce enough of the vitamin!
Hyperacusis, which is defined as abnormal acuteness of hearing due to increased irritability of the sensory neural mechanism; is characterized by intolerance for ordinary sound levels. Unlike hypersensitivity to low-pitched hums, this is hypersensitivity to all sounds making day-to-day life a misery. One report links 40% of autism cases with Hyperacusis!
Children with autism have a lot of metabolic abnormalities as indicated, but that is a result of the problems with their immune system. Heavy metals such as mercury (Hg) induce a dramatic activation of the immune system and autoantibody production in the genetically susceptible. This autoimmune syndrome is dependent on T-Cells, which are important for B-Cell activation and cytokine secretion. Studies have found mercury impairs the body’s ability to kill Candida albicans by impairment of the lytic activity of neutrophils. Plant workers with average mercury excretion of 20-ug/g creatinine were found to have long-lasting impairment of neutrophil function. “Candidiasis/dysbiosis associated with Hg burden can compromise the absorption of aromatic amino acids such as phenylalanine/tyrosine and tryptophan, which are precursors to dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, and serotonin, respectively” “The pro-oxidative effects of the metals are compounded by the fact that the metals also inhibit antioxidative enzymes and deplete intracellular glutathione.” (Quig, unpublished). This can lead to many if not all their health and behavior problems, and is a major reason to ensure a high intake of protective antioxidants such as Ambrotose AO™ (Mannatech, Inc.), selenium, alpha lipoic acid, and vitamins C and E.
A likely cause of this hoarding of heavy metals by the autistic child is set forth and two effective ways to overcome autoimmunity are suggested:
Vitamin D treatment effect lies in activated vitamin D’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Its administration decreases production of inflammatory cytokines in the brain, which have consistently been associated with brain impairment. Activated vitamin D stimulates neurotrophin release (neurotrophin induces the survival of nerve cells), reduces toxic calcium levels in the brain, and inhibits the production of nitrous oxide (excess nitrous oxide destroys brain cells). Besides reducing inflammatory cytokines, vitamin D does one more vital thing: it increases concentrations of glutathione—the brain’s master antioxidant.
Vitamin D’s role in increasing glutathione levels may explain the link between mercury and other heavy metals, oxidative stress, and autism. For example, activated vitamin D lessens heavy metal induced oxidative injuries in rat brain. The primary route for brain toxicity of most heavy metals is through depletion of glutathione. Besides its function as a master antioxidant, glutathione acts as a chelating (binding) agent to remove heavy metals, like mercury. Autistic individuals have difficulty excreting heavy metals. If brain levels of activated vitamin D are too low to employ glutathione properly, and thus unable to remove heavy metals, they may be damaged by heavy metal loads normal children easily excrete. [Take note that the usual vitamin D supplement (ergocalciferol) has potency of about one-quarter that of sun-generated vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).]
Seizures are very
common in autism and activated vitamin D reduces the seizure threshold by
making brain tissue less likely to seize. A controlled study found vitamin D
reduced the incidence of seizures in patients with intractable seizures (as
does magnesium sulfate - Epsom salts - as a bath or medically
infused/injected).
Professors Hollis
and Wagner of the Medical University of South Carolina discovered that
breast milk is a source of vitamin D that is rich enough to maintain healthy
levels in infants—provided the mothers took at least 4,000 units/day. Moms
must get in the sun with their infants!
- Excerpted from: The May 2007 Vitamin D Newsletter: Autism and
Vitamin D. by John Cannell, MD,
Safe upper limit may not accommodate the need for folic acid by fertile Caucasian females living in equatorial climates (solar ultraviolet radiation significantly reduces folic acid levels among light-skinned individuals).
Several months ago, Dr. Almeras, Professor Feron, and
their group at the University of the Mediterranean in
Additionally, “I don’t know how many seizure patients I’ve gotten off their medicines by just getting them off MSG and giving them magnesium (preferably magnesium taurate with vitamins B6 and D3 to ensure utilization). They quit having seizures. They were on maximum dosages of medications and still having seizures. Most neurologists and neurosurgeons that treat seizures are not aware of this.” - Dr. Russell Blaylock, MD.
“MSG toxicity - taurine deficiency link theory is my
own. I developed the theory over ten years ago. At first in my research of
glutamate toxicity and its effect on cardiovascular health, most of the
neuro scientific data at the time linked glutamate toxicity to its effect on
the amino acid cysteine. (Glutamate and cysteine compete for uptake in the
body.) I then was given an article about the amino acid taurine by a
colleague. That was the link. Taurine deficiency symptoms are the exact same
symptoms of MSG reaction, particularly, a racing heart. (Taurine is the
amino acid that regulates heartbeat.) When I realized that the body
manufactures taurine from cysteine, the pieces fell into place. I then
tested my theory. The next MSG reaction I had, I took taurine in pill form.
The headache went away, the racing heart calmed down, the blood pressure
went down, and I was able to sleep. Since that time, I have used it quite
often and always keep some handy as an "antidote". It is interesting to
note, that now taurine is being used in
Furthermore, viruses are causative: “There are over 20 viruses that have been shown to cause seizures in people, including many that are ubiquitous and known to have latent states, with Epstein Barr, other Herpes viruses, influenza, Coxsackie, measles, and mumps being among them. I am personally of the opinion that chronic latent viruses which have an affinity for glial cells are the main underlying cause of idiopathic epilepsy.” - John B. Symes, D.V.M.
There is evidence to suggest a possible causal relationship between increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and symptoms of aggression and agitation in autism. In agreement with the above, a new, novel treatment for Autism is reported by Stewart Johnson, father of a severely autistic son, age 16: “After 14 years of observing my autistic son and researching the topic, I formed the hypothesis that the most difficult symptoms of autism (including self-abusive behavior, compulsivity, anxiety, behavioral inflexibility, etc.) are the result of an aberrant immune response. I researched ways to down-regulate the immune system and came to TSO, a living organism being used successfully to treat other autoimmune disorders (Crohn’s disease). After preparing a research paper showing this hypothesis was supported by the medical literature, I presented it to my son’s doctor and we began treating my son with TSO (eggs of helminth). After 10 weeks he completely lost all symptoms of agitation, aggression, self-abusive behavior (including head smashing/banging and hand biting), perseveration, behavioral inflexibility, compulsivity, impulsivity, repeated questioning, “stimming”, and hypersensitivity to external stimuli. He continues to take TSO every two weeks, and the symptoms have been gone now for 15 months.” Details at www.autismtso.com. Hey, whatever works, but I would give vitamin D and AmbrotoseR a try first. Note other ways to control inflammatory cytokines discussed herein.
Another parent’s report on head banging (often thought to be due to chronic pain) is of interest: “I told a friend about annatto 160b as her two-year-old daughter had been splitting her head open head banging. My friend has kept her daughter off the annatto for a week now and her daughter has stopped head banging. She still gets in the position when she is throwing a tantrum but doesn't bang her head. This is the only additive she has removed!” – by email.
Another study found that this impairment of neutrophils
by heavy metals and lack of glutathione decreases the body’s ability to
combat viruses, some of which cause inflammatory damage to heart and brain.
Samplings of immune data reveal that most of these autism-spectrum disorder
(ASD) children have atypical elevations of antibodies against otherwise
common pathogens such as Epstein-Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, and/or Human
Herpes Virus 6 (EBV, CMV, HHV-6), and in some 30%, elevated anti-measles
antibodies indicative of chronic infection from measles vaccine—Kawashima H,
Mori T, Kashiwagi Y, Takekuma K, Hoshika A, Wakefield A; Department of
Paediatrics, Tokyo Medical University, Japan. “Of the 160 autistic children
we looked at, only five did not have bowel disease”—
HHV-6 induces synthesis of a broad range of host cell proteins, including interferon alpha, CD4, interleukin-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF(a)]. Additionally, HHV-6 kills Natural Killer Cells. Human herpesvirus-6, the etiologic (causative) agent of roseola, is ubiquitous, establishes latency in the host, and can infect a variety of immunocompetent cells, with CD4+ T-lymphocytes being the targets in which it replicates most efficiently, and HHV-6 has an “Immunosuppressive effect...on T-cell functions” such as “suppression of interleukin-2 synthesis and cell proliferation.”
Carlos A. Pardo-Villamizar, M.D., at the Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine in
Professor Marc Feldmann of the
Cytokines such as TNF(a) are molecules released by immune cells to alert the immune system that the body is under attack and to initiate a response against the infection. Recent evidence suggests that TNF-alpha regulates synaptic function in the brain also. “In autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis, we discovered that cytokines are over-produced causing the immune system to fight itself, resulting in inflammation and tissue destruction,” Dr Feldmann explained. “We further found that by blocking just one cytokine – tumor necrosis factor alpha – we were able to block all the cytokines involved in the inflammation, with remarkable clinical results.” Prescription drugs, like Enbrel, directly bind to TNF(a) and block its interaction with TNF cell-surface receptors. Though these drugs do work, many studies have demonstrated significant clinical improvement in rheumatoid arthritis patients with high-dose, fish-oil supplements (Kremer 2000) and other nutrients mentioned herein that also inhibit TNF(a), without the side effects of the drugs.
Dr Feldmann believes that similar drugs may have the potential to treat many other conditions, and is currently researching their effect on atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, he explained, “is caused by a chronic inflammatory response in the walls of the arteries, in large part, caused by an excessive immune response to cholesterol”, or HHV6 and/or H. pylori, both of which have been identified in the plaque?
Aging (sic) results in an increase of inflammatory cytokines (destructive, cell-signaling chemicals) that contribute to the progression of many degenerative diseases (Van der Meide et al. 1996; Licinio et al. 1999). Rheumatoid arthritis is a classic autoimmune disorder in which excess levels of cytokines such as TNF(a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin 1b [IL-1(b)], and/or interleukin-8 (IL-8) are known to cause or contribute to the inflammatory syndrome (Deon et al. 2001). It is also true that the IgG molecule lacks a galactose molecule at its end, allowing other lectins to bind to this site. The more such misshaped molecules, the more severe the inflammation!
Chronic inflammation is also involved in diseases as diverse as atherosclerosis, cancer, heart valve dysfunction, overweight, diabetes, congestive heart failure, digestive system diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease (Brouqui et al. 1994; Devaux et al. 1997; De Keyser et al. 1998). In aged people with multiple degenerative diseases, the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein, is often sharply elevated, indicating the presence of an underlying inflammatory disorder (Invitti 2002; Lee et al. 2002; Santoro et al. 2002; Sitzer et al. 2002). When a cytokine blood profile is conducted on people in a weakened condition, an excess level of one or more of the inflammatory cytokines, e.g., TNF(a), IL-6, IL-1(b), or IL-8, is usually found (Santoro et al. 2002).
Observe the likely scenario; heavy metals cause HHV-6 to be chronic, latent in the body and brain inducing the body to set up an inflammatory response. One can seek only to control the inflammatory symptoms with the suggested drugs, or he can eradicate the cause. However, inhibiting TNF(a) stops the damage while you eliminate the heavy metals and the viruses. How much better it is to inhibit the cause of overactive inflammation and enhance both mind and body function by replacing missing nutrients as suggested in this paper (rather than resorting to drugs that only inhibit TNF(a).
John O’Leary, Ph.D.,
a world-class researcher and molecular biologist from
The Measles pathogenic (disease producing) power is
derived from the fact that they can set up persistent infections within
various lymph tissues (that of the gut, for example, as shown by
We now know that, in far too many cases, these live vaccine viruses escape the immune system and take up residence in the body--for a lifetime. A recent autopsy study of elderly individuals found that 20% of the brains contained live measles viruses and 45% of the other organs contained live measles viruses. Similar findings have been described in autistic children and the measles virus is identical genetically to the one used in the vaccine.
Measles infection usually resolves itself over 1-2 weeks given good sanitation, water quality, and hygiene. Treatment with vitamin A, as found in cod liver oil, has been known to be effective since its success was published in the British Medical Journal in 1932. The measles virus can invade, infect, and inflame specific areas of the brain’s central nervous system causing persistent viral infection and damage. There are three types of measles-related brain inflammation (encephalitis). First, there is an acute post-infectious type that occurs during or shortly after the initial infection and is characterized by inflammation around blood vessels and loss of myelin (the protective covering around neural cells). This type is thought to be due to autoimmune processes. A second form of brain inflammation follows the acute infection and is called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). This type presents itself 1-10 years later as a persistent measles infection with many mutations inside the cells of the cerebellum and spinal cord in people with competent, mature, immune systems. SSPE can be fatal because it causes general destruction of brain tissue, leading to progressive dementia, seizures, and chronic neurological disorders affecting coordination.
The final type of measles-related complication in brain inflammation is a progressive, infectious one in people without competent immune systems, such as immunocompromised people or children with immune systems that are still developing. This form manifests itself 1-6 months following measles infection. Common symptoms include seizures, motor and sensory system deficits, and lethargy (fatigue) with the acute or sub-acute progression of this third type of encephalitis. The symptoms are a result of brain tissue death caused by unrestricted viral replication, which happens when immune function is decreased due to absence or immaturity. These symptoms of measles virus infection in the brains of people without competent immune systems are too similar to autism to ignore. Measles infects specific brain areas such as the frontal cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, substantia nigra, locus ceruleus, raphe nuclei, hippocampus, amygdala, rhinal cortex, and cingulate gyrus where neurons have specific CD46 or growth factor receptors. These are commonly damaged areas of the brain in autism.
