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Mercury Poisoned.Due to the high dosage
of mercury in vaccines (187.5 mcg in first six month’s vaccines), and the
inability of these children to excrete metals normally, they probably have
heavy-metal poisoning with mercury, and aluminum (also in the vaccines), as well
as arsenic, cadmium, antimony, nickel, and lead. These heavy metals not only
affect the brain, but mercury impairs the functioning of enzymes that have
sulfur and hydrogen (-SH) at the end of the molecular chain. These include
glutathione, lipoic acid, and Coenzyme A. These toxic metals also impair the
enzymes sulfite oxidase and cysteine dioxygenase interfering with sulfur
oxidation, creating a lack of sulfate. Many people who are mercury toxic are
sensitive to foods that are high in sulfur, which includes all dairy products
and most green vegetables. We fret about the heavy metals in vaccines, yet we
allow the kid to drink from aluminum cans! The Environmental Protection Agency
requires that public water have less than 50 ppb [Parts Per Billion] of
aluminum, yet canned beverages contain as much as 6,160 ppb! The PST children,
having the least urinary thiols (sulfurs) and thus the least capacity to excrete
heavy metals, especially mercury, are most poisoned by these vaccines! Low
excretion of mercury may be due to low glutathione levels and low sulfation
common to these PST kids. Please have the GSH-status and sulfation status
tested, and if those are low, it explains your low excretion levels, and can
also mean that you actually have very high levels of mercury accumulated. If
that is the case, then you need to get your GSH-levels up and your sulfation
pathways repaired and back on line. Then, if you succeed with that, your
excretion levels may become huge for a while, provided there are enough
nutrients, especially thiols available, and that sulfur metabolism is working
right. One study showed
mercury was still gassing off ninety days after painting with latex paint:
“These data demonstrate that potentially hazardous elemental mercury exposure
may occur even in homes recently painted with indoor latex paint that contains
mercury concentrations less than 200 mg/L.”—Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 1991
Jul;21(1):62-4. Environmentally safe household products and paints can be had
from AFM at www.nontoxic.com/nontoxicpai, (800) 968-9355. Melalucca™,
Shaklee™,
and Neways™
also carry the nontoxic household and personal care products that make a
difference in the health of the entire family. Paresthesia, or
abnormal sensation, tingling, and numbness around the mouth and in the
extremities, is the most common sensory disturbance in Hg poisoning, and is
usually the first sign of toxicity (Fagala and Wigg, 1992; Joselow et al., 1972;
Matheson et al., 1980; Amin-Zaki, 1979). In Japanese who ate contaminated fish,
there was numbness in the extremities, face and tongue (Snyder, 1972; Tokuomi et
al., 1982). Iraqi children who ate mercury-poisoned bread experienced sensory
changes including numbness in the mouth, hands, and feet, and a feeling that
there were “ants crawling under the skin.” Methyl Mercury (MeHg),
like cadmium, binds to sulfhydryl groups on cysteine, which may compromise the
function of enzymes and ion channels. MeHg also interacts with DNA and RNA,
resulting in reductions in protein synthesis. Metallothioneins (MT) are a group
of low molecular weight, cysteine-rich, metal-binding proteins that bind a
variety of metal ions. Zinc is probably the most important nutrient that
protects the body against mercury and cadmium, for zinc can induce protective
levels of metallothionein even before the body is exposed to cadmium. Copper can
do this as well, but to a lesser extent. A search will turn up more than 600
references to inositol and metallothionein as well (caffeine depletes the body
of inositol, so no soft drinks or coffee!). Zinc, copper, and manganese can all
interfere with the absorption of cadmium. Iron, ascorbic acid, and protein also
can reduce the absorption of low levels of dietary cadmium. Calcium and thiols
like cysteine reduce the toxicity of oral cadmium. One of the greatest
effects of cadmium and mercury is that they deplete selenium in the body because
selenium is essential for their removal. Selenium atoms combine with cadmium and
mercury atoms and escort them out of the body via the bile system. When selenium
is depleted by cadmium and/or mercury, there is less selenium to form the
deiodinase enzymes that convert T4 to T3, resulting in low T3 and
hypothyroidism. Also there is less selenium to form glutathione peroxidase, one
of the body’s prime antioxidants. Many have expressed the
fear that continued supplementation of vitamin B12 and TMG would
change systemic mercury to methyl mercury, its most toxic form. Methylation of
mercury does not occur at a physiologically relevant rate in mammals according
to Mr. Andy Cutler, Chemist, and PH.D. Methylation in general, he says, will
benefit about 80-90% of the people, but the rest need to avoid it. People with
problems who need more will usually have some of the classic signs and symptoms
of B12 deficiency (like a smooth, shiny tip of the tongue). “(Edited) In this
study, we have examined the effect of mercury as an inducer of oxidative stress,
and the resultant effect on ß-Amyloid (Aß) production and phosphorylated tau
levels in neuroblastoma cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these effects
are reduced and/or reversed by the pineal indoleamine melatonin. “A 24-hour exposure
to 50 µg/L mercury induced significant cell cytotoxicity in neuroblastoma
cells. Treatment of cells with melatonin before administration of mercury
greatly reduced the mercury-induced cytotoxicity. Mercury treatment of cells
produced another as yet undocumented phenomenon, that of inducing oxidative
stress, as measured by the loss of reduced glutathione (GSH) from cells. This
was a rapid process, requiring only 30 minutes of exposure to mercury.
