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Sensikit ® is a non farmaceutical, non
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document. Information is currently only available in dutch.
A Comprehensive
Guide to Managing Autism
Willis S. Langford
Slightly
changed by Kees de Vries, Drunen, Holland (june 2003)
[ KickStart.doc April 8,
2002 ]
A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Autism
Willis
S. Langford
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................... 2
Immune 101.................................................................................................................................................... 7
Leaky Gut...................................................................................................................................................... 15
Digestion 101................................................................................................................................................. 16
Serotonin Connection..................................................................................................................................... 25
Healing the Leaky Gut.................................................................................................................................... 32
GABA........................................................................................................................................................... 34
Candida........................................................................................................................................................ 38
A Second Scenario.......................................................................................................................................... 41
Copperheads.................................................................................................................................................. 45
pH................................................................................................................................................................ 47
Transfer Factor.............................................................................................................................................. 50
Negative Effects of Secretin.............................................................................................................................. 50
Hydrochloric Acid May be a Solution................................................................................................................ 53
Biochemical Observations................................................................................................................................ 54
Solutions to the Problems................................................................................................................................ 58
Histamine: Solution or Problem?..................................................................................................................... 64
Enzymes: The Fountain of Life........................................................................................................................ 65
Improved Nutrition Relieves Bowel and Infection............................................................................................... 66
Care and Feeding of the Bowel........................................................................................................................ 68
Some
additional aids to overcome diarrhea:....................................................................................................... 70
Cod-liver Oil and Vitamin A............................................................................................................................ 72
Bethanechol................................................................................................................................................... 74
What? Rickets?.............................................................................................................................................. 78
Managing Fatty Acids..................................................................................................................................... 78
Three Metabolic Types..................................................................................................................................... 86
TumsÔ Anyone?............................................................................................................................................ 87
Detoxification 101........................................................................................................................................... 90
Phenol-sulphotransferase (PST)....................................................................................................................... 95
Vitamin A, GAGs, Measles, and PST................................................................................................................ 97
What Is MHPG? Why Should We Measure It?................................................................................................. 108
Sulfation Ratio as a Measure of PST Activity................................................................................................... 110
Mercury Poisoned......................................................................................................................................... 114
Get the Lead Out........................................................................................................................................... 121
Acetylaldehyde and NAD................................................................................................................................ 125
Pyrroluria.................................................................................................................................................... 127
The Thyroid: Metabolic Regulator................................................................................................................... 130
Forskolin: Poor Man's Secretin?.................................................................................................................... 136
Demyelination.............................................................................................................................................. 138
Fibroblast Growth Factor.............................................................................................................................. 143
Summary and Miscellaneous.......................................................................................................................... 144
Warning:
Do not scan and read this paper piecemeal. It must be studied to avoid
mis-steps.
Introduction
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. Some autistic children can be
helped dramatically by medical procedures such as an infusion of the intestinal
hormone secretin. The need and the beneficial response to secretin, I think,
are dependent upon the amount of damage to the duodenum and small intestine
from whatever cause, and on the stomach’s ability to produce adequate
hydrochloric acid (HCl) for proper digestion. Since proper functionality of
these two things largely determine proper digestion, it is vital that both be
operative. Without adequate HCl, secretin infusion can, at best, be only
partially effective in restoring digestion and proper physical and mental
function. Secretin is reduced in hypothyroid rats (Robberecht et al, 1981), so
first support the thyroid. HCl production is very dependent on adequate zinc
levels, usually lacking in these children. With support for the thyroid,
adequate zinc, and possibly supplemental betaine hydrochloride, 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
while others are overly passive. However, children with autism and with ADHD
share several factors. 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. Electrolytes control what’s called membrane
traffic—what goes in and out of cells. This means that providing other
nutritional supplements is relatively ineffective until the electrolyte
(sodium-potassium-magnesium-calcium) imbalance is corrected. The delicate
balance of electrolytes also controls the electrical activity within the brain.
Practitioners suggest the extent of the nutritional problem in these
observations:
Nutritional abnormalities:
a. Zinc deficiency exists in 90% of
autistic children
b. Copper excess exists in 85%
c. Calcium and magnesium deficiencies
are common
d. Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency
exists in nearly 100%
e. Fiber deficiency exists in nearly
100%
f. Antioxidant deficiency exists in
nearly 100%
Additionally,
there is heavy metals poisoning: 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 J. Walsh, Ph.D., Physician, biochemist and chief scientist
of the Pfeiffer Treatment Center, Naperville, Illinois. His database suggests
that copper overload and zinc depletion are the most common metal-metabolism
abnormalities in behavioral conditions such as, ADHD, autism, depression,
bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia. In addition, these sufferers are
unusually sensitive to lead, cadmium, mercury, and other toxic metals that they
tend to accumulate rather than eliminate. 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.
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. “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.
Treatment for this imbalance 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 constitituents of MT. Of secondary benefit are vitamins B6, A, C, D, E, glutathione, genistein and biochanin A (both from soy), 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.
Mercury adversely affects detoxification systems such as
metallothionein, cytochrome P-450 (Phase I), 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 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 dismustase (SOD).
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).
Furthermore,
their minerals 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”). Eighty percent suffer mitochondrial
disorders (lack of energy production) according to Dr. Colemen, George
Washington University Hospital. Ninety percent suffer some degree of
hypothyroidism despite “normal” TSH readings (Raphael Kellman, MD).
Eighty-three percent suffer dysfunctional Phase I and II, liver-enzyme activity
(causing a build up of toxins and heavy metals), and 85% of autistic meet
criteria for malabsorption leading to a multitude of nutrient deficiencies (Wm.
Walsh). Both the autistic and the ADHD children often suffer lymphoid modular
hyperplasia (measles infection in the gut—Wakefield). Thus, children with
autism do not absorb food properly, leading to nutrient deficiencies. The most
common deficiencies of poor diet and malabsorption are fatty acids, the
minerals zinc, selenium, magnesium, and calcium, and the vitamins A, B6,
C, and D, and E. This compromises immune function, and provides inadequate
antioxidant protection to offset the high oxidative stress these children
suffer, thus causing significant damage to cells throughout the body and brain.
It is interesting to note that uric acid plays a key antioxidant role in the
plasma, and many of these children have low urea/uric acid, possibly reflecting
high oxidative stress. 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 and vitamin D, and get him in the sun.
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 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. A population of plant workers with
average mercury excretion of 20 ug/g creatinine was found to have long-lasting
impairment of neutrophil function.
Another study found such impairment
of neutrophils decreases the body’s ability to combat viruses such as those
that cause heart damage, resulting in more inflammatory damage. 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”—Wakefield. (Attenuated vaccines contain live viruses that don’t
usually cause overt 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.
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.”
HHV-6 is a commensal inhabitant of
brains. Various neurologic manifestations, including convulsions and encephalitis,
can occur during primary HHV-6 infection, or in immunocompromised patients.
HHV6 has been reported within oligodendrocytes and microglia, and focal
HHV6—encephalitis has been documented. It is considered causative in CFS.
John O’Leary, Ph.D., a world-class
researcher and molecular biologist from Ireland, using state of the art
sequencing technology, showed how he had found measles virus in the gut of 96%
of autistic children, compared to 6.6% of normal children. This virus did not
come from the natural disease; it came from the measles vaccine. In addition,
Dr. O’Leary found measles virus present in 75% of children with Crohn’s
Disease. Crohn’s has traditionally been an intestinal disease of adults,
following years of dietary abuse. Its appearance in children is a new event,
and Dr. O’Leary’s work points to measles virus from vaccines as the likely
cause. Additionally, Candida, according to antibody studies done at the Atkins
Center, is involved in more than 80 percent of all cases of Crohn's and Colitis.
Their 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
Wakefield) as well as within circulating cells of the immune system. Wakefield
found that controls had prevalence in the gut of HHV-6 DNA similar to that of
those with ulcerative colitis—86%! Virus infected monocytes (White Cells)
travel freely throughout the body, and have been shown to enter the brain, take
up residence there, and secrete cytokines (chemical messengers) toxic to brain
tissue. They also serve as foci of infection. It is not uncommon for infants to
run fevers and show other signs of acute inflammation after receiving multiple
vaccinations. Interferon production is stimulated by infection with a virus to
protect the body from super infection by some other microorganism. In this
study, vaccination of one-year-old infants with measles vaccine caused a
precipitous drop in the level of alpha-interferon produced by lymphocytes. This
decline persisted for one year following vaccination, at which time the
experiment was terminated—Journal of Infectious Diseases. Thus, this study
showed that measles vaccine produced a significant long-term immune
suppression. Similarly, the report in the British medical journal Lancet confirmed that a significantly higher percentage
of these children had received a DTP shot within 30 days of the onset of polio
compared to a control group of children without polio, 43 percent of polio victims
compared to 28 percent of controls. The DTP vaccine suppresses the body’s
ability to fight off the polio virus. Thus, we have evidence of long-term
damage to the immune system from vaccines. Starting at about 4 months, this
leads to the infections, antibiotics, more infections, and more vaccines that
often precede autism.
“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. 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 35% of
these autistic children had a deficiency in Natural Killer Cells. In general,
the cytokines IL-2 and alpha-interferon are increased, while IL-1 is
normal”—Dr. Sudhir Gupta. IgG anti-brain autoantibodies were present in 27%
with ASD, and with 2% from healthy children. IgM autoantibodies 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.
“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) virus (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
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.
“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.
Reed Warren, et al,
mention how the IgA findings relate to infections and report a fascinating
double susceptibility in that 6 of 8 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.”
A test of thirty-six
children revealed grade I or II reflux esophagitis in 25 (69.4%), 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 secretin administration (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 than children without
autism. 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. In children with these abnormal antibody
patterns, selenium supplementation at a dose of 10 mcg/kg body weight for six
months significantly increased IgG-2 and IgG-4 levels and reduced the number of
infections. Low blood values of these two antibodies are associated with
intractable seizures. Selenium and vitamin E supplementation has overcome
intractable seizures that were resistant to drugs.
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). Their immune system is driving with no brakes!
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 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).
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.
These 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.
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 medical professional when making
any major nutritional changes.
Immune 101
There are three major
classes of Immune Cell types: granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes.
Lymphocytes are divided into three subgroups: B-Cells, T-cells, and Natural
Killer Cells. T-cells are divided into CD4, helper cells, CD8, suppressor
cells, and cytotoxic, CD8, Killer T-cells. That is, they show the Cluster
Determinant (CD) glycoproteins on their surface. During the first two years of
life a delicate one-to-one ratio between CD4 (helper) and CD8 (suppressor) cells
forms. CD4/CD8 ratios that do not
equal 1:1 are indicative of abnormal immune systems. All these produce
cytokines, chemical messengers that tell the other cells what to do. Cytokines,
also called growth factors, are the common language of the immune, hormonal,
and nervous systems regulating the growth and development of cells and tissues.
Scientists state that: “Stimulation of the developing immune system (by early
childhood diseases—WSL) can prevent auto-immunity” with clinical evidence
proving that immune stimulation prevents auto-immune disease by up-regulating
growth factors that bring the body back into balance with normal cell-to-cell
communication.
Growth factors are
biologically active, biochemically well-characterized, small proteins
(cytokines) that regulate cell growth, repair, renewal, and cell death
throughout the body, including the developing nervous and immune systems.
Growth factors need not enter cells to exert their effects upon DNA and
cellular activities because they use specific cell receptors that carry their
signals into the genes. Specific growth factors, such as platelet-derived
growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming
growth factor-beta (TGFB) play critical roles early in the four-stage, cell cycle, during what
is called G1 phase. These growth factors determine the cell’s fate by
regulating what genes are turned on or off. If a gene is “turned on”, it will
be read and its message translated into protein. If a gene is “turned off”, its
message will remain dormant. Many viruses compete for the same DNA gene
regulatory (transcription) sites as growth factors do since viruses need to
overcome the growth factor’s control of the cell’s fate so that the virus can
multiply and infect more cells. Growth factors contribute to healthy
communication between the protective systems in the body, such as the nervous,
immune, and hormonal systems. If growth factors do not work appropriately,
there is aberrant cell-to-cell communication throughout the body, and a type of
chaos ensues—Dr. Barbara Brewitt, Chief Science Officer, Biomed Comm, Inc.
The CD4+, lymphocyte
helper-cell activities are divided into Th1 (Cell-mediated immunity), and Th2
(humoral immunity). Th1 is the first-line of defense primarily against viral,
fungi, and protozoa, while Th2 helps the B-cells to produce antibodies. The
T-cells are separated into these two classes depending upon the specific
cytokines the cells secrete in response to antigenic stimulation. Th1 cells
primarily produce interferon (IFN) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), whereas Th2 cells
produce IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13. The two helper T-cell classes also
differ by the type of immune response they produce. While Th1 cells tend to
generate responses against intracellular parasites such as bacteria and
viruses, Th2 cells produce immune responses against helminths and other
extracellular parasites. Interestingly, the cytokines produced by each Th
subset tends to both stimulate production of that subset, and inhibit
development of the other subset. Th1 and Th2 represent two, separate,
counterbalancing functions of the immune system, and problems occur when they
are out of balance.
After a strong Th1
response to infection gets on top of the search-out-and-kill activity,
Interleukin 4 and 10 promotes a change of a class of antibody (IgG1) produced
by memory cells, and suppresses the activity of the killer cells and starts to
shut down the Th1 immune response. The production of memory cells is dependent
on this strong Th1 immune response. For example: the immunological action taken
against a primary attack of measles is primarily Th1, with a later back-up by a
Th2 antibody that is dependent on the initial Th1 response, and then a
dampening down of the Th1 system by the Th2 antibody. However, “These
alterations support the hypothesis that the immunologic alterations induced by
immunization do activate type-2 cell responses leading to improved antibody
production, while suppressing type-1, T-cell responses leading to reduced
lymphoproliferation.” (JID 1996, Vol 173, pg 1324-1325) Do you understand the
implications of this? There are plenty of antibodies at the expense of the
ability to “search-and-destroy”—to fight other infections. This is the key—the
difference between natural Th1, and vaccine induced Th2 immunity—and yet, some
fail to show antibodies even when vaccinated and boosted and revaccinated!
Could that be because they had no sufficient Th1 response? Possibly, but magnesium deficiency has
been shown to decrease antibody production, and lymphocytes, the body’s defense
against invaders, are inhibited by magnesium deficiency, and most of these
children are deficient in magnesium.
To avoid rejection of
the fetus, a Mother’s immune system shifts quickly to Th2, and the baby is born
with this skew to Th2. After the baby is born, the healthy mother’s immune
system changes back to normal Th1 dominance very quickly, and breast milk
quickly starts the process of changing the baby’s balance towards Th1
dominance. The vaccinated Mother’s immune function is likely to stay Th2
predominant, robbing her of her natural immunity to infections and allergies,
and she passes this skewed system to her baby! The poor, bottle-fed child gets
no help at all to restore Th1.
It’s most revealing to
learn that the same insult given to those of different genetic makeup will
cause some to have a Th1 response, whereas others will have a Th2 response! The
ratio of these two is determined by the balance of adrenal steroids, notably
cortisol and DHEA. Since cortisol is an antagonist of DHEA, stress-induced
cortisol production shifts the number of CD4+ lymphocytes to predominantly Th2
expression. Cortisol also impairs liver detoxification, allowing buildup of
environmental and physiological toxins. "Thus, even a potentially
Th1-inducing virus may fail to induce Th1 during a time of stress"-Lancet,
1997, Volume 349, pg 1832.
When Th1
is diminished, Th2 predominates leading to a host of chronic diseases.
Conditions are pro viral, pro Candida. The chronic viral infection, whether
measles or other, cannot be cleared as long as this bias exists. Furthermore,
Candida can enhance Th2. This increases IgE, causing Candida to really
flourish. One of the things that’s primarily responsible for maintaining the
balance is healthy, gut microflora. When microflora are depleted or destroyed
you're going to become more Th2 dominant, and have more tendencies towards
allergies, and asthma. A strong presence of IgE in the blood is evidence of
prominent Th2 activity, and a deficiency of vitamin B6. Elevated IgE
is associated with a history of numerous allergies. Allergies are indicative of
an overactive (reactive) immune system. So, if you have high IgE, suspect that
Candida and stress are at work, and supplement the vitamin B-complex. IgE mediated
allergies have disappeared with removal of mercury.
Stress
is a major factor in the Th2 skew, and is considered a major cause of
depression. Any type of stress raises a hormone called cortisol and a secondary
hormone called epinephrine, your stress hormone, and this will make you more
Th2 dominant, and more prone to allergic type situations. It will put a “tire”
of fat on the belly and hips, and it can damage and kill neurons. It also
decreases levels of growth factors that enable brain cells to thrive, and it
reduces levels of serotonin needed to promote neurogenesis (growth of new
neurons). A diet high in refined carbohydrates is going to alter the slow
hormonal collective which includes cortisol, epinephrine, and insulin and
create a Th2 dominance. Adrenal exhaustion will promote a cytokine shift from
Th1 to Th2. Additionally, there are chemicals and heavy metals, such as
mercury, that will make you more Th2 dominant. To reduce stress-produced
cortisol by 47%, give the child 100 mcg of chromium each day (200 mcg for
adults). Magnesium, vitamin C, and
pantothenic acid also reduce cortisol and should be supplemented. A 45-minute
massage (back rub?) will give a like reduction.
One
study shows that glutathione levels in antigen-presenting cells determine
whether Th1 or Th2 response patterns predominate. “Raising glutathione levels
has been shown to alter the cytokine balance in favor of a Th1 immune
response”—“The immune system”, Peterson, JD, et al., 1998. The best way to
increase glutathione quickly is with a transdermal lotion from Kirkman. Another
interesting way has been developed to aid those with respiratory problems.
Doctors at the Tahoma Clinic have observed remarkable improvements in many with
chronic bronchitis or with emphysema who used 60 mg of nebulized, inhaled
glutathione two times daily. If you have a problem metabolizing sulfur this may
cause yur body to accumulate too much sulfite, creating a wheezing symptom,
among others. For an appointment with a physician at Tahoma Clinic, call (253)
854-4900. For a doctor in your area inquire at (800) 532-3688.
Additionally, when
patulin, a sulfhydryl-binding chemical that conjugates glutathione rendering it
unavailable for mBCl interaction, was applied to cells that were treated with
the glyconutrient AmbrotoseÔ by MannatechÔ, the glyconutrients protected the cells from
glutathione depletion. This shows the potential of glyconutrients to not only
increase glutathione production as reported elsewhere, but to protect it from
loss leaving twice as much glutathione available —Proceedings of the Fisher
Institute for Medical Research, November 1997, Page 14. Acemannan® (Manapol®),
and reishi mushrooms among others, have been shown to increase the enzyme
glutathione synthetase, which in turn produces glutathione (providing the
substrates glycine, glutamine, and cysteine are available, WSL). Additionally,
in a series of human trials, Acemannan® (from aloe) improved food digestion and
absorption and enhanced “good” bacterial flora in the digestive tract by reducing
yeast and pH levels—Sugars That Heal, Dr. Emil I. Mondoa, MD. The aloe extract found in Ambrotose® by
MannatechÔ, also significantly inhibited superoxide anion formation. This is one
type of free radical that can have dangerous effects on the fragile DNA in our
cells—Kim, HS et
al. In Vitro Chemo-protective Effects of Plant Polysaccharides, Carcinogenesis,
Aug 1999, 20:8, 1637-40.
In addition to
stress-induced, immune suppression, the body’s natural defense system is also
susceptible to stress-induced malnutrition. When the body begins to suffer from
stress-induced malnutrition, the cells of the immune system are deprived of
critical nutrients necessary for their function. In addition to the
macronutrients, myriad micronutrients that include zinc, selenium, vitamins A,
C, E, and B6, the amino acids glutamine, cysteine, and arginine, and
proper ratios of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are known to be necessary for
a functional immune system. Observations indicate that Fatty Acids (FA) can
modulate immune responses by acting directly on T-cells, and suggest that
alteration of cellular FA toward Omega-3 may be a worthwhile approach to
control of inflammation that often tends to cancer. It is vital to note that
MMR vaccine, and the chronic measles infection so often following, depletes the
body of vitamin A. A deficiency of vitamin A and zinc, in particular, hinders
cell-mediated immunity (Th1), and “our” kids are universally lacking in these
vital nutrients. Scrimshaw, et al. (1968) reviewed over 50 studies of infection
and nutrition and wrote, “no nutritional deficiency in the animal kingdom is
more consistently synergistic with infection than that of Vitamin A”. In
Southern Africa, it was found that injection of 250,000 units of vitamin A
reduced measles vaccine deaths to virtually zero. Children with vitamin A
deficiency are more susceptible to the effects of DDT, hydrocarbon carcinogens,
and PCBs.
Additionally, the
Australian, Archivide Kalokerinos, M.B., B.S., Ph.D., noted for his work among
the Australian aborigines in which he reduced an infant morality rate
approaching 50% to virtually zero. Noting features of scurvy among some of the
infants and children, and observing that many deaths followed vaccinations, he
hypothesized that the vaccinations provoked death by throwing the infants into
fulminating scurvy. Based on these observations, he improved the nutrition of
the children, provided generous amounts of vitamin C, and avoided vaccines when
children were ill with colds or other minor infections. As a result of this
work he was awarded the Australian Medal of Merit in l978.
Cell-mediated immunity
(CMI) in many infants is probably low, and the vaccines lower CMI further. One
vaccine decreases CMI by 50%, two together by 70%. Three? Yet, repeated
immunizations with three vaccines simultaneously from four weeks to 12 or 18
months are given. All these triple vaccines markedly impair CMI, yet some
uninformed doctors, solely for convenience and profit give 10 viruses into
these struggling immune systems in one sitting! Don't let this happen to your
child! The longest safety trial of the triple vaccine MMR (all live attenuated
viruses) was three weeks!
Repeat DPT is given at
12 months. In mice, spectrally assayed cytochrome p450 was decreased by 50% for
7 days following DTP vaccination. Phospho-sulfotransferase, a Phase II detox
enzyme was also decreased as was the RNA necessary to their production.
Children receiving DPT show three times as many seizures as is the norm for
children. A similar increase 3.3 times the norm occurred within four to seven
days following MMR. This decrease of p450 enzymes tends to harbor toxins within
the system, leading to toxicity through a build up of heavy metals and other
poisons, including the thimerosal (mercury), aluminum, formaldehyde and other
poisons in the vaccine. Mercury has also been found to play a part in neuronal
problems through blockage of the p450 liver enzymatic process. Mercury has been
shown to diminish and block sulfur oxidation thus reducing glutathione levels
which is the part of this process involved in detoxifying and excretion of
toxics like mercury. Glutathione is produced through the sulfur oxidation side
of this process. Low levels of available glutathione have been shown to
increase mercury retention and increase toxic effects. The cytochrome p450
(Phase I) enzyme pathway is the only way a baby has to deal with endotoxins
from the gut. The Phase I system is one of several shut down temporarily by the
DPT and other vaccines. Toxins from E. Coli (and those of Candida), being given
off when the liver is impaired by DTP, can have severe consequences, having
been associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome! This is all the more likely
when there is a chronic deficiency of vitamins A and C as might be induced by a
poor diet or by a chronic measles infection of the gut. No effort should be
made to eradicate bacteria and fungi, releasing as it does large amounts of
endotoxins, without ensuring the child is adequately supplied with nutrients,
particularly vitamins A and C. Use of AlkaSeltzer GoldÔ is said to reduce
the impact of this die off.
“The repeated use of
vaccinations would tend to shift the functional balance of the immune system
toward the antibody-producing side (Th2), and away from the acute inflammatory
discharging side (the cell-mediated side or Th1). This has been confirmed by
observation especially in the case of Gulf War Illness: most vaccinations
caused a shift in immune function from the Th1 side (acute inflammatory
discharging response) to the Th2 side (chronic auto-immune or allergic
response).
“The wise use of
vaccinations would be to use them selectively, and not on a mass scale. In
order for vaccinations to be helpful and not harmful, we must know beforehand
in each individual to be vaccinated whether the Th1 function or the Th2
function of the immune system predominates. In individuals in whom Th1
predominates, the cellular immune system is overreactive causing many acute
inflammations, thus a vaccination could have a balancing effect on the immune
system and be helpful for that individual. In individuals in whom Th2
predominates, causing few acute inflammations, but rather the tendency to
chronic allergic or autoimmune inflammations, a vaccination would cause Th2 to
predominate even more, aggravating the imbalance of the immune system and
harming the health of that individual”—Philip F. Incao, MD.
Multiple vaccinations,
in shifting this delicate balance to a predominant Th2 response, favor the
development of atopy (asthma, eczema, hay fever, and food intolerances) and,
perhaps, autoimmunity through vaccine-induced, polyclonal activation leading to
autoantibody production. An increase in the incidence of childhood atopic
diseases may be expected as a result of concurrent vaccination strategies that
induce a Th2-biased immune response.
The literature shows an
association between antiviral vaccination and onset of childhood asthma. We
have noted that attenuation of viral target by conventional vaccine preparation
does not completely remove or degrade viral nucleic acids such as
double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). It is known that viral dsRNA can induce activation
of a host’s antiviral protein kinase (PKR). We have shown that activation of
PKR by dsRNA leads to expression of Th2-type immune responses, e.g., allergy
and asthma—Farhad Imani, M.D., David Proud, M.D. Recent discovery shows the
gamma-delta group of T-cells are responsible for allergic responses through
their production of interleukin-4 (IL-4).
The odds of having a
history of asthma were twice as great among (DTP) vaccinated subjects than
among unvaccinated subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence
interval, 0.59 to 6.74). The odds of having had any allergy-related respiratory
symptom in the past 12 months was 63% greater among vaccinated subjects than
unvaccinated subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.05
to 2.54). The associations between vaccination and subsequent allergies and
symptoms were greatest among children aged 5 through 10 years—Hurwitz, E.L.,
Morgenstern, H; UCLA School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Los
Angeles, California.
One study published in
the “Journal of Infectious Diseases” documented a long-term depressive effect
on interferon production caused by the measles vaccine. Interferon is a
chemical produced by lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) that renders the
host resistant to infection. Vaccination of one-year-old infants with measles
vaccine caused a precipitous drop in the level of alpha-interferon produced by
lymphocytes. This decline persisted for one year following vaccination, at
which time the experiment was terminated. Thus, this study showed that measles
vaccine produced a significant long-term immune suppression. This suppression
lays the child open to all sorts of infections.
For example: a study
published in the “American Journal of Public Health Investigators” on children
who contracted polio, a total of 1,300 cases in New York City and 2,137 cases
in the remainder of New York State, discovered that children with polio were
twice as likely to have received a DTP vaccination in the two months preceding
the onset of polio than were the control children. More recently, in a polio
epidemic in Oman, DTP vaccination caused the onset of paralytic polio. The
report in the British medical journal “Lancet” confirmed that a significantly
higher percentage of these children with polio (43% compared to 28% of the
controls) had received a DTP shot within 30 days of the onset of polio. The DTP
vaccine suppresses the body’s ability to fight off the polio virus.
Usually then, the
autistic child needs to boost Th1 cells. This can be done with Omega-3 fatty acids [EPA at 1000 to 1500 mg a
day (two to three teaspoons of CLO), and DHA between 1500 to 2500 mg a day (3
to 5 teaspoons of CLO or fish oil)]. The extra Virgin Olive oil, that contains
oleic acid: four tablespoons a day of fresh oil that’s been refrigerated is
very supportive of Th1, as is Vitamin A, 25,000 IU (adults), with a lot of
carotenoids, a lot of vegetables, carrots, and things like that. In addition to
that, L-glutamine, 10 to 20 grams (adult) a day, will strengthen Th1. Use
Lactobacillus, two or three different kinds, and Bifidus, and magnesium, zinc,
chromium, and silica.