Measles normally mutates only one third as fast as HIV, but shifts from magnesium to manganese cations in the body can significantly enhance viral mutation rates by 6-10 fold. Vaccines that contain mercury theoretically drive the mutation process higher, rendering immune systems less effective. Viral mutations can escape vaccine protection and or drive measles-mutant strains in the body toward continued successful mutation (selenium deficiencies, common in autistic children, also mutate viruses). Also, if there is too much iron, low zinc, and high copper, this also mutates viruses. Such chronic measles infection can be treated with very high intakes of vitamins A and C and glutathione, oral or injection, and antivirals discussed elsewhere herein.
Dr. Anju Usman, MD, was puzzled as to why antibiotics often failed to clear an intestinal/bladder infection. Her studies revealed a colony of “coated” bacteria that had formed into a "biofilm" and uncoated themselves, making themselves resistant to immune attack and to antibiotics at levels 100-1000 times the normal minimal-lethal dose. Further research showed that this mucus film was maintained by a high content of calcium, magnesium, and iron. When these minerals were removed by sodium EDTA chelation, or when she withheld all supplementation of these nutrients for two months during her medical treatment, the bacterial infection was readily overcome. Fibrinogen induces biofilm formation by Streptococcus suis and enhances its antibiotic resistance - Grignon L, Grenier D. Use of Nattokinase and Lumbrokinase has proven effective in exposing these colonies. Lactoferrin supplementation also binds iron and disbands biofilm - forcing expression of outer membrane proteins on the bacteria so that the immune system can identify and attack the singular bacteria. In bladder infections, at least, the biofilm is destroyed by D-mannose and by cranberry concentrate that contains D-mannose. Would not the use of lactoferrin, Nattokinase/Lumbrokinase, and D-mannose be preferable to denying needed supplements of calcium and magnesium? Use of probiotics with prebiotics assist in this mission and aid in keeping pathogens under control.
Dr.
Ebola virus kills 4
out of 10 of its victims. However, in the presence of selenium
supplementation the fatality rate drops by over 80 percent! That is a
persuasive demonstration of the anti-viral power of this essential mineral.
A similar phenomenon has been recognized and reported in AIDS. It is
reasonable to say that selenium increases our resistance to viral disease.
What with the
Effecting a cure when a virus is the offending agent, and many times bringing about this change in the short space of 24 hours, is a rewarding moment in medicine. Vitamin C treatment must be intensive to be successful. Use veins when practical; otherwise, give vitamin C intramuscularly. Never give less than 350 mg/kg body weight. This must be repeated every hour for 6 to 12 times, depending upon clinical improvement, then every two to four hours until the patient has recovered. Ice cubes held to the gluteal muscle before and after injection will reduce or eliminate pain and induration. When treatment continues for several days, the child can be placed on an ice cap between injections. When employing vitamin C intravenously, it is best to use sodium ascorbate and the solution free of all additives except sodium bisulfite. The dose of vitamin C using a syringe should range between 350 mg and 400 mg/kg body weight. In older patients, or when very high doses are required, the vitamin can be added to 5 percent dextrose in water, in saline solution or in Ringer’s solution. The concentration should be approximately 1 gm to 18 cc fluid. Bottle injections will need 1 gm calcium gluconate one to two times each day to replace calcium ions removed by the high intravenous schedule. One quart of milk daily will suffice when using the vitamin intramuscularly. In place of milk, one can substitute calcium gluconate tablets. Supplemental vitamin C is always given by mouth. As a guide in determining the amount and frequency of injections we recommend our Silver Nitrate-Urine test. This is done by placing ten drops of 5 percent silver nitrate in a Wasserman tube and adding ten drops of urine. A color pattern will develop showing white, beige, smoke gray, or one that looks like fine grain charcoal. Charcoal is the color needed, and the test is performed at least every four hours. The test itself is read in one minute. These large doses of ascorbic acid will also bring all body tissue back to saturation, which means that the white blood cells will now be capable of destroying other pathogens that might be clouding the picture. Unless the white blood cells are saturated with ascorbic acid, they are like soldiers without bullets. Research on this is now under way at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine by McCall and Cooper. White cells ingest bacteria and in the process produce hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide will combine with ascorbic acid to produce a substance that is lethal to bacteria. I have seen diphtheria, hemolytic streptococcus, and staphylococcus infections clear within hours following injections of ascorbic acid in a dose range of from 500 mg to 700 mg/kg body weight given intravenously and run in through a 20G needle as fast as the patients cardiovascular system will allow.
In the earliest stages of infection, innate response (Th1) predominates, but later the lymphocytes (a version of white cells) start to generate adaptive immune (Th2) responses. They then 'remember' the pathogen, and mount more effective and rapid responses should the individual become reinfected with the same pathogen at a later date. With this in mind, besides early innoculations with vaccines (prior to maturation of the adaptive immune system), the routine use of innate immune suppressing drugs - called anti-inflammatories, anti-pyretic, or anti-histamines for early infections is the major culprit in the epidemic of chronic illness - Dr. Greg Blaney, MD.
Lymphocytes play an important role in survival from
infection. We found in several cases of trichinosis that the behavior of the
lymphocytes was the real story of the changing blood picture and actually
determined the course of the disease. Wintrobe observed that the function of
the lymphocytes was stimulation of antibody formation, and that the
lymphocytic response runs parallel with the recovery of the patient. This
build-up of antibodies appears directly proportional to the concentration of
ascorbic acid in all body tissue, and yet we give vaccines but pay no
attention to the degree of tissue saturation of ascorbic acid (or of vitamin
A needed to fight the infection). Dr. Nossal of the
Vitamin A, also, is crucial to a very sophisticated bi-directional mechanism that takes place in the digestive system and leads to immune tolerance across the entire gut lining. Immune tolerance is the essence of good health. An intolerant immune system will lead to a wide range of illnesses, and the gut is where many people first lose immune tolerance. Vitamin A (retinoic acid) is key to our ability to consume a wide range of antigens (food) and yet not react adversely.
The killing power of ascorbic acid is not limited to just herpes simplex and the adenovirus. When proper amounts are used it will destroy all virus organisms. We found measles to be a medical curiosity. Specifically, we observe that vitamin C prophylactically, by mouth, was not protective (against the measles virus) unless 1 gram was given every two hours around the clock. One gram given every four hours intramuscularly was also protective. One gram every four hours would modify the attack of measles, but not kill it. With our own children we kept the measles syndrome going off and on for 30 days by giving 1gm every two hours for two days, then off for two days. The disease was then stopped by continuing 1 gm every two hours, by mouth, for four days. By 1950, we learned that we could kill the measles virus in 24 hours by giving intramuscular injections in a dose range of 350 mg/kg body weight every 2 hours. We also found that we could dry up chicken pox in the same time, but more dramatic results were obtained by giving 400 mg/kg body weight intravenously. Two to three injections in 24 hours were all that was required. We published these results in 1951. Recently, we cured a man weighing 85 kg in four days taking 30 gm each day by mouth. In conclusion, the killing power of ascorbic acid (as sodium ascorbate) on virus bodies has been demonstrated by me in hundreds of cases, many of which were treated in our hospital with nothing but vitamin C. We have published some 28 papers on this matter. - Dr. Frederick Robert Klenner, MD. Vitamin A is also vital in fighting measles.
Infants and children often run a fever and show other signs of acute inflammation after receiving multiple vaccinations. Fever is generally considered harmful by physicians, and is treated with antipyretics as it may lead to febrile seizures, stupor, dehydration, increased breathing, discomfort, and tachycardia. Home use of antipyretics upon the first signs of a fever is also common. This approach has lead to the ubiquitous use of aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol™), nimesulide, and ibuprofen, which control temperature by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the hypothalamus.
Fever is
metabolically expensive: every degree C rise in temperature increases the
metabolic rate approximately 10%. It stands to reason that a defense
mechanism that is so costly in terms of energy must be important. Numerous
studies have shown that fever enhances the immune response by increasing
mobility and activity of white cells (doubles production and activity of
leukocytes), stimulating the production of interferon, causing the
activation of T-lymphocytes, and indirectly reducing plasma iron
concentrations. Antiviral and antibacterial properties of interferon are
also increased at febrile temperatures. A decreased morbidity and mortality
rate has been associated with fever in a variety of infections.
Newborn animals
infected with a variety of viruses have a higher survival rate when febrile.
The use of antipyretics to suppress fever results in an increased mortality
rate in bacterially infected rabbits, and an increase in influenza virus
production in ferrets. There is anecdotal evidence that children with autism
show behavioral improvement when febrile (D. Odell, personal communications,
2003). This is likely because the fever suppresses a chronic viral
infection. There is a reason for 98.6 F. body temperature. Laboratories know
that Candida and Strep thrive at lower body temperatures! If your well child
consistently registers less than 98.6 F (37.0 C) support the thyroid. Never
use drugs to lower fever unless all else fails, and then only if the fever
is causing the child a serious problem like above 103 F (no harm will occur
normally until the fever is above 105.2 F). Rather, use a dip in luke-warm
water, a spray of water on a covering towel, a serving of strawberries, or a
pad soaked in alcohol placed over the tummy. Don’t chill the child. Force
water. Vitamin E seems to reduce prostaglandin E2, which results in an
enhancement of T-helper 1 cytokines. If he is lethargic, showing
dehydration, then obtain help.
In a study in
These chronic
viral infections apparently cause the body to sequester mercury and other
heavy metals according to clinical experience of Dr. Amy Yasko of
Initial Autism
Research Findings at Harvard-Massachusetts General show that patients
undergoing endoscopic procedure all had GI symptoms of pain or diarrhea:
Endoscopy
Findings:
Esophagitis in
23 out of 111 (20%)
Gastritis in 14
out of 111 (12%); 4 had Helicobacter pylori
Duodenitis in 11
out of 111 (10%); 2 had Celiac Sprue (According to Dr. Buie, all children
with ASD should get a blood test for Celiac Sprue before going on a GF diet.
Once they’re on the diet, those antibodies are gone.)
Eosinophilic
Inflammation in five out of 111 (5%)
Pancreatic
Function Testing: Duodenal
collection of pancreatic enzymes:
10 out of 90
(11%) had low enzyme activity (This is a very high finding compared to the
general population.)
Two out of these
10 (20%) had total pancreatic insufficiency, five with multiple enzyme
defects
Carbohydrate
Digestion:
Lactase
deficiency was found in 55% of ASD children tested, especially in black
children
Combined
deficiency of disaccharides enzymes was found in 15%
Enzyme assays
correlate well with hydrogen breath tests
Another study
showed that 58% of the examined children had disaccharidase/glucoamylase
enzyme activities below the normal range. Carbohydrate malabsorption may
result in gaseousness with crampy abdominal pain and may be the cause of
chronic loose stools. The most frequent finding was a low lactase activity
in 14 of the 21 children with pathologic disaccharidase results. All of the
21 children with low enzyme activities had loose stools and/or gaseousness.
Do supplement digestive enzymes!
Colonoscopy
Findings:
Dr. Tim Buie,
lead researcher, states that more than half of these children had treatable
gastrointestinal problems that ranged from moderate to severe including
esophagitis, gastritis, and enterocolitis along with the lymphoid nodular
hyperplasia (measles in the gut).
Dr. Sudhir Gupta
reports: “Complete Immunoglobulin E (IgE) deficiency was seen in 10% of the
patients. Almost 20% of the patients had low IgA, and 8% of them had a
complete lack of it, which is quite high compared to the general population
(1 in 700-1,000). About 25% of the subjects had IgG subclass deficiency.
(Positive IgG antibodies to gluten were found in 100% of IgA-deficient
persons with biopsy proven celiac disease but who were negative by the
endomysial antibody test. These IgG antibodies are thought to increase
intestinal permeability-WSL). About 25% of the patients had a deficiency of
various subsets of lymphocytes (e.g., CD3, CD4, and CD8 Killer T-Cells). In
fact, almost 40% of these autistic children had a deficiency in Natural
Killer Cells (Th1 suppressed). In general, the cytokines IL-2 and
alpha-interferon are increased, while IL-1 is normal.” IgG anti-brain
autoantibodies were present in 27% with ASD, and with 2% from healthy
children. IgM autoantibodies to the myelin were present in 36% with ASD
compared with 0% of controls. The presence of these antibodies raises the
possibility that autoimmunity plays a role in the pathogenesis of language
and social developmental abnormalities in a subset of children with these
disorders - Serum autoantibodies to brain in Landau-Kleffner variant,
autism, and other neurologic disorders. J Pediatr 1999 May; 134(5): 607-13.
A Cornell
researcher, Rodney Dietert, professor of immunotoxicology at Cornell’s
In a
peer-reviewed article on developmental immunotoxicity (DIT), published in a
recent issue of Current Medicinal Chemistry, the Dieterts found that almost
all the chronic diseases that are associated with DIT share the same type of
immunological damage.
The diseases
linked to DIT include asthma, allergy, suppressed responses to vaccines,
increased susceptibility to infections, childhood neurobehavioral
conditions, autoimmunity, cancer, cerebral palsy, atherosclerosis,
hypertension, and male sterility.
