The stomach does not produce enough hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin to breakdown the proteins in the stomach. Additionally, reduced HCl cannot activate the enzyme protease that is necessary to complete protein digestion. Other stomach hormones are reduced or lacking, and harmful bacteria are allowed to enter the gut with the food. The chyme leaving the stomach is not acid enough to trigger the Secretin release. Digestion is greatly hindered for want of pancreatic enzymes (including peptidase), and the person so afflicted lacks the nutrients of protein, vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, and most of the minerals, all of which depend on HCl to be digested and assimilated effectively. One symptom may be Vitiligo. The lack of pancreatic enzymes, including peptidase, leads to peptides of casein and gluten passing into the blood stream and to the brain, creating many of the autistic symptoms including a 30% incidence of epilepsy. A small help is to choose supplements in the citrate, gluconate, orotate, or aspartate forms that will be utilized even in absence of HCl. Magnesium citrate, the magnesium salt of citric acid, is somewhat laxative. Additionally, in most cases, citric acid in our country is made from corn, and such citric acid contains processed, free glutamic acid (MSG).
Additionally, a certain amount of aspartate is essential. It breaks down the ammonia that is sometimes a problem with autistic children. It is also vital to the synthesis of glycoprotein that is essential to cell-to-cell communication and proper immune function. It enhances immunoglobulin production and antibody formation. Being one of two main excitatory amino acids, an excess is found in Epilepsy and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). A deficiency is seen in calcium and magnesium shortages. A low level of aspartate should lead to a test of calcium and magnesium status. In protein, aspartic acid exists mainly in the form of its amide, Asparagine. Among the biochemicals that are synthesized from aspartic acid are asparagine, arginine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, and several nucleotides. Aspartic acid performs an important role in the urea cycle. Glutamate and aspartate are also very important in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (Krebs cycle), from which most of the energy is produced by metabolism. Their reaction in this pathway is by what is called the malate-aspartate shuttle for the transportation of energy into the mitochondria. One of its metabolites is a precursor of the pyrimidines. Clinically, aspartic acid may be used to treat fatigue or depression. Its effect on the thymus gland lets it be used as a mild immunostimulant. It should be noted that both glutamate and aspartate are potential excitotoxins.
Autistic children are typically lacking in lysine. This would tend to cause them to be deficient in glutathione and carnitine, an essential amino acid. That is, the body cannot manufacture lysine. It must be supplied in adequate amounts in the foods. Some is likely used as lysine, but most is rapidly converted to carnitine. Now, here is a real clue, Carnitine is the “fireman” that pumps fats into the mitochondrial boiler to form energy. If one is short of carnitine, and this can be tested for, there will likely be excess cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood for they are not being used for energy. A lack of lysine will reduce the ability to concentrate, and it will produce chronic tiredness, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and anemia. Antibody formation will usually be reduced. Insufficient intake leads to poor appetite, decrease in body weight, anemia, and enzyme disorders. It is used therapeutically to enhance growth of children, and to assist gastric function and appetite. It is now realized that lysine is one of the most important factors in preventing cancer cells from spreading in the body. There was a 7-fold range of need observed in only 55 people! This is given to be from 400 mg to 2800 mg a day for adults. The need is cited as 12 mg/kg of body weight. First class protein supplies 50 mg per gram. For an adult to get 2000 mg a day, he would need to eat 40 grams of protein. Excess will tend to excessive ammonia buildup.
Some do not convert lysine to carnitine. Dr. Leon Chaitow says that is due to malnutrition, most likely a lack of vitamins B6, C, and niacin. These are needed to make the conversion. It is of interest to note that the body can make carnitine from methionine, tryptophan, and threonine. Bland mentions genetic inability to convert lysine and methionine to carnitine.
Should this prove true, I would suggest a supplement of carnitine would be in order to provide necessary energy and lower cholesterol and triglycerides. The major foods that are high in lysine, low in arginine are fish, chicken, beef, lamb, milk, cheese, beans, Brewer’s yeast, and mung bean sprouts. Most fruits and vegetables are higher in lysine too. Limit high arginine, low lysine foods: gelatin, chocolate, carob, coconut, oats, whole-wheat and white flour, peanuts, soybeans, peas, and wheat germ.