Hepatic glutathione is a key substrate for reducing
toxic oxygen metabolites and oxidized xenobiotics in the liver enabling their
clearance from the body. Depletion of hepatic glutathione is a common
occurrence in mercury and cadmium toxicity and Leaky Gut Syndromes contributing
to liver dysfunction and liver necrosis. It has also been demonstrated that Hg
not only directly removes GSH from the cell, but also inhibits the activities
of two key enzymes involved in GSH metabolism, GSH synthetase and GSH
reductase. Hg also inhibits the activities of the free radical quenching
enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and perhaps GSH peroxidase. Inside the
cell, Hg0 is oxidized by catalase to the highly reactive Hg2+. Once assimilated
in the cell, Hg2+ and MeHg+ form covalent bonds with glutathione and cysteine
residues of proteins. Many factors can affect liver function and glutathione
availability. For instance, a recent or chronic-active infection can deplete
glutathione as does a single dose of TylenolÔ. Studies have found that heavy
metals, especially mercury and cadmium, deplete glutathione and protein-bound
sulfhydryl (SH) groups resulting in inhibiting SH-containing enzymes and the
production of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide ion, hydrogen
peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals. These reactive oxygen species result in
increased lipid peroxidation, enhanced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites,
modulation of intracellular oxidized states, DNA damage, membrane damage,
altered gene expression, and apoptosis. Increased fragility and decreased
sulfhydryl content in cell membranes follow closely, within 4-5 days, a
decrease in plasma zinc concentration. These latter signs are readily
reversible within 1-2 days by zinc supplementation. Additionally, one must
supplement antioxidants vitamins C and E, selenium, and glutathione, and
attempt to enhance the body’s production of glutathione.
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). Such high zinc readings in
hair tests would indicate an actual lack of systemic zinc!
Platelets from zinc
deficient rats exhibit abnormal aggregation (failure to aggregate normally), a
defect that is associated with impaired calcium uptake. The evidence suggests
defective calcium channels in the plasma membrane of cells. Similar
observations have been made in brain synaptic membranes from zinc deficient guinea
pigs. As in the red cell, membranes from platelets have a lower than normal
concentration of sulfhydryls. Treatment of zinc deficient blood with
glutathione increases the aggregation response of platelets isolated from the
blood of zinc deficient rats, bringing it back to normal.
Chelation with DMSA needs GSH or NAC to metabolize out
as disulfide-bound DMSA-GSH or DMSA-NAC. If replacement NAC/GSH is not
supplied, DMSA and DMPS (3-4 times more so than DMSA) consume available stores
leaving a dangerous deficiency. In humans, oral glutathione is readily absorbed
by the gut mucosa, repleting its glutathione supply; but all remaining GSH is
then broken down by the mucosa preventing systemic absorption. This may explain
why oral glutathione has been of help to autistic children even when there is
apparently no systemic absorption. This being true, one must support the body
in its manufacture of GSH to avoid a dangerous lack due to chelation.
Nevertheless, given the gut dysfunction found in many autistic children, oral
glutathione at 250 - 500 mg/day may be of significant help. Additionally, a
glutathione cream has become available. I think this means of replenishment of
cellular glutathione is highly desirable. Further, it seems both forms should
be used.
An important point should be emphasized, however, regarding
the potential for DMSA to contribute further to cysteine depletion. Ninety
percent of the DMSA absorbed is excreted in the urine as a
cysteine-DMSA-cysteine disulfide complex.42 Therefore, between days
of oral administration of DMSA it is important to replace cysteine, except in
those instances where the child is cysteine toxic. The important point here is that pharmacological doses of
cysteine/NAC, in the range of 1500 mg daily, have the potential to exacerbate
the adverse neurological effects of toxic metals since it moves mercury into
the brain in rats. It is of interest to note that intravenous glutathione
removes mercury from the brain.
Methionine, betaine, and choline enhance liver
function and increase the levels of SAMe and glutathione. In addition to the
above supplements, use these that build glutathione: garlic, dandelion, shark
liver oil, rice bran extract, lysine, and SAMe. All are totally nontoxic.
Carotenes enhance immune response and “spare” the glutathione, a Phase II
detoxification enzyme in the liver that we rely on to safely eliminate
pollutants and toxins from the body. You might even want to add, after careful
testing, Pregnenolone or DHEA, (both suppress cortisol), because the higher the
levels of DHEA, within normal, the better Th1 performs. Thyroid, along with the
retinol form of vitamin A, is needed to create progesterone and pregnenolone,
so it may be better to support the thyroid and use cod-liver oil as suggested
herein. Chromium reduces cortisol by 47%. Vitamin E, vitamin B-complex, panax
ginseng, digestive enzymes, Transfer FactorÔ, even some things called
arabinogalactans and glyconutrients (AmbroStartÔ by MannatechÔ), all
build Th1 (enhance macrophage action and Natural Killer Cell function). Aloe
(ManapolÔ—a
stabilized, standardized Aloe contained in Ambrotose®), Ambrotose®, AmbroStartÔ,
Phyt•Aloe®, PLUS, and ImmunoStartÔ (all from Mannatech, Inc.) are
without peers in producing glutathione, and in modulating this function of the
immune system. A good back rub will make it all come together.
Additionally, it is
known that Vitamin C seems to suppress the Th2 system and promote the Th1
system, which is why asthmatics on Vitamin C have fewer and less severe attacks
than those who don’t take Vitamin C (Trop Geogr Med 1980;32:132-7). It has also
been shown that the mean vitamin C level in patients with asthma is
significantly lower than in healthy control subjects (Afr J Med Sci.
1985;14:115-120), and that Vitamin C can have a protective effect and block
Exercise-Induced Asthma (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med Vol 151, April 1997, pg 367).
Other than vaccines,
candida, and stress, what causes Th2 to be elevated? Faulty digestion, a leaky
gut, over consumption of glucose (sugar) and processed foods (that weakens
systemic resistance to infection), transfatty acids, a diet high in the Omega-6
fatty acids like linoleic acid (cut canola, use olive). All of these promote
over-functioning of Th2. This makes the cell membranes porous, and very
vulnerable to infection. Adrenal exhaustion or a lack of glutathione may
promote a cytokine shift from Th1 to Th2. Adrenal
dysfunction can lead to hypoglycemia, increased allergy symptoms, weight gain,
increased menopausal symptoms, mood swings, and mental confusion. Any suffering allergies, including asthma, undoubtedly
have two conditions undiagnosed: hypoglycemia and hypoadrenocorticism. These
must be corrected by temporary elimination of allergens, a low carbohydrate,
high protein intake, and a supplement of nutrients chosen to support the
adrenals and pancreas, including desiccated, whole-adrenal glandular. If not
needed, the adrenal tablets may make you feel weak. The doctor may wish to
offer whole, adrenal-cortex extract injections for faster results. Do not
accept cortisone or prednisone! Do not fail to heed what you have just read!
Additionally,
vitamins B6, B12, A, C, E, para-aminobenzoic acid,
pantothenic acid, and the minerals zinc, magnesium, and calcium aid the
adrenals in conditions of hypoadrenocorticism (adrenal cortex deficiency).
Pantothenic acid (300 mg), vitamin C (2000 mg), for adults, will support the
pancreas. The bioflavonoids will reduce allergic reactions to foods and other
substances.
To
determine if you have adrenal exhaustion, have your blood pressure checked
after lying quietly for 5 minutes, then stand up and immediately recheck the
pressure. If the blood pressure reading is lower when you are standing, suspect
reduced adrenal function. The degree to which the blood pressure drops upon
standing is often proportionate to the degree of hypoadrenalism. (low adrenal
function).
A “Journal
of Allergy and Clinical Immunology” at McGill University and the Institute
Pasteur in France article says, “A new study has found additional evidence that
a chemical involved in inflammation may play a role in asthma. The study found
more of the chemical known as Interleukin 9 (IL-9).” IL-9 is one of those Th2
substances that gets overactive, suppresses Th1, and you wind up with asthma.
They believe that if you can lower IL-9 this is going to help treat, and even
prevent, asthma. It says, “Interleukins have been known to play a role in
regulating the immune system, and in particular, to be responsible for causing
the early stages of inflammation.” They found that if you can lower the Th2,
especially these Interleukins, and boost Th1 with all the nutrients we’ve been
speaking about, they’re going to help dramatically in the management of a wide
range of illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid
arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, AIDS, Chronic Fatigue, candida, multiple
allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities, hepatitis, Gulf War Syndrome,
cancer, and other autoimmune diseases, like autism. Just the elimination of
candida has been found to cure a third of all eczema, irritable bowel, some
asthma, joint pains, and virtually all psoriasis. Other symptoms of candida:
internal bloating of the lower abdomen that is aggravated by beer, bread,
pasta, sweets, or juices. Another good clue (90% probability) is when one
reacts adversely to taking vitamins orally. To this add a high sensitivity to
yeast and fungi or products containing them, like yeast, yeast breads, beer,
mushrooms, cheese, mustard, vinegar, and mold spores that will cause discomfort
when in bathrooms, basements, areas with wet leaves, summer beach houses, etc.
Note: Good Housekeeping and Heloise have determined that regular vinegar kills
molds at 90% and bacteria at 99.9% efficiency.
Cytokines
(hormone messengers secreted by immune cells), actively transported into the
Central Nervous System (CNS), play a key role in this immune activation. It was
recently observed that cytokines activate astrocytes and microglia cells
(immune system cells) that in turn produce cytokines by a feedback mechanism.
Where T-cells are over stimulated, they produce large numbers and amounts of
cytokines that cause inflammation in the body, muscular pains, headaches, and
often weight loss, and malnourishment. The free radical damage to “self” is
great. Moreover, cytokines strongly influence the dopaminergic (dopamine),
noradrenergic (noradrenaline), and serotonergic (serotonin) neurotransmission.
There are indications that the cascade of cytokines can be activated by
neuronal processes. These findings close a theoretical gap between stress and
anxiety and their influence on immunity (they greatly lower the
natural-killer-cell function). “When we are fit and healthy it means our bodies
are working properly and keeping the germs and bugs at bay. It is only because
the immune system falls down that we get ill,” said Michael Endecott, research
director of the Institute for Complementary Medicine in London.
Gluten
(from grains) and casein (from milk) have immune, as well as neurotransmitter,
impacts. Therefore, they have the ability to cause immune dysregulation and
neurotransmitter imbalance. Opioids decrease T-cell proliferation via the
mu-receptors, and this may cause a mild, immune suppression. Opioids can
increase levels of gamma interferon also. When an opioid molecule attaches to a
receptor in which it “fits”, adenylate cyclase is inactivated, leading to a
decrease in intracellular Cyclic AMP (cAMP). Cyclic AMP is an important
messenger system in the brain and body. When intracellular cAMP levels have
been lowered because of constant (inappropriate) stimulation of opioid
receptors on the cell surface, less tryptophan hydroxylase is phosphorylated,
and therefore more of the enzyme is inactive. When this happens, tryptophan is
not converted into serotonin, but is shunted down alternate pathways,
eventually leading to urinary IAG (indolyl acryloyl glycine) and
3-indoleacetate. It is reported this affects 93% of autistic children. Urinary
excretion of IAG in 15 normal subjects was significantly increased in
June-September against the November-April collection in the same subjects.
Elevated levels of IAG are also found in Hartnup's and SAD (seasonal depression
from darkness).
Organo-phosphate
pesticides cause paralysis by inhibiting certain enzyme systems. One of these
pesticides, Diazinon, has been shown to seriously interfere with the metabolism
of tryptophan in a way that might force tryptophan metabolism towards the IAG
route. Are these pesticides contributing to the increased IAG in the urine samples
from the majority of people with autism and related disorders? In England,
about 80% of those with autism or ADD/ADHD have high IAG levels. Increased IAG
could contribute to increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and perhaps
increased blood-brain barrier permeability. In animals, high opioid levels
cause indifference to mother and others in the family.
Immune B-cells can secrete
the antibodies, immunoglobulins IgD, IgM, IgG, IgA, and IgE, which bind with
the foreign antigen and produce red cell lysis, inactivate the virus, or
produce bacterial phagocytosis. Most autistic children have delayed allergic
reactions to some foods (show high IgG), and/or immediate, strong reactions to
foods, inhaled pollens or mold (high IgE). These allergic reactions disrupt
normal immune balance and alter interleukin-2 levels exacerbating their
symptoms. IgA is normally secreted into the digestive tract in response to
incoming food. IgA protects the mucosal surfaces of the mouth, nose, throat,
gastrointestinal tract, ears and the eyes. Recurrent infections are an
indication of deficient IgAs. Secretory IgA (sIgA) levels are elevated in the
presence of infection or overgrowth of unwelcome germs, and are depressed if
the infection or overgrowth is excessive. The incidence of selective IgA
deficiency is 10 times higher in those with celiac disease than in the general
population. IgA protects the mucus membranes of the body. Comprehensive stool
analysis often finds below normal levels of Secretory IgA’s in the gut. One of the
first things you want to do is to balance these Secretory IgA’s so as to
protect the first line of defense in the intestinal tract. Tribes that live
mainly on animal protein have the highest levels of IgA, and they almost never
have infections according to Wolfgang Lutz who wrote the book on the myth of
carbohydrate. IgA is found at very high levels in colostrum. The use of Bovine
Colostrum should be very productive in overcoming these chronic infections, and
should be preferred to repeated courses of antibiotics. When there is active
infection, take a dose of colostrum every four hours around the clock until
symptoms are fully cleared.
It is
interesting to note that diseases that can be associated with celiac
disease include lactose intolerance, dermatitis herpetiformis, insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid
disease, and autoimmune disorders. In fact, if you have dermatitis
herpetiformis (an itchy, blistery skin problem), you have celiac disease.
One additional
bit of advice: Never, ever let a child be vaccinated if he has had a recent
infection/sickness, or is prone to repeat infections with the related
antibiotic courses. Early and high frequency rates of ear infection are
associated with greater severity of autism (J Autism and Dev Dis 17:585,1987).
It is the children who have had three or more antibiotic courses who have a
4-times higher rate of adverse vaccine reaction. It is the ones vaccinated
while suffering an infection or after a recent infection that often regresses
into autism. Be warned. It all has to do with the immune function. Never accept
a vaccine containing ThimerosalÔ, and never accept more than one shot
per day. To pump ten viruses with the related mercury and other toxins into a
child at one sitting is asinine and stupid, and should be criminal!
Yeast
species like candida are known to induce immune changes, and to produce
neurotoxins, and most autistic children have yeast problems. Yeast binds the
B-vitamins, and in absence of Bifidus flora, creates subclinical pellagra and
beriberi. This lack of B-vitamins, particularly vitamin B6 will
interfere with the production of serotonin, melatonin, and other important
neurotransmitters that controls behavior—so normal brain chemistry in the presence
of yeast overgrowth is unlikely. Clostridia, found in approximately 20% ASD
patients, and other harmful bacteria, also cause neurotoxic effects. These
immunological changes (altered interleukins, cytokines, histamine,
neuro-hormones, and other immune factors) affect brain chemistry, especially in
the cerebellar and sensory components of the brain, and most autistic children
have altered sensory perception. Reactions to clostridial toxins in mice
suggest that it enhances glutamate efflux, leading to seizure and hippocampal
neuronal damage. Komulain and Tuomisto, in 1981, found that methyl mercury,
even in low concentrations, inhibited the uptake in synaptic nerve endings in
the brain of the neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. This
would be excitotoxic and tend to deplete the available neurotransmitters. The
possibility of each of these imbalances should be examined, and, if present,
corrected.
Since a
major consequence of this immune imbalance is allergy, it is good to note some
frequent manifestations. “Toddlers have excessive infections. They whine, they
pinch, they hit, they spit, they kick, and they bite in excess between two and
four years. They bite their siblings, their mother in particular, and sometimes
their father. They have excessive temper tantrums. They have a lot of
intestinal symptoms. They vomit clear mucous, and that means milk allergy. They
dislike being held. They say the same sentence over and over again. They’re
hyperactive, fatigued, and they have bowel problems. These are characteristic
symptoms that frequently are related to something they ate, touched, or
smelled. (You can often tame the Terrible Two’s with a zinc supplement—WSL.)
Any food can cause diarrhea, but the food that’s most apt to cause constipation
in any age group is milk and dairy products. Abdominal complaints such as
swelling, belching, bloating, rectal gas, that sort of thing, is the result.
"Bad
breath is almost always milk, wheat and eggs. Bedwetting, after age five, if
it’s related to a food, is due to milk or it’s due to a fruit juice. Soiled
underwear: when they leak, and they have a little bowel movement on their pants
all the time, it’s frequently due to grapes and raisins, but other foods can
also cause it (like undigested fats, shown by light-colored stool—WSL). Leg
aches, called growing pains—take the milk out of the diet for a week, then add
the milk back, and you’ll see that many leg aches are due to milk
sensitivities. Again, there are other causes for leg aches, but this is one of
the causes. Clucking throat sounds—that’s a milk allergy. The potbelly is very
characteristic of people who have food allergies. There are many other causes;
you may have parasites, enzymatic dysfunction, or a malfunction in your gut,
but one reason is allergies.
"Learning,
behavior problems, and depression: Young children four and five that want to
kill themselves. Again, ask what did they eat, touch, or smell? They have
headaches. They make strange noises. They bark like dogs. That sort of thing.
They have asthma, hay fever, and eczema. When a person eats a food that causes
eczema, which is an itchy rash in the creases of the arms and the legs, the
area will get red when you’re eating the food, and the next day, they have the
rash. So, there’s a delayed reaction, and that makes it difficult to put cause
and effect together. But, if you watch the skin while they’re eating, you’ll be
able to tell when it feels red and hot and that’s when they’ve eaten a food to
which they are sensitive.
"The
adolescents have intestinal problems. Depression and fatigue are much more
common. They say they have a ballooned, fuzzy head. They recognize that their
head’s not thinking, not feeling right. Their muscles and joints ache. They
frequently have an irregular heartbeat. Take your pulse. It should be nice and
regular, if it’s irregular; something’s wrong (it could be a lack of potassium
or magnesium—WSL). What did you eat, touch, or smell? Start to pay attention to
your body, especially to your pulse. It’s like a smoke alarm in a room. (Get
“The Pulse Test” by Dr. Arthur F. Coca, MD—WSL.)
“Irritability
and aggressiveness in adults are very common. I believe that much
battering—wife battering, husband battering, sibling battering, mother
battering—I think a lot of that is due to unrecognized sensitivities to foods
and chemicals, and things of that sort. Now, the adults tend to be too tired.
The women, in particular, cry easily, and are very depressed. Many times, they
are moody and easily upset.”—(edited) Dr. Doris Rapp, MD.
Aggression
has also been connected to both too much and too little magnesium. Usually it
is too little. Magnesium controls the breakdown and loss of serotonin in the
synapse, and it is the best calcium channel blocker.
Research
shows that it is the magnesium status that controls cell membrane potential and
through this means controls uptake and release of many hormones, nutrients, and
neurotransmitters. It is magnesium that controls the fate of potassium and
calcium in the cell. If it is insufficient, potassium and calcium will be lost
in the urine and calcium will enter the cell excessively causing spasms and
cramps, and it will be deposited in the soft tissues (kidneys, arteries,
joints, brain, etc.).
Magnesium
protects the cell from aluminum, mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium, and nickel.
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. It is probable that low total body magnesium contributes to heavy
metal toxicity in children, and it is a participant in the etiology of learning
disorders.
In addition
to allergy or opioid production, it has been found that milk and dairy can
actually cause a microscopic blood loss in the intestine by a “reactive”
inflammation of the bowel. This can lead to anemia. Curiously, a child that
might go berserk on milk may not have a reaction to “processed” cheese. When
the protein structure is changed, the food will not give as large an allergic
reaction. “Unless a child has eczema where yolk or egg is triggering off a skin
reaction, for some reason the immune pathway fired off by eggs doesn’t seem to
play a role in what we are talking about in the brain. I rarely have to worry
about taking a child off of eggs, even though you may have this ‘huge reaction’
on the food screen”—Dr. Michael Goldberg.
There is
evidence of immune suppression on exposure to testing doses of phenols (see
PST). There may be a drop in
T-suppressor cells or total T-cell numbers. An overabundance of B-cells was
interpreted as a reflection of toxic image to the immune system. An increase in
helper cells, antibody formation, and elevation of some immunoglobulins was
also noted. Other findings on phenolic exposure have been depressed serotonin,
elevated histamine, and prostaglandins, abnormal complement and immune complex
formation. It can contribute to the toxic overload in PST, or it can
precipitate an allergic reaction.
These
alterations in normal body chemistry are largely due to a damaged,
chronically-irritated, gastrointestinal tract largely caused by vaccinations,
heavy metals, particularly mercury, antibiotics, resulting candida and
bacterial overgrowth, and by chronic viral infections, and milk. While it is important to remove the
allergens and to deal with the yeast, the single most effective, least
expensive, way to treat the cause and not the secondary symptoms is homeopathy.
I know the principles of homeopathy offend reason and the good American Way,
“more is better”. With homeopathy, “less is more”. There are forces we do not
begin to comprehend working in this body, and homeopathy is working with one.
Find a skilled homeopath, and ask him to clear the vaccine damage and resultant
virus infections, and the heavy metals poisoning. There seems to be two
schools. Some will treat individual allergies. If you treat the causes (vaccine
damage to the immune system, and the metal overload) and not the allergic
symptoms, expensive tests and therapies for allergies will be unnecessary. The
method I recommend uses the actual vaccine to clear vaccine damage and the
toxins and metals that vaccine introduced into the body. When this is done, the
gut is usually healed, there will be few if any allergies left, and candida
will likely no longer be a problem. You will be amazed at the simplicity and
relative, low cost, and immediate results, though there is some temporary
regression with each course. This will restore the immune function to balance,
and then other necessary, nutritional and behavioral interventions will be 10
times more effective. Until you have done this, other efforts will be very
expensive and not fully effective. To those who are ready, I will supply the
name of a homeopath using real vaccine remedies that are not usually offered by
other homeopaths.
Leaky Gut
In a test
of 36 autistic children reported by Repligen Corporation, 75% had a greater
than normal pancreatic response to secretin infusion, especially among those
with diarrhea (whose stool improved in consistency for several weeks
afterward). These children are probably producing too little secretin, and thus
receptor sites have proliferated. Human secretin receptor is a
G-protein-coupled receptor that is functionally linked to the cAMP second
messenger system by stimulation of adenylate cyclase (Ng et al, 1999). When
given secretin, there is overactivity of the pancreas. I.V. Secretin causes a
five-fold increase in the output of IGF-1 in pancreatic fluid. They also
documented a pattern of intestinal inflammation (esophagitis, gastritis, and
duodenitis that would greatly hinder absorption of nutrients) in the majority.
The most frequent gastrointestinal complaints were chronic diarrhea,
gaseousness, and abdominal discomfort and distention. Histologic examination in
these 36 children revealed grade I or II reflux esophagitis in 25 (69.4%) with
symptoms of wakefulness with irritability or crying, pressing of the lower
abdomen, and diarrhea. Chronic gastritis was detected in 15, and chronic
duodenitis in 24. Low intestinal carbohydrate digestive enzyme (amylase)
activity was reported in 21 children (58.3%), although there was no abnormality
found in pancreatic function. Thirty-nine percent were deficient of the enzyme
Lactase, and thus had digestive problems with milk, with bloating, gaseousness,
and a loose stool (these symptoms can be alleviated with a digestive enzyme
supplement containing lactase). None showed signs of Helicobacter Pylori
infection, or of fungal or bacterial overgrowth even in the one-third with
suspected fungal or bacterial overgrowth based on urine acid test results.
Your doctor
has probably forgot a simple, inexpensive, urine test the doctor can make in
office that uncovers toxic bacteria. Ask for a “urinary indican” test. Indican
is created when the essential amino acid tryptophan is fermented by harmful
bacteria in the bowel. If the indican test is positive, decrease intake of
sugar and high glycemic carbohydrates because eating these things encourage
overgrowth of many types of unfriendly critters, including candida. Supplement
friendly flora to crowd out the nasties.
This
inflamed gut (dubbed “Leaky Gut” because it has become porous allowing large,
food particles both protein and undigested starch to pass unnaturally into the
blood) produces a number of symptoms. Increased intestinal permeability (IP)
may reflect damage to the microvilli, which can reduce levels of lactase, the
enzyme needed to digest milk sugar, eventually triggering osmotic diarrhea.
Once this disease process starts, small bowel mucosal damage, indicated by
higher IP ratios, remains “an important factor” associated with increased
acidosis, hypokalemia (lack of potassium), iron deficiency, dehydration, and
parasitic infection. Sucrose (table sugar) leaks into the blood, and this abnormal
sugar in the blood stream causes a host of problems. Particles [especially from
milk (casein) and grains (gluten/gliadin)] called peptides pass through the
“Leaky Gut”, and activate the immune system creating many allergic symptoms,
and also creating opioids in the brain that cause much of the “weird” behavior.
Dermorphin and other opioid-like peptides can reduce stomach acid output (by
inhibiting a zinc-bearing enzyme needed to make HCl), and change emptying time
for the stomach, and therefore, hamper digestion. Undigested particles of
undercooked grain starches pass into the blood and to the capillaries where
they slow and clog blood circulation. Collateral circulation is likely enough
to keep the organ functioning, but in the brain, neurons may be lost. This is
why digestive enzymes are so vital to break down these protein and starch
particles before they reach the gut.
Mothers are
often perplexed when, having been on Gf/Cf for a period, they find high levels
of peptides still present. When a person goes Gf/Cf the body takes the
opportunity to dump these things in the blood/urine again. That is why we see
them in the urine for some time afterwards. In celiac literature, it speaks of
taking 7 years to totally clear the system! “Treatment of the latter (candida)
with conventional synthetic antifungal agents often causes impairment of liver
detoxification functions, and a decrease in synthesis of
phospho-sulfotransferase, an enzyme necessary to cleave food proteins, e.g.,
casein, into smaller easily absorbable peptides.”—Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, MD. Thus,
fungicides exacerbate the opioid problem, and increase the potential for
toxicity in PST kids. Of utmost significance is the observation that those
eating soy proteins or drinking soy milk may also have high peptide readings in
their urine. Soy proteins are used extensively as emulsifiers, binders, and
stabilizers in meat, poultry, snack foods, sausage, frozen spaghetti, and
whipped toppings. Textured vegetable protein is soy-based, and many meat
substitutes are soy-based. It has been found that those on soy may have high
values of gliadorphin and casomorphin, presumably because of peptides from soy
that are similar or identical to those in gluten or casein (Zhang XZ, Wang HY,
Fu XQ, Wu XX, Xu GL. Bioactive small peptides from soybean protein. Anri NY,
Acad Sci 1998 Dec 13, 864: 640-5.
Additionally,
those on SerenAid™ or EnzymAid™ may show high peptide values in the urine. This
may be because these products are interfering with the test.
Are the
symptoms being suffered symptoms of “autism”, or of malnutrition, toxicity, and
immune changes induced by that chronically inflamed, out of balance,
gastrointestinal tract? Can nutritional intervention ameliorate these
“autistic” symptoms?
Digestion 101
Digestion begins in the mouth. Here
foods are to be chewed until totally fluid, thus mixing ptyalin and other
enzymes necessary to digestion of starch with the food. No fluids should be
taken during chewing. Furthermore, thorough mastication of food may nourish the
gut by providing it with salivary Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) that is healing
to the epithelial lining of the gut. Purified Epidermal Growth Factor has been
shown to heal ulceration of the small intestine.