Toxins that are
known to cause developmental immune problems in fetuses and neonates,
according to the Dieterts, include herbicides, pesticides, alcohol, heavy
metals, maternal smoking, antibiotics, diesel exhaust, drugs of abuse, and
PCBs. Antidotes to DIT, the researchers note, could come from a variety of
sources, including herbal and fungal chemicals -- from mushrooms to clover
-- which appear to have promise.
Two immune
processes -- T-helper (Th) cell balances and dendritic cell maturation --
are both compromised in ways that disrupt the regulation of inflammatory
cell function, which leads to exaggerated inflammatory responses. “Most
therapeutic approaches have looked at specific disease outcomes from DIT,
rather than focusing on the underlying immune dysfunction that creates the
increased disease risk,” said Robert Dietert. “Instead, we looked at the
common immune dysfunction that is related to a host of diseases.”
Knowing the most
common immune dysfunction patterns from DIT allows researchers to consider
more seriously those “medicinals with the capacity to restore inflammatory
cell regulation, promote dendritic cell maturation, and restore desirable Th
balance that would be the most likely candidates to combat the problems
resulting from DIT.”
Autism may involve autoimmunity to brain matter. Autistic children, but not
normal children, had antibodies to caudate nucleus (49% positive sera),
cerebral cortex (18% positive sera), and cerebellum (9% positive sera).
Brain stem and hippocampus were negative--Neuroscience Letters Volume 355,
Issues 1-2, 23 January 2004, Pages 53-56, Vijendra Singh, et al.
It is vital to
note that the production of interleukin-4 in the spleen of zinc-deficient
mice is depressed, leading to depressed levels of IgE, IgG1, and
eosinophils; and that the function of T-cells and antigen-presenting cells
is impaired by zinc deficiency as well as by energy restriction. Children
with clinical or subclinical vitamin A deficiency also have depressed IgG
responses to tetanus toxoid compared with children supplemented with vitamin
A. The results of more than three decades of work indicate that zinc
deficiency rapidly diminishes antibody and cell-mediated responses. The
moderate deficiencies in zinc noted in sickle cell anemia, renal disease,
chronic gastrointestinal disorders and Acrodermatitis Enteropathica;
subjects with human immunodeficiency virus; children with diarrhea; and the
malabsorption of autistic and elderly persons can greatly alter host defense
systems leading to increases in opportunistic infections and mortality
rates. This is likely because adequate zinc is needed to release vitamin A
from the liver. Corticosteriods (hyrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone,
etc.) will increase the rate of vitamin A transport from the liver; however,
they will result in elevated serum levels and depletion of vitamin A
reserves. Both vitamin A and zinc deficiency are widespread among our
children and parents. These deficiencies have very negative aspects on the
immune function.
Dr. Singh
further states: “I firmly believe that up to eighty percent (and possibly
all) cases of autism are caused by an abnormal immune reaction, commonly
known as autoimmunity. The autoimmune process in autism results from a
complex interaction between the immune system and the nervous system.
“Antibodies to
measles (rubeola) (MV) and human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) are elevated, which
is a sign of a present infection, past infection, or a reaction to the
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The HHV-6 and measles viruses are
etiologically linked to autism because they are related to brain
autoantibodies and demyelinating diseases.
“Recently, I
conducted a study of measles virus (MV) and HHV-6 in autism.... This study
showed two things in particular: first, that the virus antibody levels in
the blood of autistic children were much higher when compared to normal
children; and secondly, the elevated virus antibody levels were associated
with the brain autoantibody titer. Interestingly, the viral antibody and
brain autoantibody association was particularly true of MV antibody and
Myelin-Basic Protein (MBP) autoantibody (i.e., 90 percent of autistic
children showed this association). This observation led me to hypothesize
that a measles virus-induced autoimmune (sic) response is a causal factor in
autism, whereas HHV-6, via co-infection, may contribute to the
pathophysiology of the disorder. Although as yet unproven, I think it is an
excellent working hypothesis to explain autism, and it may also help us
understand why some children show autistic regression after the
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization.”
At DAN! 2002 Dr.
Singh stated, “We measured antibodies to the measles, mumps, rubella, CMV,
and human herpesvirus-6 viruses and to our surprise, we found that the
antibody level of only the measles virus, but not the other viruses tested
was significantly higher in autistic children than in the normal children.
In addition we found an interesting correlation between measles antibody and
brain autoimmunity, which was marked by Myelin Basic Protein Autoantibodies.
The two immune markers correlated in greater than 90% of autistic children,
suggesting a causal link of measles virus with autoimmunity (sic) in
autism”. The higher than normal antibody level to the measles virus could be
the sign of a present infection, past infection, or an immune reaction to
the MMR Vaccine. He added that further study showed a greater than 90%
correlation between MMR antibody and MBP autoantibody.
“There is
enormous potential for restoring brain function in autistic children and
adults through immunology.... The goal of therapy should be to normalize or
reconstitute the immune response instead of inducing immune suppression or
stimulation. This will maintain a balance within the normal immune response,
avoiding major fluctuations of overt immune activity which could be
detrimental to the patient.” - Excerpts from Autism, Autoimmunity, and
Immunotherapy: a Commentary by Vijendra K. Singh, Ph.D. Department of
Biology & Biotechnology Center, Utah State University, Logan Scientific
Board Member, Autism Autoimmunity Project.
Dr. Singh
indicated that two cytokines or immune activation markers, Interleukin-12
(IL-12) and Interferon Gamma (IFN-g), play a very important role in
causation of autoimmune disease, that is, they initiate an autoimmune
reaction via induction (activation) of Th-1 white blood cells. We have found
that these two cytokines are selectively elevated in autistic children,
suggesting the induction of autoimmunity via Th-1 cells in autism.
Therefore, they should be measured as a sign of altered cellular
autoimmunity in patients with autism. It is interesting to note that
autoantibodies (antibodies against self) can be induced in older animals by
giving them a vaccine! Younger animal will usually react to a vaccination by
producing beneficial antibodies, but do we not see the autoantibody reaction
in this subset of children called autistic?
It has been
observed that immune suppression was most profound in infants with the
highest antibody responses and was associated with increased numbers of
circulating CD8 T-cells, and with increased plasma levels of soluble surface
molecules and cellular products associated with immune activations. This
delayed immune response allows unwanted microbes to gain a solid foothold
before the body mounts its defenses to destroy them. Frighteningly, another
study found in animals that this lack of response of Killer Cells allowed
usually harmless viruses to become more virulent creating serious illness.
Canadian doctors found this delayed response in individuals with nutritional
deficiencies. When provided proper dietary ratios of protein, carbohydrates,
and fats for eight weeks, they tested higher on helper T-cells and showed a
better overall response to antigens (Chandra 1989). Chandra also showed
immune systems of “healthy” oldsters significantly responded to a
multivitamin/mineral supplement. Another study showed that both colostrum
and human milk enhanced B-cell response, but formula did not (Juto 1985).
Of interest is
yet another study: They looked for T-cells that recognized these peptides in
blood samples from 12 patients and from 12 people who did not have multiple
sclerosis. They found that the T-cell that recognized one of the peptides --
corresponding to amino acids 95 to 117 of myelin proteolipid protein (PLP)
-- was at least four times more common in the patients’ blood. “There also
were enough of these T-cells to cause disease,” Trotter says. In contrast,
the immune cells of multiple sclerosis patients do not recognize myelin
basic protein more frequently than those of people without MS.
A new view of
multiple sclerosis may arise from the first extensive study of brain tissue
from the earliest hours during a bout of the disease. The results, published
February 23, 2004, in the advance on-line edition of the Annals of
Neurology, suggest that the earliest event is not, as previously believed, a
misguided immune system attack on a brain substance called myelin. Instead,
the first event appears to be the death of the brain cells that produce
myelin (Oligodendrocytes), triggering a subsequent immune system mop-up
operation to clean up the cells and the myelin, said author John W. Prineas,
MBBS, of the
It is well
established that the symptoms of MS are caused by a breakdown of myelin, a
fatty substance that coats nerve cells and plays a crucial role in
transmitting messages to the central nervous system. However, it is unclear
what triggers the breakdown of myelin. There are various theories, including
an autoimmune attack upon self, exposure to a virus in childhood, vitamin D
deficiency, hormones – and now, a buildup of iron in the brain because of
poor blood-flow out of the brain. It is postulated that this iron buildup is
destroying the myelin.
It is of vital
interest to note that the rubella and mumps virus can infect pancreatic
islet cells and that the infection can severely reduce levels of secreted
insulin. Rubella and
mumps disease have been strongly associated with the development of Type I
Diabetes. This study should be noted and remembered the next time
your friendly pediatrician tells you how important it is to give Hep B to
your hours old baby:
Evidence of
serious health consequences was recently confirmed in the Journal of
Pediatrics in which CRP levels were measured after vaccination. CRP, short
for C-reactive protein, is a blood marker indicating a heightened state of
inflammation throughout the body. The study involved infants in a neonatal
intensive care unit who were given two or more vaccines on the same day
(Criminal!). A separate group of (preemie) infants were given one shot at a
time, every three days. The vaccines administered were DTaP, Hib, polio
[IPV], hepatitis B, and Prevnar (pneumonia). The findings were disturbing:
There are
further concerns about elevated CRP levels. It was found in a study of 62
children who were part of the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study that when infants
and young children have an elevated CRP level, they have an increased risk
of developing Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes in childhood. -
Chase HP, et al. Elevated C-reactive protein levels in the
development of type 1 diabetes. Diabetes. 2004 Oct;53(10):2569-73.
It has been
found that 85% of children with Type I diabetes have antibodies against the
enzyme that converts glutamic acid into GABA (the GAD enzyme-Glutamic Acid
Decarboxylase) contributing to the excitotoxicity of excess glutamate. These
should avoid MSG/glutamic acid sources, and supplement magnesium, zinc, and
vitamins B1, B6, and B12, and work to correct other dietary shortfalls. In a
newborn that developed seizures at 8-days, GABA levels were only at 13
pmol/ml (picomoles per milliliter) before vitamin B6 injections. It
increased to 124 pmol/ml after vitamin B6 treatment. Children without any
neurologic disease have a GABA level at 174 pmol/ml. In addition to
supplements to enhance GABA, one can supplement GABA that is available at
the healthfood store. Excess GABA will lead to lethargy, and if long
continued, Long-Term Potentiation will be adversely affected, reducing
memory enhancement, that is, learning capacity. Seizures induced by low GABA
levels appear to be pyridoxine dependent.
One Mom wrote:
“I am a parent of two children with pyridoxine dependent seizures. I was
very pleased to see the inclusion of a trial of pyridoxine for unexplained
seizures in children under two years old. Our first child was initially
diagnosed as having idiopathic, infantile spasms at six months of age. It
was not until eight years later when his sister developed infantile spasms
at the age of six months that the correct diagnosis was made in both
children. (I had to suggest the trial of pyridoxine.) Our son had been seen
at several major medical centers across the
“Both children
started having seizures within a few weeks of my stopping breastfeeding.
Since I had continued my prenatal vitamins and large amounts of pyridoxine
are secreted in breast milk, this probably had a protective effect.
Therefore, a history of severe seizures beginning soon after breastfeeding
stops may be worth noting. I have found about twenty families over the last
several months who have children with this disorder. Almost always, there
have been significant delays in getting to the correct diagnosis. Several
families had already lost a child before having the correct diagnosis made
in a sibling later. Pyridoxine dependency is probably more common than
previously thought, and significant improvement may be seen with appropriate
treatment even if the diagnosis is delayed.”
One of the more
recent studies on Type I diabetes was published in 2001 in the Lancet. This
particular report concerned a 31-year prospective study of over 10,000
children born in 1966 in northern
Recent research
by Marshall, et al, in sarcoidosis and Crohn’s shows that the active form of
the vitamin D hormone (1,25 D) is present in excessive levels relative to
the inactive 25 D form in patients diagnosed with a number of inflammatory
illnesses, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and Lyme disease.
Evidence suggests that this is due to unregulated production of 1,25 vitamin
D by macrophages in the course of an excessive Th1 immune response. Research
indicates that this occurs in response to cell-wall-deficient (L-form)
bacteria parasitizing (taking up residence within) immune cells and other
tissue. Testing for the active 1, 25 (OH) D must be done with frozen urine
samples by LabCorp who uses a more reliable, low cost test method.
A high 1,25 (OH) D to 25 (OH) D would suggest infection by L-form
bacteria.
Usually, the
inflammation caused by autoimmunity (sic) is treated by suppression of the
immune system. This seems to work, but with a high, price tag in side
effects. It would surely be better to get at the cause. Researchers from
Einstein College of Medicine of
Reed Warren, et
al, mention how the IgA findings relate to infections and report a
fascinating double susceptibility in that six of eight autistic kids with
low IgA levels also had null alleles of the complement C4b: “...IgA is also
important in protection against pathogenic infections and participates in
the clearance of pathogens via the alternative “complement” pathway. C4
proteins [e.g., from the C4a and C4b genes] are involved in the other
“complement” pathway, the classical complement pathway. Therefore, it is
interesting that of the eight autistic subjects with decreased IgA levels,
all but two also had a C4b null allele suggesting that, in these patients,
both pathways of complement activation [and response to infections] are
probably operating at less than optimal level.”