So, in summary, to increase carnitine, if it is low, feed the high-lysine foods and supplement lysine modestly and supplement vitamins C, B6, and niacin. If this isn’t successful, then supplement carnitine to raise needed energy levels and reduce blood fats, and then press your doctor for an answer as to why lysine is not converting to carnitine.
The presentation of autism is sometimes linked to ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, the most common urea cycle defect. Damage to this enzyme can occur with exposure to mercury. A low level of OTC leads to states of hyperammonemia, seizures, and stroke, critical issues in states of epilepsy and autism. The often spacy, confused behavior, “brain fog”, that is frequently observed in these disorders may be attributed to states of hyperammonemia as ammonia reaches the brain. This behavior may be attenuated with bicarbonate of soda, Ca/Mg butyrate, or phenyl butyrate in doses spread throughout the day.
Children with mild or moderate urea cycle enzyme deficiencies may not show symptoms until early childhood, or the symptoms may go unheeded. This childhood onset can be seen in both boys and girls. Symptoms include hyperactive behavior, sometimes accompanied by screaming and self-injurious behavior, agitation or irritability, and refusal to eat meat or other high-protein foods. Later symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, delirium, seizures, and finally, if the condition is undiagnosed and untreated, coma and death. Childhood episodes of high ammonia (hyperammonemia) may be brought on by viral illnesses, including chickenpox, or even exhaustion. There is likely to be an ammonia smell to the urine. Protease digestive enzymes may relieve the burden. The condition is often misdiagnosed as Reye’s syndrome.
The lack of HCl causes the environment of the gut to be
greatly changed, inviting overgrowth of Candida yeast that produces a
multitude of adverse symptoms. One of the characteristics of some severe
fungal infections is that the patient never gets a cold. We hear, “He is the
healthiest person in the family.” We know fungi provide protection from
bacterial infections; however, when yeast is killed off without
reestablishing proper flora, bacterial infestations are quick to take over.
Bacterial overgrowth, such as citrobacter fruendii (that destroys the mucus
lining of the gut), is also a result of this lack of HCl. Another nearly
impossible to kill bacterium is Klebsiella Pneumoniae. Here is one
successful way to beat them. Dr. Amy Holmes,
Great Smokies Diagnostic Labs does a stool test to determine what bacteria are present, and the natural substance to which they are susceptible. These are the substances that may overcome these “bugs”: Lauricidin®, Berberine, amphotericin B, Oil of Oregano, Plant Tannins, Uva-Ursi, and Tanalbit (3 caps per meal). [Intensive Nutrition Products, 1-510-632-2370, Oil of Oregano (2 drops AM meal/2 drops PM meal in juice, or 2 drops under the tongue. Capsules are available that can be used simultaneously, 800-769-7873]. Nystatin™ is a polyene antibiotic produced by the bacteria Streptomyces noursei. When given by mouth, it is not absorbed to any significant extent and remains in the intestine. This keeps the drug where it is needed and minimizes any systemic effects. The usual dose schedule is one to two million units a day, either as a single dose or in divided doses. Doses of up to 10 million units a day, or more, may be needed initially to eliminate yeast. Maintenance doses of one or two million units a day for in excess of a year are common. Please ensure that it is not formulated in a sugar base that feeds the Candida! Side effects are limited to nausea and gastrointestinal upset, usually only seen at doses over 5 million units daily, however, die-off reactions may cause regression, nausea, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea that may last for a week to ten days. Since it is not absorbed, the yellow color of the drug will modify the stool color, which may alarm some parents if they are not forewarned. Nystatin™ and other treatments will work best if an anti-yeast diet is followed. Principally, this means to eliminate all fermented foods and anything with vinegar or barley malt in them. Eliminate all simple sugars, high Glycemic Indexed foods, and fruit juices.