The food then passes to the stomach
where it is thoroughly mixed and “ground” down to smaller pieces, separated and
held back as required for proper digestion. It may be held for an hour while
starches continue to digest. Food ready for digestion passes to the lower
stomach, the pyloric antrum, where most digestion takes place. This highly
sensitive area of the stomach controls the acidity of the stomach digestive
juices. Secretions of the parietal cells into the stomach create the acid
necessary to the breakdown and digestion of proteins. Acting as a thermostat,
its G-cells secrete varying amounts of gastrin into the blood that signals the
H2 cells of the upper stomach to produce more or less acid as needed. Histamine
acts on the H2 receptors of the upper stomach’s parietal cells empowering them
to produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) when called for by gastrin. It’s interesting
to note that the acid is actually produced in the stomach by the mixing of
chemicals secreted by these cells. Acetylcholine, released by the nerves, also
affect the amount and timing of HCl production. Stress and emotions, then, also
affect HCl production. These same cells, also release “Intrinsic factor”
necessary to utilization of vitamin B12. Sodium and potassium are required in
optimal amounts for production of HCl. If these things are not happening,
your child may refuse meat, or will not digest it well.
This dislike for meat, or a loss of
taste, could indicate cellular distress and possibly cancer, or a lack of
hydrochloric acid, or a zinc deficiency, for zinc controls the enzyme that
makes HCl. Because there is a strong association between protein and zinc content
in virtually all foods, insufficient protein intake, or stress on fish and
fowl, may often be the cause of zinc deficiency. The food additive tartrazine
is found to act directly as a zinc-chelating agent. Zinc is an essential
component of about 70 metalloenzymes (including dehydrogenases lactate, malate,
alcohol, and glutamate), alkaline phosphatase, carbonic anhydrases,
carboxypeptidase A and B, and DNA and RNA polymerases. Zinc is thus widely
found, and in relatively high concentrations throughout the body. A deficiency
has far reaching consequences. Studies show that a marginal zinc deficiency
reduces serum testosterone levels by 50% in adults. This adversely affects
muscle tone and strength as well as digestion and utilization. Acrodermatitis enterophatica
is presently the most well recognized human zinc responsive syndrome
attributable to an inherited defect of zinc absorption. However, there are also
a variety of other conditions that have been found to respond to zinc therapy,
such as idiopathic hypogeusia, improvement in wound healing, gastric ulcers,
acne, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as dyslexia. Zinc controls the release of
vitamin A from the liver. An inadequate zinc nutriture has been linked with a
variety of immune deficiency disorders, including cancers in both animals and
in humans.
Complex
nitrogen (protein) metabolism appears to flourish in children with seizures,
developmental delay, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involving not only
Nitric Oxide (NO), but nitrogen retention as a whole (described previously as
purine autism by Mary Coleman). Kids presenting with suppression of carbon
dioxide (CO2) may shun nitrogen rich foods due to the formation of
ammonia (an alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen) leading to a state of
hyperammonemia. Excitotoxic effects of ammonia are augmented by increased
synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), which is associated with N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
(NMDA) receptor activation and/or increased synaptic transport of arginine. The
behavior associated with excess NO/ammonia production in the autist is maniacal
laughter.
Hyperammonemia
means that ammonia, instead of being discharged by the liver, is recirculated
into the blood stream. It is apparently caused by a deficiency of four Amino
Acids: Citrulline, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, and Arginine. Vegetarians are
especially susceptible to Hyperammonemia because of the lack of essential,
Medium-Chained Amino Acids (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine) that in turn
cause a deficiency of those Amino Acids named above. Thus, a hyperammonemic
state yields the spacy “brain fog” reaction, or in more severe instances may
lead to seizures.
Over
breathing, expelling too much carbon dioxide through fast, shallow or even
fast, deep breathing is part of the primitive stress response built into every
human body. If this natural fight-or-flight response becomes chronic, the lack
of CO2 causes much havoc. Dr. Robert Fried found that
hyperventilation (low CO2, high alkalinity) precedes seizures and
results in arterial constriction, including brain arteries, and spasms. This
reduces blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. This affects the brain’s
metabolism, therefore its function. Additionally, apnea is the absence of
effective breathing for 20 seconds (15 in a preemie), and is associated with
color changes (blue, gray, or dusky) and/or reduced muscle tone (turning
“floppy”). In the
infant, whether premature or not, breathing is exquisitely controlled primarily
by the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, and to a lesser extent by oxygen
levels. The method of children re-breathing their own air through “masking”
used at The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential has often been
helpful with these children as they raise their CO2 and oxygen
levels (and acidify the system). (Conversely, one Mom writes, “What we thought
to be seizure behavior are periods of her blood pressure dropping suddenly and
dangerously”.) Fried concluded that the abnormal electrical activity picked up
on EEGs is the result of seizures, not the cause, nor the seizure itself. CO2
is the main regulator of Cerebral Blood Flow, so this impaired vasoreactivity
(constriction) may reflect the brain dysfunction in the seizure focus and
adjacent areas.
“By
examining blood chemistries, the data that began to unfold was fascinating and
clearly earmarked the acidosis and hypoxic state (low serum bicarbonate = low
oxygen levels). Seizures were often brought under control by examining the
electrolytic disturbance, and matching them to the child’s needs. Potassium
bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, and the like were used.
(Potassium Bicarbonate from Emerson Ecological, Inc.,
www.emersonecologics.com.) (These normally alkaline minerals release the
carbonate raising carbonic-acid levels, acidifying the system. CO2
acts as an anticonvulsant, and also reduces glucose metabolites, which
accumulate around the foci. Blood flow is increased to the brain—WSL.) Now we began to understand why so
many children responded to Buffered C (potassium bicarbonate, calcium
carbonate, magnesium carbonate), and why others needed a more specific buffer
(in some children for example niacin was grossly depleted, and they required
niacin bicarbonate). (Calcium carbonate tends to constipate, and may be useful
in controlling diarrhea, or when magnesium is tending to loose bowels—WSL.)
Buffers and butyrates attenuate (lessens the effects of) abnormal nitrogen
metabolism, however, children with ASD are unique in their presentations, and
as we examine nitrogen retention/NO, electrolyte stability, catalysts, and
lipid status to determine disturbances in metabolism, it requires that we act
upon these aberrations in an integrative manner from a cellular perspective,
not as singular interventions....We found that mineral endings contained in
many multiples were worthless (magnesium oxide—a laxative), or irritating to
the CNS (aspartates), or to the urea cycle (picolinates), but the children
responded beautifully to alkaline salts such as Buffered C, the carbonates, and
digestive support, including duodenum (naturally containing secretin and other
components of the small intestine—1 teaspoon after meals—WSL. Obtain from
www.krysalis.com.), and pancreas (available in porcine, bovine, or bovine
derivatives—1 to 2 capsules after meals—WSL)”—Patricia Kane. “I found...that
many, many of these children are in negative nitrogen balance. Their
BUN-to-creatinine ratios are very high”—Dr. Mary Megson. Nitrogen retention is
dependent upon dietary consumption of nitrogen-rich foods, along with lipid consumption,
electrolyte stability, and mineral density and balance. Those with organic
acidemias or amino acidemias will often exhibit this same protein intolerance.
Purines are
key building blocks for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, and are involved in a
variety of other cellular processes. “Purine autism” was first characterized in
the 1970s by Mary Coleman who noted elevated levels of uric acid in the urine
of some patients. Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism, and is
elevated in other diseases of purine metabolism such as Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome.
Recent studies at UCSD suggest that some of the autistic patients with elevated
urate levels also have evidence of abnormally high rates of intracellular
purine synthesis further indicating that they have a purine metabolism defect.
A few of these patients have been treated with an analog of uridine for several
years, with improvements observed in cognitive performance and muscular
function. Repligen Corp now holds the patent to uridine treatment for this
condition.
Through its
conversion into carbonic acid, carbon dioxide is the most vital player in the
maintaining of the body’s acid-base balance. Lowering carbon dioxide in the
lungs by hyperventilation shifts the body’s pH towards alkalinity, which slows
the rate of activity of all body ferments, enzymes, and vitamins. Chronic
hyperventilating is not good for an alkaline system is more susceptible to
virus and allergies. This shift in the rate of metabolic-regulator activity
disturbs the normal flow of metabolic processes and leads to the death of the
cell. The lowering of carbon dioxide in the nerve cells heightens the
threshold of its excitability, alerting all branches of the nervous system and
rendering it extraordinarily sensitive to outside stimuli. This hypersensitivity to light,
sound, touch, taste, smell, heat or cold leads to irritability, sleeplessness,
stress problems, unfounded anxiety, fears, allergic reactions, and inordinate
stress. Concurrent with this, the breathing center in the brain is further
stimulated causing a further loss of carbon dioxide. A vicious cycle has
commenced. The detrimental influence of the rapid, deep breathing on the
organism is a direct result of the creation of a carbon-dioxide deficit. It is
clear that a deepening of the breathing does not necessarily mean an increase
in oxygen uptake. On the contrary, it can mean a decrease in oxygenation, which
leads to hypoxia, an alkaline imbalance, and cell spasming. “You are
hyperventilating if breathing is predominantly thoracic (chest); if little use
is made of the diaphragm (abdominal movement is minimal); if breathing is
punctuated by frequent sighs; if sighing has an effortless quality with a
marked forward and upward movement of the sternum but little lateral expansion.”—Dr.
Robert Fried.
If the
above condition is suspected, one should obtain a roll of pH paper and check
the pH of saliva and urine. Details of this testing are found in my electronic
book “Self-help to Good Health”, (34 Chapters, 535 Pages, $21.95 US) in the
Chapter “Digestion and Utilization”. An excessively acid condition would likely
signal a too high CO2. The lungs are not getting the carbon dioxide
out and the needed oxygen in. The opposite would be true for an excessively
alkaline condition—there is too little CO2, yet the cells will be
starving for oxygen. The best time for checking pH is mid morning and late
afternoon before the evening meal. A word of warning: in using sodium
bicarbonate excessively, potassium can be excreted producing a potassium
deficiency that can cause heart palpitations. Use of too much bicarbonate can
cause the system to become overly alkaline.
If
suffering hyperammonemia, or over alkalinity of any cause, calm the child’s
breathing in whatever manner you can in order to raise CO2 levels,
and use these carbonate buffers to restore CO2 and body acidity. One
quick way to restore acidity is to drink a teaspoon of raw, unfiltered,
apple-cider vinegar every hour or so until desired acidity is restored. Deep
breathing can be used consciously, and perhaps unconsciously, to make more
alkaline an already acid system—quite common in ASD. As Dr. Fried states, the
over breathing may be “the body’s best adjustment to its present needs.” If the
acidity were that of excess lactic acid, consciously hyperventilating would
likely make the condition worse. Use these methods also to stop severe allergic
reactions. The average asthmatic, for example, over-breathes 3-5 times the
recommended amount, sometimes more. If you think someone’s having an allergic
reaction, and you don’t have those (bi)carbonate buffers, try half a teaspoon
or a teaspoon of baking soda in a half-glass of water. Sometimes, that will
stop a reaction within 10 to 15 minutes. Three commercial, bicarbonate products
AlkaAidÔ, AlkaSeltzer GoldÔ, and AlkaLimeÔ, or
alkali salts (from health food stores, usually a combination of sodium and
potassium and sometimes calcium carbonate) can be used. This is very effective,
not only in stopping reactions, but if you take it before you eat a food to
which you are sensitive, you can sometimes prevent a reaction. If you’re going
to dinner, and you’re not quite sure what they’re going to serve, you certainly
should try to take that in advance. Supporting the thyroid will increase
carbon dioxide production. A word of warning: in using sodium bicarbonate excessively, potassium
can be excreted producing a potassium deficiency that can cause heart
palpitations, and reduce HCl production. It is possible to cause the system to
become overly alkaline. Many have found bee pollen, or perhaps more so,
honeycomb, from local honey farms to be highly effective in relieving
environmental allergy. Start with very small amounts, and slowly increase
amounts until the allergy is overcome.
ButyrEnÔ
(butyric acid) by Allergy Research Group/Nutricology, Inc (800-782-4274) is a
short-chain, fatty-acid, dietary supplement in the form of an enteric-coated
formulation of calcium and magnesium salts of butyric acid (2 tablets crushed,
2x daily, mixed in food). It supports the integrity of colonic mucosa by acting
as primary fuel for the colonic epithelium. Colonic bacteria normally produce
it, but when these bacteria are disrupted this supplement will support colon
health as you rebuild colon flora. This has been shown to modulate local
electrolyte flux, thereby mediating diarrhea. Alpha ketoglutarate clears
ammonia, and butyrate clears ammonia, spores, and nitrogen. Butyrate and
another short-chain fatty acid, caprylic acid, are frequently used as
anticandida agents. Ecological Formulas (800) 654-4432 supplies a fluid
butyrate. Liver and gallbladder congestion are major issues in states of
toxicity. To insure that your gallbladder bile flow is functional add magnesium
taurate or L-taurine, and butyric acid. An increased amount of niacinamide will
be helpful too for it aids in release of toxins stored in fats. Sugar,
caffeine, alcohol, and drugs deplete niacin. Vitamins E, C, selenium, CoQ10,
and low dose Alpha Lipoic Acid all support the liver.
As
indicated, the undigested protein turns into ammonia and goes to the brain.
Kane recommends that one hour after every meal, when the body is supposed to be
producing its own bicarbonate the carbonate buffers be given, along with a big
glass of carbonated water. I feel this is too soon for it will stop protein
digestion and defeat the purpose of intervention. Studies of stomach content
have shown that for up to an hour after eating, the stomach produces no acid,
but digests carbohydrate. Though dumping takes place in small lots over time,
it seems to me that 2 1/2 or 3 hours after eating would coincide with dumping
time, and serve the purpose better. A child with these problems will consume
mostly carbohydrates. All those carbs cause high glucose which produces more
insulin than is healthful, and that interferes with fatty acid metabolism and
protein utilization, and produces insulin resistant cells, tending to
overweight and diabetes. Overweight children with high levels of insulin in
their blood are also likely to have high levels of homocysteine, a substance
that appears to raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and birth defects, as
well as possibly other adverse effects as well. In addition, these children and
adolescents appear to have lower levels of folate, a vitamin that can lower
homocysteine levels. These children may have high albumin—which is the
substance that transports toxins out of the body. High albumin means high
levels of toxins are presently being transported.
“Albumin
binds organic acids and neutralizes their toxic effect to some extent. A low
serum albumin is a significant risk factor that results in a more serious
clinical episode in patients with organic acidemias. The administration of
valproic acid (DepakeneÔ), or salicylates, should be
carefully evaluated in cases of suspected organic acidemias, since these drugs
also bind to albumin, and diminish the protective effect of albumin in
neutralizing toxic organic acids. Swedish developmental biologist Rodier has
found that valproic acid, a common anti-seizure drug known to induce autism,
causes brain damage in rodents, and precisely in the places expected, based on
what’s known about autism. Anytime you are taking Valproic Acid, you must
supplement L-carnitine (CarnitorÔ) and folic acid to avoid the deadly
consequences of their deficiency.
“Lactic
acid may be elevated in a wide range of conditions including the pyruvate
dehydrogenase, pyruvate carboxylase, 6 diphosphatase, and phosphenol-pyruvate
carboxykinase, and dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase deficiencies, glycogen storage
disease type I, fructose 1, and respiratory chain deficiencies”—Wm. Shaw.
Additionally, vigorous exercise, bacterial overgrowth of intestines, shock, and
anemia will elevate lactic acid. A possible link of metal toxicity to chronic
fatigue is via metal binding to the sulfhydryl-containing antioxidant, lipoic
acid, making lipoic acid unavailable for its vital role in the energy-producing
tricarboxylic acid (citric acid, Krebs) cycle. A deficiency of lipoic acid
results in reduced muscle mass, brain atrophy, failure to thrive and increased
lactic acid accumulation. An enzyme complex that contains lipoic acid, niacin,
and thiamine breaks down the pyruvate. If pyruvate were high, I would
supplement these nutrients.
When the
mitochondrial respiratory chain (Krebs or citric acid cycle) is blocked,
metabolites that are normally processed by its enzymes may build up in the
cells and cause problems. When glutathione levels are compromised the
mitochondrial respiratory chain is a vulnerable target and cell death ensues.
Aluminum interferes with the citric acid cycle (inhibits alpha-ketoglutarate
and results in toxic levels of ammonia), and thereby reduces energy production
from foods. This has been shown to influence mood and energy levels. High
aluminum levels were found to be related to encephalopathies and dementia.
Recent studies suggest that aluminum contributes to neurological disorders such
as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, senile and presenile dementia,
clumsiness of movements, staggering when walking, and inability to pronounce
words properly.
Aluminum,
as obtained from antacids, can bind pepsin and weaken protein digestion. It
also has astringent qualities, and thus can dry the tissues and mucous linings
and contribute to constipation. Regular use of aluminum-containing deodorants
may contribute to the clogging of underarm lymphatics and then to breast
problems such as cystic disease.
Acute
aluminum poisoning has been associated with constipation, colicky pain,
anorexia, nausea and gastrointestinal irritation, skin problems, and lack of
energy. Slower and longer-term increases in body aluminum may create muscle
twitching, numbness, paralysis, and fatty degeneration of the liver and kidney.
It is worse with reduced renal function. Aluminum may reduce the absorption of
selenium and phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract. The loss of bone
matrix from aluminum toxicity can lead to osteomalacia, a softening of the
bone. Skin rashes have occurred with local irritation from aluminum antiperspirants.
Pyruvate is
a chemical derived from glucose that’s normally shipped into the mitochondria.
A mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle that resides in the cytoplasm of
every cell. One of the more unsung heroes of cellular life, the mitochondria
use Pyruvate and fatty-acid metabolism and electron transport to provide energy
for cells. Researchers studying the enterprising organelle have discovered that
in 95 percent of the cases of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and ALS, there are
elevated levels of free radicals and crashed mitochondria.
Pyruvate is
processed further so that the respiratory chain can harvest its potential
energy. However, when the respiratory chain (electron transport) is blocked,
pyruvate accumulates outside the mitochondria, and when too much pyruvate has
accumulated, the cells start to convert it to lactic acid. “Many patients with
mitochondrial disease have lactic acidosis—lactate in the blood,”
neuroscientist Eric Schon of Columbia University in New York says. “And there’s
decent evidence that the lactate isn’t just a sign of faulty mitochondria, but
that the lactate itself is bad—especially in the brain, but probably also in
the muscle. If this is true, then holding that lactate down would help the
patient.” There is a frequent association of lactic acidosis and carnitine
deficiency in autistic patients, which suggests excessive nitric oxide
production in mitochondria (Lombard, 1998; Chugani et al, 1999). Sport by MannatechÔ can aid
in removing excess lactic acid, whether in sports, or in autism; however,
supplementing small amounts of alpha lipoic acid (several times a day), NADH,
and CoQ10 may enable the mitochondria to use the pyruvate. Children with inborn
errors of pyruvate metabolism showed symptomatic improvement with a supplement
of Alpha Lipoic Acid.
Cellular
energy production itself produces free radicals that can damage cell
structures, including the mitochondria, and ultimately lead to various diseases
if the body’s natural antioxidant capacity is inadequate. Acetyl l-carnitine
and Alpha Lipoic Acid are both endogenous (naturally present in the body)
antioxidants that have been shown to restore mitochondrial function and reduce
free radical damage. (Hagen TM et al., 1998; Lyckesfeldt J et al., 1998)
Together with NADH and coenzyme Q10, they work to maintain the function of the
mitochondria. Elevated levels of free radicals from immune activation produced
by dietary intake of food substances identified as pathogens (allergens) in the
autist contribute significantly to the production of toxic and neurotoxic
substances. Mitochondria are vulnerable to a wide array of endogenous and
exogenous factors that appear to be linked by excessive nitric oxide
production. Strategies to augment mitochondrial function, either by decreasing
production of endogenous toxic metabolites, reducing nitric oxide production,
or stimulating mitochondrial enzyme activity may be beneficial in the treatment
of autism. To accomplish the strategies to augment the mitochondrial function
requires that the dietary pathogens be identified and eliminated, the nitrogen
containing amino acids be regulated, and the metabolism be functioning at
optimal levels with healed mucosal linings and the recognized essential
nutrients present and available.
The volume
of hydrochloric acid needed for digestion may be as important as its strength
(acidity). It must register a pH of 3 or below for pepsinogen to be converted
to pepsin—needed to dissolve proteins into polypeptides in the first step of
reducing protein to amino acids that the body can use. In today’s crazy world,
even children do not produce enough HCl to digest their foods properly! It
seems that autistic children in particular have a preponderant number who are
lacking HCl. One test identified 52% lacking.
Conditions
associated with the depressed secretion of hydrochloric acid include infancy,
aging, elevated levels of prostaglandin E2, cannabis use, billiard disease,
allergies, autoimmune phenomenon, disorders in calcium metabolism, Vitiligo,
and the signs and symptoms associated with fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A,
E, D, K, Fas). Fatigue, vague epigastric distresses after meals, reflux,
chronic excessive intestinal gas, constipation, belching, abdominal distention,
coated tongue, nausea, vomiting, morning diarrhea, and frequent appearance of
undigested food in stools all signal that HCl secretion may be impaired.
Chyme
leaves the stomach in small dumps. When the chyme leaving the stomach is
sufficiently acid, the duodenum triggers the secretion of secretin from S-cells
in the small intestine walls into the blood. HCl is the only known stimulus
of secretin. Zinc
appears to influence the bioavailability of secretin as well as the
availability of HCl. The amount of secretin released is dependent on the volume
and pH of the chyme. This release of secretin does three things immediately. It
signals the stomach to: 1) shut down HCl production (indicating that infusions
should not be administered immediately after a meal, and that signs of an acid
stomach after the stomach is empty may be due to a lack of secretin output), 2)
to release bicarbonate of soda in precisely the right amounts to neutralize the
acid, and 3) to release pancreatic enzymes to continue the digestion of the
food. The secretin passes throughout the system, even into the brain, where it
affects many body functions. Slowed emptying time of the stomach, reduced
gastrointestinal symptoms, and—in many—dramatic improvements in behavior, as
manifested in improved eye contact, alertness, and expansion of expressive
language, are documented in many of those receiving infusions.
Secondarily,
secretin generates a signal to the gall bladder to send down appropriate
amounts of bile to aid the digestion of the sensed amount of fat present. The
body has many “backup” or secondary systems to function under varied
conditions. When fat and protein enter the duodenum, apparently even in the
absence of sufficient acid to trigger secretin production, cholecystokinin
(CCK) is secreted from the walls of the duodenum, which signals both the
pancreas and the gall bladder to do their thing. That is why we can exist
without HCl, but not well, for HCl/pepsin has not broken down the protein in
the stomach, and vitamin B12 is not being assimilated. Similarly, if
food is not thoroughly chewed, some carbohydrate digestion will still take
place in the small intestine due to the pancreatic enzyme Amylase (that is
often deficient in Autism).
CCK is dependent upon an adequate supply of the amino acid
phenylalanine. Secretin and other hormones are also dependent upon adequate
amino acid substrates. “Available pools of these sulfhydryl amino acids can be
depleted by the metal-induced, high turnover of GSH. Persistent
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/norepinephrine and serotonin, respectively” (Quig,
unpublished). Due to poor digestion, and the poor eating habits of these
children, amino acid concentrates must often be supplemented. Lewis
Laboratories’ Brewer’s yeast, or desiccated liver, or pure amino acid
supplements must be supplied. SeacureÔ, a specially predigested concentrate of white fish,
is a good way to go since it is absorbed by those too weak to digest regular
protein.
If the fat
is not digested because of insufficient bile or a lack of the pancreatic enzyme
lipase, or there is a deficiency of lipotrophic agents (primarily vitamin
B-complex) there will develop a fatty acid deficiency affecting the amino acid
balance, and a deficiency of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K
contributing to many of the “autistic” symptoms, and causing heart problems in
adults. The already dysfunctional immune system will be further compromised. If
the stool floats, is light tan or gray in color, bulky, shiny, and foul
smelling, then fat is not being digested and a supplement of magnesium taurate
or L-taurine and L-glycine are needed. If these do not correct the problem
soon, then a supplement of ox bile or of bile salts is needed. I’ll say more on
that later. It is of interest to note that lipase is present in good amounts in
raw meat, but not at all in cooked meat, and cooking destroys all enzymes found
in raw food. To compensate for our cooked-food diet, we must use a digestive
enzyme supplement. I recommend Kirkman’s EnZym-CompleteÔ or
SpectraZymeÔ, or Hn-Zyme PrimeÔ by
Houston, Inc.
Felsenfeld,
et al, found pancreatic enzymes useful in restoring proper intestinal flora and
in the nutritional management of gastrointestinal bacterial overgrowth problems
which come from increases in bacteria such as Clostridia, Bacteroides,
Pseudomonceae, and the Enterobacteriaceae, such as E. Coli and Klebsiella. Many
of these organisms can be recognized as those bacteria involved in protein
putrefaction and the so-called toxic bowel syndrome. Use of azeotropically (a
type of distillation) processed pancreatin hastened the return of the altered
intestinal flora to their pre-infection levels and restored gastrointestinal
ecology. Additionally, vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc were better
absorbed and utilized.
As with
secretin, CCK does many things throughout the body. There are two receptors
identified: CCKA found abundantly in the pancreatic acinar cells, and CCKB,
that functions also as gastrin receptors. That is the predominant form found in
the brain where CCK produces satiety. Both secretin and CCK have a direct
gut/brain connection. It would appear that gastrin, a hormone produced by the
G-cells of the lower stomach, but secreted not into the stomach but into the
blood stream, may have widespread effects also as it uses CCKB receptors.
“Many forms
of CCK are active but the octapeptide form of CCK, which is a chain of eight
amino acids, is able to promote the same degree of signal at the CCKB receptor
regardless of whether sulfate has attached to it or not. On the other hand, the
CCKA receptor is a thousand times more responsive to sulfated octapeptide than
it is to the octapeptide’s unsulfated form. In a condition of low sulfate
(PST—poor sulfoxidation), CCK’s maturation might be affected, and the delivery
of its signal at the CCKA receptor would be unreliable. When one looks at the
function of the CCKA receptor, the possible relevance to autism begins to
become clear. Though it is clear there are some regions where the CCKA receptor
does not regulate the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, it clearly
does have effects in the hypothalamus, and it is also clear that CCK has very
powerful effects on serotonin in other regions where the receptor has not been
differentiated. It may consequently have effects on serotonin’s metabolite,
melatonin, in the pineal gland. (Serotonin, through its effect on CCKB,
produces satiety—WSL.) The CCKA receptor powerfully regulates another
neurotransmitter, dopamine, and also intrinsic factor, a substance in the
digestive system that allows the body to absorb vitamin B12. When B12
is lacking, it will result in elevations in methylmalonic acid in the urine,
which was found to be consistently elevated in the children in Wakefield’s
recent study...The CCKA receptor also governs the release of and regulates the
release of the hormone oxytocin, dubbed the ‘social hormone’,....CCK also helps
to regulate another hormone: motilin”—Susan Owens. Thus, a lack of sulfation
will greatly diminish available pancreatic enzymes necessary to digestion, and
adversely affect all these neurotransmitter functions (see the information on
sulfation deficit, and PST below). Opioid peptides inhibit oxytocin release,
and thereby promote the preferential secretion of vasopressin when it is of
functional importance to maintain homeostasis during dehydration and
hemorrhage. Both neuromodulators and neurohormones coexist in the same
neuron”—Susan Owens.
Pancreatic
function was significantly reduced in patients with hypothyroidism compared
with healthy subjects. Treatment with thyroxin restored the pancreatic function
to normal. In two additional hypothyroid patients studied by means of duodenal
intubation, pancreatic secretion of both bicarbonate and enzymes were found to
be significantly decreased. It was concluded that the thyroid gland plays an
essential role in maintaining the functional integrity of the exocrine pancreas
in humans (Gullo et al, 1991). A new study published in the July issue of the
American Journal of Gastroenterology by Dr. Vincenzo Toscano and colleagues at
the Universita La Sapienza in Rome indicates that adolescent patients with
celiac disease have elevated levels of anti-thyroid and anti-pancreatic
autoantibodies.