“If they are
vitamin A deficient, are they producing secretory IgA? Many of these
children have had recurrent gastrointestinal and/or respiratory infections
and otitis media beginning at 15-18 months. Adequate vitamin A is needed to
produce secretory IgA and to heal ciliated membranes, including those that
secrete IgA. To replace your mucous secreting cells, you need vitamin A. To
create secretory IgA, you need those cells healthy and these children need
vitamin A to rebuild retinoid receptors associated with G-protein all over
the body” - Dr. Mary Megson, MD.
A test of
thirty-six children revealed grade I or II reflux esophagitis in 25 (69.4%)
(vaccine induced?), chronic gastritis in 15 (42%), and chronic duodenitis in
24 (67%). Low intestinal carbohydrate digestive enzyme activity was reported
in 21 children (58.3%), although there was no abnormality found in
pancreatic function. Seventy-five percent of the autistic children had an
increased pancreatico-biliary fluid output after intravenous administration
of Secretin (indicating hypersensitivity of the pancreas) -Gastrointestinal
abnormalities in children with autistic disorder. J Pediatr 1999
Nov;135(5):559-63.
Children with
autism produce higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (a localized,
protective reaction of tissue to irritation, injury, or infection,
characterized by pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes loss of function.)
than children without autism. A lack of sleep markedly increases
inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6, with an average of 40-60% increase
in men and women. Men observed a 20-30% increase in TNF(a) also.
During the
progression of Mg deficiency in a rodent model, dramatic increases of
inflammatory cytokines were observed particularly in interleukins 1 and 6
(IL-1, IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). (In addition to attacking
tumor cells selectively, TNF is active against virus-infected cells. Excess
TNF is known to reduce vascular blood flow, increase oxidative stress,
reduce glutathione levels, increase bone resorption, suppress myelin
formation, compete with insulin at receptor sites, damage pancreatic-beta
cells with aldehydes, and induce cell death.)
A landmark in
our understanding of cytomegalovirus (CMV) pathogenesis came from studies
done in
An increased
production of various inflammatory peptides--such as Substance P (SP), CGRP
(calcitonin-gene related peptide), and VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide)
which increases nitric oxide--is also observed in Mg-deficient rats. VIP and
CGRP are potent vasodilators. This is caused by the release of nitric oxide
from the endothelium. Its release can cause hypotension. Substance P is
elevated up to threefold in the spinal fluid of those with fibromyalgia.
This might be increasing the brain’s perception of pain in fibromyalgia.
Nevertheless, TNF and SP are not the enemy. It appears that the lack of
necessary nutrients, particularly Mg and enzymes, allows inflammation and
creates the problem. These “inflammatory” peptides are then produced to
control the initial cause of inflammation, whether viral or irritation,
however, obese people produce more than seven times as much TNF from their
adipose tissue as do normal weight people. Additionally, levels of these
inflammatory cytokines were 60% higher in those who get no exercise.
Children diagnosed with mental retardation and with autism have very high
percentages of their numbers with these inflammatory cytokines (90% excess
VIP, 81% excess CGRP).
Our problem is
to boost the immune system activity (primarily the Th-1, Natural Killer
cells) while controlling the pro-inflammatory activity (Ambrotose Complex is
a proven modulator of the immune function). Sadeghi, et. al., has
demonstrated that coconut oil in combination with fish oil (preferably
cod-liver oil [CLO]) decreases levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF(a)) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), while stimulating
production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-10 (IL-10).
Interleukin-10 has been approved for treating IBD, but it is difficult and
expensive to produce. DHA fraction of fish oil is the best-documented
supplement to suppress TNF-a, IL-6, IL-1(b), and IL-8 (Jeyarajah et al.
1999; James et al. 2000; Watanabe et al. 2000; Yano et al. 2000). A study on
healthy humans and those with rheumatoid disease shows that fish oil
suppresses these dangerous cytokines by up to 90% (James et al. 2000). DHA
is essential to memory and to retinal function, and should be favored over
EPA in our supplements.
Dr. Weston Price
observed that a few drops of CLO with a few drops of Butter oil under the
tongue revived the ill, but singly they did not! We now know the butter oil
is rich in vitamin K2, and that the three nutrients are essential to the
handling of calcium. Lauric acid of butter, coconut oil, and Mother’s milk
improves the function of the Omega-6 pathway, and enables the fatty acids to
accumulate in the tissues where the prostaglandins are formed. Vitamin A
supplementation in patients with low vitamin A levels resulted in increased
interleukin-10 (IL-10) and decreased TNF(a) levels. Additionally, others
tested CLO and measured a 12% reduction of platelet aggregation, improving
circulation. In a small series, Lee et al. tested the hypothesis that
because nitrous oxide (NO) has pro-inflammatory effects on bronchial
epithelial cells, supplemental iron, an inhibitor of NO synthase, may reduce
the cough associated with the use of ACE inhibitors. Patients treated with
iron, but not those with placebo, had significant reductions in cough
scores.
Autistic
children have been shown to exhibit many anomalies in cell-mediated
immunity, including abnormal T-cell activation (Warren et al, 1995),
decreased relative numbers of helper-inducer lymphocytes, and a lower
helper-suppressor ratio. (Denney et al, 1996) These last 2 measures were
inversely correlated with severity of autistic symptoms. Cytokines can be
reduced by long-chain (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and vitamin
A, making cod-liver oil a good choice. This, in turn, results in reduction
of the severity of certain autoimmune, inflammatory, and atherosclerotic
diseases, and reduces cytokine-induced anorexia (loss of appetite).
Autoimmune diseases associated with vitamin A deficiency include rheumatoid
arthritis, juvenile arthritis, Lyme disease, systemic lupus, and insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus.
Vitamin A is
crucial to a very sophisticated bi-directional mechanism that takes place in
the digestive system and leads to immune tolerance across the entire gut
lining. Immune tolerance is the essence of good health. An intolerant immune
system will lead to a wide range of illnesses, and the gut is where many
people first lose immune tolerance. Vitamin A (retinoic acid) is key to our
ability to consume a wide range of antigens (food) and yet not react
adversely.
Eskimos, Irish,
and Northern European Seacoast dwellers who subsist largely upon fish have
lost the Delta-5 and -6 Desaturase enzymes! Thus, if removed from their
high-fish diets, their prostaglandins are in disarray for want of these
enzymes necessary to conversion of Omega-6 oils. Could this not be a strong
contributing cause to the fact that Autism is at its highest rates among the
Northern Europeans and Irish? In other peoples, stress, a vitamin-deficient,
high-grain (carbohydrate) diet, and trans-fatty acids shut down Delta-6
Desaturase! Linoleic acid also decreases the body’s conversion of
alpha-linolenic acid to EPA. However, the Delta-6-desaturase has a higher
affinity for a-linolenic acid than it has for linoleic acid. This is known
as Competitive Inhibition. Insulin resistance in adult-onset diabetes is
associated with fewer membrane, long-chain, unsaturated fatty acids due to
this impaired desaturase and elongase enzyme function.
Steven Maier,
PhD, (Neal Miller Lecture, APA 2001) told how he can disrupt learning and
memory in rats by injecting bacteria into rats’ digestive tracts or by
injecting interleukin-1 into their hippocampus. This infection triggers a
nonspecific immune response often called the “sickness” response, because it
triggers a series of physiological and behavioral changes, including fever,
changes in liver metabolism, reduced food and water intake, reduced sexual
activity, reduced exploration, and increased anxiety. It also activates a
classic, stress response releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and
pro-inflammatory cytokines, which include interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and
tumor necrosis factor alpha. Immune cells called macrophages, which are the
first on the scene of any infection, create these molecules, and experiments
showed that they act inside the brain to trigger the sickness response. It
is of interest to note that cadmium stops healthy macrophages from gobbling
up bacteria, leaving you more vulnerable to infections; whereas, viruses
cause the body to retain heavy metals, particularly mercury.
Maier also
showed that high levels of stress alone could produce these same immune
responses and make you sick! Excess cortisol has been shown to produce
hypertension, poor wound healing, bone loss, muscle wasting, thin skin, and
sleep fragmentation. High cortisol, induced by stress, causes both insulin
resistance and thyroid hormone resistance, which increases the estrogen
burden! Unfermented soy contributes a high estrogen input as well.
“Dysbiosis and poor digestion prevents the body from eliminating unnecessary
estrogen. Excess estrogen binds the thyroid transport proteins so the
thyroid hormones cannot get to the cells causing hypothyroid symptoms.” - Dr
Datis Kharrazian,
Additionally,
isolation without social support also raises cortisol. Moms, take time to
relax and socialize! Do a daily relaxation-meditation exercise. Take a
vigorous 20-minute walk in the sun, bring the child; he needs the exercise
and the sun as much as you. He will eat and sleep better, as will you. You
might want to consider Rhodiola Rosea, an herbal adaptogen that enhances
energy (burns calories) and mental functions, and take 200 to 400 mcg of
chromium (not picolinate) that reduces Cortisol by 47%. Tests with vitamin C
(1000-3000 mg/day) showed significant lowering of cortisol and blood
pressure after physical and psychological stress. Three mg of melatonin
before bedtime reduces visceral fat.
7-Keto DHEA was
shown also to reduce diastolic blood pressure, increase neutrophils, the
first white blood cells to respond to infection; and it counteracted the
effect of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol. When mice with compromised
immune function were subjected to mild stress for one month, a long time in
a mouse’s life, their white blood cells and thyroid hormones were decreased,
however, when they given 7-Keto DHEA at 15 mg/kg their blood cells
proliferated and Natural Killer Cell activity was dramatically enhanced.
Thyroid levels returned to normal. Unlike DHEA, 7-Keto does not affect sex
hormone levels. Life Extension Foundation has a combined supplement of DHEA
and 7-keto (DHEA Complete).
When cellular
immune function (Th1) is decreased, antibodies are greatly increased.
Conversely, when cellular immune function is restored, antibodies decrease.
The pattern of antibody response also will vary as the antigen load changes
qualitatively and quantitatively. I understand this to mean that high
antibodies to an antigen indicate a present, heavy load of that infectious
agent. (Low lymphocytes and high monocytes may be similarly indicative of
chronic infection/inflammation.)
Intractable
childhood epilepsy is associated with low blood values of IgG-2 and IgG-4;
replacement therapy may lead to remission of symptoms. IgG-4 may also be low
in some children with febrile convulsions. The antiseizure drug
carbamazepine (TegretolTM) may cause a reduction in IgG-2 while phenytoin
(DilantinTM) may be associated with decreases in IgA, IgG-3, and IgG-4.
Anti-IgA antibodies have been detected in epileptic patients with low serum
IgA concentrations. In children with these abnormal antibody patterns,
selenium (Se) supplementation at a dose of 10-mcg/kg bodyweight for six
months significantly increased IgG-2 and IgG-4 levels and reduced the number
of infections. Low blood values of these two immunoglobulin antibodies are
associated with intractable seizures. Selenium and vitamin E supplementation
have overcome intractable seizures that were resistant to drugs. Under
normal conditions, a Se intake of less than 1,000 µg/day (or 15 µg/Kg
bodyweight) does not cause toxicity. People in parts of
Both selenium
and vitamin E deficiencies are known to independently stimulate the
formation of antibodies. Studies have suggested that Se provided in certain
forms can neutralize carcinogens and heavy metals, enhance thyroid and
immune system function, prevent harmful mutation of viruses, favorably alter
gene (including p53) expression, inhibit tumor cell metabolism and
neo-angiogenesis (blood vessel development around tumors), and promote
apoptosis (programmed cell death). Other symptoms of selenium (Se)
deficiency may be muscle aches, pains, and weakness, tender thighs, and
discomfort in walking. There may be skin problems and infertility. Children
may not grow properly. Se appears to be influential in the brain, and
several studies that indicate low Se levels are associated with cognitive
impairment, depression, anxiety, intolerance, and hostility. These
conditions can be alleviated in individuals with low baseline Se levels by
Se supplementation. Recent studies suggest that selenoprotein P,
selenoprotein W75, and selenoprotein M76 have important roles in the brain.
The vital need for selenium in the brain is indicated in that it hoards the
available selenium when it is lacking.
Se forms selenides with all metals, and detoxifies mercury, cadmium,
lead, silver, thallium, and arsenic. This effect can be enhanced by vitamin
E.
Human
populations exposed environmentally to arsenic have a high incidence of
bladder, kidney, liver, and skin cancer (Kitchin, 2001). One study showed
that those with Type 2 diabetes had 26% higher levels of arsenic than those
who were free of the disease. Those with the highest levels of arsenic were
four times more likely to have the disease than those who had the lowest
levels of arsenic. Mothers often ask where the high arsenic levels found in
their children come from. It can come from playgrounds where wood was
treated with arsenic that has now contaminated the sand in the sandbox, from
the decking around your house, plastic playpen padding, wool rug and
underlays, but largely, it may come from your drinking water. Many waters
have significant amounts of arsenic. Ask your agency for a lab report on
water content. Arsenic exposure in mice suppressed the IgM and IgG
antibody–forming cell response, inhibited antigen driven T-cell
proliferation and macrophage activity, decreased CD4þ splenic cell number,
and suppressed contact hypersensitivity responses (Burns and Munson, 1993;
Patterson et al., 2004; Sikorski et al., 1989). In other words, it destroys
the normal immune response. One possible mechanism for enhanced
tumorigenesis in arsenic-exposed populations is that damage to the immune
system impairs the responses to transformed cells (Andres, 2005). In fact,
inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation in response to phytohemaglutinin (PHA
– a lectin found in legumes) stimulation has been reported in adult human
populations exposed to arsenic contaminated drinking water. Now, Soto-Pena
et al. (2006) demonstrated that proliferation of peripheral blood
mononuclear cells in response to PHA was significantly decreased in
association with an increase in arsenic concentration in urine of children
6–10 years of age exposed chronically to arsenic. Release of interleukin-2
(a T-cell growth factor) from these cells was also significantly suppressed.