Amphotericin B™ is more effective and less allergenic than Oregano, and all aromatic oils place an extra demand on Phase I liver enzymes that is undesirable for most autistic. Nystatin™ and Amphotericin B™ seem to work well in combination.. For most children Nystatin™ is ineffective, and Candida, like bacteria with antibiotics, has become resistant to Nystatin™ (and other antifungals). Oral Amphotericin B™ is said to be safe, and about four times as effective as Nystatin™. Like Nystatin™, it is said to stay in the gut. For systemic invasions, injections are necessary. Injections, however, come with a long list of possible side effects, including aplastic anemia that would indicate it is preferable only to use it orally. Be aware, however, that it depletes potassium and magnesium, both vital minerals already in short supply. It may be best to use the natural things first. It is available from Wellness Health and Pharmaceuticals (800-227-2627) and College Pharmacy (800-855-9538).
Some use the herb Una Del Gato (Cat’s Claw) to fight Candida and other parasites. This is dangerous for long term use, for it is toxic to the liver and to peripheral mononuclear blood cells. It also inhibits cytochrome p450 (Phase I) liver enzymes causing unnatural and dangerous retention of the toxins of the Candida die-off! Additionally, long-term use would also cause a buildup to possibly poisonous levels of several classes of drugs and body toxins, and of substances like fatty acids, body alcohols, prostaglandins, steroids, estrogens, retinoic acid, and glycine. It also destroys the gut lining creating a condition favorable to “leaky gut” syndrome. Should you choose to use it, buy only the “TOA free” product that is being effective against Lyme disease. Some drugs also inhibit Phase I. For example, certain H2-blockers (cimetidine), macrolide antibiotics, and SSRIs can bind to the reactive site of one or more of the Phase I detoxification enzymes and competitively inhibit their activity.
Speaking of Lyme Disease, Tami Duncan (www.lymeinducedautism.com) says, “We are not saying that Lyme Disease is the exact cause of autism for every child. What we are saying is that Lyme Disease could be an inciting factor that is suppressing the child’s immune system, which would make them more susceptible to heavy metal toxicity and environmental factors. There is a large subset of autistic children in which this is happening. However, most children with Lyme Induced Autism cannot begin to heal until this infection is under control.”
Currently, several doctors have stepped forward talking
about this. Dr. Warren Levin, of
Treatment is typically an ineffective 30 days of antibiotic (effective only when very recently infected). Once entrenched, it will take a year or several years of antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics have so many deleterious effects on autistic children, as past research has shown, that, if other non-antibiotic treatment protocols, such as oral salts, dioxychlor, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), Acyl-L-Carnitine, Vitamins B5 (or pantothene), B6, and C (buffered) in high doses, Lysine, S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), Cat’s Claw (TAO-free), and Artemesia hold hope for eradication of Lyme Disease, then these should be tried before antibiotics. In any case, be prepared for heavy die-off, and cut back if symptoms are intolerable.
Lyme Spirochete toxins diminish the release and availability of acetylcholine. Dietary supplements that help the body produce or release acetylcholine are listed above. Taurine, DMAE and CDP-choline also help to increase acetylcholine. The production of acetylcholine is also dependent on carbon dioxide, which will be in better supply when there is higher cellular energy. - Bradford R, Allen H “Biochemistry of Lyme Disease: Borrelia burgdorferi Spirochete/Cyst” Townsend Letter, 2006 http://www.townsendletter.com/FebMar2006/lyme0206.htm
Dr. Robert Bradford, through the Bradford Institute, an
independent research entity, funded by American Biologics, is the developer
of Bismacine (TM), a chemical compound of Bismuth.