Infants
born to women with underactive thyroid were at increased risk of cardiac
problems even if the mothers were on medication. (Medication does not correct
the nutrient lack, the excess fluoride, or the mercury poisoning that induced
the hypothyroidism!) There was increased risk of other problems, mostly
intellectual or developmental, in children as a result of hypothyroid
(underactive thyroid) pregnancies. Moms with hypothyroidism were more likely
than those with hyperthyroidism to have babies with defects. Do the iodine and
morning temperature test for you and your children (outlined later).
It was
shown in an in vivo experiment that treatment of rats with thyroid hormone
increased hypothalamic oxytocin (OT) mRNA levels, the pituitary OT content, as
well as OT levels in blood. The results reveal thyroid hormone as a
physiological regulator of OT gene expression, which stimulates OT promoter
activity directly through interaction with a thyroid hormone-response element
in the OT gene. (Adan et al, 1992) Thyroid hormones affect oxytocin gene
expression in hypothalamic neurons. (Dellovade et al, 1999)
Researchers
observed that there was a remarkable family resemblance between social bonding
and narcotic addiction—from the initial attachment-dependence phase to the
eventual tolerance-withdrawal phases. It rapidly became clear that when animals
were given very tiny doses of opiates, they were not distressed by social
isolation, and they became comparatively unsocial (even though they could
exhibit increases in certain social activities such as rough-and-tumble play).
When given opiate antagonists, such as naltrexone, they were more disturbed by
social isolation, and they became more eager for gentle and friendly social contact.
A double blind study using naltrexone produced significant reduction in
autistic symptomology among the 56% most responsive to opioid effects. The
behavioral improvements were accompanied by alterations in the distribution of
the major lymphocyte subsets, with a significant increase in the
T-helper-inducers and a significant reduction of the T-cytotoxic-suppressors
and a normalization of the CD4/CD8 ratio.
Clinical signs that may attend high
urinary opiates are aphasia or poor language development;
constipation or constipation mixed with wet stools; strong growth and gain or
excess weight for stature; marked perseveration and rigidity; and marked lack
of social connectedness. Opioid peptides are known to adversely affect neuronal
development in the central nervous system, to affect perception, sleep, pain,
cognition, and immune function, and to create perseverative behaviors.
Other
studies have found that mercury causes increased levels of the CD8
T-cytotoxic-suppressors. It’s not a far step to imagine that these opiate
effects on social behavior might reflect something that is happening in
childhood disorders such as autism. “When we focused on the data, it was clear
that only the animals given opiates became unsocial and less pain sensitive (dysautonomia)”,
researchers said. Thus, it seemed more compelling to suggest that some kids
with autism might also have too much opioid activity in their brain. This was
especially attractive since there were experimental drugs, such as naltrexone,
that could reduce such brain activities. Still, some of the kids, perhaps the
insecure/anxious ones, may have too little opioid activity. Naltrexone should
be used only as a diagnostic tool to indicate an opioid problem.
“The
digestive actions (of motilin—WSL) can be suppressed...when there is a high
level of histamine from an allergic reaction or from an immune attack against
parasites, and...when there are low levels of serotonin in the gut. Lowered gut
levels of serotonin might occur if bacteria were squandering available
tryptophan in order to produce the precursor to indolyl acryloyl glycine (IAG).
IAG is very often extremely elevated in urinary profiles of those with autism.
(It usually returns to normal when the lactobacillus acidophilus is restored to
the gut—Wm. Shaw). Motilin also appears to be very influenced by opiates. This
regulatory influence could have significance in a syndrome in which excess
opiates from dietary sources (gluten and casein) have been frequently
described; and in which inflammation is frequently seen, because inflammation
would induce the expression of endogenous opiates, such as interferon-alpha.
These influences upon motilin’s digestive activity may account for the variable
digestive difficulties that are commonly described in autism”—Susan Owens.
Motilin is
reported to be elevated in the plasma of some autistics. “Motilin has similar
effects to morphine on the reflex involved with urination (and may cause
difficulty in potty training—WSL). Acute elevations in plasma motilin seem to
follow on the heels of immune activation in the gut and in other GAG-rich areas
such as the lungs. It could become elevated in plasma due to a regulatory
effect of low bicarbonate released from the pancreas. This could happen if
secretin levels were unusually low, or when CCK is not fully sulfated. Since
secretin seems to stimulate the release of sulfated glucosaminoglycans (GAGs)
from some epithelial tissue, this interplay of intestinal hormones may furnish
more reasons why secretin has recently been found beneficial to those with
autism. Motilin is also an important neurotransmitter found in abundance in the
areas of the brain suspected of having problems in autism. It is a major
neurotransmitter in Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, where the most conspicuous
problems in brain morphology in autism have been described”—Susan Owens.
Colostrum
is very high in motilin, and may be helpful in this respect as well as in its
antibacterial properties. It is, however, at least in mother’s milk, high in
casein, so those on casein-free diets should verify there is none in the
commercial colostrum of cow’s milk. In one independent testing of several
brands, only Kirkman Labs’ Colostrum GoldÔ was casein free. Casein is often hidden in dextrose, maltose, modified
food starch, caramel color, barley malt syrup, calcium caseinate, etc.
What are
GAGs? They are molecules of long unbranched polysaccharides
(mucopolysaccharides) containing a repeating disaccharide unit. The
disaccharide units contain either of two modified sugars—N-acetylgalactosamine
(GalNAc), or N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), and an uronic acid such as
glucuronate or iduronate. GalNAc and GlcNAc are two of the eight essential
polysaccharides. They are lacking in the diet and should be supplemented. Gags
are extremely vital to your health and immune function, and require vital
sulfate to be properly formed. The specific GAGs of physiological significance
are hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, heparin, heparan
sulfate, and keratan sulfate.
The
pancreas secretes many enzymes, including amylase (starch digesting) lipase
(fat digesting), protease (protein digesting) lactase (milk digesting), and
peptidase. The peptidases will breakdown the peptides of milk and gluten that,
if undigested, may pass through a damaged “Leaky Gut”, and become responsible
for many of the problems seen in the autistic. Mercury, however, inhibits the
peptidase—dipeptidyl peptidase IV—that cleaves, among other substances,
casomorphin during the digestive process (Puschel et al, 1982). Mercury then is
a major contributor to the opioid problem. Curiously, gelatin in that favorite
of kids, Jell-OÔ, is now said to inhibit this enzyme,
and should be eliminated from the diet. The enzyme is dependent on zinc that is
universally lacking in these kids, so a zinc supplement would help. Candida,
antibiotics, vaccines, and pesticides all deactivate DPP-IV—Dr. Wm. Shaw. Of 36
vaccinees, 10 were demonstrated to be allergic to gelatin—Allergic Reactions to
Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccinations, by Anna Marie Patja, MD, Soli
Makinen-Kilujen, Ph.D., Irja Davidkin, Ph.D., Mikko Paunio, MD, Ph.D., and
Heikki Peltola, MD, Ph.D. The allergic response these opioid-forming peptides
cause makes the gut all the more permeable. One study of delinquent boys
(Schauss, 1980) found that they drank an average of 64 ounces of milk daily!
This is an allergic addiction. The control group of non-delinquent boys drank
less than half that amount. Milk doesn’t always “do the body good”.
Beta-casomorphine-7 is a morphine-like compound that results in neural
dysfunction, as well as being a direct histamine releaser in humans and
inducing skin reactions. Additionally,
milk increases the bioavailability of Mercury.
The rapid
turnover of the epithelial cells of the gut (3 to 6 days) demands high
nutritional levels, especially of the sulfates, that are not being adequately
supplied. A low level dysfunction called “dysbiosis” develops within the gut.
Ordinarily unvirulent organisms (yeasts, fungi, and bacteria) begin to alter
the metabolic and immune responses of the body. The immune system may react to
and destroy normal gut flora. Contributing to this may be a low grade, measles
infection in the gut from vaccines, and chronic infection from common pathogens
such as Epstein-Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, and/or Human Herpes Virus 6. The
liver is overburdened, creating a flood of free radicals that damage the liver
and create toxic bile that can damage the pancreas. Restoring the beneficial
bacteria that line the intestinal tract may help to prevent the body’s immune
system from causing inflammation in the gut. Researchers found that these
bacteria are actually able to control the immune system of the host.
It has been
observed that those children whose autism appears at or around the time of
birth may have a problem with casein and show diarrhea, eczema, and ear
infection from an early age. These have 10 times normal IAG and high peptides;
whereas those who show regression into autism at about two years of age
following MMR and introduction to a wheat-based diet, have particular
difficulties with gluten. These would likely not have high IAG, but do have
high peptides. Both gluten and casein may need to be removed, but this may give
priority in beginning the program.
A test devised
by Susan Bryson of York University in Toronto gives an early measure of autism.
She measures a child's ability to shift focus from one stimulus to another.
First, one light is turned on, and then as a second light is turned on, the
first is shut off. All children will shift their focus from the first to the
second light. In the second part of the test, the first light is left on as the
second is turned on. Normal children will disengage from the first to the
second light, but autistic children cannot make that shift. In contrast, a
severely retarded 6-month-old can refocus its gaze with no problem.
It is
worthy of note that over 80% of the children with acute otitis media improve
without antibiotic therapy within a week. That compares with 93% recovery
during the first week with antibiotic treatment, according to a study released
by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). “Watchful waiting” is
suggested as preferred treatment. This will prevent the damage to the gut,
candida overgrowth, and if made accepted practice, it will greatly reduce
bacterial resistance to antibiotics. To enable the body to throw off the
infection quickly, use Echinacea extract in juice three times a day. It is
totally nontoxic, but it works best if it is taken in courses of 10 days to two
weeks. Never exceed eight weeks without a break. It becomes ineffective if used
longer. Do not use if allergic to daisies.
Recurring
ear infections or inflammation produces fluid buildup in the inner ear. A
magnesium deficiency has been found to result in fluid retention, even after
the infection is controlled or eliminated. Fluid retention in the inner ear is
a sign of increased magnesium need in children.
One way to
temporarily address that undigested peptide/leaky gut problem is to remove the
casein or gluten, and the allergens from the diet. I urge you to undertake that
as early as possible (See www.gfcfdiet.com). Food sensitivities that express
themselves in severe symptoms, such as would be the case for autism, rarely are
limited only to a relative few food categories, such as gluten and casein. I
strongly encourage you to determine the full extent of relief and improvement
your child can achieve through dietary intervention. It is essential to avoid
not only gluten and casein containing foods, but every other problem food in
your child’s diet. If the immune system is triggered by an allergen, the body
is affected for a minimum of a week to ten days (or longer). So it’s necessary
to be particularly strict at the start of the treatment, when the goal is to
“cool down” the immune system. It has been shown that these opioids permanently
increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier opening the brain to heavy
metal poisoning and other toxic damage. Antibodies to gluten of the IgA type
have been observed to lead to cerebellar degeneration.
It is
especially important to have the child gluten-casein free during the teen years
when his brain is being pruned of one-third of brain cells and synapses in the
maturing of the brain. The opioids hinder this vital phase of development. In
instituting a casein free diet, one must supplement calcium (500 mg). Testing
has found 2/3 of these children receiving less than the RDI.
Only about
half of all Americans get the RDA of vitamin D, E, folic acid, and calcium, yet
anticonvulsants lower levels of vitamins B6, D, and E, calcium,
manganese, zinc, copper, folic acid, and carnitine! Valproic acid in particular
depletes carnitine, alpha-ketoglutarate, and folic acid, and interferes with
the conversion to vitamin B6 to P5P.
Folic acid deficiency can be caused by use of DepakoteÔ,
TegretolÔ,
aspirin, Pepcid®. Methotrexate, DilantinÔ, Zantac®, oral contraceptives,
and 21 other commonly used drugs. Use of DMG/TMG requires a greater intake of
folic acid. Deficiency symptoms include: harm to DNA that causes abnormal
cellular development, especially in those with the most rapid rates of turnover
(red cells, leukocytes, and epithelial cells of the stomach and gut, vagina,
and uterine cervix). There will be birth defects, cervical dysplasia, elevated
homocysteine, headache, fatigue, hair loss, memory loss, anorexia, insomnia,
diarrhea, nausea, and increased infections. Folic acid is necessary for the
production of red blood cells, thus a deficiency can result in anemia leading
to tiredness, weakness, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Epilepsy
often ceases when the child is placed on a gluten-casein free diet. Supplements
of copper, vitamin B1, B6, niacin, vitamin E, and Evening
Primrose Oil have been shown to be helpful in ameliorating epilepsy. A
supplement of DMG has benefited many.
Clinical
studies showed that children using anti-epileptic medication had reduced plasma
levels of vitamin E; so doctors at the University of Toronto tested Vitamin E
on 24 children with epilepsy whose seizures could not be controlled by
medication. The frequency of seizures was reduced by more than 60 percent in 10
of 12 children taking vitamin E supplements. (They took 400 IU per day for
three months in addition to their regular medication.) For additional helps see
Dr. Donna Andrew’s website at www.andrewsreiter.com. She has epilepsy. However,
she has not had a seizure in 25+ years. She taught her brain not to go into
convulsions. This woman has dedicated her life to teaching others how to be
seizure-free.
Have you
been aware of food-related problems in your child? This would include, but
would not be limited to, food allergies such as food-related asthma or rashes,
food intolerance, food addictions, food sensitivities, food aversions such as
being a very picky eater, or experiencing moderate to severe dietary
limitations that are self-imposed. If your answer is ‘yes’ to one or more of
these questions, then food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities are more
likely to be an underlying cause of the autism-related symptoms in your child. However,
avoiding the foods that trigger your child’s symptoms is a very difficult,
expensive stopgap unless the improved condition it brings is used to heal the
digestion and the inflamed, leaky gut.
When the
duodenum or upper intestine is damaged, as in celiac disease, secretin
production may be diminished or lacking. That may require administering
secretin even when adequate HCl is present, as well as going on a gluten-free
diet, at least until the damaged gut is healed. I think that frequent
transdermal application is more natural if secretin is to be used. This would
avoid the trauma of infusion, and the possibility of seizures following
infusion that has been reported in rare instances. To administer secretin
without first testing for pancreatic enzymes in the stool would be
counterproductive. “We have been measuring pancreatic enzymes in the stool for
8 years: chymotrypsin directly and amylase and lipase indirectly. About 15% of
autistic spectrum patients were deficient therein; they were given capsules
containing these 3 enzymes, plus 2 additional ones (bromelain and papain) in a
neutral solution. This group improved initially and continued to do so as
normal enzyme levels were attained.”—Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, MD. Bromelain is also
said to “digest” the outer shell around a developing tumor, allowing the immune
cells to attack and destroy it. It stops the inflammatory prostaglandins (PgE2)
without affecting the anti-inflammatory ones. It reduces blood clotting,
reduces sinus problems, and speeds healing of bruises and sprains.
Repligen
has found that 25% to 30% had abnormal values of chymotrypsin. The reason for
the low chymotrypsin levels in these patients is currently unknown since other
indications of pancreatic insufficiency are absent in this population. Kids
with low levels did not respond to secretin infusion.
“Autism” is
of unknown cause, and has no effective treatment, however, this failure of
digestion, whether from HCl or secretin deficiency, or a damaged gut causes
most of their mental and physical symptoms! These symptoms of malnutrition can
be ameliorated by nutritional intervention. As the nutritional status is improved, the immune
function will be able to deal with the pathogens, especially if given the
benefit of Ambrotose® and Phyt•Aloe® by MannatechÔ in modulating and strengthening the
immune function. See the statistics of malabsorption and other biochemical
malfunction at end of this paper. Clinical studies are available on request.
Serotonin Connection
Serotonin
(5-HT) content of blood platelets is variously reported to be excessive in 30%
to 50% of autistic due to an errant peptide or to a variant gene (note that
those with more than one autistic offspring are apt to fall into this
category). It may be that a serotonin transporter is trying to reduce an excess
of serotonin from the blood (caused by a sluggish Phase II, liver enzyme system
not clearing the spent hormone). This high platelet level of serotonin is
surprising in view of the limited protein intake of most autistic. McBride and
colleagues recently presented results of a study that confirmed the importance
of controlling for race and ethnicity in studies of platelet 5-HT.
African-American and Hispanic-American subjects had higher levels of platelet
serotonin when compared to Caucasian-American subjects. Interestingly, subjects
with autism, who had a sibling with autism, had higher platelet, 5-HT levels
than subjects without a sibling with autism. Platelet 5-HT levels have been
demonstrated to be stable after the age of 9 years, supporting the hypothesis
that platelet 5-HT levels are under genetic regulation.
In
platelets, thimerosal (mercury) causes aggregation, increase of arachidonic
acid metabolism, and exocytotic release of serotonin. The herb feverfew
contains a chemical (parthenolide) that inhibits the release of serotonin from
platelets facilitating a more regular blood flow, and is said to be a benefit
in migraine. One study, however, shows it to be toxic to the liver and to
peripheral mononuclear blood cells (immune cells) and to inhibit Phase I liver
enzymes. The cytochrome p450 (Phase I) enzyme pathway is the only way a baby
has to deal with endotoxin from the gut. The Phase I system is one of several shut
down temporarily by DPT and other vaccines, and suppressed by mercury. With
these toxins (and those of candida) being given off when the liver is impaired,
they can have severe consequences, including SIDS. Pharmacological evidence
suggests more than 50% of the patients with autism may have an abnormality in
serotonergic neurotransmission; however, no consistent patterns of behavior or
of symptoms have been identified that relate to this high platelet level of
serotonin.
Nevertheless,
Dr. Robert Reisinger, DMV, describes the final mechanism of death in infants
who have temporary liver dysfunction, and E. Coli in the gut: “One bottle of
formula is enough to change a baby’s gut dramatically, and it takes two weeks
of breast feeding to return the gut to normal. How can this happen? E. Coli is
the main culprit. This bacterium is putrefactive and protein loving. The
protein content of human breast milk is lower than in any other mammal, and the
protein content of formula or any other milk supplement has a direct influence
on the numbers of E. Coli in the gut often raising it to 1000 times higher
levels. Not only does the acid gut and very low protein content of breast milk
provide a more hostile environment for E. Coli, but breast milk also contains
neutralizing factors against E. Coli. When E. Coli is elevated, absorption into
the bloodstream over hours of time of small amounts of bacterial endotoxin not
detoxified by a temporarily dysfunctional reticulo-endothelial system results
in removal of blood platelets and fibrinogen from the circulating blood. The
result is release of relatively large amounts of serotonin from platelets into
the blood plasma (in some experiments the increase of plasma serotonin is
almost 100-fold). This serotonin shock can cause such serious vasoconstriction
as to cause sudden heart failure. Serotonin initiates, in some cases, the
coronary chemoreflex (Becold-Jarisch reflex) in which there is inhibition of
sympathetic outflow and increased activity of the cardiac (efferent) vagus, leading
to profound bradycardia, hypotentions, and cardiovascular collapse. The complex
pathogenesis of endotoxemia depending on time and dosages, also involves
release of norepinephrine, epinephrine, corticosteroids, etc. However, if death
occurs early in the course of this syndrome, it is due primarily to serotonin
effect. Serotonin is associated with deep sleep and in certain circumstances
strongly inhibits respiratory movements¼ Endotoxin also has a more direct
effect on cellular respiration, since it interferes with oxidative metabolism
of mitochondria in vitro as well as in vivo... Between three and six hours,
vascular capillary permeability has become more substantial, and varying
amounts of edema and hemorrhage by diapedesis are apparent. After six to eight
hours or more, fibrin-platelet clots have formed, and disseminated
intravascular coagulation (DIC) is present in lungs, kidneys, and other organs
and tissues.”
“For
nonautistic children, serotonin synthesis capacity (of the brain) was more than
200% of adult values until the age of 5 years and then declined toward adult
values. Serotonin synthesis capacity values declined at an earlier age in girls
than in boys. In autistic children, serotonin synthesis capacity increased
gradually between the ages of 2 years and 15 years to values 1.5 times adult
normal values and showed no sex difference.”—Developmental Changes in Brain
Serotonin Synthesis Capacity in Autistic and Nonautistic Children. Chugani DC,
Muzik O, Behen M, Rothermel R, Janisse JJ, Lee J, Chugani HT, Department of
Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit 48201, USA.
This
imbalance in allocation of available serotonin, a tryptophan deficiency, a
vitamin B6 deficiency, a magnesium deficiency, or a deficiency of
the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, or some combination, leaves a deficit for
the brain. Evidence of serotonin deficiency in autism comes from a
pharmacological study using tryptophan depletion. Tryptophan depletion leads to
reduced serotonin synthesis, release, and neurotransmission. McDougle and
colleagues found exacerbation of behaviors such as whirling, flapping, pacing,
stomping, banging and hitting self, rocking, toe walking, and anxiety in more
than 50% of the adults with autism after tryptophan depletion. Deficiencies in
the brain chemical transmitter serotonin have been identified as a potential
cause of suicide. There is evidence showing that aggressive dyscontrol—be it
violence, rage, impulsivity, or disinhibition—is often linked to disturbances
in serotonin metabolism. This study is consistent with the finding of decreased
ratio of serum tryptophan to large neutral amino acids in idiopathic infantile
autism relative to controls, which would lead to a lower basal level of
serotonin synthesis, vulnerability to tryptophan depletion, and response to
pharmacological manipulations that increase 5-HT neurotransmission.
Drugs that
inhibit transport of serotonin: the tricyclic antidepressants, and the
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
(MAOI) that hold more serotonin in the synapse between brain cells longer
greatly reduce the above symptoms. Normally, the enzyme MAO removes some
serotonin from the synapse while a major part is sucked back into the neuron
that created it (reuptake). In the autistic with the above behaviors, there
needs to be more serotonin available in the synapse. That can best be ensured
by increasing the supply in the neuron—naturally—by increasing the precursor it
needs to make serotonin. This is accomplished by supplementing 5-HTP, and/or by
conserving it from destruction in the synapse by supplementing magnesium and
vitamin B6. Folic acid is added to the regimen since requirements
increase with pyridoxine-magnesium therapy and males with fragile X syndrome (a
subgroup of autism) benefit specifically from folate supplementation. Vitamin B6
may not be responsive if folic acid is depleted, so it should probably always
be accompanied by folic acid, and vitamin B12.
Another
nutrient, inositol, has been used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive
disorder as well as the compulsive behaviors demonstrated by some autistic
children. Doses vary from 1-6 grams, three times daily. Tryptophan is
prescribed in orthomolecular therapy in cases of insomnia, depression, and obsessive-compulsive
disorders. Based on studies done in animals, some digestive enzymes may also
have an effect on neurotransmitter levels, especially dopamine.
Serotonin
is found in many foods we eat such as grapes, avocado, tomato, orange, plums,
pineapple, bananas, and spinach. Eating carbohydrates with tryptophan
supplements or protein meals increases conversion of tryptophan to serotonin by
stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin. Insulin increases the relative
concentration of tryptophan in the blood by causing the body tissues to soak up
competing amino acids from the blood so the tryptophan has less competition in
transferring from blood to brain.
Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin, tryptamine, melatonin, and
indolamine, all neurotransmitters. Dehydration seems to cause a severe
depletion of brain tryptophan. Tryptophan is the natural brain regulator for
salt absorption in the body. This lack of tryptophan and its neurotransmitter
products will establish lower than normal salt reserves. This will lead to a
higher sugar content in the blood in an effort to balance osmotic forces. If
blood sugar is to come down, a slight increase in salt intake will be
necessary. In Type I diabetes,
there may be severe salt shortage, leaving the brain no alternative but to
raise the level of sugar even more to compensate. One of the most effective
ways to raise tryptophan, serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain is
exercise. Another is the adequate intake of pure water. Tryptophan and water
are essential to homeostasis, the balanced function of all body systems. A
correction of tryptophan levels will bring many dividends in good health,
feelings of well-being, and relief of depression.
Foods that supply
tryptophan: dairy products, turkey, bananas, complex carbohydrates, and nuts.
Selling tryptophan for human consumption is illegal in the United States;
however, it is available for use with animals. You can buy pure pharmaceutical
grade tryptophan from BIOS Biochemicals
8987-309 E. Tanque Verde, No 340, Tucson, AZ 85749-9399 (Phone 520–326–7610).
Do not inquire about usage, or mention human use. Tryptophan can increase both
the effectiveness and the toxicity of certain antidepressant drugs, including
Prozac and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO). Mix them only if so directed by
your doctor.
For those
on anti-seizure medications, it should be noted that behavioral side effects of
the barbiturate-related agents, Phenobarbital and phenytoin (DilantinÔ), may
include irritability and depression as well as aggressive behaviors such as
biting, pinching, and kicking.
The anxiety
produced by a lack of serotonin creates another problem. When the environment
is not perceived as “safe”, the nervous system will function adaptively to
facilitate fight-flight behaviors. Fear and stress tend to produce illness, but
fear, stress, and illness result in a retraction of the voluntary “social
engagement system”, leading to compromised social abilities. Depressing this
neural system has several behavioral consequences including flat effect,
aprosody (can’t pay attention), difficulty in phoneme recognition, articulation
problems, hypersensitivity to sounds, and behavioral state regulation issues.
Stress also has observable effects on intestinal micro biota. Release of ACTH
from fear and anger leads to increased jejunal E. Coli, loss of Bifidobacteria
and Lactobacillus from fecal samples, and increased levels of the pathogenic
Bacteroides fragilis. Although these symptoms are nonspecific regarding
differential psychiatric or behavioral diagnosis, many children with
developmental disorders share them. The high level stresses these children
suffer must be countered by a variety of antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, selenium)
to avoid systemic damage. The excess cortisol this produces should be countered
by supplementing 100 to 200 mcg of chromium, 400 mg magnesium, 50 mg
pantothenic acid, and 500 mg vitamin C, and by various relaxation techniques,
including a good back rub. It is reported that high stress induced levels of
cortisol were present in one-third, and that the hippocampus (involved in
memory) was 14% smaller than normal!
Marked
disturbances of uptake of deuterated phenylalanine and tryptophan from
intestine into blood were found in a portion of autistic patients (group A). In
another group of the patients, a remarkable decrease in turnover of tyrosine in
blood was found (group B)....These findings might suggest that the supply of
tyrosine (from phenylalanine metabolism) and free tryptophan to the brain (in
group A), or supply of tyrosine to the brain (group B) might be decreased. We
postulated that in some of autistic patients there might exist decreases in
synthesis of catecholamine or serotonin. Based on the hypothesis, we started
a new treatment with L-DOPA and 5-HTP in small doses, and found significant
effects in some patients. However, in some, the amino acids caused marked
aggravation of the symptoms—Naruse H; Hayashi T; Takesada M; Nakane A; Yamazaki K; Source: No To
Hattatsu, 1989 Mar, 21:2, 181-9. The amino acids Phenylalanine and Tyrosine are
precursors to L-dopa, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. One Mom reported
significant increase in cognitive awareness and speech after supplementing
Phenylalanine. One hundred to 500 mg on an empty stomach before bedtime would
be a good choice. Do not exceed 1000 mg.
Yet,
studies in Australia revealed that high levels of tyrosine were present in many
hyperactive children (dietary tyrosine is found in a variety of food products,
including yeast extracts, cheese, coffee, citrus fruits, chocolate, and cream).