Similarly, pretreating the cells with melatonin...before administration
protected cells from the mercury-induced oxidative stress. Melatonin’s
mechanism of action is at present unclear; however, melatonin is known to bind
heavy metals (Limson et al., 1998REF15) and to increase intracellular GSH levels
through an up-regulation of GSH-synthesizing enzymes (Todoroki et al.,
1998REF3). It is thus possible to speculate on two mechanisms for melatonin’s
antioxidant action, namely, (a) melatonin as a chelating agent binding mercury,
thus eliminating its cytotoxic properties, or (b) melatonin causing production
of increased levels of intracellular antioxidants such as glutathione (Todoroki
et al., 1998REF30). It is not excluded that both these mechanisms could be
operating simultaneously. “The release of both
Aß 1-40 and Aß 1-42 into the culture medium was increased by exposure of
SHSY5Y cells to mercury. Melatonin preincubation resulted in a significant
decrease in Aß release....Mercury has previously been shown to be a potent
inhibitor of enzymes, especially those containing sulfhydryl groups (Edstrom and
Mattsson, 1976REF9). Protein kinase C activity in vitro and in brain tissue is
markedly reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by mercury (Rajanna et al.,
1995REF21).....Mercury induces both Aß production and oxidative stress; thus,
the chelation of mercury by melatonin could shift the APP metabolism back toward
the secretase pathway, reducing Aß production and the concomitant oxidative
stress-inducing effects of mercury and Aß. Aß-Fibrillogenesis is also
inhibited by melatonin, thereby potentially reducing the toxic buildup of Aß
1-40 and Aß 1-42 fibrils (Pappolla et al., 1998REF20). Furthermore, melatonin
has been shown to reduce the release of soluble APP from cells in culture and to
reduce the levels of APP mRNA and other housekeeping protein mRNAs (Song and
Lahiri, 1997REF24). These data suggest that melatonin may be involved in
metabolic mechanisms regulating APP and other essential cellular protein
production, over and above its antioxidant capacity. “In a similar
fashion, mercury induced an increase in tau phosphorylation as compared with
untreated cells. Melatonin treatment was able to protect cells from the
mercury-induced tau hyperphosphorylation. Mercury’s influence on tau
phosphorylation remains unclear; however, it may be an indirect effect via
oxidative stress and Aß production. Both Aß and oxidative stress have been
shown to influence tau phosphorylation (Busciglio et al., 1995REF6; Takashima et
al., 1996REF26)”—Journal of Neurochemistry, Vol. 74, No. 1, 2000 231-236 ©
2000 International Society for Neurochemistry.” Melatonin is
concentrated in the mitochondria, and protects them from oxidative damage. 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.