This formulation has shown to be effective at the
Whether with Candida or Lyme, almost all remedies lose effectiveness in time and must be alternated; however, goat yogurt and hydrogen peroxide therapy (H2O2) seem to continue effective with Candida. If your child cannot tolerate goat yogurt, supplement a high-count probiotic and S. boulardii. Perhaps an easier way is to periodically use colostrum (Kirkman Lab’s Colostrum Gold™ is casein free—others may not be), or whey, if you can tolerate it. (Whey must be undenatured. There are two I know of, Immunocal™ that may not be readily available, and is very expensive, and “The Ultimate Whey™” by Next Nutrition, Inc., www.designerprotein.com, that is available at most health food stores, or may be ordered from Nutrition Express 800-338-7979.) These provide lactoferrin that deprives these bacteria of the iron they need to replicate, and it contains a peptide, lactoferricin, that is bactericidal against E.coli, Klebsiella, pseudomonas, Proteus, Yersinia, Staphylococcus, Listeria, and other bacterial species. Lactoferrin also kills viruses, fungi (Candida), and certain tumor cells. When fed to adult animals and human infants, lactoferrin showed a dramatic increase in good micro flora—such as bifidus—and a decrease in bad bacteria, such as E. coli, streptococcus, clostridium, and others. Recent research in N.Z. is very exciting – When injected into bone, lactoferrin was found to inhibit the formation of cells that resorb bone and stimulate the cells that form bone. In any case, use of these natural aids will protect the “good guys” unlike antibiotics that destroy everything including the gut. Whey, because of its cystine content, may be undesirable where there is a sulfoxidation problem.
Virtually all bacteria, except for Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, require iron for growth. The liver produces lactoferrin, an iron chelator, when challenged by infectious agents. Animals protect themselves from infection by making chemicals that bind iron so that the microbes cannot use it. These iron-binding proteins, called lactoferrin, are concentrated in human milk and are found inside human white blood cells. The high lactoferrin in human milk protects breast-fed infants against intestinal infection. Pure lactoferrin is now available in capsules or as a major component of Colostrum, and has proved to be very useful for the prevention and treatment of intestinal infection, without side effects. It inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria and protozoa by starving them for iron, while improving iron absorption by the human host. It is recommended that travelers and other people who cannot control the cleanliness of their food supply take one thousand milligrams of lactoferrin at bedtime and the artemisinin-berberine herbal mixture after meals.
Lactoferrin is the transporter for iron, and if you are low in lactoferrin, you will suffer from iron-created free radicals following behind the traveling, free-iron particles for the iron has not been encapsulated within lactoferrin for safe delivery to cells. This can be very damaging, and it is one aspect of the excess iron problem. Colostrum and its derivatives are the only antimicrobials that make the claim of differentiating between friendly bacteria and pathogenic bacteria. The difference is in the way iron is required. Pathogens require free iron to proliferate, but friendly bacteria do not require iron.
Lactoferrin, from bovine colostrum, is showing “surprising results”. It binds free iron, denying it to bacteria so they cannot freely multiply. It also enhances Natural Killer Cell function and glutathione production. Colostrum and whey have high levels of lactoferrin that kills Candida very well (Email: Dr. Darryl See).
Researchers showed that when yeast cells were deprived of iron, the hierarchy of the cell rationed the available iron, making sure the most vital functions of the cell received what little iron was available, while cutting back on the iron supply to more than 80 different genes that require iron to function. The genes that went without included genes responsible for protecting the cell from free radicals, genes that copy the cell’s DNA for long-term survival, and genes that generate energy. This would seem to be how bacterial cells are inhibited as well.
Only vitamin A, monolaurin, and lactoferrin inhibited the growth of Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, prevent colonization of the gut by pathogenic enterobacteria (Ann Pediatr Paris 1993; 40(1):13-22). The majority of antibodies and immunoglobulins in Colostrum are not absorbed, but remain in the intestinal tract where they attack these pathogens before they can penetrate the body’s defenses. “The Proline Rich Antibodies (PRP) in colostrum have the same ability to regulate activity of the immune system as does the hormones of the Thymus gland. It activates an underactive immune system helping it move into action against disease-causing organisms. PRP also suppresses an overactive immune system, such as is seen in autoimmune diseases. PRP is highly anti-inflammatory and also appears to act on T-cell precursors to produce helper T-cells and suppresser T-cells”—Drs. Staroscik, Molecular Immunology. “Before using Lactoferrin, check RBC ferritin and iron (Fe) levels carefully”—Patricia Kane, Ph. D.
A major difference between formula and mother’s milk is the presence of oligosaccharides in breast milk. Breast milk contains six of the monosaccharides present in the glyconutritional supplement that was used in this study that are known to be important in cellular functioning. The eight are fucose, sialic acid, galactose, mannose, N-acetyl glucosamine, N-acetyl galactosamine, xylose, and glucose. Colostrum contains the antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) and five of the six monosaccharides found in human milk (the exception being mannose). IgA comprises 70-80% of all human antibodies. There are also other important immune system agents in breast milk, including cytokines, human-milk-fat globule, and phosphorylated glycoproteins, protectin, lactoferrin, and glycosphingolipids. These components have been shown to be important in brain development—Dr. Kathryn Dykman, MD.