Dr. Felix
Sulman began his research on those who suffer from high serotonin levels
because of an inability to metabolize serotonin. He found that serotonin is a
stress neuro-hormone leading even rabbits, the most docile of creatures, to be
aggressive. He coined the term “Serotonin Irritation Syndrome.” He found
that those who were unable to break down serotonin (PST kids) would have the
levels increase. An
increase in serotonin in turn increases noradrenaline. They “were in effect
being poisoned by the serotonin produced by their own bodies. The irritation
victims suffered from migraines, hot flashes, irritability, sleeplessness,
pains around the heart, difficulty in breathing, a worsening of bronchial
complaints, irrational tension and anxiety, with horrifying nightmares. It also
caused his volunteers to sleep badly—that is, always on the edge of
consciousness so that they were not properly rested—and to wake after only a
few hours of sleep.” He also found it caused pregnant women to abort—October
1977: Slater, et al, Inhibition of REM Sleep by Fluoxetine, a Specific
Inhibitor of Serotonin Uptake, October 1977, at p. 385. Children so often get
coughs and colds, yet using a cough or cold medication with dextromethorphan
could cause the serotonin syndrome, a very serious and potentially fatal
adverse reaction and/or produce PCP reactions. This being the case, neither
ProzacÔ type SSRIs nor 5-HTP should be used by PST kids.
Additionally, when animals were severely deprived of zinc, levels of brain
catecholamines increased, that is, elevation of noradrenaline occurred
consistently, dopamine increased irregularly and serotonin relatively, when
compared to controls. Experimental zinc deficiency in humans leads reversibly
to reduced sperm count combined with reduced serum testosterone
More
to the point, 95% of serotonin is found in the gut! It is here we are able to
see exactly what happens when SSRIs are used. When ProzacÔ is
given, stimulation of nerve cells becomes larger in amplitude, and longer in
duration, and 8 to 10 times as many cells are activated, thus SSRIs are very
likely to cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Continued use of SSRIs cause
some serotonin receptors to desensitize and fail to respond anymore, while
others simply become less sensitive. As desensitization sets in, cells stop
responding and constipation follows. These are not “side effects” as usually
suggested, but the direct effects of holding serotonin on the nerve cell
receptors too long (preventing reuptake). Similar effects occur in the brain.
Glutathione increases sensitivity to dopamine and to serotonin.
Inositol
Therapy can help in two ways: it can sensitize the receptors, or it can replace
the SSRIs! Rahman and Neuman reported that exogenous inositol reverses the desensitization
of serotonin receptors (Rahman, 1993). Increased membrane phosphatidylinositol
could enhance effects of synaptic serotonin as do SSRIs (Fux, 1996). Inositol
has been proven as beneficial as SSRIs in the treatment of OCD, depression, and
panic disorder in double blind placebo controlled studies (Benjamin, 1995; Fux,
1996). Doses vary from 1-6 grams, three times daily.
Due to the
possible negative effect of 5-HTP in PST kids, I suggest use of DMG or TMG,
which have similar improvements reported, often within hours. Each child
responds at a different level of intake, usually 1 to 4, 125 mg tablets of DMG,
daily; so begin with one and slowly increase the amount. One to four DMG is the
equivalent of one to two TMG 500 mg.
“Using TMG
is an attempt to force the methionine resynthesis pathway from homocysteine by
an alternative pathway to the 5-methylfolate-B12-methionine synthase
before Cystathionine Beta Synthase (CBS) can convert homocysteine to cysteine.
The byproduct is DMG. The purpose of this addition is to try to keep
homocysteine in the form of methionine in order to rob CBS of substrate for
overproduction of cysteine (which would be toxic—WSL). This is essentially a backup
pathway, and is meant to complement the folate route for remethylation rather
than supplant it. It does not interfere with the folate route”—David H. Swenson
Ph.D. Nevertheless, to avoid hyperactivity, and to effect the conversion in
those who are cystathionine Beta-synthase deficient, one must supplement
vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid when supplementing
TMG/DMG. Nevertheless, supplementing folic acid excessively may cause
breakthrough seizures by altering drug serum concentrations; so check with your
doctor on this. The effect of TMG, folic acid, and vitamin B12 is to
reduce homocysteine (which sometimes builds excessively due to a cystathionine
beta-synthase, serine, magnesium, zinc, and/or vitamin B6 deficiency
that prevents transulfuration to cysteine and taurine), while controlling
cysteine production, where overproduction can be toxic. Additionally, TMG works
with folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 and methionine to
form S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to donate methyl molecules that are vital to
proper liver function and cellular replication. Supplements of SAMe are
available, but it is relatively unstable, breaks down into cysteine, and is
very expensive. For most, it is best to supplement TMG and the B-vitamins
allowing the body to form SAMe. Methyl CapsÔ by VRP supplies TMG and these
vitamins in a tasteless form that can be taken with food or water: www.vrp.com
or (800) 877-2447.
What is
methylation? Your body’s chief mechanism for cellular housekeeping is
methylation, a crucial, chemical reaction that converts inorganic to organic
forms. When methylation is inefficient and sluggish, toxic compounds build up.
This detoxification is costly to the body’s resources, requiring large amounts
of vitamins B12, folic acid, methionine, betaine, taurine, glycine,
cysteine, lecithin, and vitamin C. The most significant of these toxic
compounds is homocysteine, a metabolite in the pathway from methionine to
sulfate. Elevated homocysteine harms arteries, impairs circulation, damages
cellular DNA, and contributes to atherosclerosis, heart disease, cancer, and
many other conditions. In order for homocysteine to be recycled to SAMe and
methionine for reuse, there must be adequate amounts of folic acid, and
vitamins B6 and B12. TMG (betaine) and DMG are methyl
donors aiding in methylation. Mercury decreases zinc and methionine
availability, depresses rates of methylation, and increases free radicals. A
potentially harm side effect of any detoxification is the production of massive
amounts of free radicals. Normally, this is not a problem for the healthy
body’s antioxidant defenses (especially glutathione, the principle antioxidant
in the liver) are adequate to neutralize the free radicals, and protect not
only your liver and kidneys, but all the cells threatened. When mercury and
other poisons are being chelated, and the glutathione stores are depleted as in
autism, then great damage can be done.
DMG’s
greatest benefit has received little publicity. Studies show it can have a
dramatic effect on the immune system. A study at the University of South
Carolina showed that when the immune system was challenged with a vaccine,
those taking DMG had 400% more antibody production than controls. Before
administering any vaccines, you may want to discuss the benefit this could be
with your doctor. Additionally, the lymphocytes’ T-cell response was increased—J.
Infect Dis 81:143(1):101-104. It has been shown to increase interferon levels
indicating possible antiviral activity. Since many autistic kids have
elevated T-cell activity indicative of autoimmunity, this may be
contraindicated for them—another thing to discuss with your doctor, and to have him monitor.
There is a
newly available substance that works in this same circuit with DMG/TMG,
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), that, additionally, helps neurotransmitters bind to
receptor sites. This makes the neurotransmitters more active. It is also said
to increase serotonin levels. This would seem safer than trying to control
usage of serotonin or other neurotransmitters by use of SSRIs. It has been
proven more effective than the tricyclic antidepressants, helping the severely
depressed who did not respond to other antidepressants, and it is without the
significant side effects of those drugs, though therapeutic intake may include
a dry mouth, agitation, and gastrointestinal problems. It is faster acting with
no withdrawal period. I would urge its use, possibly along with small amounts
of 5-HTP, to control the above listed “autistic” behaviors.
It should
be possible, then, to reduce these behaviors by increasing serotonin production
naturally, rather than by use of transport inhibitors (SSRIs) (that typically
deplete the already reduced supply still further, loads the system with
fluoride, and inhibits Phase I liver enzyme function). If one determines that
the child may respond to more serotonin in the synapse, the best way to meet
the need is by supplementing magnesium and vitamin B6, the natural
conservers of serotonin, and TMG or SAMe, and if necessary, small amounts of
5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan (5-HTP), a metabolite of tryptophan that easily translates
into increased serotonin and melatonin. It is of interest to note that Michael
Murray, ND, says that only 3% of oral tryptophan is converted to serotonin, but
70% of 5-HTP is converted, so keep the servings small (30 to 50 or up to 100 mg
on an empty stomach before bedtime). 5-HTP, TMG, and SAMe are available at any
health food store.
To ensure
proper conversion to serotonin, supplement vitamin B6. A good choice
would be Super Nu TheraÔ, by Kirkman Laboratories. It is
specifically formulated to help autistic children. They presently have one
without vitamin A, so you can use cod-liver oil as your source of cis vitamin
A. Some have had difficulty in getting their child to take Super Nu Thera
because of a “not so great” taste. One “trick” that has worked for some is to
place 1/8 - 1/4 of a teaspoon of plain ascorbic acid (vitamin C) into water
with the Super Nu Thera. The taste and look are almost like orange juice.
Some are
fearful of the higher amounts of vitamin B6 and magnesium in SNT.
Dr. Bernard Rimland says that every child is different, but he has found the
average amount of vitamin B6 that is beneficial is around eight mg
per pound of body weight per day. The French found virtually the same
17mg/kg/day. That is 500 mg per 60-pound child. Dr. Rimland’s adult child has
taken 1000 mg for longer than twelve years. He suggests starting with 1/4 the
target amount and increasing slowly over a 10-14 day period. The amount of
magnesium necessary with the vitamin B6 is 3-4 mg per pound of body
weight. That would be up to 240 mg for that 60-pound child. He further states
that in thirty years he has heard of only four cases of autistic children
suffering neuropathy. He adds that if no benefit is seen in six weeks, stop
giving the high amounts. It is imperative that these higher amounts of vitamin
B6 and magnesium be taken with the underpinning of a good
multivitamin/mineral supplement to avoid induced deficiencies that probably
account for every reported case of neuropathy. Vitamins B6 and B1
sit on opposite ends of a teeter-totter, with B1 adding CO2
to molecules, and B6 removing CO2. One of the switch
points into the Krebs cycle is made up of two enzymes that run in opposite
directions. One is dependent on B1, the other on B6. All
B-vitamins are closely linked, and so must be supplemented together. In
general, the B-vitamins move little bits of things around, with B5
moving fatty acids, B3 moving electrons and protons, B12
moving methyl radicals.
Some 42%
don’t convert vitamin B6 to its necessary metabolite pyridoxal
5`-phosphate (P5P), so taking that coenzyme form of the vitamin may be more
effective. One Mom wrote, “Previously, I could not tolerate anything but a low
dose of plain B6. I think this was because I was very low on
alpha-ketoglutaric acid needed to convert B6 to P5P.
(Alpha-ketoglutaric acid is destroyed by candida yeast.) When I first started
on alpha-ketoglutaric acid combined with a very low dose B6, I was
told to take it in the morning because it may disturb sleep. Indeed, it sort-of
made me jittery. I was told this would end in about two weeks. It did. It was
just an adjustment period while my body’s enzymes were starting to work again.
When I gave my daughter P5P, I gave it in the morning. After two weeks of 150
mg of P5P, my daughter could fall asleep at night (she weighed about 120 pounds
at the time. She is not autistic, but her sleep problem was severe). Afterward,
I just gave her 50 mg of P5P once or twice a week. This has been enough to keep
the benefits.”
Zinc is
required for the conversion of pyridoxine to P5P as is vitamin B2 and
alpha-ketoglutarate. Too much B6 without B2 can deplete
the body of B2 possibly leading to Cheilosis—swollen, cracked,
bright red lips, a common symptom of B2 deficiency. Vitamin B2
is necessary for cellular growth and acts with Vitamin A in helping maintain
the health of mucous membranes and the integrity of epithelial tissue. Vitamin
B2 is needed in glutathione production, in mitochondrial function
for energy, and in the pathway that converts homocysteine to SAMe and methionine.
A shortage would hamper production of cysteine, glutathione, glutathione
peroxidase, taurine, and the sulfate needed to detox Phase II toxins (PST).
Vitamin B2 is probably the most commonly deficient vitamin in
America. Deficiency symptoms are: sensitive, easily-fatigued eyes; blurred
vision; itching, bloodshot eyes; dizziness; inflammation of mouth; sore tongue;
dermatitis; itching nose; and cracks in the corners of the mouth. Vitamin B2
is an antioxidant that aids in utilizing oxygen. It lowers body pH. It aids in
carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Radiation destroys 8% of B2 in
foods. Remember, these nutrients (Zinc, magnesium, a-ketoglutarate, and
vitamins B2 and B6) are necessary to normalize the
metabolism of, and to conserve the neurotransmitters serotonin, melatonin, and
dopamine. Benefits reported are, variously, improved use of words, improved
sleep, decrease in hyperactivity and irritability, better attention span,
increased interest in learning, and reduced self-injurious or aggressive behavior.
Studies
show that when darkness is maintained, melatonin production is 3 times higher
than daytime, but maintaining a bright, night lamp or TV in the bedroom
prevents that increased melatonin production. For the pineal gland to function
it must have distinct light/dark cycles. When you put the child to bed, make
sure the room is dark, and do not turn on the light during the night for
melatonin production stops immediately. Additionally, electromagnetic forces
from a clock or other electrical machine in the bedroom will deplete this
powerful antioxidant that protects the whole body. It is by this mechanism that
a loss of melatonin to EMF is thought to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Many
studies have shown that attention deficit and/or hyperactivity disorders in
children are linked to changes in the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood,
and that irritability and aggressive behavior are linked to thyroid hormone
levels and hypothyroidism. Make the iodine/morning temperature tests and
support the thyroid if indicated. Hyperactivity is common symptom of magnesium
deficiency. Magnesium supplements are recommended for treatment of hyperness in
many conditions besides the treatment of ASD. Other supplements known to help
with the hyperness are calcium, zinc, folic acid, and chromium. Additionally,
in a placebo-controlled study on prisoners with a history of
impulsive/aggressive behavior, the group taking lithium supplements had a
significant reduction in aggressive behavior and infractions involving violence.
Mercury
causes decreased lithium levels, which is a factor in neurological diseases
such as depression and Alzheimer’s. Chung and colleagues found that lithium
protects brain cells against excess glutamate and calcium (that kill brain
cells). Additionally, low levels of lithium cause abnormal brain cell balance
and neurological disturbances related to lowered levels of neurotransmitters
dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Lithium also is important in vitamin B12
transport and distribution, and studies have found low lithium levels common in
learning disabled children, incarcerated violent criminals, and people with
heart disease. Lithium supplementation has been found to be an effective
treatment adjunct in conditions such as bipolar depression, autism, and
schizophrenia where mania or extreme hyperactivity is seen. A recent Harvard
study showed EPA and DHA supplements to be more effective than psychiatric
medications in combating bipolar depression.
One group
with high copper and low zinc, sodium, and potassium tended to have extreme
tempers, while another group with low zinc and copper, but high sodium and
potassium tended to be sociopathic (aggressive, antisocial). Some factors that
have been documented in depression, impulsiveness, and violent behavior are low
serotonin levels, abnormal glucose tolerance (hypoglycemia), and low chromium
and folate levels, which mercury has also been found to be a cause of. One
mechanism by which mercury has been found to be a factor in aggressiveness and
violence is its documented inhibition of the brain neurotransmitter
acetylcholinesterase. Low serotonin levels and/or hypoglycemia have also been
found in the majority of those with impulsive and violent behavior. It was
found that treatment (including nutritional therapy) of delinquent or violence
prone individuals for metals related problems, usually produced significant
improvements in mood, violent behavior, and functionality, with complete cure
in the majority of cases.
Aggressive
and violent behavior was greatly reduced, and a fantastic increase in academic
performance in math and English occurred in New York City Schools in a 1986
study (Schoenthaler 1986a, 1986b). The number of learning-disabled kids fell by
an astonishing 74,000 in one year. They simply removed sugar from the school
diet! They served nothing with more than 11% sugar (fruit). A vitamin A
supplement (cod-liver oil), and balancing of zinc/copper ratios also affect the
behaviors of these kids. Most are deficient in zinc.
Since there
is no indication that the ones with these problems of hyperactivity and
aggressiveness are necessarily the ones with excess serotonin, platelet
saturation, and no symptoms have been associated with that condition, I
believe, where these behaviors are a problem, and the above nutrients have been
first supplied and sugars greatly reduced, it warrants introducing SAMe and
5-HTP in small, increasing amounts while carefully observing behavior. If
present symptoms worsen, reduce or discontinue the 5-HTP. As always, make such
a potentially serious change only in consultation with your medical
professional. First, make sure the child eats protein at every meal. Disguise
it. Supplement amino acid powders, SeacureÔ (a predigested concentrate of white
fish), and Sunflower seeds (7.5% carbohydrate and 52 percent protein! Omega-6
content (Linoleic acid) of sunflower is 57%. Interestingly, no other oil comes
close to Vitamin E—222 mg per 100 grams of oil. Whatever you do, get it down
him. This is absolutely necessary for growth and development, and “normal”
behavior. For sleep problems primarily, take 5-HTP (up to 100 mg) two to four
hours before bedtime (each child may vary in how long it takes to work). This
has solved the sleep problem for many. For the behavioral problems take 25 mg
several times through the day. It could be a problem for school if the child is
made to be drowsy, in that case reduce the amount or give it later in the day.
Many find
the solution to sleep problems with a supplement of melatonin (1/2 to 3 mg, 20
minutes before bedtime). Since 1/2 mg will restore normal nighttime levels,
more does not necessarily work better. There are, potentially, several benefits
to taking supplemental doses of melatonin other than improved sleep; for
example, it promotes absorption of zinc, stimulates the thyroid, and as tests
show, protects against brain damage from mercury poisoning reducing potential
for Alzheimer’s (without it, glutathione was reduced 30%, and other damage
occurred). It is a powerful antioxidant, able to enter every cell of the body.
Dr. Reiter found melatonin to be 5.9 times more effective than glutathione and
11.3 times more effective than mannitol in fighting dangerous, hydroxyl
radicals. It is reported that if you give the child a small dose of melatonin
daily in the morning, and then the rest at night, it will ‘steady’ the
melatonin levels so they don’t peak out at 2:00 a.m. causing him to awake. It
seems to be successful with many of these kids. For a couple of days, the child
may be pretty sleepy. To avoid problems at school, start this regime on a
Saturday. Nevertheless, this could result in some degree of sleep disturbance,
and may interfere with the circadian regulation of certain hormones.
Glutathione
has been mentioned several times. It is a small protein molecule composed of
the amino acids cysteine, glutamine, and glycine. It is a powerful antioxidant
found in fish and meats, and fruits and raw vegetables (asparagus, avocados,
and walnuts). It is the body’s major detoxicant that binds to fat soluble
toxicants, heavy metals, solvents, and pesticides, making them water soluble so
they can be excreted through the kidneys (Phase II detoxification). It has been
associated with prevention of cancer and cataract. It is greatly depleted in
mercury poisoning, and children with autism are universally lacking in this
vital nutrient, as are older people and diabetics. Increasing tissue levels is
associated with improved good health in older folks. I believe it is the lack
of glutathione that causes children to be heavily poisoned by heavy metals,
pesticides, and arsenic. Never give your child TylenolÔ for it
depletes the liver of all its glutathione in minutes! Haloperidol depletes
glutathione, CoQ10, and NADH, all necessary to mitochondrial energy production.
Candida’s main deleterious effect is avid binding of coenzyme Q10. When CoQ10
is depleted 25%, clinical symptoms occur, when levels drop 75%, death occurs.
Additionally, Glutathione requires vitamins B2, B6,
zinc, and selenium to be formed. Vitamin C (500 mg in two or more doses)
increases its levels by 50%, Ambrotose® by 100%, Phyt•Aloe® by 200% (both by
MannatechÔ). When sulforaphane (from Phyt•Aloe’s
cruciferous vegetables) reaches the cell, it also activates a group of proteins
called Phase II enzymes. Supplementing milk thistle, whey protein, alpha lipoic
acid, SAMe, and glutamine are known to increase glutathione. These latter ones
have to be used with understanding as they are contraindicated in some
children.
These are
the symptoms of glutathione deficiency: Coordination problems, generalized cell
damage, mental disorders, various nervous system disorders, tremors and
twitching; red cells tend to burst, white blood cells decline in function, and
nerve tissue degenerates.
Abstract:
At a single evening dose of 5-10 mg of melatonin (MLT), the pineal gland
hormone, can exert a positive effect on the frequency of epileptic attacks in
children with sleep disturbances of various etiologies. We have shown that the
sleep behavior can be normalized and existing epilepsy can be favorably
influenced. Pretherapeutic MLT secretion profiles can provide new information
concerning the origin and treatment of these disturbances. In vitro experiments
suggest that this effect might be the result of the interaction between MLT and
MLT-specific receptors in the neocortex. Due to its favorable safety profile,
MLT can be liberally administered in the specified doses and be considered as a
useful antiepileptic drug—Fauteck J Schmidt H Lerchl A Kurlemann G Wittkowski W
Journal: Biol-Signals-Recept. 1999 Jan-Apr; 8(1-2): 105-10 1999 1422-4933.
Hypoglycemia
not only precipitates the release of glutamate in the brain, but that magnifies
the toxic effect of all excitotoxins. Unfortunately, many foods have
excitotoxins added to them as taste enhancers.
Another
abstract with no title credits says in part: Recent data indicate that
melatonin inhibits brain glutamate receptors and nitric oxide production thus
suggesting that it may exert a neuroprotective and antiexcitotoxic effect.
Melatonin has been seen to prevent seizures in several animal models, and to
decrease epileptic manifestations in humans....The results suggest that
melatonin may have a useful role in mechanisms of neuroprotection, and they
also indicate its use in other cases of untreatable epilepsy. Another study is
of interest: Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, in a report published by
Lancet, found that, though their sleep problem was benefited, children with
severe nervous–system damage, using a dosage of five mg melatonin, experienced
an increased incidence of seizures that returned to previous levels on
discontinuance.
Additionally,
Dr. Beth Malow, University of Michigan Health System, found that sleep apnea
can be a contributing factor in seizures. Many that were unresponsive to
medications were found to have a sleep apnea problem. Thirty-three percent of
one study group had these sleep problems, and were prone to experience seizures
at night. Medications often made the problem worse.
Sleep can
be poor because of sugar problems. When blood sugar drops in the middle of the
night, the child will awake. If this be the case, 5-HTP or melatonin may not
work until you remove the offending sugars and high glycemic foods from the
diet, especially from the evening meals or snacks. Feed him at least 30%
protein with each meal. Remember, sugar promotes candida, with its multiple
problems (yeast grows 200 times faster), and sugar can actually make the child
drunk and giggly!
One of the
keys to orderly brain function is glutamic acid. When sugar is consumed, the
bacteria in the intestines, which manufacture vitamin B-complex, begin to die.
The vitamin B-complex level declines, and the fatty acids they give off to
nourish the cells of the gut lining is diminished. When the vitamin B-complex
is lacking, the glutamic acid, a major brain fuel, is not properly processed
and sleepiness occurs, with a decrease in short term memory function and a loss
of numerical calculative ability. The removal of B-vitamins when foods are processed
makes the situation even more tenuous. It is this loss of B-vitamins needed to
process lipids (fats), coupled with a high glycemic, processed-food diet that
creates the fatty acid deficiencies and imbalances. Vitamin B12
therapy is based in part upon the role of vitamin B12 in
synthesizing essential fatty acids.
Healing the Leaky Gut
To heal the
digestion and the leaky gut, basically seven things are needed—supplement the
following divided into 2 or more servings:
1.
The amino acid L-glutamine (1500 mg/day, a maximum for your child would be 3000
mg/day) that also reduces blood and brain ammonia levels. Experiments with
various animal models have demonstrated that the provision of glutamine can
result in better nitrogen homeostasis, with conservation of skeletal muscle.
This leads to better ability to learn, to retain, and to recall. There is also
considerable evidence that glutamine can enhance the barrier function of the
gut. Furthermore, it is now known that the gut produces large amounts of a vital
antioxidant, glutathione, when adequate glutamine is present.
Glutamine
is the principal metabolic fuel for small intestine enterocytes, lymphocytes,
macrophages, and fibroblasts (major players in the immune function).
Supplemental use of glutamine increases intestinal villus height, stimulates
the gut's mucosal, cellular proliferation, and maintains mucosal integrity. It
also prevents intestinal hyperpermeability and bacterial translocation, which
may be involved in sepsis and the development of multiple organ failure—Miller
AL, Altern Med Rev, 1999 Aug, 4:4, 239-48.
L-glutamine
is essential for the synthesis of the mucoproteins present in the mucous
secretions of the GI tract. These secretions are responsible for protecting the
lining of the GI tract. In addition to protective qualities, L-glutamine
administration has been known to actually improve mucosal structure and healing
(Arch Surg 1990;125(8):1040-45). The Merck Index reports that cabbage contains
vitamin U, the anti-ulcer vitamin, used in “treatment of gastric disorders”
(Merck Index, Merck & Co., Rahway, NJ. 1989, p 1581). Some of the healing
properties of cabbage may be due to its high L-glutamine content. Cabbage juice
suppresses Candida yeast infection (Heinerman, ibid, p56), and is an excellent
laxative. Use it to clear impactions of the bowel.
Glutamine is often low due to yeast
toxins. An adequate amount of this amino promotes the production of growth
hormone. Just be careful with glutamine. When it converts to glutamate in the
intestines this releases ammonia. Excess lysine tends to excess ammonia. If you
have low arginine, it will be difficult to eliminate the ammonia. Arginine also
promotes the production of growth hormone. It is possible that the bacteria in
the gut have lowered the arginine levels. Dr. Braverman mentions a case
presented by Stanbury and colleagues from MIT, where the presenting symptom was
constipation. The bowel flora contained the bacteria Streptococcus fecalis, a
potent source of arginine desaminase. This enzyme converts arginine back to
citrulline, and an excess of the enzyme caused a deficiency of arginine in the
patient. Supplement arginine while struggling with this invader.
So, perhaps start correcting folic
acid, B12, zinc, molybdenum, arginine, aspartate, and the other
aminos that help remove ammonia, before trying glutamine. If ammonia is already
high, alpha-ketoglutaric acid (alpha-ketoglutarate) might be a better place to
start. It will convert to glutamate when it absorbs ammonia. Glutamate then
absorbs another ammonia molecule to become glutamine that delivers the unwanted
ammonia to the urea cycle leading to the formation of urea that can be passed
out through the kidneys. As an added bonus, alpha ketoglutarate is needed to
convert B6 into its useable coenzyme form. Get expert guidance on
using the aminos, and be very observant when you use them.
2.
Bromelain (200 mg/day), a digestive aid and anti-inflammatory usually available
in item 3.
3.
A digestive aid of pancreatic enzymes, including lipase, amylase, lactase,
cellulase, and peptidase, (with ox bile if there is evidence of indigestion of
fat). Use enough to correct all observed stomach or bowel irregularities. A
good one is Kirkman’s EnZym-CompleteÔ or SpectraZymeÔ by
MetagenicsÔ available from www.randallnutritioncenter.com/rcnc2000/spectrazyme.html,
or Fern’s Nutrition, 1-800-229-3376. SpectraZymeÔ is $16.95 US for 60 capsules
(Fern’s: free shipping in USA on orders over $25). It doesn’t contain ox bile.
There are only a couple of possible downsides. If you are taking large, regular
doses of aspirin or NSAIDS, these will make your stomach so raw, and your gut
so leaky, that the protease could eat on your stomach or gut. To give the
stomach full protection against HCl and protease, drink a large glass of water
one-half hour before eating (this will hydrate the mucus lining of the
stomach), and take the enzymes with the first part of your meal, unless they
are swallowing veggie capsules. They take longer to dissolve. Take them 15
minutes before eating. (mix it in a spoon of food for children). So, if taking
lots of pain pills, or if you have an ulcer, or severe gastritis, find an
enzyme supplement without protease. RGardens, International, “Gamma-Zyme”, 200
capsules for $30.00, is the only one I know of (Phone 800-700-7767).
Some have
found MSM as effective as TagametÔ or ZantacÔ in
relieving ulcer pain. Remember too, that aspirin or aspirin-containing
compounds or anti-inflammatory drugs such as indocin, butazolidin, or cortisone
should never be taken when hydrochloric acid is being supplemented. This
combination increases the risk of ulcer. Two enzyme tablets at bedtime are
reported to usually desensitize you to pollens and things that cause
hayfever—and perhaps other allergies. Enzymes introduced in large amounts too quickly can
affect the bowel: usually diarrhea, intestinal bloating, peculiar acrid smell
of the stool, and, in some cases, itching of the perianal area. Work up to dose
slowly, back off if these symptoms persist.