Studies that demonstrate significant immune suppression in children exposed
to environmentally relevant levels of a toxicant are not a common
occurrence, so this case is particularly notable.
The antibody
response to diphtheria toxoid decreased at age 18 months by 24% for each
doubling of the cumulative PCB exposure at the time of examination. At
2-years of age, 21% of children had diphtheria toxoid antibody
concentrations below the limit for long-term protection. The Heilmann study
suggests that children exposed to PCBs in utero or soon after birth are at
greater risk of infection, and in fact, studies have shown an increased
frequency of childhood infections in children who have been exposed to PCBs
and other organochlorine pollutants via their mother’s contaminated diet
(Dallaire et al., 2006; Dewailly et al., 2000; Nagayama et al.,1998;
Weisglas-Kuperus et al., 2000). Similar studies with cigarette-smoking
mothers and in animals with toxins of many kinds show suppression of the
immune function in offspring.
Additionally, in
workers exposed to fluorine, those with subclinical hypothyrosis [reduced
tri-iodothyronine (T3) in 51%] had immune alterations that were more
evident. T-lymphocytes count rose, but their functional activity declined,
indicating impaired cooperation of immunocytes as a result of imperfect
control under low concentrations of T3 (Balabolkin, 1995). Some convert T3
into the inactive ‘reverse T3’, and thus have a relative deficiency of the
active hormone (
Vitamin A deficiency increases inflammatory responses.
Wiedermann U, Chen XJ, Enerback L, Hanson LA, Kahu H, Dahlgren UI-Department
of Clinical Immunology, University of Goteborg, Sweden.
The authors studied the influence of vitamin A deficiency
on immediate and delayed type hypersensitivity as well as
granulocyte-mediated inflammatory reactions in vitamin A depleted and
control rats. The number of circulating leucocytes was 43% higher in the
vitamin A deficient than in the control animals. The leucocytosis was a
result of a general increase of white blood cells and was not due to an
increase in one particular type. The ratio between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was
unchanged. The vitamin A deficient rats had a four times higher T-cell
proliferative response and a two times higher interferon-gamma production in
vitro than the control animals. In accordance, the DTH reaction was
consistently higher in the vitamin A deficient rats. The granulocyte
dependent inflammation, induced by olive oil injection, was also strongly
enhanced in the vitamin A deficient rats compared with the controls. In
addition, the spontaneous release of nitric oxide from the peritoneal
phagocytes was five times higher in the vitamin A deficient animals. The
number of peritoneal mast cells was about one and a half times higher in the
vitamin A deficient than in the control animals. The density of
IgE-receptors on the mast cells, the IgE receptor occupancy, and the
histamine release from the mast cells did not differ between the groups,
however. The vitamin A deficient, immunized rats displayed a consistently
stronger immediate skin reaction after intracutaneous antigen injection than
the immunized control rats, despite lower IgE antibody levels. The skin
reaction, after intracutaneous injection of histamine, was also
significantly greater in the deficient animals. Despite the stronger
reaction to antigen and histamine, the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis
reaction was lower in the vitamin A deficient rats. In conclusion, the study
shows that vitamin A deficiency aggravates the clinical manifestations of
inflammatory reactions. Thus, vitamin A deficiency might lead to a higher
risk of acquiring irreversible tissue damage and disabling destruction. End
of Abstract
A young medical
intern at Harvard had a young man die in spite of his best efforts to save
him. His white blood cells were stippled with bizarre, angry-looking
granules that had been defined much earlier as “toxic” leukocytes.
These indicated a widespread inflammatory condition. Could this not
have been a simple or an imbalance of fatty acids, or both? Be aware that
being overweight contributes to system-wide inflammation, as fat cells give
off substances that not only prmote more fat accumulation, but that
exacerbates inflammation. Make sure you are all getting enough vitamins A
and D and omega-3 fatty acids, all present in cod-liver oil. Nevertheless,
Dr Floyd H. Chilton, Ph.D., (Winning the War Within) has shown in his
research that you can’t affect inflammation by attempts to balance fatty
acids alone. You must reduce the amounts of carbohydrates typically
consumed, especially those of high-glycemic index. It is an excess of
carbohydrates (especially the high-glycemic ones) that cause inflammation in
the first place by elevating insulin that imbalances the fatty acids.
Request my paper on Glycemic Index of Common Foods.
We have observed
the chronic infections present and the effect upon them of various
nutrients. This abstract is so vital to the recovery from autism that I
quote it in its entirety:
Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Autism by
Non-Invasively Measuring Acetylcholine, â -Amyloid (1-42), Al, Hg, and
Viral and Bacterial Infection; particularly CMV, Chlamydia trachomatis, and
Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Safe and Effective Treatment With Compatible and
Effective Medication (including “Substance Z”), and Selective Drug Uptake
Enhancement Method.
Yoshiaki Omura, M.D., Sc.D., FACA, FICAE, FAAIM, FRSM
Director of Medical Research, Heart Disease Research
Foundation; President, Intl College of Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics;
President, Japan Bi-Digital O-Ring Test Medical Society; Adjunct Prof.,
Dept. of Community & Preventive Medicine, New York Medical College; Prof.,
Dept. of Non-Orthodox Medicine, Ukrainian National Kiev Medical Univ.
(Correspondence: 800 Riverside Dr(8-1), NYC, 10032, Tel: (212) 781-6262;
Fax:(212) 923-2279)
ABSTRACT
Even when one can prevent or survive major causes of
death, cardio-vascular diseases, and cancer, once an individual manages to
reach 80 years old, more than 20% of the people over 80 develop Alzheimer’s
Disease. Although there are some medications, which can slow down the
progress of Alzheimer’s disease, there is no reliable method of reversing
Alzheimer’s disease. Since old age population is increasing every year in
developed countries, expenses and burden of taking care of Alzheimer’s
disease will become astronomical. Similarly, the population of autism
patients among children is also increasing every year, and there is no
reliable treatment for autism available. As a result, these people become an
additional burden for the families and society.
During the past 5 years, the author has been evaluating
both Alzheimer’s patient and Autism patient and found that they have a
significantly similar abnormal findings in the brain. The author often found
the following to be common between Alzheimer’s and Autism patients:
·
Excessive
deposit of metal such as Al and Hg, with or without Pb, in Hippocampus & the
rest of brain, particularly motor cortex
·
Acetylcholine is
markedly reduced in Hippocampus & rest of brain, particularly motor cortex
·
â-Amyloid
(1-42) is markedly increased in Hippocampus & rest of brain, particularly
motor cortex
·
Strong Viral
infection exists often due to CMV and HHV-6 in Hippocampus & rest of brain,
particularly motor cortex.
·
Bacterial
Infection exists often due to Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycobacterium
tuberculosis in Hippocampus & rest of brain, particularly motor cortex.
To remove excessive metals, Cilantro extract (made by
Hayashibara Biochemical Lab of Okayama, Japan), originally discovered for
its chelating effects on metals such as Al, Hg, and Pb is used. To enhance
removal of heavy metals, and as a safe, natural, effective, antiviral agent,
a mixture of EPA 180mg and 120mg DHA (Omega–3 fatty acids), 4 times/day, was
used for adults (a relatively low amount); however, for autistic children,
optimal dose is measured individually using Bi-Digital O-ring Test.
Selective Drug Uptake Method to the brain is performed
either by stimulation of the brain representation area at the 1st segment of
the middle finger, either mechanically or by red spectral light from LED.
More than 95% of the excess metal deposit in hippocampus and rest of brain
can be removed using Cilantro and Selective Drug Uptake Enhancement to
selectively deliver the Cilantro to the brain within several hours. Once the
major part of excessive deposit of metal is removed from brain,
Acetylcholine often increases 2 or 3X of the original, abnormally-reduced
amount without any other treatment. Within the past 2 years, the author
discovered that the two major causes of the increase in water insoluble
â-Amyloid (1-42) is due to brain infection (particularly hippocampus) of
Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The author also
succeeded in reducing, in a majority of the patients, â-Amyloid (1-42) to
normal level and in more than 70% of the patients not only stopped the
progress of Alzheimer’s Disease and Autism; but also often was able to
successfully revert to normal condition by treating Chlamydia trachomatis
and Mycobacterium tuberculosis successfully if the patient was diagnosed
within 2 or 3 years.
Two years ago, the author found that the most common
major cause of increase in â-Amyloid (1- 42) in brain is Chlamydia
trachomatis infection of the brain. In 2002, the author found, in a woman
patient, that he was able to reduce the amount of â-Amyloid (1-42) from
12ng to 6ng by treating her Chlamydia trachomatis infection of more than
1500ng, but he could not reduce it any further. Upon further evaluation of
the brain, the author found extensive Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
of 40 Ãg; and the short-term memory deficiency could not be eliminated in
this 30-year-old woman. In addition, she had CMV infection and HHV-6, both
of which were sensitive to mixture of 180mg of EPA and 120mg of DHA, and she
had a bacterial infection sensitive to Trimox (Amoxicillin made by Bristol
Meyers). When multiple mixed infections co-exist, ideally, all the
infections should be treated at the same time as it is often observed when
only one infection is treated, other bacterial or viral infections are often
increased; however, in the past it was often not possible due to the drug
interactions when multiple drugs are given at the same time. For example,
for Chlamydia trachomatis infection, Azithromycin is among the most
effective antibiotics for Chlamydia trachomatis, but it is not compatible
with a mixture of EPA+DHA as well as Trimox, and therefore due to canceling
effect. Azithromycin cannot be used with these medications to treat multiple
infections.
However, Doxycycline, which is also effective for
Chlamydia trachomatis is compatible with a mixture of EPA+DHA as well as
Trimox. On the other hand, the most commonly used medication for the
treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is Isoniazide, often with additional
Rifampin, but Isoniazide is not compatible with a mixture of EPA+ DHA which
we use as a safe and effective anti-viral agent, and also not compatible
with Trimox which is one of the broadest spectrum anti-bacterial agent. In
addition, in order to get a good result, one has to continually use
Isoniazide 2 times a day, for at least 1 or 2 years; but it often produces
liver toxicity, and many people cannot continue treatment full term. Even a
small amount of alcohol, such as a 1/2 cup of beer, produces liver damage,
and the patient often feels completely exhausted. To solve this problem, the
author evaluated about 150 different traditional Chinese and Japanese herbal
medicines made by Tsumura Pharmaceutical Company of
Saikokeishito was found to be compatible with a mixture
of EPA+DHA and compatible with Trimox, but it is not compatible with
Doxycycline used to treat Chlamydia trachomatis; because of this limitation,
we could not simultaneously treat all the viruses and bacteria including
Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis at the same time. The
Indigo plant is known empirically to have beneficial effect on some of
Diabetic patients. According to the author’s clinical research, the most
common cause of Diabetes is CMV infection, Chlamydia trachomatis infection,
or mixed infection of the CMV and Chlamydia trachomatis. Since the author
found that Indigo Plant is beneficial for Diabetes only due to Chlamydia
Trachomatis infection while it is not effective for Diabetes due to CMV
alone, Hayashibara Biochemical Laboratory extracted 9-major components of
Indigo Plant for the author to evaluate. All of the original 9-extracts were
toxic, and had no beneficial effects. However, after the author diluted all
of 9-extracts 2X, 3X, and 4X, then the author found only one of 9 to be
beneficial for Chlamydia trachomatis infection. This substance, Indigo 9-1,
is an effective form of one of the 9-major components of Indigo plant that
the author found to have an anti-Chlamydia trachomatis effect.
Originally, when components were isolated by Dr. Fukuda
and his associates of Hayashbara Biochemical Laboratory of Okayama City,
Japan, the author found that it has a definite anti-Chlamydia trachomatis
effect, but unfortunately its effective duration was an average of one hour
and, therefore, we could not treat the patient effectively, as no patient
wants to take medicine 12 times a day. To solve this problem, when the
author and Hayashibara Biochemical researchers slightly modified original
natural preparation of effective component to prolong the duration, its
effective duration was enhanced to an average of 6-8 hours; as a result, the
author found it had a most powerful anti-Chlamydia effect, but also, no
known side effect. We named this natural substance as “Substance Z”.