The results of a Polish study shows that New Zealand Black (NZB) mice treated for a prolonged period with bovine lactoferrin (BLF) exhibit a decreased frequency of positive Coombs’ reaction. [A Coombs’ test is performed to detect the presence of antibodies against red blood cells. The test is used to support the diagnosis of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IHA)]. The data indicated that lactoferrin may be of therapeutical value in treatment of autoimmune disorders. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 1995, 43:3-4, 207-9.
From the above, we may have been overlooking a more successful way to overcome gut pathogens and to possibly inhibit the autoimmune reactions of autism. To restore L-Acidophilus, those on a milk-free diet need to use the yeast, S. boulardii, that will convert any carbohydrate to lactic acid. Lactobacilli will live only in a lactic acid environment.
Yersinia is the name of a genus of bacteria. Yersinia pestis (bubonic plague) is the most well known. In addition, there are several other species of Yersinia that can and do infect humans. One of the troubling aspects of Yersinia infections is that the immune response to them is severely impaired. Apparently, one of the ways that Yersinia does this is to “hide” in macrophages (a type of white cell which, in the blood stream, is called a monocyte) and then to suppress thyroid function, interact with the normal inflammatory response to cause it not to work correctly, and to alter the ability of the blood/brain barrier allowing foreign material, bacteria, etc. to get in there. When the Yersinia infected cells are found in the gut, they contribute to malabsorption of gluten (breads) and cause colitis—Susan J. Leclair, Ph.D., CLS(NCA).
Uva-Ursi is normally used for lower, urinary-tract infections (bladder and urethra) and as a mild diuretic. Cranberry juice (not drink) is very effective in clearing urinary infection, and Kirkman has an extract that is highly concentrated. D-mannose is also highly effective. Candida infection of female organs and bladder can be readily controlled by either a boric acid suppository (98% success rate), or by filling the cavity with yogurt! Some are using Uva-Ursi for dysbiosis. It probably should not be used by children for it may damage the liver, nor should it be used for prolong periods, or in high doses. Use it only under a doctor’s supervision. Dr. Susan Lark, MD, suggests that women applying estriol cream daily for two weeks will likely stop the infection for good. This will usually get rid of any unwanted facial hair that has appeared.
The above named remedies do not treat systemic Candida, however, and it may require Diflucan™, Sporanox™ or Lamisil™ for that purpose. Please note that Diflucan™ is fluoride based, and it is best to avoid it if possible. Medicines prescribed should all be anti-fungal, i.e., nor-nicotine and nicotine (very limited usage), along with the nutrients vitamins B1 through B6 (especially nicotinic acid (niacin - that is strongly antifungal), potassium, lithium, iodine, sulfates and sulfur (MSM, Epsom salts), and iron. Soda breads (pancakes, waffles, crackers, and biscuits) are said to be helpful, but you must not use sugars with them. Glyconutrients containing 11 polysaccharides have been found to enhance phagocytosis of Candida, and killing of Candida was 95% greater than in controls (Fisher Institute for Medical Research “Proceedings”, November 1997). Those with Candida have been shown to have significant deficiencies of vitamins B1, B6, and magnesium. Some of the vitamins, especially vitamin B12, are best supplemented by sublingual tablets in their coenzyme forms. Unfortunately, sublinguals often contain dyes and sweeteners you may find unsuitable. There are liquid vitamins that can be sprayed into the mouth and held there. You may want to check their suitability. Using these sublingually will supply the needed help regardless of digestive problems.