4.
Probiotics: Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifido Bifidus—these produce most of the
available vitamins B–complex and K, and the fatty acids that the cells in the
lining of the gut depend on for their nutrition, and they keep candida yeast
from becoming a problem. Take these on an empty stomach for best results,
possibly with a little soda water to help them survive the journey.
5.
Supplement vitamins A and D [preferably as cod-liver oil (5000 to 10,000 IU
vitamin A, 500 to 1000 IU vitamin D)], and the minerals zinc (15-30 mg/day) and
copper (in an 8:1 zinc/copper ratio, unless testing shows there is high copper
already—as it probably will in autism), in addition to a broad-based,
multi-vitamin/mineral supplement NutriliteÔ Food Supplement by AmwayÔ or,
preferably, Profile or GlycoBearsÔ chewable multivitamin/mineral by
MannatechÔ. Zinc reduces intestinal
permeability in malnourished children with diarrhea. A lack of copper may cause
seizures—Arch Dis Child, 1982;57[9]:716-18. A lowered hematocrit (red
blood cell count) can be indicative of lowered blood copper levels (copper
anemia).
A 1977
South African Medical Journal study of vitamin A as therapy for excessive
bleeding (bleeding is the leading cause of hysterectomies) resulted in a 92.5%
cure rate. The article cited the use of vitamin A at Johannesburg General
Hospital, and documented a 92% cure rate over a ten-year period. An extreme
vegetarian diet, recommended and promoted by many, depletes the body’s stores
of vitamin A leading to malnutrition. A search of standard nutrition textbooks
confirms that persons with low thyroid function, babies, and young children are
unable to convert beta carotene (found in vegetables and used in place of
vitamin A in most vitamin pills) into usable vitamin A. Patients with low
thyroid often have excess bleeding, and are at extreme risk of unneeded surgery
to the reproductive organs. In addition to this, many foods, particularly the
soy foods with a high copper, diadzen, and genistein content, are known to
depress the thyroid function. The textbooks also state that vitamin A is needed
for iron absorption, and the building of blood, but few indeed will direct that
vitamin A be taken with iron supplements.
The
antioxidant Vitamin A is vital to a child’s ability to sleep through the night,
to have abundant energy, and to have a strong immune system. Additionally, in
Southern Africa, high death rates following measles vaccine were reduced to
virtually zero by injecting 250,000 IU of vitamin A with the vaccine! In an
American study, kids who stayed out of trouble got 8,000 IU of vitamin A in
their diet, those who were usually in trouble, got 3,000! Grab that CLO!
Dr. Woody
McGinnis, MD, Tucson, Arizona, USA has this to say about copper: “I think a lot
of our behavioral kids are intolerant of even a milligram or two of extra
copper, even in the face of high Zinc supplementation. This is contrary to the
usual proportional balance we like to strike. I get a serum Copper and a plasma
Zinc, and try to keep the ratio less than 1:1.” This intolerance is probably
because normal levels of copper are toxic to mercury-poisoned people. High
copper is also one indicator of candida.
The
significance and urgency of building vitamin A is seen in a recent report:
“These data indicate that vitamin A is necessary for optimal function in the
hippocampus, which we know to be a main seat of learning,” said Salk researcher
Sharoni Jacobs, “The study indicates that the detrimental effects of vitamin A
deprivation (on learning) are remarkably reversible, which offers hope to the
millions of children worldwide with vitamin A-deficient diets.”
6.
Aloe (preferably ManapolÔ, or Ambrotose® by
MannatechÔ that contains ManapolÔ and
many other saccharides for even better results, for they are the only
stabilized, standardized, aloe products available).
7.
Fiber, preferably fructooligosaccharide to provide an environment for the “good
guys” to overcome yeast and other “bad guys”, or other non-gluten fiber.
8.
Restore adequate sulfate to the body as outlined in the section Phenol-sulfotransferase
below.
When the
gut is healed and the digestion restored, bizarre eating habits will cease, and
a more balanced dietary will be possible. There are three things to know about
glutamine:
1.
It can cause a buzz like excess caffeine—the kid will be hyper, in that case
reduce the amount until this disappears. The amount recommended is not likely
to do this.
2.
High glutamine readings are seen in subclinical ammonia toxicity. This could be
due to a weak detoxification, or to excess protein intake. In the latter case,
other amino acids will be high.
3.
Glutamine and arginine are the precursors that, with the help of vitamin B6,
produce the amino acid GABA. Perhaps because of this relationship, both
glutamine and vitamin B6 have been shown helpful to those suffering
epilepsy. A pyridoxine deficiency decreased GABA in the hippocampal area by 32%
in female rats. GABA is an inhibitory transmitter that exerts a calming action.
GABA
Recent
research by Ed Cook and associates at the University of Chicago established
that there are one or more genes on chromosome 15 that manifest in autism. The
chromosome 15 children studied so far showed regression. Between 12 and 24
months of age they lost skills. These children displayed low muscle tone. “They
walked on time,” Cook says, “and they can eat OK; it’s not severe. They may
have had a little trouble holding their heads up as infants, and show a history
of low tone in other ways. Most kids with autism aren’t like that, so the
floppy ones stand out a bit. A lot of them visually look like Fragile X, with
hyper-extensibility of the joints, double-jointedness, and ears that may be a
bit longer than normal, and incorrectly ‘rotated’ backward.”
Some had
speech delay, lack of social skills, and “stereotyped” or repetitive behaviors.
In addition, these children had seizures and hypotonia, or low muscle tone,
characteristics that are not normally associated with autism. These children
all had a duplication of part of chromosome 15.
The
prospects for knowledge of chromosome 15 leading to a biomedical treatment for
autism are high. This is so because the affected region on chromosome 15
contains three genes that code for the neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric
acid (GABA), This is the neurotransmitter involved in anxiety. Alcohol,
anticonvulsants like GabapentrinÔ (NeurontinÔ) and
VigabatrinÔ, and anti-anxiety medications like
benzodiazepine, XanaxÔ and ValiumÔ all
work by attaching to the GABA receptor. GABA is an “inhibitory”
neurotransmitter; it prevents cells from firing. Some call it the brain’s
“braking system.” Taking 750 mg, divided into 3 doses daily (Adult) is very
effective even in acute anxiety, and may reduce nighttime urination. It is
known that vitamin B12 may be important for many conditions
including anxiety, depression, mood swings, and memory loss, so it should be
supplemented also (serum B12 is not necessarily an accurate way of
measuring B12 status).
This brings
us to another line of converging evidence: in the cerebellum, the Purkinje
cells—that Margaret Bauman has found to be diminished in the autistic
brain—release GABA.
Bolte notes
that tetanus infection of the intestines leads to the formation of toxic
compounds called phenols. As a corrosive substance, phenol denatures proteins
and generally acts as a protoplasmic poison. Studies of autistic individuals
have detected markedly elevated levels of the phenolic metabolite of tyrosine,
DHPPA. [“After 5 years of research, the identity of DHPPA analog finally is
established. The compound, called DHPPA analog on the organic acid test, has
now been positively identified as 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl) - 3 hydroxypropionic acid
(HPHPA), and after the revision of the organic acid test profile in the
beginning of the year 2000, the name on the organic acid test report will be
HPHPA instead of DHPPA analog”—William Shaw PhD, Great Plains Laboratory.]
Several autistic children with high DHPPA (HPHPA) levels, “have shown a
significant reduction in stereotyped behaviors when treated with antimicrobials
effective against intestinal clostridia”—a genus of bacteria that includes
tetanus. “When certain bacteria of the CLOSTIRIDUM family (genus) are present
in high numbers, phenylpropionic acid or 3-hydroxytrosine may be formed in the
intestinal tract. Either of these compounds may then be converted to
3-hydroxphenyl-propionic acid that is, in turn, converted to HPHPA by the
enzymes in the human mitochondria that break down fatty acids”—William Shaw.
The
children treated for clostridia (usually with FlagylÔ) became
more sociable, spoke more, improved their eye contact, and were less
hyperactive and hypersensitive. It should be noted that very high doses of L.
Acidophilus may be equally effective as metronidazole (FlagylÔ).
Additionally, FlagylÔ has a lot of side effects, and can
upset the ecological balance in the gastrointestinal tract and lead to a yeast
overgrowth. Bolte adds, “Parents also noted that regression occurred very
quickly” after treatment was discontinued. Given these findings, Bolte says,
”Parents, doctors, and researchers must combine efforts to determine if some
people diagnosed as autistic are actually suffering from unrecognized forms of
sub-acute tetanus.” This is very significant to that large block of children
who do not handle phenol well (PST). The use of ORGANIC ACID TESTING can
provide a valuable tool guiding therapy so that harmful microorganisms may be
eliminated before treatments with amino acids like phenylalanine that might
actually cause neuropsyciatric symptoms to worsen. It is most interesting to
note that phenol poisoning, as suffered by the PST child, deadens the nerves
endings much as does aspirin (a phenol), thereby masking pain.
In
addition, she notes, inhibitory neurons that release the neurotransmitter GABA
are a preferred target for tetanus neurotoxins—and the Purkinje cells of the
cerebellum, that often appear highly abnormal in autistic individuals, are
inhibitory neurons that release GABA. Additionally, GABA is reported to
stimulate the brain to release human growth hormone (HGH), and to stimulate the
anterior pituitary function.
Although
GABA supplementation is used widely for a calming, sedative effect, there is
mixed data indicating whether GABA taken orally has much clinical effect.
Glutamine, a precursor of GABA, readily passes through the blood-brain barrier
and is, therefore, a better supplement to take if one wants to increase brain
levels of GABA, since Glutamine, once it is in the brain, converts into GABA.
The question of GABA’s clinical usefulness may be a function of its dosage.
That is, it appears that only mega doses of GABA have clinical effects. GABA
activity is found in glands controlled by the sympathetic nervous system,
namely: the pancreas and thymus. It is estimated that 30–40% of all CNS neurons
utilize GABA as their primary neurotransmitter! Glutamic acid decarboxylase
(GAD) the active enzyme capable of decarboxylating glutamate to GABA requires
pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P) as cofactor.
When there
is not enough GABA a person can have a seizure because receiving neurons can be
flooded with signals that say, “pass on this message.” A different type of
neurotransmitter that promotes message transfer triggers the “go” messages. The
charged signals they set off are positive. This time, more positively charged
sodium particles (Na+) enter the neuron, which tells the receiving neurons to
pass on the message. Valproic Acid (DepakoteÔ), on the other hand, blocks GABA
transaminase activity, thereby elevating GABA levels, thus alleviating
seizures. Why depend on a drug that robs the body of L-carnitine and folic
acid, when GABA can be increased nutritionally with glutamine, zinc, and P5P?
Further, DepakoteÔ (Epilum) is a bad choice of
anticonvulsants due to the risk of fatal hepatotoxicity, and it acts on the
metabolic pathways, which could further lower the platelet levels. The
hepatotoxicity is probably due to valproate-induced carnitine deficiency.
Drug
induced tremors and tics are common, and DepakoteÔ can cause them. To prevent, use at
least 333 mg each of vitamins C, and niacinamide, and 66 mg each of vitamins B6
and E with a good broad-based, vitamin-mineral supplement. In one ten-year
study, not a single case occurred! If already suffering the devastating effects
of this doctor-induced condition, use 5 to 10 times as much, and pray. I
believe Ambrotose® and Phyt•Aloe®, and PLUS by Mannatech, Inc. would be
mandatory. Of course, when using DepakoteÔ, supplement Carnitine and folic acid
also.
Symptoms of
carnitine deficiency are poor muscle tone and problems walking. By encouraging
the oxidation of fats, carnitine will suppress glucose oxidation. This could
contribute to seizures because oxidation of glucose produces more carbon
dioxide than does the oxidation of fats. This is important because carbon
dioxide helps get oxygen delivered to the tissue and helps protect one from
seizures. So, it may be wise to test for carnitine levels before supplementing.
This study
is enlightening: Ten control subjects and 14 patients with refractory complex
partial seizures were examined. Brain glutamine concentrations were above
normal in three of five patients taking valproate and two of nine taking
carbamazepine or phenytoin (One-third are being harmed!—WSL). Mean glutamine
levels of patients taking valproate were higher than control subjects and
patients taking carbamazepine or phenytoin. Brain glutamate concentrations were
above normal in four of nine patients taking phenytoin or carbamazepine and two
of five taking valproate. Brain GABA levels were below normal in four of nine
patients taking carbamazepine or phenytoin and one of five taking valproate.
Above normal glutamate or below normal GABA was present in nine of 14 patients
and may contribute to their refractory epilepsy. Increased brain glutamine
associated with valproate therapy may reflect mild hyperammonemia—Petroff OA,
Rothman DL, Behar KL, Hyder F, Mattson RH Department of Neurology, Yale
University.
Carnitine
supplementation is effective in reducing valproic-acid associated
hyperammonemia. Recommended dosages for carnitine replacement are 50 mg/kg/day
in children, and 1 to 3 gm per day for adults in 2 or 3 divided doses. Seizures
may result from glutathione peroxidase deficiency, which could be from lack of
bioavailable selenium. Selenium (seleno-methionine) supplementation in children
resulted in a reduction in seizures and improvement in EEG recordings after 2
weeks. Based on the following, Epsom salts baths should be helpful to those
prone to seizures. Symptoms of excess glutamate in the brain include headache,
numbness, tingling, and flushing.
This
abstract is revealing of the place of vitamin B6 and zinc in the
“excess glutamate” paradox:
From “Controlling Seizures: a Nutritional Approach”, by Dr.
Ward Dean, MD.
<<<Gamma-aminobutyric
acid (GABA), the brain’s major inhibitory neurotransmitter, tends to be in
lower than normal levels in seizure-prone rats and humans with epilepsy.
Seizure-prone pre-eclamptic patients (hypertensive condition during late
pregnancy) also have decreased brain GABA concentrations. Brain GABA levels
depend on both zinc and vitamin B6. Zinc is involved in the maintenance
of pyridoxal phosphate concentrations by the activation of pyridoxal kinase.
Pyridoxal kinase is important in decarboxylation, and lack of this enzyme
results in lowered brain levels of GABA. Consequently, zinc deficiency may
increase the risk of pre-eclamptic seizures by reducing brain GABA
concentrations and lowering the seizure threshold. Unfortunately, plasma
pyridoxal phosphate measurements alone do not appear to accurately reflect
vitamin B6 status or true tissue pyridoxal phosphate levels.
Glutamate
concentrations in the brain are higher in some seizure patients, and these
concentrations can increase to potentially neurotoxic concentrations during
seizures. These concentrations may reach levels capable of causing cell death.
The importance of relative concentrations of glutamate, gamma aminobutyric
acid, and pyridoxal-5-phosphate with respect to seizures is illustrated by a
33-month old male seizure patient whose cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glutamate
levels were 200 times normal! When he was given vitamin B6 at a dose
of 5mg/kg body weight per day (350 mg), his EEG normalized and his seizures
stopped, but the CSF glutamate concentration was still 10 times normal. With a
higher dose of B6 (10mg/kg bw/d-700 mg), the CSF glutamic acid
normalized. These results indicate that the optimal dose of B6 for
epileptics should be the dose that normalizes CSF glutamate levels, not just
the control of seizures.
Magnesium
sulfate is standard therapy for pregnancy-induced hypertension (eclampsia and
pre-eclampsia) to prevent seizures. Ten grams of magnesium are administered
intramuscularly initially, followed by 5 gm intramuscularly every 4 hours. If
administered intravenously, a 6 gm bolus over 15 minutes is given, followed by
1 to 3 gm per hour. In a comparative study, DilantinÔ
was compared to magnesium in preventing seizures and reducing blood pressure.
The investigators found no differences in the patient’s tolerance, adverse
reactions, or outcomes between the two groups.>>>
Nevertheless,
magnesium will not suppress the immune function: Dilantin: Evidence is
accumulating that this anti-seizure medication may have significant
immunosuppressive effects. (Hadden 1986) National Toxicology Program studies in
mice exposed to diphenylhydantoin demonstrated a selective effect on immune
function resulting in depressed serum IgA levels and altered bone marrow
function. Researchers are trying to correlate these findings with the IgA
deficiency and increased sinuopulmonary infection that occurs in humans on
long-term diphenylhydantoin treatment (NTP 1984)
GABA“B”
receptors are metabotropic receptors that are coupled to G-proteins and thereby
indirectly alter membrane ion permeability and neuronal excitability.
Activation of GABAB receptors in many brain regions results in an increase in
K+ (potassium) channel conductance with a resultant hyperpolarization of the
neuronal membrane. This increase in K+ conductance is often blocked by
pretreatment with pertussis toxin (pertussis toxin uncouples Gi-protein from
receptors), indicating that many postsynaptic GABAB receptors are indirectly
coupled to K+ channels through an intervening G-protein. There is considerable
evidence that a large proportion of GABAB receptors are coupled to G-proteins,
but there is also evidence that some presynaptic GABAB receptors may be
directly linked to K+ channels. The fact that GABAB receptors are coupled to
G-proteins may also explain, in part, the reported effects of GABAB receptor
agonists on calcium (Ca2+) conductance and secondarily neurotransmitter
release.
One mother
has noted increased verbal capacity after supplementing the amino acid GABA! An
adult, Polly Hattemer, says, “I tried GABA. It made me regress intellectually.
I could hardly recall any nouns. GABApentinÔ was helpful.” It should be noted;
GABApentinÔ has been associated with a worsening
of hyperactivity in some cases. The types apt to respond to GABA are the
clearly identified “chromosome 15” kids, and those with high phenol levels (See
PST below). That
encompasses about everybody! Methinks, maybe we should try glutamine with
vitamin B6 (P5P), or GABA, or even Bethanechol, before PepcidÔ? Once
again, strengthen the immune function by following the suggestions herein.
Some
additional thoughts on the importance of supporting the thymus: Thymus
glandulars taken orally with a multiple-vitamin/mineral supplement have been proven
to be modulators of
the immune system, normalizing the ratio of T-helper cells to suppresser cells
whether the ratio is low as in AIDS, chronic infections, and cancer; or high as
in allergies, migraine headaches, and autoimmune diseases. Thymus glandulars
can be dramatically effective in children suffering chronic infections. In
autoimmune diseases, a high ratio of T-helper cells to suppresser cells causes
a higher than normal number of antibodies to be produced which can damage body
structures. A robust thymus will normalize this ratio and suppress “immune
complexes”. Who needs to rebuild the thymus? Typically thymic hormone levels
are very low in the elderly, in those prone to infection, in cancer and AIDS
sufferers, and in those undergoing chronic stress. Specifically, those with
multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, hepatitis, allergies, and other autoimmune
diseases, the nutrient deficient (that is, those eating quantities of white
sugar and refined foods), those with high cholesterol levels, and all children
who never had a mother’s milk for at least four months. Did I miss anyone?
Support the thymus by using a Thymus Glandular and multivitamin/mineral
supplement!
When the
thymus gland dries up, no one treats that as a medical condition even though
every doctor and nurse is taught that the thymus gland controls the immune
system. It controls the immune system in two ways. First, it is a source of T
(thymus)-cells or T-lymphocytes. It is these T-cells that fight the battle
against viruses, bacteria, yeast, and other foreign invaders that attack the
body’s immune system. The thymus gland seeds the bone marrow with immature
T-cells that multiply and mature. Second, the thymus gland produces a variety
of hormones that stimulate the maturation of T-cells and increase production of
other hormones, such as interferon and the immune globulins. Several hormones
have been isolated from the thymus, but the one receiving the most attention in
medical studies right now is Alpha 1. Supplementation as recommended have been
shown to increase Alpha 1 from 300% to 700% depending on the dosage—My
Experience Treating Immune System Disorders with Glandular and Vitamin
Supplements, by Dr. Carson G. Burgstiner, MD, PC. Zinc is specific to the
improved function of the thymus. Except for nursing infants, 15 mg zinc daily
is safe, however, when taking zinc and high amounts of vitamin C one must check
copper status or run the risk of depleting copper and creating a copper anemia.
Candida
Yeasts are
single-celled forms that reproduce by budding, whereas molds form multicellular
hyphae (filament tails). Dimorphic fungi grow as yeasts or spherules in vivo,
as well as in vitro at 37°C, but as molds at 25°C.
Dimorphism is regulated by factors such as temperature, CO2
concentration, pH, and the levels of cysteine or other sulfhydryl-containing
compounds. Regardless of their shape or size, fungi are all heterotrophic and
digest their food externally by releasing hydrolytic enzymes into their
immediate surroundings (absorptive nutrition). Fungi can use a number of
different carbon sources to meet their carbon needs for the synthesis of
carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. Oxidation of sugars,
alcohols, proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides provides them with a source of
energy. Differences in their ability to utilize different carbon sources, such
as simple sugars, sugar acids, and sugar alcohols, are used, along with
morphology, to differentiate the various yeasts. Fungi require a source of
nitrogen for synthesis of amino acids for proteins, purines and pyrimidines for
nucleic acids, glucosamine for chitin, and various vitamins. Depending on the
fungus, nitrogen may be obtained in the form of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, or
organic nitrogen; no fungus can fix nitrogen. Most fungi use nitrate, which is
reduced first to nitrite (with the aid of nitrate reductase) and then to
ammonia.
Generally,
either low temperature or pH favors the development of a budding yeast. High
copper is also one indicator of candida. Other substances such as biotin,
cysteine, serum transferrin, and zinc are said to stimulate dimorphism (changing
forms from yeast to fungus) in this yeast. Experiments designed to test the
biotin-yeast hypothesis have demonstrated that the concentration of simple
sugars in the culture medium is the only reliable variable to directly
determine the form candida cells will take. Below a certain sugar concentration
the yeast remain single-celled, and stay in the gut. When sugar concentration
rises above a certain threshold, the organism becomes fungal, and tends to
enter the blood and thrive in moist warm areas including the brain. (Importance
of some factors on the dimorphism of Candida albicans. Vidotto V; Picerno G;
Caramello S; Paniate G; Mycopathologia, 1988 Dec, 104:3, 129-35)
Sugar also
kills the bacteria that control candida. Further, a serving of cake and ice
cream or a large bottle of sugary, soft drink will reduce the immune function
by 50% for up to five hours—make that all day for those who indulge their sweet
tooth several times a day. Remember, sugar promotes candida, with its multiple
problems (yeast grows 200 times faster), and sugar can actually make the child
drunk and giggly! Sugar is a deadly poison to these beautiful children. You
wouldn’t give them arsenic would you?
Yeast
species like candida are known to induce immune changes, and to produce neurotoxins,
and most autistic children have yeast problems. Yeast binds the B-vitamins, and
in absence of Bifidus flora, creates subclinical pellagra and beriberi. This
lack of B-vitamins, particularly vitamin B6, will interfere with the
production of serotonin, melatonin, and other important neurotransmitters that
controls behavior—so normal brain chemistry in the presence of yeast overgrowth
is unlikely.
Just the
elimination of candida has been found to cure a third of all eczema, irritable
bowel, some asthma, joint pains, and virtually all psoriasis. Other symptoms of
candida: internal bloating of the lower abdomen that is aggravated by beer,
bread, pasta, sweets, or juices. Another good clue (90% probability) is when
one reacts adversely to taking vitamins orally. To this, add a high sensitivity
to yeast and fungi or products containing them, like yeast, yeast breads, beer,
mushrooms, cheese, mustard, vinegar, and mold spores that will cause discomfort
when in bathrooms, basements, areas with wet leaves, summer beach houses, etc.
Persistent 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, norepinephrine, and serotonin, respectively
(Quig, unpublished observations).
There are 3
types of infection: Superficial (most common) - characterized by inflammation
of tissue linings, i.e., skin, GI tract, pharynx, upper and lower respiratory
tract; Locally invasive—i.e., pneumonia, cystitis, esophagitis, the most common
being ulcerations of the intestinal, respiratory or genito-urinary tract; and
Systemic—an invasive infection, characterized by lesions of the heart, kidneys,
liver, spleen, lung, brain, and other organs.
We have to
hypothesize that Candida, in the moment it is attacked by the immunological
system of the host or by a conventional antimycotic treatment, does not react
in the usual, predicted way, but defends itself by transforming itself into
ever-smaller and non-differentiated elements that maintain their fecundity
intact to the point of hiding their presence both to the host organism and to
possible diagnostic investigations. The Candida’s behavior may be considered to
be almost elastic: When favorable conditions exist, it thrives on an
epithelium; as soon as the tissue reaction is engaged, it massively transforms
itself into a form that is less productive but impervious to attack—the spore.
“Treatment of the latter (candida)
with conventional synthetic antifungal agents often causes impairment of liver
detoxification functions, and a decrease in synthesis of
phospho-sulfotransferase, an enzyme necessary to cleave food proteins, e.g.,
casein, into smaller easily absorbable peptides.”—Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, MD. Thus,
fungicides exacerbate the opioid problem, and increase the potential for
toxicity in PST kids. Further, the first order of implementation is restoration
of digestive function with betaine HCl, pancreatin, and bile acids as needed to
replace the normal output of stomach acid, pancreatic fluid, and bile. There is
growing evidence of the efficacy of re-inoculation with favorable species of
Lactobacilli. Feeding of non-absorbed fermentable carbohydrate like
fructo-oligosaccharides and inulin stimulates growth of the genera
Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. These forms of carbohydrate are found in
onion, garlic, chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, and wheat. Insoluble fiber lowers
yeast, Clostridia, Staphylococcus, and Proteus in stool cultures and lowers
output of ammonia and phenols.
Zinc
deficiencies have been frequently noted in women suffering from Candidiasis
(Michaud E & Feinstein A., Prevention Magazine’s 30-day immune power
program. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pa. 1989. p144).
Another
important consideration is Metabolic Typing based on the understanding that
genetic inheritance defines metabolic individuality, and metabolic
individuality defines nutritional requirements. This is why what works for one
person, doesn’t work for another with the same problem. There will never be one
diet or nutritional approach for a given problem that works for all people. The
essence of this article on candida overgrowth is the understanding that candida
is not the problem. The problem is a compromised immune system that fails to
control the candida. This is the reason that so many people fail to rid
themselves of candida overgrowth. They limit their approach to trying to kill
off the candida, but when the protocol is stopped, the candida overgrowth
problem comes right back again. The only real, final solution is to restore
efficiency to the immune system, a task that can speeded through addressing
individual nutritional requirements through defining one’s Metabolic Type.
Metabolic
Typing provides a scientific means of identifying individual nutritional
requirements based on the determination of the individual’s “metabolic type”.
Once the metabolic type is determined, a diet and supplementation program can
be recommended to meet individual nutritional requirements, thus providing an
ideal means of restoring proper biochemical balance.
There are
several things to consider in a state of candidiasis: a) The inflammatory
response must be treated; b) Lactobacillus count needs to be increased in order
to keep Candida in check; c) The immune system needs strengthening, which
decreases adherence ability; d) Antibiotics, steroids, and other
immune-suppressing drugs, along with simple carbohydrate foods (eat only foods
with a low Glycemic Index Rating) should be avoided; e) Digestive secretions
should be increased; f) Nutrient deficiencies should be reversed; g) Liver
function should be optimized to increase ability to filter toxins; h) Mercury
must be removed. 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/norepinephrine and serotonin, respectively (Quig, unpublished
observations).
Caprylic Acid is a
naturally occurring fatty acid. It is readily absorbed in the intestines.
Standard dosage is 1,000 to 2,000 mgs with meals, and it is totally lethal to
candida. It is available over the counter and appears to be equal to NystatinÔ in effectiveness. However, it is not known to produce
the sensitivity side-effects of the NystatinÔ drugs. Of the caprylic acid products on the market,
CAPRYSTATIN, KAPRICIDIN-A and ORITHRUSH, when used together, appear to be the
most effective by virtue of their capacity to address the entire digestive
tract. These three products are available from Ultra Life / Synergistics, P.O.