“Substance Z” has additional advantages, namely, it is compatible with
mixture of EPA+DHA, it is compatible with Trimox, and it is compatible with
Saikokeishito. Thus, since 2002, it becomes possible to treat Mycobacterium
tuberculosis and Chlamydia trachomatis at the same time, along with other
bacterial infections sensitive to Trimox, and viral infection sensitive to
the mixture of EPA+ DHA as an anti-viral agent. We found that we could treat
a patient with all these multiple infections, including viral infection
sensitive to mixture of EPA+DHA, bacterial infection sensitive to Trimox,
Chlamydia trachomatis sensitive to “Substance Z”, and Mycobacterium
tuberculosis sensitive to Saikokeishito (once optimal dose of each
medication is determined for each individual patient) all at the same time
without the mutually canceling effect of drug interactions. In addition, we
use selective, drug-uptake enhancement, delivering drugs selectively to the
pathological area of the brain by stimulating an organ representation area
of the brain on the first segment of the middle fingers, or the brain
representation area of the underside of the tongue, or the ear lobules by
either mechanical stimulation or red spectral light stimulation. As a
result, we are now able to significantly eliminate most of the infections
within a few days, and to eliminate the above listed abnormal findings in
the brain.
In the normal brain, â-Amyloid (1-42) is less than 3ng,
but when it increases above 4 or 5 ng often people develop short-term memory
deficiency, and when its increases between 7 and 12ng it is considered to be
early stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Acetylcholine normally should have at
least 1500Ãg, but brain dysfunction began to appear, becoming noticeable by
others when it’s reduced below 500Ãg. In early stages of Alzheimer’s
disease, it goes down between 200 and 100Ãg, and in most of the advanced
Alzheimer’s patients, Acetylcholine is below 150-100Ãg. With the latest,
effective, safe treatment described above, when we eliminate most of the
infections to practically zero, such as Chlamydia trachomatis and
Mycobacterium tuberculosis are <l zg (=10-21g), short-term memory deficiency
will disappear particularly when â-Amyloid (1-42) become less than 2 or 3
ng. However, in the advanced, old Alzheimer’s patient, when the â-Amyloid
is increased to 12 or 20ng for a period of more than 3 or 4 years, often
neurons are already damaged irreversibly. As a result, even when we succeed
in lowering â-Amyloid (1-42) to less than 2 or 3 ng, short-term memory
failure cannot be reversed; therefore it is most important to make early
diagnosis and treat them as quickly as possible.
Similarly, in Autism patients the problem usually started
at the time of birth, but most of the parents and physicians only recognize
it when children reaches 1 1/2 or 2 years old, and thus it is important to
detect non-invasively above described abnormal biochemical changes and
infections. Ideally, they should be examined shortly after birth. In the
case of Autism (unlike advanced Alzheimer’s patient) often, it is possible
to reverse partially and sometimes even significantly with more than 3 or
4-year history. End of Abstract.
Fluoride is a scourge, and putting it in city water is a criminal
act against the American people! Therefore, we must take responsibility for
our own health: Eat more foods high in iodine, calcium, and vitamins C and D
and supplement iodine to reduce the absorption of fluoride by the body and
to promote the excretion of fluoride from the body to ensure better health
for people in the high fluoride regions.
Fluorides damage
the GSH and SOD enzymes and act much like dioxin, which works via this
enzyme process to create reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage. There were
air/lung pathway effects, soil contamination/food pathways into the
gastrointestinal system, and ground and surface water pathways into
communities. These pathways for fluorides connected them with the CFS-like
symptoms and asthma seen in workers and communities. Asthma is directly
connected to reduced GSH and SOD. The workers had high levels of calcium
that is indicative of fluoride exposure. They also had high retention of
metals and high porphyrin. Porphirine and porphyrins are diagnostic
indicators of toxic-cell damage effects from metals and chemicals.
Fluorides are
pulled into the lymph nodes and the affinity of fluoride for calcium
produces an insoluble precipitate that is similar to the effects caused by
the insoluble metals. The effect sets up TNF(a) and hyper-oxygen (ROS)
damage that locally lowers glutathione in the lymph cells. TNF(a) promotes
viral RNA replication. Increasing viral infection in the type-I macrophages
promotes more TNF(a), and this is multiplied by the repeating effect of
cells in the lymph system. This activation of the T-cell helper-1 (Th1 -
Natural-killer cells) process also sets up a switch to T-cell helper-2 (Th2
- antibody) mode slowly as the macrophages stop working and foreign-cell
products accumulate in the tissues that trigger the Th2 mode.
The fluoride
damage to the enzyme processes like glutathione (GSH), and others like it,
set up factors that result in retention of the lethal metals such as
mercury, cadmium, lead, nickel, and others. This results in the appearance
of persons with high-fluorine effects having heavy-metal poisoning. The
fluoride effect driving the retention of metals like mercury adds
dramatically toward the nervous-system damage and loss of T-cells. The loss
of GSH and other clearing enzymes results in a see-saw like effect where the
beneficial trace elements such as selenium, zinc, magnesium, and copper are
depleted and the harmful metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium are
increased. Such observations often lead to chelation-type therapy, which
needs to be done carefully with reintroduction of beneficial mineral
cocktails and keeping GSH levels preserved or increasing.
Fluorides tend
to be accumulated (integrated) over a lifetime and the same net dose occurs
from a ten-unit dose over one year or that of a one unit dose over ten
years! This taken from the DOE’s coverup on CFS, Fluoride, and its massive
effect on human health: THE CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME REPORT By: J. E. Phelps
Copyright 2004, 2005.
How then to get
rid of this scourge? Pamela from
I have suffered with Fibromyalgia/Rosacea and TMJ for
over 10 years... My first symptoms appeared shortly after I began taking
Paxil. After about 8 months when I found the Paxil side effects intolerable,
my doctor switched me to Prozac. Well...within 2 years, I had gained 75
pound, couldn't get my temperature to a normal 98.6 (it wouldn't budge above
96.6), broke out with a fierce case of Rosacea (skin blistering & pealing in
layers off my cheeks), was chronically fatigued and suffered from TMJ
symptoms.
After reading the FLUORIDE information on EarthClinic and
researching the chemical formulas of the many antidepressants that I had
taken over the last 10 years, I had an epiphany...My problem was FLUORIDE!
Incidentally, the symptoms of FLUORIDE TOXICITY are the same as
Fibromyalgia; so, it wasn’t surprising to learn that FLUORIDE is the primary
ingredient in MANY widely prescribed antidepressants, including PAXIL and
PROZAC!
Without delay, I began adding 1/8 tsp of BORAX and 1/8
tsp of NATURAL (UN-bleached) SEA SALT to a liter of DE-CLORINATED water. (A
similr amount in bath water should work wonders.) This regimen just happens
to both neutralize the FLUORIDE and KILL the nasty mites that cause Rosacea.
I began drinking 1 liter per day for 5 days. On the two off days, I simply
drank purified, bottled, spring water.
The results were nothing short of MIRACULOUS, within two
weeks my face cleared, the redness faded and best of all, my temperature
normalized to 98.6, and my energy level began to steadily increase. (Do
expect the break out to get worse before it gets better as the mites die
off.)
In just one month, without dieting or changing my daily
routine (other than adding BORAX & SEA SALT to my drinking water), I dropped
4 pounds and I continue to drop weight at about a pound a week. I attribute
this to my increased body temperature and elevated metabolism.
ALSO...when I eliminated the FLUORIDE in my toothpaste,
my gums stopped swelling and bleeding and all PREVIOUS phantom tooth/jaw
pain simply disappeared. I have had only POSITIVE results and absolutely NO
SIDE EFFECTS! Incidentally, this BORAX & SEA SALT water is extremely
ALKALINE with a pH between 8 - 9 pH.
The only other
way I know to control fluoride is to filter your water supply with a quality
filter and to supplement iodine as heavily as you dare, up to 50 mg per day,
(adult), subject to other considerations herein. Dr. Bruce West’s Health
Alerts Newsletter, June 2006 states, “People with stubborn arrhythmias get
better on 10, 20, even up to 50 mg of iodine daily for three to four
months”. Start at 3-6 mg daily and gradually increase until the heart
smoothes out its beat at a proper 60-70 beats per minute when resting. One
can also control the TNFa and other cytokines as outlined elsewhere in this
paper. For those who are extremely sensitive to other supplements, lesser
amounts of iodine should be used, and the dose reduced if any increased
palpitations are experienced.
One should never
supplement iodine or do the iodine skin test if iodine allergy is suspected
unless on a doctor’s advice. Though allergic to medical solutions injected,
one will rarely be allergic to oral iodine. Further, rarely, some may
experience mild side effects as the body adapts to the new adequacies of
iodine. Often, it is a detox response (bromine, fluoride, or heavy metals)
that will clear shortly. Sensitive individuals may note skin irritations
(especially where painted on the skin), watery eyes and nose, sneezing,
increased saliva - perhaps nervousness or headache. Some highly sensitive
persons may note racing heart or irritation of the esophagus. This does not
mean that iodine is not needed. Have your NAET practitioner neutralize your
allergy and then proceed. These same symptoms, especially a leaky nose and
sneezing, could mean you have taken the high dose of iodine long enough and
you should cut back. Incidentally, iodine supplementation can cause
extremely bad breath due to the breakdown and release of bromine in the gut.
Bromine from bread causes reflux - iodine causes gastritis and reflux by
disengaging the bromine in the gut. Chlorophyll capsules relieve these
symptoms, including bad breath. Lack of iodine causes achlorhydria (lack of
stomach acid), which results in a host of digestive problems and eventual
protein deficiency.
Both organic and
inorganic fluoride compounds have been shown to inhibit zinc-containing
enzymes, such as carbonic anhydrase (Dugad et al 1988,1989; Gelb et al,
1985) that is not only necessary to digestion, but is now used as a marker
for thyroid dysfunction (Hori et al, 1998). Zinc-dependent enzymes control
the release of vitamin A from the liver; thus, their being inhibited may
well lead to a vitamin A deficiency and a paradox of hepatotoxicity of
vitamin A. Another study found that large, oral supplements of vitamin A
preserved mucosal IgA level during protein malnutrition, possibly by
stimulating Th2 cytokine production and thereby, inducing resistance against
infection. Fluoride causes damage to the fat in your body (lipid
peroxidation), which is counteracted by the antioxidants beta-carotene and
superoxide dismutase.
In Wilson’s
Disease, researchers have shown that a persistent copper toxicity can
overload and disable MT proteins. Copper is neurotoxic at lower levels than
recently thought and it produces large amounts of free radicals. In rabbits,
excess copper induces accumulation of beta amyloid and senile plaques, the
hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease that often affects Down’s and older
autistics. Autopsy of Brains of Alzheimer’s victims shows hallmark
pathological changes caused by free-radical activity, including DNA damage
and oxidation of proteins and fats. The leading Wilson’s Disease therapy
involves removal of excessive copper from liver, kidneys, and brain followed
by restoration of normal zinc levels. Dr. W. Walsh proposes that the same
treatment may be effective in treating autism. Test for copper in tap water:
mix half a glass of water with a half-ounce of household ammonia - ½-ounce
would be a tablespoon. If it turns blue, you need your water tested further.
Elevated
serotonin levels have been consistently found in 30%-50% of autistic
patients, and may represent a marker for familial autism. Hyperserotonemia
in autism appears to be due to enhanced 5-HT (serotonin) uptake, as free
5-HT levels are normal and the current report of an excess of the long/long
5-HTTLPR genotype in autism could provide a partial molecular explanation
for high platelet serotonin content in autism-PMID: 11378854. Serotonin
synthesis is decreased in the brains of autistic children and increased in
autistic adults, relative to age-matched controls (Chugani et al, 1999),
while whole blood serotonin in platelets is elevated regardless of age
(Leboyer; Cook, 1990). One study reports that a decrease in cortical 5-HT2A
receptors is the main neurochemical event underlying the impairing effect of
hypothyroidism on 5-HT neurotransmission (Kulikov et al, 1999). Dr. Ward
Dean, MD, states that 5-HTP does not raise peripheral levels of serotonin as
it is converted to serotonin in the brain. This would seem to provide a
solution to the need for enhanced serotonin in the brains of children while
restricting it in the blood stream. Adequate magnesium would prevent
premature destruction in the synapse also contributing to increased presence
in the brain.
Low brain
serotonin levels are associated with increased sensitivity to pain, and
chronic pain sufferers appear to have reduced serotonin functioning.
Serotonin is known to have an effect on pain awareness, in part by
controlling the release of a pain-signaling, brain chemical called Substance
P.
Researchers have
found a mutation in the human serotonin transporter gene, hSERT, in
unrelated families with OCD. A second variant in the same gene of some
patients with this mutation suggests a genetic “double hit,” resulting in
greater biochemical effects and more severe symptoms. Interviews of the
patients’ families revealed that 6 of the 7 individuals with the mutation
had OCD or OC personality disorder and some also had anorexia nervosa,
Asperger’s syndrome, social phobia, tic disorder, and alcohol or other
substance abuse/dependence.
The combination
of these changes, both of which increase serotonin transport, may explain
the unusual severity and treatment resistance of the illnesses in the
subjects and their siblings. “This is probably the first report of a
modification in a transporter gene resulting in a gain rather than a
decrease in function,” said NIMH Director Thomas Insel, M.D.
SERT allows
neurons, platelets, and other cells to accumulate the chemical
neurotransmitter serotonin, which affects emotions and drives. Neurons
communicate by using chemical messengers, like serotonin and dopamine,
between cells. The transporter protein, by recycling serotonin back into the
neuron, regulates its concentration in a gap, or synapse, and thus, its
effect on a receiving neuron’s receptor. This mutation removes available
serotonin from the synapse, having the effect of a serotonin deficiency.