Remove all yeast and raw vegetables from the diet, and boil all vegetables in salt (NaCl) water—drain, and cook normally. This will remove all bacteria and fungi the child’s body is not yet able to handle. Supplement HCl, as suggested elsewhere, to provide an additional barrier and enhance digestion. Also avoid the strongly pro-fungal pill binder, lactose (milk sugar), and milk products, and the chlorophylls. All forms of stress must be avoided for that produces cortisol and other steroids that feed the fungi. Heavy or even modest physical workouts must be avoided because they generate lactic acids at a rate that the body cannot handle. If this cannot be avoided, then Mannatech’s Sport and Em•Pact™ have been shown to give rapid recovery from lactic-acid overload.
A most appealing way to rid the body of Candida is the
use of an inexpensive, transient, spore-forming, soil bacteria that are
nontoxic, nonpathogenic, and has an extremely antagonistic effect on Candida
albicans. It is believed to actually “feed” selectively on Candida,
coexisting with Bifido-bacteria and L. Acidophilus that the formula also
supplies. It is called “Bacillus Laterosporus BOD”, and can be obtained as
Yeast Avenger™ from www.cfsn.com [888-801-2376, outside
Die-off of yeast can produce severe regression in all autistic symptoms, explosive diarrhea, severe diaper rash, lethargy, fever, bloating, nausea, vomiting, eczema, aching, headache, stuffiness, seizures, and an intense craving for sweets. To quickly relieve these intense cravings, mix a quarter teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of warm water and drink it down. Obviously, this is by stimulating the adrenals to release glycogen from the liver. This would speak of the need to support the adrenals as outlined elsewhere in this paper. To quickly break an irresistible craving, open the capsule of glutamine and place it under the tongue. Another suggestion: mix a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of warm water and rinse the mouth for a few seconds. Drinking it may relieve the other symptoms listed, or use AlkaSeltzer Gold™ (sodium/potassium) to relieve die-off. To overcome chocolate cravings, sip a cup of ginger tea. It contains the same chemicals, but not the calories. The cravings for sweets and creamy foods that are high in fat may be triggered by a deficiency of zinc. Taking up to 30 mg zinc picolinate daily over time will help reduce these cravings. The amino acid glutamine (250 to 500 mg up to three times daily) and the mineral chromium (200-400 mcg), supplemented regularly, will also reduce cravings for sweets and starches caused by hypoglycemia by stabilizing delivery of sugar to the brain. Additionally, with adequate chromium (a good source is Brewer’s yeast), the body doesn’t produce as much insulin, reducing chance of hypoglycemia.
One will likely never be free of Candida until five things are occur: 1) eliminate mercury and other toxins interfering with energy pathways, 2) eliminate excess systemic alkalinity—these individuals exhibit a sodium-potassium ratio of less then 2.3:1, indicative of adrenal burnout, induced hyper-alkalinity, and an impaired immune system, 3) restore deficient HCl and bile secretions—these shortages lead to an excessively alkaline gut, to poor digestion of proteins, to poor assimilation of most minerals and vitamins, and to poor digestion of fats that creates fatty acid imbalances leading to amino acid imbalances, and 4) restore biochemical energy production (mitochondrial function)—the energy pathways require optimal amounts of copper, iron, manganese, potassium, magnesium, carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, NADH, and CoQ10, (see the Section “Healing the Leaky Gut”), 5) Correct carbohydrate intolerances—stress causes a rapid depletion of zinc and of the bio-unavailability of copper resulting in a severe derangement of glucose metabolism. Poor absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines creates fermentation by gut organisms. This, as well as sugar in the diet, actually makes children drunk, and some have the smell of alcohol on their breath. This causes hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, and a proliferation of yeast in the gut.
This is a quotation from Dr. Shaw’s book “Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD”: “Many of the yeast byproducts are acids, and release of the acids that are absorbed into the body may cause a condition called metabolic acidosis. An extremely simple therapy is to supply a mild antidote that neutralizes the excess acids. The most convenient product is a nonprescription drug called Alka-Seltzer Gold™. Do not use any other kind of Alka-Seltzer™. Alka-Seltzer Gold™ is simply a very safe product (sodium and potassium bicarbonate) that helps to neutralize excess acids of any kind. The dose for children is on the label. Do not exceed the number of recommended doses.” One mother wrote, “It worked so well for both of my children that the die-off was an uneventful experience, even though they both had very high levels of yeast.” The restoring of acid/alkaline balance also relieves many allergies.