Box 440, Carlyle, IL 62231, (800) 654-8191 or (618) 594-7711, or Email:
info@ullife.com.
The reason
for sure failure of treatment is the misunderstanding of how important it is to
remove these complex sugars from the diet. It is important to remember that
sugars are sugars, whether from natural sources or cane sugar. Antifungal drugs
will not be successful without removing sugars from the diet. This includes all
sweetened drinks & soda, fruits and fruit drinks, corn syrups, and other
high sugar (high glycemic) containing products. Studies have emphasized the
fact that Candida ferments and rapidly proliferates in the presence of simple
sugars. Not only is this the case, but research has shown that sugars
dramatically increase the ability of Candida to adhere to epithelial mucosa
cells and may be one of the most important factor in the chronic states of
gastrointestinal Candidiasis (Saltarelli). Further, sugar kills the controlling
bacteria Lactobacillus Acidophilus.
Complex carbohydrates/polysaccharides
(starches) and even disaccharides (sucrose - table sugar, lactose (milk sugar),
sometimes fructose (fruit sugar), et al.) can pass far down the
gastrointestinal tract before they are broken down into glucose molecules and
absorbed. Ninety-five percent of African-Americans cannot tolerate lactose, and
many others lack the enzyme (lactase) to break down lactose into glucose and
galactose. Intact, this sugar is broken down in the intestines by bacteria, and
the results are gas, bloating, and intestinal distress. Candida supposedly
resides and proliferates far down the gastrointestinal tract, but lacking HCl,
they will move up into the small intestine. Complex sugars and polysaccharides
can therefore be made available to Candida throughout the gastrointestinal
tract (Chan). High protein diets and elimination of concentrated sweet sugars
will help avoid this. Small amounts of lactose from fermented sources may
actually be helpful for it establishes the slightly acid state preferred by the
Acidophilus. It is still uncertain whether Candida can dominantly proliferate
in the upper gastrointestinal tract. In that case, complex carbohydrate (starch
only) consumption would be favorable since Candida cannot directly use long
chain carbohydrates, which would pass farther down the gastrointestinal tract
before it is broken into glucose.
Thus, in
regard to questions about Ambrotose®, Candida cannot use long chain
carbohydrates directly, and the sugars of Ambrotose® are not broken
down into glucose. Studies with Ambrotose® showed a 50% increased
capacity on part of macrophages to kill candida—Stanley S. and Doris L.
Lefkowitz, Ph.D.s., Proceedings of Fisher Institute for Medical Research, Vol.
1, No. 2, February 1999. Additionally, concerning glucosamine and
N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) one of the essential sugars found in Ambrotose®:
Numerous studies have shown that glucosamine, a derivative of chitin from
fungal cells, has the ability to prevent the binding of Candida to epithelial
mucosa cells (Saltarelli). It has also been suggested to directly aid in
restoration of the mucosa.
Another
anti-fungal is iodine (it seems to be anti-viral also), but much weaker and
milder than chloride as an anti-fungal. Iodine is a powerful anti-fungal (and
in what seems to be higher doses, also antibacterial). Its reduction below the
RDAs may well be a cause of a higher rate of fungal infections like
schizophrenia, asthma, IBD, arthritis, lupus, etc. Modern day dietary reduction
of table salt with iodine is a negative factor. Do the iodine test, and restore
it to normal level.
Pasteur and
others found that lethal strains of bacteria could be rendered harmless if
other benign bacteria were given simultaneously. High intake of Lactobacillus
Acidophilus GG [20 billion count, as supplied by CulturelleÔ (Klaire
Laboratories), available from VRP at 775-884-1300, but said to contain traces
of casein], or Pro-Culture GoldÔ (Kirkman Labs), guaranteed casein
free], is sometimes an effective way to replace these, and can be one means of
controlling the Clostridia family of bacteria (as well as the candida), some of
which are unaffected by broad spectrum antibiotics! These work primarily by
exclusion and by environmental changes in the gut creating a favorable
lactic-acid, living space for themselves. Other bacteria and candida prefer
alkaline. Unfortunately, the acidophilus convert only lactose from milk, and
without milk they cannot do their thing.
Another way
found very effective by Dr. David Williams is the use of Lactic Acid Yeast
wafers (Standard Process Laboratories, available from your health practitioner)
containing a blend of ingredients including a mycelium type of yeast
(Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that converts all forms of carbohydrates into lactic
acid. We have seen elsewhere that some have an excess of lactic acid in the
blood, so this should be used in that case with consent of your health
practitioner. Further, it includes active Baker’s Yeast, and some believe that
is a negative when fighting candida. According to Dr. Kurt W. Donsbach, who has
successfully treated candida at his clinic for many years, eating yeast is not
a problem. It may well be a positive way to restore balance, but again consult
with your practitioner.
Soil-based
organisms (SBO) found in Nature’s Biotics (800-713-3888) have given tremendous
benefits including a supply of GLA, activation of nearly all the immune defense
systems, specifically the activation of three antibodies: IgM, IgG, and IgA
that are highly effective against fungi, harmful viruses, and bacterial
pathogens, and the production of the powerful systemic antioxidant enzyme SOD.
The enzymatic activity of SOD increases the efficiency of energy production
within the cells, allowing them to nourish and repair themselves at a more efficient
and effective rate. There are very few food sources for SOD, so this is a
valuable attribute of SBO.
Taking
probiotics on an empty stomach, with a little bicarbonate of soda water (1/4
teaspoon in 4 oz of water), will help them make the journey safely. The Bifido
Bifidus should also be supplemented when concerned with candida. Use of a
digestive enzyme can greatly improve overall results. Next time FlagylÔ is
suggested, use L. Acidophilus, SBO, and enzymes, and skip the fluoride and the
side effects (nausea, headaches, disorientation, and a metallic taste in the
mouth). One study of fluoride in drugs found that fluorinated steroid was more
detrimental to IQ than the nonfluorinated steroid, in particular reading
comprehension; arithmetic calculation and short-term working memory deficits
were greater. FlagylÔ will likely exchange a Clostridium
overgrowth for a candida overgrowth.
Symptoms of
die off (diarrhea, rash, irritability, gas, bloating) usually lasts about 7-14
days and after that time the change in the child can be rather dramatic. If the
die off does not end in 14-17 days, it is generally a reason to change choice
of anti-fungal. If the treatment is successful, usually eye contact improves.
The children seem more tuned in and less “foggy”. Parents report that after the
yeast is under control the frequency of inappropriate noises, teeth grinding,
biting, hitting, hyperness, and aggressive behavior decrease. The children no
longer act almost drunk by being silly and laughing inappropriately.
It is
interesting to note recent research that shows that babies normally get their
first gulp of Mother’s bacteria as they travel down the birth canal. Normally,
this has meant a dose of Lactobacillus and Bifido bacteria that stake out the
first claim to the gut environment, and the baby’s developing the immune system
accepts these early invaders. Modern medicine is altering this. For babies born
by cesarean section, the first gut inhabitants are common hospital bacteria
such as Streptococci and Clostridia, and this may make it very hard to get them
displaced later. Additionally, Mothers with autoimmune diseases may themselves
not have the “right” balance of bacteria in their gut, birth canals, and milk,
and this may affect their children adversely. According to Dr. Hulda Clark,
Clostridium is the tumor-making bacteria, which supply the DNA, the toxic
amines, and also isopropyl alcohol, which will eventually contribute to
malignancy.
A Second Scenario
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. Remember, the
citrate form of magnesium is a laxative.
Additionally,
aspartate will breakdown 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. Being one of two main
excitatory amino acids, an excess is found in Epilepsy and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s
disease). It enhances immunoglobulin production and antibody formation. 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, lysine,
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.
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.
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. 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, Baton Rouge, Louisiana says,
“I finally was able to completely rid Mikey of the ever-present Klebsiella
Pneumoniae. It had been 4-plus in each and every stool culture for at least the
last 3 years, despite throwing everything reasonable, both antibiotics and
natural substances, at it. I finally realized that nothing was able to get at
this bug because of its heavy LPS coat, so I ‘uncoated’ it with bismuth
subsalicylate, and killed it with PO Neomycin. I used Neomycin 250 mg/bismuth
subsalicylate 50 mg capsules—a compounding pharmacist must make these. It can
be made as an oral suspension too. The dose is 1 capsule three times a day for
10 days. We are celebrating its defeat. Mike went through a period of apparent
die-off for about a week, but has now gotten over that. His progress has been
astounding lately.” See my Electronic Book “Self-help to Good Health”, Chapter
“Candidiasis”.
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.
Amphotericin
BÔ 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 BÔ 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 BÔ is said to be safe, and about four
times as effective as Nystatin. Injections, however, come with a long list of
possible side effects that would indicate it is preferable to use it orally. Be
aware, however, that it depletes _, a vital mineral already in short supply. It
may be best to use the natural things first.
Some use the herb Una Del Gato (Cat’s Claw) to fight candida and other
parasites. This is dangerous for it is toxic to the liver and to peripheral
mononuclear blood cells. It also inhibits cytochrome p450 (Phase I) liver
enzymes causing unnatural retention of important body substances. Additionally,
it would cause a buildup to possibly poisonous levels of several classes of
drugs and body toxins. It also destroys the gut lining creating a condition favorable
to “leaky gut” syndrome.
Almost all
remedies lose effectiveness in time and must be alternated, however, goat
yogurt and hydrogen peroxide therapy (H2O2) seem to continue effectively.
Perhaps an easier way is to periodically use colostrum (Kirkman Labs’ Colostrum
GoldÔ is casein free—others may not be), or whey, if you can
tolerate it. (Whey must be undenatured. There are two I know of, ImmunocalÔ that
may not be readily available, and is very expensive, and “The Ultimate WheyÔ” 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,
and certain tumor cells. The data indicates that lactoferrin may be of therapeutical
value in treatment of autoimmune disorders—Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 1995,
43:3-4, 207-9. 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.
Yersinia is
the name of a genus of bacteria, of which 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, 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 to 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. 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. The above named remedies do not treat systemic candida, however,
and it may require DiflucanÔ, SporanoxÔ or
LamisilÔ for that purpose. Please note that DiflucanÔ is
fluoride based, and it is best to avoid it.
These
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, that is strongly antifungal), potassium and
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
55% 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,
or 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•PactÔ 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 AvengerÔ from www.cfsn.com [888-801-2376,
outside USA (503) 590-9519]. You may be able to control the rate of die off by
how much you take, and can avoid reinfestation immediately, as often occurs
when quitting drugs, by continuing a small amount periodically. An interesting
idea is to use these bacteria as a challenge test. If you experience no die-off
symptoms, then you likely do not have candida overgrowth. This should be
coupled with CulturelleÔ (Klaire), or Pro-culture GoldÔ
(Kirkman) 20 billion count L. Acidophilus.
Die-off of
yeast can produce severe regression in all autistic symptoms, explosive
diarrhea, severe yeast 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.
The amino acid glutamine (250 to 500 mg up to three times daily) and the
mineral chromium (200 mcg) supplemented regularly will also reduce cravings for
sweets and starches caused by hypoglycemia by stabilizing delivery of sugar to
the brain. 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 GoldÔ
(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 daily over time will help reduce
these cravings.
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 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 used by physicians who treat autism is to supply a mild antidote
that neutralizes the excess acids. The most convenient product is a
nonprescription drug called AlkaSeltzer GoldÔ. Do not use any other kind of
AlkaSeltzerÔ. AlkaSeltzer GoldÔ 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.
“These
children also had grave disturbances in electrolyte chemistry, and tended to be
acidotic (low CO). The data that unfolded was fascinating and clearly earmarked
the acidosis and hypoxic state (low serum bicarbonate = low O2
levels). Potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate and the
like were used. Now we began to understand why so many children responded to
Buffered C (potassium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate), and
others needed a more specific buffer (in some children for example niacin was
grossly depleted and they required niacin bicarbonate)”—Patricia Kane.
Remember, the carbonates acidify the system. In any case, it should take no
longer than six months to rid the body of all 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 inhibit 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. It 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.
“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 started mercury
detox 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 PlusÔ.
In addition
to having estrogenic effects, mercury has other documented hormonal effects
including lowered levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and
norepinephrine. 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.
Copperheads
An
inordinate number of children with autism have an excess of copper stored in
tissues. Women tend to have copper levels 1/3 higher than men, making them more
susceptible to copper toxicity. At one laboratory, it is reported that more
than 50% of all hair samples show a copper imbalance. This copper is unbound
with protein (ceruloplasmin), and thus, unavailable for normal uses, including
its use as an antifungal to fight candida. In one long-term study, the U.S.
Army found that the immunized group had depressed serum iron and elevated serum
copper. These “Copperheads” have very active minds, but the excess copper
causes GI disturbances, impaired protein metabolism—causing a weakness of
protein structures by interfering with the cross linking process (one effect
being breakage or leakage of capillaries which may cause small strokes, and/or
a dangerous aneurysm in vein or artery), salivation, acne, a metallic taste,
dizziness, headache—including migraine, loss of appetite (underweight), no
desire for the zinc of red meat (yet an inordinate desire for chocolate,
avocados, soy, or carob that are very high in copper), anxiety, various female
difficulties, severe fatigue—even after adequate rest, detachment from reality
termed spaciness, alternating moods, panic, fearfulness, schizophrenia,
phobias, and weakness. Excess copper also raises sodium and lowers potassium
and manganese tissue levels. Excess copper, by displacing zinc and manganese,
is often associated with pancreatic dysfunction. Pro-oxidant copper ions affect
glutathione distribution in several ways. Jaundice and high bilirubin levels
are signs of copper toxicity, as is earaches and ear infections.
Additionally,
copper imbalance can contribute to heavy metal poisoning by slowing the rate of
metabolism (slowing the thyroid), reducing the body’s ability to detoxify heavy
metals. Severe cases cause hypertension, liver damage, kidney failure, and
death. In schizophrenia there is found increased levels of copper and mercury
and reduced levels of zinc, magnesium, and calcium that are known to be
inhibited by heavy metals and to affect neurotransmitter levels. A magnesium
deficiency will create a vitamin B1 deficiency! Supplement both
together.
Citrus
fruit increases intestinal absorption of copper, and monosodium glutamate (MSG)
binds and transports it, however, large amounts of vitamin C, with vitamin B6
and zinc, will remove the excess copper from the brain. These should be
combined with manganese, as a prolonged zinc therapy can result in manganese
deficiency. These supplements will favorably influence the emotional and
psychological symptoms listed. Before undertaking this, one should have a hair
test to determine the zinc/copper status. However, caution is urged in the
interpretation, as animal studies show that reduced dietary zinc leads at first
to low zinc levels in the hair, but when zinc depletion continues, values seem
to return to the normal range, presumably because reduced hair growth resulting
from impaired protein synthesis leads to a compensating increase in
concentrations of zinc and other elements in such hair when it grows.
Major
contributing factors to this excess copper is the use of birth-control pills
(depletes zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6), copper intra-uterine
devices, antibiotic therapy, stress, candida overgrowth, and strict vegetarian
and refined food diets that are deficient in zinc. Certain food dyes and
colorings have a high hydrazine content that causes zinc depletion. Excess
copper can be from swimming pools and Jacuzzis using copper sulfate for algae
control. Foods rich in copper include soy, avocado, chocolate, and carob.
Persons with the Cu/Zn chemical imbalance need to be vigilant in limiting
sources of copper. When dumping copper (when stress and or estrogen levels are
high), there will be increased levels of insomnia and depression, skin rashes,
anxiety, fatigue, headache (usually migraine), digestive disorders, abdominal
bloating, and a flare-up of a wide variety of chronic conditions listed above,
such as hypoglycemia and candida yeast overgrowth, including vaginal yeast
infections. A hallmark is the feeling that no one understands them. These
reactions usually last a couple of days, and then subside to their chronic
levels again. Redness or red tints to the hair is also an indicator of a
copperhead.
Dr. Schmitt
says that, in his opinion, rashes are a sign of excessive copper working itself
out of the system. Unavailable, excess copper is one of the normal clinical
findings for people with candida infections. The problems may not be due to
copper toxicity, but rather with its interference with the absorption and
distribution of other metals such as iron (which cannot be absorbed without
available copper—fortifying iron will not help, but will actually make the
anemia worse) and zinc.
The
distressing symptoms of copper toxicity are often due to both dietary and
stress-induced zinc deficiency, not an excess of copper. It is the ratio that
counts. The ideal zinc-copper ratio is 8:1. If below 6:1 (hair), one should
consider the above symptoms to be copper toxicity. It is important to learn to
cope with stress in order to spare the adrenals, and to reduce the loss of
zinc. Supplementing 200 mcg of chromium has been shown to reduce cortisol
levels by 48%! Magnesium, vitamin C, and pantothenic acid further reduce this
deadly hormone. A 45-minute massage (backrub?) showed a similar reduction. The
practice of a relaxation-meditation exercise would be similarly effective.
Maintaining a positive expectation would work, as would strong religious faith,
and an expectation of sustaining help from the Lord. This will reduce loss of
zinc, and help to prevent the buildup of excessive copper in tissues.
Supplement the diet with 20 mg zinc daily, and with up to 60 mg of zinc during
any acute, disease state or other severe stress, along with the other
supplements mentioned. Where the excess copper is non-bioavailable, it may be
necessary to supplement a small amount of copper to enable the body to produce
the ceruloplasmin that is necessary to the bioavailability of copper.
The principal reason for copper toxicity is adrenal insufficiency (in
70 to 80%) resulting largely from stress, leading to a deficiency of zinc,
sodium, manganese, pantothenic acid (PABA), inositol, Folic acid, rutin, and
vitamins A, B1, B6, C, and E. This adrenal insufficiency
prevents synthesis of ceruloplasmin, necessary to utilization of copper.
Additionally, lead and mercury interfere with the synthesis of ceruloplasmin or
ferritin, contributing to copper toxicity. When unbound with ceruloplasmin,
copper begins to accumulate in tissues and organs. The adrenals are
strengthened, and copper absorption and utilization are increased by
supplementing adrenal glandular, molybdenum, iron, sulfur, folic acid, niacin,
inositol, choline, and the above listed nutrients, including extra biotin and
PABA. Significantly elevated moly is unusual, and some toxic effects are due to
displacement of copper or inactivation of copper enzymes. Copper deficiency
predisposes to moly excess. If suffering from high copper levels, avoid high
copper foods soy, avocado, chocolate, nuts, and seeds, and all things that
raise copper tissue levels such as birth control pills, antibiotics, and foods
with high content of phytoestrogens (soy and flax). Some children do a lot more
stimming when using soy. Unfortunately, copper sulfate is added to some city
water supplies, and to swimming pools, as a fungicide. Unfortunately, also, the
Mother may transmit her copper/zinc imbalances to her unborn child.
Excess
copper depletes zinc and vitamins B6 and C, and zinc deficiency
results in impaired absorption of folic acid. The best way to overcome copper
toxicity is to rebuild the adrenals, as listed above, and to supplement
significantly vitamins B6 and C, and zinc. Large amounts of these
will excrete the copper. Unless tests show the copper to be extremely high, our
purpose is not so much to excrete it, but to make it bio-available so the body
can use it rather than store it. Attempts to reduce copper levels will likely
precipitate a copper dump, and a flare up of symptoms, including depression.
One already suffering depression should attempt to lower copper levels only
under a Doctor’s guidance. These symptoms signal a beneficial elimination of
excess copper, and are indications of a healing process, and though
uncomfortable, should be welcomed. Some, however, cannot tolerate the symptoms,
and should reduce the amounts of the supplements, or should skip a day or two
and begin again at lower amounts, or should take the supplements only once a
day. Do whatever is necessary to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms to bearable
levels, but do not cease the program if you desire to regain optimal health.
Sometimes
one will feel really good for a few days before the dump, with its discomfort
and changing moods, hits. When the dump occurs, the individual will begin to
feel hopeless, and will often go off their supplement program. This is a very
grave mistake. While these symptoms may appear to be related to the supplement
program, as often as not, they are caused by stress or a coming menstrual
period. Any stress, physical or emotional, results in a necessary increase in
metabolic rate. This frequently results in a dump of excess copper into the
blood. In as much as an increase in one’s metabolic rate will cause a flare-up
in symptoms, it becomes desirable to temporarily slow one’s rate of metabolism.
This is accomplished by increasing one’s calcium intake, which also avoids a
copper-induced calcium deficiency. One should also increase dietary fat intake
25-30% using Evening Primrose oil, cod-liver oil, nuts, salad oils, cooking
oils, and where permissible, dairy products. Slowing one’s rate of metabolism
is definitely of value in reducing the symptoms associated with copper
toxicity. When the symptoms are once again under control, it is time to resume
the original nutritional program. To slow the metabolism indefinitely,
especially through a high intake of dairy, would result in increased storage of
copper.
How does
this all manifest in autism? Copper toxicity is associated with symptoms of
mind racing (commonly seen in ADHD) due to enhanced activity of the
neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin
resulting in inability to stop thoughts. Common problems will be loss of
appetite, failure to eat protein, failure to thrive, insomnia, getting up in
the middle of the night jumping and stimulating the metabolism, and headache.
This constant, self-stimulation is to enhance the metabolic rate by stimulating
the burned-out adrenals. They are tired, and yet will compulsively do anything
to stimulate the adrenals and make themselves feel more normal. This “stimming”
raises the blood sugar, and may allow them to get back to sleep eventually.
This activity further drains the adrenals, however, leading to complete adrenal
exhaustion unless something is done to support the adrenals. Copper and mercury
being elevated usually means not enough bile and glutathione are being made by
the liver. This can sometimes be improved by taking milk thistle extract,
taurine, and glycine.
pH
The
acid/alkaline balance is one of the most overlooked aspects of health, though
Gary Null and others have written much about it. In general, the American
public is heavily acid, excepting vegetarians. A too-acid system speeds enzyme
activity. Children with autism often are heavily alkaline. A too-alkaline
system slows enzymes to a crawl. Minerals have different pH levels at which
they can be assimilated into the body. Sodium and magnesium have wide pH
assimilation ranges. It narrows somewhat for calcium and potassium, and narrows
more for manganese and iron, and yet more for zinc and copper. Iodine, which is
HIGH up on the atomic scale, requires NEAR PERFECT pH for assimilation into the
body. Iodine as you may know, is one of the most important minerals for proper
functioning of the thyroid, but the thyroid doesn’t get access to iodine unless
the body pH is near perfect! Obviously, a less than optimum pH will predispose
to a deficiency of iodine, zinc, and copper. These three are critical for
thyroid function.
We have
just read Kane on the need of carbonates to acidify the system. Elevated citric
(due to the glutathione deficiency) with low 2-oxo-gluteric (in urine tests) would
affect oxygen getting into the cells. You can compensate by getting some carbon
dioxide by using a rebreather mask, and by taking bicarbonates between meals to
increase Co2 as Kane has recommended. The carbon dioxide acidifies
the blood, and helps the red blood cells release the oxygen to the cells.
Supporting the thyroid helps the cells make more carbon dioxide, so that is
something else to do. Obtain a packet of pH paper, and test the saliva and
urine as indicated elsewhere in this paper. Dr. Cheney treats Chronic Fatigue
(CFIDS) patients.
Dr.
Cheney’s Oxygen Treatment
By Carol Sieverling
(slightly edited)
Dr.
Cheney prescribes oxygen for patients with alkaline venous blood. An hour of
oxygen in the morning can provide half a day of significant improvement, and
numerous benefits. He had seen alkaline blood results for years, but dismissed
it as insignificant, based on medical school teaching. His growing suspicion
that it was very significant was confirmed when a speaker at an international
conference in London began a presentation by announcing, “Ladies and gentlemen,
I’m here to tell you that CFS patients are alkalotic.” Blood alkalosis inhibits
the transport of oxygen to tissues and organs, constricts the blood vessels,
and lowers overall circulating blood volume.
The
putative cause of the alkalosis is the glutathione deficiency that is pervasive in CFIDS. Low
glutathione causes an elevation in citrate, which in turn lowers a substance
(2,3 DPG) that controls the release of oxygen from hemoglobin. Our blood can be
full of oxygen, but without enough of this substance it cannot break free and
get into the cells. This causes oxygen deprivation in the tissues (hypoxia),
which makes the body switch over to anaerobic metabolism, which can be painful.
This
blood alkalosis is unusual in that Cheney usually sees venous blood pH values
over 7.4 and urine pH values under 6.0. When both blood alkalosis and urine
acidosis are seen, it’s a metabolic problem not a psychogenic reaction to a
needle stick. A blood pH above 7.4 shows impairment, and above 7.5 there is
significant impairment, and almost no oxygen transport at all. A urine organic
acid test will also reveal this problem. Elevated citrate and/or low
2-oxo-glutaric are markers. The really terrible thing is the vicious cycle. The
blood alkalosis further lowers the levels of 2,3 DPG (inhibiting the release of
oxygen), causing tissue hypoxia, which then causes blood alkalosis, which
lowers 2,3 DPG even further—and around and around we go.
The
ultimate treatment for this situation is ImmunocalÔ or
IMUPlusÔ, the undenatured whey protein supplements that helps
restore glutathione, but some patients cannot afford them, and they do not work
for all patients. An immediate solution to the oxygen transport problem is to
use a partial rebreather mask set at 35 to 40% FIO2 (Fraction of Inspired
Oxygen), which requires a flow rate of about 10 liters per minute. Do an hour a
day, broken into one, two, or three sessions. You can do more than one hour a
day, but do not do more than one hour at a time. Do not breathe heavily –
breathe normally. Most CFS patients have headaches, and this can help those
headaches. If a prescription is written for headaches, insurance may cover it.
One hour of oxygen a day can run $75 to $100 a month.
Oxygen
through nasal prongs will not work. Oxygen alone in a mask will not work. It
has to be a partial rebreather mask, which has a bag attached. This allows you
to rebreathe your expired carbon dioxide along with the oxygen that is flowing
into the mask. It is important to the function of the rebreather that the bag
contract and expand with the breathing cycle. It’s not working properly
otherwise. Breathing increased levels of both carbon dioxide (CO2)
and oxygen (O2) at the same time is essential. The CO2
breaks the cycle. It corrects the alkalosis and frees the O2 in your
blood to move into your cells. With proper functioning, vessels dilate and you
start perfusing your brain and tissues, bringing out the toxins and bringing in
the nutrients. Raising oxygen levels will also help kill off yeast and other
pathogens. Lack of oxygen allows them to multiply.
The
speaker at the London conference sends his patients to breathing experts like
Teresa Hale, who wrote “Breathing Free”. Most patients are walking around over
breathing, and thus becoming more alkaline. Learning to under breathe can help
increase oxygen perfusion and transport.
Two
problems can be seen in some patients on a rebreather mask. (1) Rapidly
correcting blood alkalosis or overcorrecting (i.e., acidosis) can provoke
vasodilation. If there is significant blood volume contraction some patients
will become hypotensive and feel dizzy or faint. This problem can be prevented
by taking oxygen lying down, and by expanding blood volume with an isotonic
electrolyte drink such as Gookinaid ERG (Electrolyte Replacement with Glucose)
(http://members.aol.com/Gookinaid) (1-800-283-6505). You can also address this
problem by reducing the time spent on the mask rebreather. (2) Patients with a
history of migraine may provoke a migraine in the moments just after going off
the rebreather. Again, expanding blood volume and reducing the time of the
rebreather can help this side effect.
The
ultimate treatment mentioned (whey) has little or no casein, but it can be
dangerous to some with sulfation problems (PST), so several other ways to build
glutathione are suggested herein. Use them rather than the expensive, time
consuming breather mask or expensive, long term, hyperbaric oxygen. These both
have value in short term, but do not “cure” the basic problem of alkalosis. To
learn more about balancing the pH, see the Chapter “Digestion and Utilization”
in my Electronic book, “Self-help to Good Health”, 34 Chapters, 535 pages,
$21.95 US. .