Transporters are
important sites for agents that treat psychiatric disorders. Drugs that
reduce the binding of serotonin to transporters (selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs) are used (with apparent, initial success) to
treat mental disorders. This prevents normal reuptake into platelets and
other cells (as well as into neurons), and as a result, could contribute to
bleeding, as a certain level of serotonin is needed for platelets to
aggregate normally in controlling bleeding. This previously unreported
information indicates that SSRIs are all the more dangerous when taken with
coumadin, NSAIDs, or aspirin (8 fold risk). Combining NSAIDs, aspirin, and
and SSRIs increase risk to 28-fold! The study found this increase risk
continued even after discontinuing SSRIs! About half of patients with OCD
are treated with SSRIs (with apparent initial success), but those with the
hSERT gene defect do not seem to respond to them as expected, according to
the study. Any vulnerability to OCD from gene effects most likely interacts
with events in the environment like stresses, gender, and treatments, Murphy
said.
A related study,
reported in the August 2003 Molecular Pharmacology, tested consequences of
the hSERT variant. Researchers found that the I425V mutation of hSERT
increased the transport activity of this protein, capturing more serotonin
and most likely reducing effects at the receiving neuron’s receptors,
outperforming the common transporter. The mutant molecule was not regulated
normally, and did not respond to cell signals that activate the common form
of the transporter.
Finally, these
kids are hypersensitive to everything: sound, light, touch, and colors.
Typically, bright yellow will drive them up the wall leading to all sorts of
aberrant behavior. This sensitivity is usually related to a deficiency of
vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium. It can be from a G-protein defect.
First of all, it seems important to discriminate between
the two types of magnesium deficit: magnesium deficiency and magnesium
depletion. In the case of magnesium deficiency, the disorder corresponds to
an insufficient magnesium intake. It merely requires oral, physiological
magnesium supplementation (5mg/kg). In the case of magnesium depletion, the
disorder that induces magnesium deficit is related to a dysregulation of the
control mechanisms of magnesium metabolism, either failure of the mechanisms
that insure magnesium homeostasis or intervention of endogenous or
iatrogenic, perturbating factors of the magnesium status. Magnesium
depletion requires more or less specific correction of its causal
dysregulation (see the abstract on right hemisphere dominance and autism
near the end of this paper for further insight). Although acute and chronic
magnesium deficiencies are specifically reversible through oral magnesium
supplementation with physiological doses, the experimental and clinical
symptoms may differ. The typical pattern of chronic magnesium deficiency is
latent, whereas overt signs are observed in acute magnesium deficiency. The
discrepancy between the patent and latent nervous forms of magnesium
deficiency suggests that in the latent form there are compensatory factors
that antagonize the nervous hyperexcitability (NHE) observed in the overt
form…The main mediated compensatory factor is taurine (TA) with the help of
its peptidic congener: L-glutamyl taurine (GTA)…When these direct and
mediated compensatory factors are effective, Nervous Hyperexcitability (NHE)
remains latent. It is patent when compensatory factors are insufficient.
A pharmacological load of Mg (10mg/kg) increases release
of calcitonin and nitric oxide (NO). In contrast, physiological Mg
supplementation (5mg/kg), far from acting similarly, reduces high levels of
calcitonin (as well as of calcitonin gene-related peptide, and of Nitric
Oxide released in the case of Mg deficiency)…Mg-deficient animals show an
increased susceptibility to in-vivo oxidative stress, and the tissues of
these animals are more susceptible to in-vitro peroxidation, affecting
lipids particularly…Mg deficiency frequently alters protein biosynthesis and
induces enzymatic hypoactivity...Protein oxidation in Mg-deficient rat
brains occurs early. A significant increase of protein carbonyls is observed
within 2 to 3 weeks on a Mg-deficient diet…These changes take place prior to
any detectable tissue damage, dysfunction, or changes in cellular
glutathione. Mg deficiency may increase formation of free radicals directly,
but also indirectly through free-radical-triggered mechanisms…NHE due to Mg
deficiency mainly depends on modifications in the turnover of several
neuromediators and neuromodulators. They associate an increased turnover of
the monoamines: serotonin (5HT), acetylcholine, catecholamines (dopamine and
noradrenaline, mainly), and of excitatory amino acids (aspartic and glutamic
acids, mainly) with a decreased turnover of inhibitory amino acids
(Gama-amino butyric acid [GABA] and taurine, mainly) (magnesium acts as an
inhibitor of neurotransmitter destruction-WSL)…Neuromuscular
hypoexcitability due to hyper-magnesemia only occurs when plasma Mg is more
than twice normal levels…With all the psychometric evaluations, and with the
DSM III R interview particularly, the clinical pattern induced through Mg
deficiency was always neurotic (for example: generalized anxiety,
panic-attack disorders, and depression) but never psychotic. Neuroses are
preeminently conditioning factors for stress. Neuroses may therefore very
frequently produce secondary Mg depletion.
These brain
chemicals, called neurotransmitters, generate the electrical impulses that
deliver energy and instruction through the nerves to the entire body,
enabling it to maintain normal function. Deficiencies in the primary
neurotransmitters cause specific “short circuits” that show up in families
of symptoms and conditions. For example, serotonin deficiencies have been
associated with headaches, depression, palpitations, anxiety, hypertension,
and insomnia. (GABA deficiencies are associated with racing thoughts that
keep people awake; so, if you awake in the wee hours take a GABA tablet and
don’t worry about not awaking fully alert a couple of hours later.) If you
are tired all day and have trouble sleeping at night, you likely have a
copper overload. Acetylcholine deficiencies relate to dry mouth, senility,
and Alzheimer’s. Aberrant neurotransmitter levels can be assessed in a
primary-care setting with a simple brain-electrical-activity map (BEAM), a
test similar to an EKG. The brain’s electrical activity is represented by
brainwaves, and a specific electrical measurement corresponds to each
primary neurotransmitter. The brain’s voltage is also a vital value
measured.
This whole series of metabolic problems in the autistic child causes a homeostatic alteration that produces biological stresses that starts from within the child. The level of stress controls many variations of behavior, and these children (and their Moms) are stressed to the breaking. Animals fed high levels of excitotoxic glutamate have lower thyroid hormone levels and higher cortisone levels than normal. Glutathione levels also are reduced. Glutamate is presently excessive in canned soups and in restaurant-prepared soups and in restaurant and frozen entrees that can trigger arrythmias, sometimes fatal ones. Aspartame (NutraSweet™) has the same deleterious effect. Additionally, stress, cadmium, and mercury reduce the conversion of thyroid hormone T4 to the more active T3. Stress is the cause of hyponeofagia, the aversion to trying new foods. This limited alimentary choice disappears in animals given anti-stress therapy. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a well-known, stress symptom. It is present in a high percentage of cases, and it too responds to antistress therapies such as relaxation-meditation exercises, massage, and supplementation of 200-400 mcg of chromium (for adults, half that for children. Chromium reduces the stress hormone, cortisol, which in excess, severely depresses the immune system and kills neurons by the billions. Corticosteroids and endogenous cortisol suppress cellular immune responses, and this excess cortisol destroys immature T-cells. Poor immune response is something found in all autistic children.
Animal experiments and human studies have demonstrated that the first phase of marginal chromium deficiency manifests itself by slightly elevated circulating insulin levels in response to glucose loading. Largely due to an increased hormone production, in this phase, most insulin-dependent, physiological functions tend to remain intact. The second phase, well characterized in both animal experiments and human studies, begins to show signs of the metabolic disorders associated with low chromium intake that includes significantly abnormal glucose fluctuations and disturbances in lipid metabolism. The final phase of inadequate chromium intake manifests itself by a marked insulin resistance to glucose loading, resembling a diabetes-like syndrome, which eventually leads to an exhaustion of pancreatic insulin production and ultimately to the development of insulin-dependent diabetes.
Research has already established that insulin-dependent, diabetic children exhibit a significantly lower hair chromium concentration compared to controls. Other studies have found that chromium absorption and excretion in diabetics is two to four times greater than in healthy individuals. Also, subjects who died with diabetes had significantly lower hepatic chromium concentration compared to non-diabetics.
A new study conducted by Dr. John Vincent at the
University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa shows that chromium picolinate enters
the cells directly and stays there—where it can cause problems (picolinate
is an effective carrier, and it takes too much into the cell—WSL). In fact,
the chromium picolinate reacts with vitamin C and other antioxidants in the
cells to produce a “reduced” form of chromium capable of causing mutations
in DNA, the genetic material (potentially causing cancer). It’s the
combination of chromium and picolinate (particularly the reduced form) that
can produce dangerous compounds—not the chromium alone. Moreover, the
picolinate eventually breaks off and has adverse effects—UC Berkeley
Wellness Letter, June 1999. Chose chromium in combination with niacin
(Chromiacintm by CountryLife is my choice). Lest you be concerned about the
safety of Chromium itself, Dr. Richard Anderson, researcher with the US
Department of Agriculture, who has studied Chromium for over 20 years,
states, “If I had diabetes, I’d take 200 mcg at least two or three times
daily.” He personally takes over 200 mcg per day. Studies in
“With a high aluminum (Al) diet alone, Al content in the nervous system in rats showed no difference with a control group although serum Al was high. No degenerative process was observed. However, with an insufficient intake of Mg, the same Al load induced an increase in Al and calcium concentrations in the nervous system and neurodegeneration with precipitation of insoluble hydroxyapatites (calcium)…The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is believed to regulate the functions of all the other glands of the body. It is the gland through which magnesium works as a prime component of pituitary secretions to regulate the functioning of the other glands. If magnesium is not available or the pituitary is not functioning properly, the body will suffer symptoms of a magnesium deficiency or a pituitary malfunction, depending on how you look at it…Fluoride bonds with magnesium in the blood into the insoluble magnesium fluoride. This means that the magnesium cannot be assimilated by the pituitary, with the consequent failure of the pituitary to function properly that leads to the symptoms of magnesium deficiency…It is necessary to highlight the curative and preventive importance of oral, physiological, maternal, Mg supplementation, not only during pregnancy but also in the child throughout life from infancy to older age, to possibly prevent the so-called constitutional factor of neurolability, some cases of sudden infant death syndrome, infantile convulsions, or psychiatric diseases, and even in adult cardiovascular diseases and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.”—Mineral and Metal Neurotoxicology, ed. M. Yasui, M .J. Strong, K. Ota, & M. A. Verity, CRC Press, 1997.
Although chromium has received considerable media attention, scientific literature shows that magnesium has a more important role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism. Magnesium is involved in a number of reactions required for cells to uptake and metabolize glucose. Magnesium deficiency causes insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels (Paolisso et al 1990; Nadler et al 1993; Nadler et al 1995; Lefebvre et al 1994). High blood sugar depletes magnesium leading to many symptoms including irritability and chronic anger commonly seen in Diabetics - www.lef.org/protocols/metabolic_health/obesity_01.htm
The lack of magnesium with high calcium and aluminum has been confirmed in the brains of Alzheimer’s victims and of all other neurological diseases such as Lou Gehrig’s! Aluminum not only inhibits the enzyme that produces acetylcholine, but it prevents magnesium from entering the neuron. (Aluminum hydroxide antacids deplete calcium and phosphorus) This produces a condition in which the brain suffers from magnesium depletion while the rest of the body may have normal magnesium! Without magnesium, the NMDA receptor has no protection against excessive glutamate, which leads to damage through excitotoxicity! A lack of magnesium in the brain enhances the damage of aluminum and mercury, and is a major factor in Alzheimer’s. Nevertheless, glutathione, a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger, is said to also protect neurons by preventing the NMDA receptor response to excess glutamate. Additionally, silymarin, curcumin, and Ginkgo biloba block glutamate receptors – Dr. Russell Blaylock, MD.
It should be noted that NMDA, the most important
“switch” in the brain, has receptors that must be activated for learning or
memory to occur or for any message to be transmitted to the body. Glutamate
is the major activator; magnesium the major inhibitor against
overactivation; because magnesium can block the NMDA glutamate receptor.
That’s its natural function, so it significantly reduces toxicity. Vitamin E
succinate is powerful at inhibiting excitotoxicity, as are all of
antioxidants. A combination of B-vitamins also block excitotoxicity.
Low energy available to the cell [hypoglycemia, poor blood supply to portions of the brain, a high metabolic rate,
strenuous exercise (especially for more than an hour), a failure of energy production by the mitochondria of the cells], and/or low magnesium in the spinal cord and brain makes cells highly vulnerable to excitotoxic (aspartates, glutamates, MSG, heavy metals, amphetamines) damage. Additionally, excess glutamate lowers the glucose allowed into the brain by 35% (lead also decreases glucose uptake)! MSG triples the amount of insulin the pancreas creates, causing rats (and humans?) to become obese. They even have a title for the race of fat rodents they create: “MSG-Treated Rats”. Glutamate hides under many label terms such as hydrolyzed protein (soy). One must restrict the amount of MSG, flavor enhancers, and aspartates (AspartameTM and aspartate supplements) in the diet. This toxicity can manifest itself as anxiety or confusion, and as episodes of anger! These nutrients have been shown to be protective against this damage (listed in probable order of importance): Vitamin B6 and Magnesium, N-acetyl cysteine, Manganese, Zinc, Lithium, Melatonin, the amino acids Theanine (from Green Tea), Acetyl-L-carnitine, the antioxidants Glutathione, NADH, CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, vitamins C, E, and K, the drug Deprenyl™ (an MAO-B inhibitor), the amino acids glycine and taurine, omega-3 oils (CLO), and kynurenic acid. A magnesium gel (Essence of Life Brand) of condenced seawater is available from Iherb.com. This can be rubbed on the skin, preferable after a warm bath, to quickly replenish magnesium levels and to quickly diminish many types of pain.