In any case, it should take no longer than six months to rid the body of parasites. If it has been longer, you are probably not being aggressive enough, or you are not using a proper protocol. It will likely be necessary to make three or more tests for parasites since shedding of the eggs tends to be cyclical, and may not show in a single test. In any case, it is unlikely to detect the parasites that inhabit the upper intestine. Most parasites, except giardia and amoeba, will elevate levels of the white-blood-cell eosinophil (EOS) that is produced in response to allergens and infections. Giardia Lamblia is usually associated with food intolerances, gastrointestinal symptoms (including diarrhea), and fatigue, but severe hypothyroidism may be a result. A published study of 96 patients with chronic fatigue demonstrated active Giardia infection in 46%. Giardia infection was found in about half of a group of two hundred patients with chronic diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating—Leo Galland. Giardia is often accompanied by Candida. It is imperative you take aggressive action to rid the body of parasites and heavy metals. With them will go many “autism” symptoms.
This additional information from Dr. Shaw: Most of the abnormal microbial products found in urine testing are almost surely from yeast and/or fungi in the gastrointestinal tract, since they decline following the use of an antifungal drug, Nystatin. Many autistic children have a background of frequent infections (especially middle ear infection), which are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics (even though the ear infections are usually of viral origin—WSL). Some children may have elevated yeast metabolites after only a singular antibiotic exposure. Over 700 articles in the medical literature document antibiotic stimulation of yeast growth. Since both early onset and high frequency of ear infection are associated with greater severity of autism, a yeast connection seems worthwhile to evaluate. Autism is usually a regression. This regression is often associated with thrush and/or frequent antibiotic use.
Dr. Shaw’s laboratory has biochemically documented the “yeast die-off” or Herxheimer reaction that follows the initial use of antifungal drugs. During the first three days of antifungal use, values for these microbial metabolites increase dramatically, and begin to normalize near day four. Die-off usually lasts about 7-14 days, and after that time, the change in the child can be rather dramatic. Parents report that after the yeast is under control the frequency of inappropriate noises, teeth grinding, biting, hitting, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior decrease. The child no longer acts almost drunk by being silly and laughing inappropriately. If the die-off does not end in 14-17 days, it is generally a reason to change one’s choice of anti-fungal. Additional reasons for teeth grinding may be parasites and too many apples/juice (feeding Candida).
“All the mainstream medical textbooks talk about how people with hormone imbalances due to pituitary problems get yeast. Mercury causes pituitary problems. (In fact, heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, as well as pesticides and chemicals in plastics we daily use, are hormone disruptors—WSL.) As if that isn’t enough, yeast is controlled by neutrophils generating oxygen radicals, and mercury prevents your neutrophils from generating oxygen radicals! (Mercury inhibits macrophage and neutrophil defense against Candida by its effects on Th1 and Th2 cytokines—WSL). So, it seems reasonable that mercury toxicity causes yeast problems. The fact that lots of adults with intractable yeast problems have them suddenly go away, without special treatment, once they start mercury detoxification supports the view that mercury causes yeast. So, if you are mercury toxic, you have a high chance of having a yeast problem, and the yeast will cause its own symptoms. You can reduce those symptoms modestly if you treat the yeast, but you will never really get better until you treat the mercury—and once you do that, you can stop treating the yeast because your body will be able to keep it in check”—Andy Cutler.
When Candida has become fungal and entered the bloodstream (Candidiasis), it is an extremely serious problem that is best controlled by hydrogen-peroxide infusions. Done properly in a clinic setting, the allergies can be disappearing in five to ten days, and the yeast can be gone in 21 to 28 days. A palatable oral form of hydrogen peroxide is available from the health food store under Dr. Donsbach’s brand, SuperOxy Plus™.
In addition to having estrogenic effects, mercury has other documented hormonal effects including lowered levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, and suppressed thyroid function. Some of the effect on depression is also related to mercury’s effect of reducing the level of posterior pituitary hormone (oxytocin) and depressing the thyroid. The concentrations of mercury in the pituitary and thyroid glands are much higher than found in the kidney, brain, or liver in humans.