More than 25
years ago, IAHP was the first to recognize that among the various adverse
environmental conditions which affect the brain-injured child the most
important is chronically insufficient oxygen supply to the brain. In their
experience, this is almost universally present to some degree in brain-injured
children, although not ordinarily in obvious form. The shallow and erratic
breathing patterns and small chests seen in the majority of our brain-injured
children are primary indications that such subclinical, oxygen deficiency
exists.
Associated
with oxygen insufficiency in various combinations are other adverse
environmental factors contributing to seizures as well as other problems of the
brain-injured child. Among these factors are: 1) blood sugar levels too low or
unresponsive to the brain’s changing needs 2) nutritional imbalances or
deficiencies, very common among children, most of whose diets are extremely
poor both quantitatively and qualitatively, and 3) increases in pressure within
the skull due to intake of liquids and water-retaining substances, such as
salt, in amounts beyond the child’s needs or capabilities for handling.
Additionally, magnesium, vitamin B6 and dimethylglycine (DMG) all
have strong anti-seizure properties, and can be effective even when other
anti-seizure medications fail. The deficiency of vitamin B1, has
also been reported as a cause of epileptic seizures. Magnesium is an essential
cofactor in the conversion of thiamine into active diphosphate and triphosphate
esters. There have been reports of thiamine deficiency aggravated by magnesium
depletion with refractory response to thiamine until magnesium was given. It
seems plausible that magnesium depletion could provoke Wernicke's
encephalopathy, possible by suboptimum thiamine phosphorylation. Pyridoxine,
too, is only phosphorylated into its coenzyme (P5P) in the presence of
magnesium. Some 70% of the enzymes are dependent on magnesium.
During the
first week of magnesium deficiency, Substance P and CGRP are increased. The
second week, histamine is increased, along with PGE2 (inflammatory), and TBAR
molecules. The third week, cytokines IL-1, IL-6, TNF alpha are increased
(Weglicki & Mak, 1994). The cytokines, IFN gamma, IL-2, 4, 5, 10, 12, and
13 are also increased in magnesium deficiency (Weglicki, 1996).
Clinical
symptomology of magnesium deficiency is dominated by neuromuscular
hyperexcitability (Rayssiguier, 1990; Durlach, 1997) exhibiting latent tetany
(Durlach, 1997) and spasmophilia (muscle cramps and spasms) (Galland, 1991). Hyperarousal
(Galland, 1991) with sensitivity to noise, bodily contact, and excitement
(Langley, 1991; Goto, 1993) in the precipitation of neuromuscular
hyperexcitability has been described in magnesium deficiency. Choreiform and
athetoid movements can be produced by magnesium deficiency (Holvey,1972). Some
tics may be forms of atypical latent tetany (Ploceniak, 1990). A chronic tissue
magnesium deficit is found in HLA B35 individuals (Zeana, 1988; Henrotte, 1990;
Durlach, 1997). A few clinical disorders that can be associated with magnesium
deficiency are: migraine (Thomas, 1994), bruxism (Lehvila, 1974; Ploceniak,
1990), restless leg syndrome (Popoviciu, 1993; Hornyak, 1998), asthma
(Fantidis, 1995), seizures (Galland, 1991; Goto, 1993), hearing loss, TIA (Galland,
1991), heart arrhythmia (Burtis, 1994), and mitral valve prolapse (MVP)
(associated with HLA B35) (Rybar, 1989).
Mercury
binds to Hemoglobin in the red blood cell and will reduce the amount of oxygen
that can be carried in the blood—a major cause of fatigue. Mercury at a level
of 1 part per ten million will actively destroy the membrane of red blood
cells. Hyperbaric oxygen has been used with great results, but at great expense
in time and money, and may be contraindicated where mercury toxicity is present
due to oxidative damage. A simple way to increase oxygen in the cells is
through addition of 2 drops of tasteless Cell FoodÔ Eden’s
Secret (888-755-7715, 1 oz, $21.95) to water being drunk. Another that builds
oxygen in the blood is OxyChargeÔ (800-800-9119, 2-oz spray bottle,
$29.95 plus shipping), a tasteless spray into the mouth. Each bottle will last
about a month. I have seen these work in my grown son who was greatly anemic
from multiple transfusions, and gasping for oxygen! It gave almost instant
relief of breathlessness, even though deficient of red blood cells! The Cell
FoodÔ supplies 78 trace, colloidal, ionic minerals, 34
enzymes, and 17 amino acids.
Live Blood
Analysis is a method of prescreening the blood that can be most revealing of a
condition usually ignored. That is, the clumping of the blood. Blood clumps or
sludges for several reasons. Platelets can become sticky. Red cells can fail to
repel one another, especially following a high fat meal that lacks sufficient
lipotrophic factors (chiefly lecithin, and vitamins B-complex, E, and C). It
will show undigested carbohydrate particles circulating in the blood (signaling
a need for digestive enzymes). It has been shown that when these clumped
platelets, red cells, or undigested carbohydrate particles reach the small
capillaries, they create a slowing or stoppage of blood flow robbing the cells
in that area of necessary nutrients and waste removal. Additionally, a
deficiency of glutathione tends to cause red cells to deform or burst, white
cells decline in functional activity, and an alkaline condition of the blood
ensues that constricts the blood vessels and reduces blood flow and oxygen
transport. All this is evident by looking at one drop of blood under the
electron microscope! Further, mercury binds to oxygen-carrying sites on
hemoglobin reducing oxygenation of cells. All these causes of reduced
oxygenation of cells lead to undesirable symptoms, many classed as autistic.
Very low mercury concentrations block intestinal vitamin B6.
Garlic,
vitamins E and C, bromelain, and the flavonoids (with rutin) all “thin” the
blood. Use these in preference to aspirin. Recent studies by Dr. John Folts,
Ph.D., who first touted aspirin, shows these nutrients reduced activity of
platelets about 52%, the same as aspirin, without the side effects. Ginkgo
Biloba effectively increases circulation and nutrient supply to the brain that
is desperately needed by these children, however, because it enhances Phase I
liver enzymes, it should be used for only a few months. It should not be used
at all by one with a lack of fatty acids or with the PST problem. See my
Electronic Book, “Self-help to Good Health”, Chapter titled “Sludged Blood” for
additional details of how to improve circulation and oxygenation.
Transfer Factor
As
indicated, bovine colostrum is very effective is helping the immune system
destroy bacterial, viral, and fungal infections (including candida) in that it
boosts the natural killer cell function and glutathione production too when
sufficient substrates (the amino acids cysteine, glycine, and glutamine) are
available. It has been used effectively in reducing inflammation in autoimmune
conditions. It also increases Growth Hormone (hGH) that benefits the transport
of amino acids into cells, and elevates the uptake of blood glucose, and causes
greater utilization of fat for energy. It (hGH) also tends to increase muscle
mass. Increased production of growth hormone greatly increases the need for
EFAs.
Researchers
at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have been able to
demonstrate for the first time that children who face a greater risk for the
illness through family history of major depression produce significantly less
growth hormone than their normal peers when given growth hormone releasing
hormone. This builds on their research from 1994 that discovered children and
adolescents with acute episodes of major depression secrete less growth hormone
during and after their illness.
There is a
product called “Transfer Factor” (TF) derived from colostrum in which the
factor or factors in colostrum that boost the immune system’s ability to
recognize antigens (foreign substances or bugs) it has never been exposed to,
and destroy them, is concentrated to about 100 to 1. This “messenger molecule”
is not destroyed in the stomach as a protein antibody would be. Thus, the
immunity of the cow, which contains many of the antibodies of the human, is
transferred to the human. It is also said to be an immune modulator, boosting
Natural Killer Cell function and activity significantly while either boosting
or suppressing T-cell activity as needed. You may learn more about it, and
purchase it from 4LifeÔ at:
www.supercolostrum.com/colostrum/Information/information2.htm. There is a
general “Transfer Factor”, and there are specific “Transfer Factor” products,
(e.g., one where the source is infected with HHV-6 should enable the body to
overcome a chronic infection by that virus.). There is a version of “Transfer
Factor” from Chisolm Biological Laboratory that first used the chicken, and now
the egg, as the source. Dr. Fudenberg’s group did considerable work with this,
I understand. While the 4LifeÔ “Transfer Factor” gives the wide
exposure of the cow to the human, the Chisolm ImmunFactorÔ gives
the free-range exposure of the chicken, plus the chicken is then exposed to
specific human antigens to produce eight combinations of “Antigen Specific
Transfer Factors”. Thus, several select antigens such as various viruses and
candida can be specifically targeted (www.chisolmbio.com or 800-664-1333). The
need and benefit of such products is easy to understand when one recognizes
most of these children are suffering with one or more low grade, chronic
infections, and their immune system either does not recognize it, or does not
have the antibodies sufficient to destroy it. Dr. Hugh H. Fudenberg has done
the definitive work with TF in autism. An abstract of a study with autistic
youngsters follows:
Fudenberg,
H. H. Dialysable lymphocyte extract (DLyE) in infantile onset autism: a pilot
study. Biotherapy 1996;9(1-3):143-7. Immuno Therapeutics Research Foundation,
Spartanburg, S.C., USA. Abstract: 40 infantile autistic patients were studied.
They ranged from 6 years to 15 years of age at entry. Twenty-two were cases of
classical infantile autism; whereas 18 lacked one or more clinical defects
associated with infantile autism—dubbed “pseudo-autism”. Of the 22 with classic
autism, 21 responded to transfer factor (TF) treatment by gaining at least 2
points in symptom severity score average (SSSA); and 10 became normal in that
they were mainstreamed in school, and clinical characteristics were fully
normalized. Of the 18 remaining, 4 responded to TF, some to other therapies.
After cessation of TF therapy, 5 in the autistic group and 3 of the
pseudo-autistic group regressed, but they did not drop as low as baseline
levels. PMID: 8993773, UI: 97146917.
I
understand that the product should be used for three or more months, and then
to prevent regression, it should be pulsed (used for a few days) every three
months.
Negative Effects of
Secretin
Let’s stop
and think what secretin does to lipid (fat) metabolism. Autistic kids are
universally deficient in the fatty acids. Secretin is a pro-oxidant hormone.
The metabolic impact of Secretin is that it stimulates the arachidonic acid
cascade (contraindicated in seizure disorders) and bicarbonate production,
oxidizes or burns off (beta oxidizes) fatty acids (including both essential
fats, insulating fatty acids, and very long-chain, fatty acids), increases the
metabolism of bile acids, and, theoretically, may stimulate Cholecystokinin-B
(CCK-B) that plays a neuromodulatory role in the regulation of GABAergic
neuronal activity perhaps (theoretically) stimulating speech. When a child
receives secretin over and over again without replenishing the lipids (fatty
acids) and catalysts (vitamins and minerals), then the impact could ultimately
be quite negative.
On the
other hand, children with autistic spectrum disorder tend to have a buildup of
very long-chain, fatty acids (VLCFA) indicative of suppressed, peroxisomal,
beta oxidation. Characteristically, plasmalogen synthesis and beta-oxidation of
very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are affected. It’s been found that
patients with generalized peroxisomal disorders have a profound brain
deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) and low DHA concentrations in
all tissues and the blood. Supplementation with DHA-EE normalized blood DHA
values within a few weeks. Plasmalogen concentrations increased in erythrocytes
in most patients and after DHA concentrations were normalized, amounts of
VLCFAs decreased in plasma. Liver enzymes returned almost to normal in most
cases. From a clinical viewpoint, most patients showed improvement in vision,
liver function, muscle tone, and social contact. In 3 patients, normalization
of brain myelin was detected by magnetic resonance imaging. In 3 others,
myelination improved. In a seventh patient, myelination is progressing at a
normal rate. Curiously, DHA is a VLCFA.
The use of
secretin stimulates the burning off of these aberrant, excess lipids (VLCFAs)
that irritate the brain (and many other systems of the body); thus, in that
degree, secretin is of immediate benefit. The administration of secretin, DHEA,
pregnenolone, or thyroid hormone stimulates the beta-oxidation (burning within
the mitochondria for energy) of VLCFAs, as would pro-oxidant nutrients and
oxidative therapies. Excess VLCFAs indicate a deficiency of cytochrome p450
(Phase I) liver enzymes, and pregnenolone increases Phase I activity by
conserving existing Phase I enzymes.
Stimulating beta-oxidation, however, concurrently stimulates the burning
off of essential fatty acids (EFAs) as we said. Children with ASD most often
present with acidosis, low CO2/Bicarbonate, and low oxygen. (Dr.
Patricia Kane, Ph.D.). The spacy, dreamy, lack of clarity state you observe in
most autistic children is often associated with a low bicarbonate and disturbed
electrolyte status. Insufficient oxygen in the brain can lead to a spacy,
confused, non-alert quality also. Infusions of Secretin will correct the
acidosis that most children with ASD present ultimately impacting their
hyperammonemic states that may be stabilized with the increased bicarbonate
production (bicarbonate released from the pancreas plus ammonia yields urea
that can be excreted). Sulfur containing amino acids become ammonia and remain
ammonia without adequate folic acid, B12, zinc, and molybdenum.
Excess ammonia in the blood is associated with excess lysine.
“Peroxisomes
are organelles within cells that are pivotal in the biotransformation of
endogenous compounds in lipid metabolism such as fatty acids, steroids,
prostaglandins, the formation of myelin, neurotransmission, detoxification of
exogenous compounds and xenobiotics (phenols and other compounds discussed
under the section PST). VLCFAs are fatty acids with 22 or more carbons. Normally,
these are oxidized down to C20 or less by p450 oxidase enzymes in the
peroxisome organelles in the liver. Normally, the C20s are then shuttled by
carnitine to the mitochondria for further metabolism. However, mitochondria cannot
metabolize VLCFAs so they then accumulate in the nerve cells where they have
toxic effects. This is almost universally true in autistic children, but is
also seen in Alzheimer’s patients, chronic fatigue, Zellweger’s, and
cardiovascular disease. The accumulation of VLCFAs [Docosahexaenoic (DHA),
Docosapentaenoic w3, Behenic, Lignoceric, and Nervonicinside] inside the cell
membrane represents defects in peroxisomal, beta-oxidation rather than a
mitochondrial disturbance. This accumulation may be used to profile the
deleterious effects upon the brain, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and immune
systems, as well as the cytochrome P450 liver enzyme derangement involving
nitric oxide synthase (NOS) characteristic in autistic spectrum disorder due to
autoimmune presentation. Therefore, the toxic aspect so often described in
autism may be defined clearly through examination of Red Blood Cell lipids with
elevation of VLCFAs being a reflection of blocked detoxification
mechanisms”—Patricia Kane.
Additionally,
a recent study shows another disturbing aspect of this fatty acid imbalance on
cell walls: Red blood cell fatty acid compositions in a patient with autistic
spectrum disorder: a characteristic abnormality in neurodevelopmental
disorders? J. G. Bell, J. R. Sargent, D. R.Tocher, J. R. Dick Nutrition Group,
Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling UK
“Summary:
The fatty acid compositions of red blood cell (RBC) phospholipids from a
patient with autistic spectrum disorder had reduced percentages of highly
unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) compared to control samples. The percentage of
HUFA in the RBC from the autistic patient was dramatically reduced (up to 70%)
when the sample was stored for 6 weeks at (-) 20 degrees C. However, only minor
HUFA reductions were recorded in control samples stored similarly, or when the
autistic sample was stored at (-) 80 degrees C. A similar instability in RBC
HUFA compositions upon storage at (-) 20 degrees C has been recorded in
schizophrenic patients. In a number of other neurodevelopmental conditions,
including ADHD and dyslexia, reduced concentrations of RBC HUFA have been
recorded.
“Evidence
suggests that the HUFA instability observed in a patient with ASD and found in
other neurodevelopmental disorders may be caused by increased phospholipase
activity, perhaps in conjunction with increased auto-oxidative stress. The
evidence available suggests that autistic spectrum disorder involves an
aberration in lipid metabolism that results in alterations in cell membrane
phospholipid structure and function, and that these alterations are similar in
a number of other neurodevelopmental disorders. The tryptophan metabolite
indole acroyl glycine (IAG) has been found in the urine of the majority of
patients with ASD, and has also been identified in numerous other
neurodevelopmental disorders. The precursor of IAG, indole acrylic acid, when
added to cells in culture affects the cellular PUFA compositions and the
production of PGE.”
Autism is
said to often involve a demyelination of the myelin sheath of nerves,
disrupting nerve transmission. Brain autoantibodies to myelin basic protein and
neuron-axon filament protein have been found in autistic children. The
perineuronal nets around neurons, which modulate their function, are primarily
composed of chondroitin sulfate. Low sulfur would thus yield less modulation of
neurons. Hepatitis B vaccine was found to inhibit sulfation chemistry for at
least one week in typical people. When TNF (tumor necrosis factor) is elevated
(frequently in autism), it can inhibit the conversion of cysteine to sulfate.
This could be a contributing factor in PST.
Mercury and
other heavy metals (such as lead) can cause progressive myelin degeneration
with the development of antibodies to myelin basic protein (MBA) and glial
fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Recent discovery of herpes virus-6 in the
damaged areas of the brains of a 73% of Multiple Sclerosis sufferers is impulse
disturbing. The nervous system, once the insulation is stripped, can be likened
to your home with bare wires inside the walls—a dangerous situation. In the
body, symptoms may be many and varied:
1) tremors,
shaking, “palsy” due to malfunction of nerve transmissions.
2) uncoordination
in walking, writing and other automatic physical movements,
3) slurred speech,
4) excessive
salivation,
5) deterioration
of memory and thinking processes
6) blurred vision,
7) difficulty
urinating, incontinence,
8) environmental
sensitivity, allergic to smells, food, clothing, electrical equipment,
9) breathing
problems, short of breath,
10) nervousness or
nervous breakdown,
11) numbness and
tingling in extremities,
12) heart
problems/arrhythmia’s.
Some have
found SphingolinÔ most helpful (Ecological Formulas
800-888-4585). Vitamin B12 is often lacking, and it is essential to
sheath formation. These benefit the myelin sheath, increasing perception and
response. Dr. Jeff Bradstreet, however, reports that children who took oral,
myelin-basic protein (SphingolinÔ) seemed worse when they were infused
with secretin. The secretin burned off the fats (needed to make myelin and
prostaglandins, both the insulating fats and the very long chain fats). It is a
big “no no” to stimulate with peptides (secretin) with SphingolinÔ without
fats! (Patricia Kane) If you choose to infuse, you must supplement generously
with Evening Primrose oil (EPO); and always with fatty acids, you must
supplement with the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E with selenium,
preferably before beginning the EPO. A failure to do so may promote seizures,
neurological disorders, and increased cancer risk due to increased free radical
activity. Additionally, Dr. Woody McGinnis, MD, of Tucson, Arizona, USA, has
reported investigating two seizures that occurred during or immediately
following secretin infusion. One was near fatal. Make sure the one infusing is
ready for any emergency. It is probably inadvisable to infuse one who is
subject to seizures. Dr. McGinnis tells of a doctor whose son started having
seizures (not immediately, but delayed) after secretin. She found the urinary pH
really alkalotic, gave him generous unbuffered vitamin C, and says the seizures
abated. Perhaps, before infusion, one should check for an overly alkaline
urine, and do so again after the infusion to anticipate and forestall any
possible seizures.
In the case
of inadequate HCl production, infusion or transdermal supply of secretin may
indeed help, but it does not fully address the most basic need—that of
necessary digestion and utilization of food. The proper course for many seems
not to be secretin infusion, but a supplementing of hydrochloric acid to the
degree necessary to trigger release of the secretin so vital to proper
digestion and hormonal response. In at least a minority of these children, the
gut will be able to release adequate secretin. The supply of adequate acidity
to the chyme would then “Kick Start” secretin production. One mother reports,
“Since I followed your suggestion, and supplemented HCl, my son has the same
responses he had to his secretin infusion!”
Hydrochloric Acid May be
a Solution
In view of
the above, I think it better to address the need for HCl first. Low HCl
production is associated with many problems. Iron deficiency anemia, owing to
poor iron absorption or to lead or cadmium poisoning, and osteoporosis,
resulting in part from decreased calcium absorption, are two important
problems. General allergies and, specifically, food allergies are correlated
with low HCl. Poor food breakdown and the "leaky gut" syndrome are
associated with food allergies. More than half the people with gallstones show
decreased HCl secretion compared with gallstone-free patients. Diabetics have
lower HCl output, as do people with eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis,
Vitiligo, and tooth and periodontal disease. With low stomach acid levels, there
can be an increase in bacteria, yeasts, and parasites growing in the
intestines. You may obtain Betaine Hydrochloride or Glutamic Hydrochloride,
10-grain capsules from the health food store. If allergic to beets, choose
Glutamic Hydrochloride. If sensitive to sulfites [MSG—Chinese restaurant
syndrome, or diagnosed as suffering from phenol-sulfotransferase deficiency
(PST)], choose Betaine Hydrochloride. Glutamic acid hydrochloride is only
mildly acidic, and does not work as well as betaine hydrochloride. Betaine may
be used alone, in supplements, or along with pepsin or other digestive agents.
A child should get good results with one to five, 10-grain capsules, adults
with five to ten (a predominantly pasta meal would need less than a high
protein one). Start with one, and increase gradually. For children who will not
swallow a capsule, it may be mixed with the food, or mixed in a small amount of
drink that will be consumed completely. Woodlands Healing Research Center
reports an older autistic boy showed marked improvement in digestive function,
and a dramatic reduction in agitation when the mother began mixing betaine
hydrochloride with pepsin into meat, poultry or other protein foods before
meals.
Low stomach
acid can be corrected by eating a balanced diet of wholesome foods, and by
reducing our daily levels of stress. Niacin stimulates HCl production. This can
be taken before meals, as can magnesium chloride and pyridoxal-5-phosphate (the
active form of vitamin B6) to help stimulate the body’s own HCl output.
Zinc is essential to HCl production. Drinking the juice of half a lemon
squeezed in water or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water
30 minutes before meals helps, and supplements taken during or after meals
should be swallowed using the lemon or vinegar treated water. Use of Swedish
Bitters or gentian has been helpful in improving digestion.
We are
talking acid here. One 10-grain tablet of HCl in 1-1/2 ounces of water will
have a pH of about three. This is not nearly as strong as what you may have
experienced when you burped, and the acid really burned your throat; but, when
HCl is mixed with food, it must be swallowed right down without chewing. Do not
leave this food in the mouth. It could damage the enamel on the teeth. Additional
food should be eaten immediately to clear the throat. If mixed with a drink,
drink it with a straw to protect the teeth. Rinse the mouth, and swallow to
clear the throat. Try it yourself, Mama. You may be surprised to learn that a
CokeÔ is even more acid (2.8 pH)! As with all such matters
pertaining to your child’s health, consult with your medical professional.
If the
hydrochloric acid is sufficiently strong, and the gut is able to release
secretin, and the pancreas is functioning, the use of an enteric-coated,
alkaline tablet will not be needed to neutralize the acid in the intestine. The
pancreas will normally release enough bicarbonate based on the strength of the
secretin signal. The amount of secretin released is dependent on the amount of
hydrochloric acid in the chyme entering the gut.
Where HCl
is adequate, but secretin is not being adequately produced, or the pancreas is
not functioning well, the proteolytic enzymes may not be released; or, because
of a lack of bicarbonate of soda, they will be destroyed by the acidity of the
chyme. This can result in incomplete breakdown of proteins. These “foreign”
protein molecules may be absorbed into the bloodstream, and circulated
throughout the body. These “peptides” can cause all types of allergic (autoimmune
responses) or toxic reactions, in particular those relating to breathing and
skin irritation. Taking an alkalizing substance (an enteric coated pill) in
that case, will neutralize the stomach acid in the gut, prevent the destruction
of the proteolytic enzymes if any are available, and maintain an environment
for the flora of the gut. If a tablet is not available, taking 1/2 teaspoon of
bicarbonate of soda in a glass of water after the stomach begins emptying
(about 2-1/2 hours after eating) can be just as effective. Without sodium being
present glucose cannot be absorbed. Picture a revolving door in the wall of the
gut with two segments. Without these two substances filling the segments, the
door won’t turn. Mercury causes excessive sodium excretion, as shown in studies
of dental amalgam placed in monkeys and sheep (Lorscheider et al, 1995).
Do not take
any water, tea, or other nonfood drink with a meal or within two hours as that
will dilute the HCl and hinder digestion. If you must drink water to take
pills, put a tablespoon or more of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in the
water to help preserve stomach acidity. A convenient way to overcome gastric
reflux that affects so many is to take the HCl with meals, or to drink a glass
of warm water with one teaspoon of raw, unfiltered, apple-cider vinegar when
you experience it. You may sweeten it with some honey if you must.
As to the
amount of acid in the capsules, you will not begin to administer as much as a
normal stomach produces for an average adult meal (estimated to be equivalent
to 30 capsules). It is the quantity as well as the degree of acidity that is
important. Normal pH must be below three (preferably two) to convert pepsinogen
into pepsin (needed to digest protein). It is often as low as one (the
strongest acid).
If there is
burning or pain, or if the digestive distress experienced previously (bloating,
belching, heartburn, reflux) becomes worse, discontinue the use of the
hydrochloric acid. Sensitivity of the stomach to acid (especially a burning
pain just below the sternum) may indicate an ulcer. However, it likely
indicates the person is dehydrated, or using aspirin or NSAID for pain.
Everyone should drink a large glass of water 30 minutes before eating. That
will rehydrate the mucus lining of the stomach, and protect the stomach from
the acid. If there seems to be adverse reactions other than pain or burning, an
allergy to Betaine (beets) Hydrochloride may be the cause. Try Glutamic
Hydrochloride instead.
HCl
production is controlled by the zinc-dependent enzyme carbonic anhydrase.
Toxins of bacterial overgrowth, gluten-casein peptides, metabolic acidosis, and
lack of zinc all depress this enzyme. An inflamed, irritated gut present in
autism will not absorb zinc well. You must supplement zinc, balance your
zinc-copper ratio, and restore the proper body pH to restore HCl production.
This pH can be improved by supplementing ionic calcium—that autistics are
universally lacking. When there is adequate calcium, the saliva will be near pH
7.0 between meals, anything less than pH 6.5 is cause for concern.
There are
some simple tests that may help determine if you or your child lack HCl. There
is a hydrochloric acid reflex present on the bottom of the lowest rib
approximately one inch lateral to the midline. If this area on the rib is
tender to palpation there is a strong likelihood the person is deficient in
hydrochloric acid, and would benefit from supplementation. Additionally:
1.
Drink four ounces of beet juice on an empty stomach. If this turns the next
urine red, suspect low HCl for there isn’t enough acid to break down the red
pigment—but, you could be iron deficient.
2. Check the pH of the
urine—drink four ounces of grapefruit juice, or a lemon–orange juice mixture,
on an empty stomach. Test the pH of the urine one hour later. If it is
significantly more acid (lower pH number), suspect low HCl. The citric acid
should have been broken down.
3. If you have heartburn or a
too–acid feeling, swallow a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. If it makes the
symptoms worse—you have more than enough hydrochloric acid. If the symptoms are
relieved, you need HCl.
4. If it appears that you may
need additional HCl, obtain a bottle of 10-grain HCl (with pepsin) in
capsule form from
the health food store; “Adults...take five...of such a product with a meal. If
you do not suffer the usual burps and belches, you have proven in one hour that
you have need for digestive support. If five...solve your problem, then try
four the next meal, then three...you will finally have a recurrence of the old
symptoms. Slowly increase the dosage each meal to find the dosage needed to
prevent symptoms. Continue that dosage indefinitely.”—Indigestion by Doctor Kurt W. Donsbach.