When the pituitary is not getting the magnesium it
needs, it fails to control the adrenals that then overproduce adrenaline (a
major stress hormone). Obviously, there is a need to enhance magnesium
intake, but the omega-3 fats in foods reduce the output of adrenaline and
noradrenaline favorably affecting behavior and reducing anxiety and
aggression also. Long-term deficiency of Omega-3 fatty acids adversely
raises the dopamine levels in an area of the brain closely linked to
addictive behavior. The fetal and infant brain is unable to convert the
alpha linolenic acid found in plants and plant oils; so, it is dependent
upon the Mother to eat enough Omega-3 oils. Omega-3 deficiencies in the
Mother can lead to increases in deficiencies in the infant with each
successive birth. Studies have shown a DHA brain deficiency of about 30% in
the first child, but by the third, brain DHA levels can fall as much as 85%!
Furthermore, it has been shown that DHA levels fall between the ages of six
and twelve months due to a continuing lack in the dietary (even when breast
fed). This can have a profound effect on retinal and brain development.
Feeding DHA-enhanced egg yolks increased DHA levels by 34%! Reisbick et al,
at the
It is known that danger, as well as the mentioned magnesium deficiency, incites the activity of the adrenal glands, but anxiety or worry, even watching most TV shows, also incite the adrenal glands, which then pour hormones through the body that increase heartbeat, release sugar from the liver, and contribute to a host of problems not the least of which is hyperexcitability and an inability to cope. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of children diagnosed with autism, accompanied by severe tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior, daily supplementation with 1.5 g/d omega-3 fatty acids (0.84 g/d EPA, 0.7 g/d DHA) was found to reduce hyperactivity and stereotypy. Additionally, theanine is believed to influence the production of alpha waves in the brain, for it generates a sense of deep relaxation and mental alertness in humans (Mason 2001). It is believed to exert a positive effect on formation of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that is an offset to the Excitotoxins mentioned above. Therefore, supplementing the diet with theanine, magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids (fish and CLO), and vitamin B6 would surely prove beneficial. Only Suntheanine™ by Taiyo International, Inc is recommended. DHA is a component of the vital brain chemicals phosphatidylethanolamine (lecithin) and Phosphatidylserine, with lower levels in phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), suggesting other supplemental sources for DHA.
Additionally, another part of the body that responds positively to L-theanine is the liver. Theanine is a powerful antidote to the effects of alcohol and yeast toxins. If given to mice before or after they drink alcohol, it significantly lowers blood levels of alcohol. Alcohol converts to a toxic chemical known as acetaldehyde that is more toxic than alcohol itself. Theanine accelerates the breakdown of acetaldehyde and blocks toxic free-radicals. The Japanese study showed that it not only blocked radicals caused by alcohol, but kept them low for five hours. This is apparently because theanine helps counter the alcohol (acetaldehyde) induced loss of glutathione. The importance of this is in the realization that Candida produces acetaldehyde in abundance and many of these children actually are drunk much of the time from a high-carbohydrate diet! Yes, their pancreas makes alcohol! Is he giggly and boisterous about an hour after eating? This calls for restoring flora balance and reducing the carbohydrate levels of the diet. Some other ways to reduce acetaldehyde levels include flooding the system with vitamin C and B-vitamins, potassium, vitamins A and D, and lots of water. If lacking these nutrients, try 4-ounces of water with juice of half a lemon and a drop of fennel essential oil. Peppermint or ginger can settle an upset stomach.
Magnesium, selenium, and melatonin protect the cells from aluminum, mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium, and nickel, and gives significant protection against excitotoxins. Evidence is mounting that low levels of magnesium contribute to the heavy metal deposition in the brain that precedes Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s. Lead toxicity disrupts the blood-brain barrier allowing heavy metals and toxic substances, including MSG, glutamate, and other excitotoxins, into the brain; however, it is vital to note that children do not really have a blood-brain barrier. It develops slowly, coming to maturity at maturity. Thus, it is probable that low, total-body magnesium contributes to heavy-metal toxicity in children, and is a participant in the etiology of learning disorders. As indicated above, if you have low taurine you can’t hold on to magnesium, and you need it for detoxification and protection against excitotoxins. Taurine increases bilirubin and cholesterol excretion in bile, critical to normal gallbladder function and fat digestion. Bile is also needed to extract the flavonoids, carotenes, and folates from vegetables! So, eat your greens with some high-fat, salad dressing or other source of fat, needed to trigger bile release. You will get 8-13 times more nourishment from them! Yes. Documented.
Additionally, in Parkinson’s, specific damage found in Substantia Niger that is not affecting other areas, such as high iron and zinc, low NADH (Complex I activity), evidence of free-radical damage, and significantly lower levels of glutathione, indicate a weakness of this area to damage. Taurine is protective of these areas against damage by excitotoxins. What comes first? It has been shown in early stages that the other values are basically normal, with NADH being only slightly reduced, but the powerful antioxidant glutathione is drastically low! In the chain of antioxidant activity, vitamin E is spent and then rejuvenated by vitamin C that is in turn rejuvenated by lipoic acid and glutathione. Here is the limiting factor in the antioxidant chain. In autism, typically, glutathione levels are 1/3 normal! Glutathione levels are quickly depleted by oxidative stress during times of illness, infection, trauma (physical or emotional), surgery, and ingestion of Tylenol™. Glutathione is also lacking in cases of low protein intake, diabetes, liver disease, cataract, HIV, respiration distress syndrome, cancer, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and all other conditions that produce high oxidative stress.
Taking glutathione orally raises serum levels modestly, but cellular levels hardly at all unless there is adequate alpha lipoic acid present to chemically “reduce” the GSH and to elevate its cellular levels. This makes a supplement of lipoic acid imperative for it enhances glutathione production and recycles spent glutathione, CoQ10, and vitamins C and E. R-lipoic acid, the metabolically active form, is preferred. It is doubly effective. When R-lipoic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine were joined, they significantly improved spatial and temporal memory performance, significantly reduced the extent of oxidized RNA, and reversed age-associated mitochondrial structural decay. (Ninety percent of oxygen reduction occurs in the mitochondria, generating the majority of all free radicals, thus it is vital to have adequate antioxidants in mitochondria!) R-dehydro-lipoic acid (R-DHLA), the reduced form of R-lipoic acid, has been shown to be the only form that is effective against superoxide and peroxyl reactive oxygen species. Additionally, only R-DHLA is capable of actually repairing oxidative damage! Lipoic acid is best taken three times a day, not to exceed 100 mg/day, unless monitored by a doctor. Potentially, lopic acid can increase copper to toxic levels and build excess calcium and zinc levels by reducing bile output. It is thought that larger amounts may move copper from kidneys to other organs of the body, including the brain.
A study from the
It is now understood that Carnitine has two active forms, active to different purposes. ALC is especially active in neuronal tissues, whereas, propionyl-L-carnitine is especially active in lean muscle tissue. The form of carnitine used must correspond with the particular condition or reason for its use. Propionyl-L-carnitine is used to manage peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerotic and diabetic angioplasties, and congestive heart failure. In combination with ALC, it is used for symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and age-related testosterone deficiency. It seems to lessen symptoms of male hormone decline in older men, lessening sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and depression without the side effects of hormonal replacement.
It is apparent that free radicals are a natural
byproduct of normal metabolism, and we are lacking even the minimum amounts
to protect our cells, but trauma, wounds, infections and other serious
illnesses, often treated with deadly drugs, kick reactive oxygen species
(ROS) into high gear, leading to severe depletion of antioxidants.
Researchers at
It has been known for many years that 20% to 40% of patients treated chronically with certain tranquilizers (neuroleptics) will develop Parkinson’s. One of the worst offenders is Haloperidol™, frequently prescribed for autistic children! This is a powerful inhibitor of Complex I activity, having been shown to reduce activity as much as 42%! By using nutritional supplements, where indicated, to increase mitochondrial energy production, the neurons are protected against excitotoxic injury. Both L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine can by-pass the defect in Complex I that is seen in Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Riboflavin, niacinamide, thiamine, alpha lipoic acid, carnitine, ENADA™ (NADH), CoQ10, and vitamin K all improve mitochondrial energy production and protect against ROS.
Additionally, researchers at the
Prior to L-carnitine treatment of aged rats, the levels of lipid peroxides were remarkably increased and the activities of antioxidant enzymes significantly decreased when compared to younger controls. Administration of L-carnitine for 21 days significantly decreased the levels of lipid peroxides and improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. L-carnitine also enhanced the action of T-cells and significantly reduced DNA damage and cell death in the lymphocytes of aged animals.
Additionally, a Japanese study with rats drinking water enhanced by a special “Wellness” filter showed they lived 25% longer! Examination of controls drinking tap water revealed enlarged cellular mitochondria due to calcification…a primary cause of ageing. The enhanced-water rats exhibited well-formed, normal mitochondria! Adequate vitamin D3 is needed to properly utilize calcium, keeping it out of soft tissue.
Additionally, recent research has associated an excessive aluminum concentration in the brain structure, in some people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, despite this toxic element having a low permeability of the blood-brain barrier, suggesting that some form of membrane defect may permit the excessive influx of aluminum into the brain. It is already known that an adequate zinc supply is necessary to maintain the integrity of all biological membranes. For example, it was found, when experimenting with rats fed with sub-optimal zinc, that aluminum concentrations increased three-fold in the frontolateral cortex and eight-fold in the hippocampus. This aluminum is relatively harmless unless there is mercury there also. Therefore, it has been suggested, that a reason for Alzheimer’s disease could be suboptimal zinc nurture, leading to ‘leaky’ blood-brain barrier and thereby to increased transfer of aluminum and other toxins (including mercury) into the brain. Additionally, a lack of magnesium coupled with the same aluminum intake, increased the load of aluminum in the brain and nervous system. Fluoride increases the amounts of aluminum in the brain also. Autistic children are universally lacking in zinc and magnesium, and show toxic levels of aluminum and mercury. Those mercury poisoned and those magnesium deficient are notoriously low on vitamin B1 and B6. Scary.
Dr. Derek Birchall reported that in Atlantic salmon exposed to acidic water containing high levels of aluminum, but low levels of silica, the gills of the fish were severely damaged. However, with high amounts of silica in the water, the fish remained healthy. Rats on a low-silicon diet accumulated aluminum in the brain. Those on a high-silicon diet did not. If you drink beer, or take many supplements (with silica filler), you get enough silica; otherwise, you would be wise to supplement it for it has been shown to remove aluminum from the body and brain.
Additionally, alkaline water (including the water in cells) can hold a lot of oxygen. Acidic water (or cells) can hold very little oxygen. So the more acidic your cells are, the less oxygenated they will be (and autistic children are frequently lacking in oxygen to the brain, in particular). Sang Whang, in his book “Reverse Aging”, points out that toxins are acidic. If the blood is already overly acidic, toxins will not be released into the blood, which must happen in order to detoxify your cells. This buildup of toxins causes acidic, poorly oxygenated cells. An increasingly popular way to oxygenate these children is to use a long, expensive series of oxygen-chamber treatments. One might want to look at less expensive methods first. Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) involves 15 minutes on a treadmill while breathing oxygen. The exercise increases the osmotic pressure and dissolves more oxygen into the intercellular water and into the cells. Oxygen saturation is restored to optimum levels, even in the very old. Nevertheless, to facilitate best results, work to restore normal pH of the saliva and urine.
Research shows that a magnesium deficiency, such as in Diabetes, can produce pain that is only relieved by replenishing magnesium. Restoring magnesium levels can be difficult when taurine is deficient or when the oral magnesium overstimulates the bowel. I have found a remarkable solution to that problem of oral magnesium, a magnesium-glycerol oil used transdermally. Order “Essence of Life Magnesium Oil” (or gel) from the Internet. Eight-ounce bottles sell for $22.00. This is magnesium chloride from concentrated seawater. It can be rubbed on several times a day (after a warm bath is most effective), or used in bath water. I have seen it quickly relieve pain in a diabetic. Many others, not diabetic, testify to this experience.
These above-enumerated, medical facts show that every symptom of these dear children is treatable! These kids are sick. They are not usually brain damaged. What seems to be occurring is an immune-mediated, abnormal “shut down” of blood flow in the temporal lobe area of the brain, and therefore an interference with central nervous system function. Total brain perfusion is significantly decreased in autism subjects (range, 58% to 72% of controls). In addition to the globally decreased perfusion, the autism group also had regionally decreased flow in the right lateral temporal and right, left, and midfrontal lobes compared with controls. Additionally, there are many critical deficiencies such as vitamins B1, B6, zinc, and magnesium, and heavy metals are blocking many enzymatic functions. Removing heavy metals and restoring blood flow should be a priority.
This paper is not meant as a medical prescription, nor do all the conditions and suggested interventions apply to every child. You must study this paper until you see your child’s face in it, and then use the parts that are applicable to him. In all instances, it is good to consult with your nutritionally-oriented professional when making any major nutritional changes.