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Digestion 101Digestion 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 AlkaAid™,
AlkaSeltzer Gold™,
and AlkaLime™,
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. ButyrEn™
(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
(Depakene™),
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 (Carnitor™)
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 Mannatech™
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. Seacure™,
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-Complete™
or SpectraZyme™,
or Hn-Zyme Prime™
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; 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 Gold™
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-O™,
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 Depakote™,
Tegretol™,
aspirin, Pepcid®. Methotrexate, Dilantin™,
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 Mannatech™ 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.
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