This abstract adds to
Bernard’s thoughts: Ciba Found Symp 1977 Apr 26-28;(46):243-61;
“Gastrointestinal complications of immunodeficiency syndromes”. Katz AJ,
Rosen FS. Patients with B-cell deficiency have a high incidence of prolonged
Giardia lamblia infection of the gastrointestinal tract that causes symptoms of
malabsorption with villus flattening. The changes are reversible with therapy
directed against Giardia. There is a high incidence of pernicious anemia in
patients with agammaglobulinaemia. Those with abnormal B-lymphocytes tend to
develop lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (measles in the gut). Gastrointestinal
disease is rare in boys with X-linked agammaglobulinaemia when compared with
adults with the ‘acquired’ or common variable form of the disease. T-cell
deficiency results in intractable diarrhea and monilial infection of the
gastrointestinal tract. End of abstract. Pernicious
anemia occurs 20 times more frequently in patients with hypothyroidism than
generally. In another study, a
significant reduction in the number of B-lymphocytes was observed in
mercury-exposed individuals. Heavy metals inhibit
cytochrome P450 enzymes and mitochondrial energy production; and they are
neurotoxins. The stress pattern spoken of, indicative of adrenal stress, is
presented in hair analysis by a marked, paired deviation in calcium and
magnesium with an opposing deviation in sodium and potassium in the opposite
direction. This pattern is accompanied by an increased level of zinc (which is
displaced from functional sites by cadmium, nickel, lead, and mercury), and
elevated boron. Very low levels of calcium, manganese, cobalt, chromium,
copper, and sometimes zinc characterize the malabsorption pattern. Copper is
essential for production of monoamine oxidase that degrades hormones after they
have fulfilled their function. The malabsorption pattern can be associated with
intestinal yeast overgrowth, hypochlorhydria, achlorhydria (B12,
thiamin, zinc, or histamine deficiency), food allergies (increased with heavy
metal burden), or inflammatory bowel disease. Nickel exposure is
common, and nickel exposure has been found to be significantly related to
perinatal unthriftiness (failure to thrive) and mortality in animal studies, and
to large numbers of people affected by allergic conditions such as eczema and
psoriasis vulgaris and serious autoimmune conditions such as lupus and CFS. Hypoparathyroidism,
vitamin D deficiency, kidney failure, acute pancreatitis, or inadequate amounts
of plasma magnesium and protein may also cause a deficiency of calcium in the
serum. Mild hypocalcemia is asymptomatic (or shows as nocturnal cramps—WSL).
Severe hypocalcemia is characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and tetany with
hyperparesthesia (tingling as if “asleep”) of the hands, feet, lips, and
tongue. The underlying disorder is diagnosed, and calcium is given by mouth or
intravenous infusion. Hypocalcemia is also seen in dysmature newborns, in
infants born of mothers with diabetes, or in normal babies of normal mothers
delivered after a long or stressful labor and delivery. The condition is
signaled by vomiting, twitching of extremities, poor muscle tone, high-pitched
crying, and difficulty in breathing—1998 Mosby-yearbook, Inc. The very lack of
calcium increases a parathyroid hormone that opens the L-channels allowing
uncontrolled amounts of calcium into the cells of smooth muscles causing
contraction, and high blood pressure for example. This would also contribute to
a spastic colon. Contrariwise, mercury and PCBs block the L-channels
contributing to low muscle tone. Supplementing calcium, manganese, magnesium,
and vitamin B6 controls influx of calcium into cells. Dr. Lynn Wecker and his
colleagues at Louisiana State Medical Centre observed that the autistic
population had significantly lower levels of calcium, magnesium, copper,
manganese and chromium and higher levels of lithium as compared to sex and
age-matched controls. Children with autistic features (autistic-like),
classified as having childhood-onset pervasive disorder, had lower levels of
magnesium, cadmium, cobalt and manganese as compared to controls. Discriminant
function analysis using the 14 trace elements correctly classified 90.5% of the
normal and 100% of the autistic population. Using a stepwise procedure, the five
elements with the greatest discriminatory power were calcium, copper, zinc,
chromium and lithium. Analysis based on these five trace elements led to the
correct classification of 85.7% of the normal and 91.7% of the autistic group.
You must supplement with a good vitamin-mineral product such as Mannatech™
Profile that is formulated to the child’s metabolic type from organic
minerals that are easily assimilated. Wecker and team further
observed that trace element imbalances in the human body can disrupt
neurotransmitter function and produce marked changes in behavior—many of which
are consistent with symptoms of autism. Deficiencies of mineral nutrients can
make a child more susceptible to heavy metal absorption, and conversely, heavy
metals can create mineral deficiencies. Furthermore, one genetic difference
found in animals and humans is cellular retention differences for metals related
to the ability to excrete mercury. For example, it has been found that
individuals with genetic blood factor type APOE-4 (apolipoprotein E) do not
excrete mercury readily and bioaccumulate mercury, resulting in susceptibility
to chronic autoimmune conditions such as Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s, as
early as age 40, whereas those with type APOE-2 readily excrete mercury and are
less susceptible. Those with type APOE-3 are intermediate to the other 2 types.
Many have puzzled about where excessive levels of arsenic are coming from. I now
understand it may come from wool carpets and underlays that are treated with
arsenic! Yes, and from your playpen mattress! You must have a heavy metals
check, and detox your child at the earliest time. My book "Self-help to
Good Health" ($21.95) has a Chapter on detoxifying heavy metals naturally.
Heavy-metal overloads
can effectively be treated using oral supplements of zinc, manganese, cysteine,
serine, and vitamins B6, C, and E. The initial treatment must be
gradual to avoid a sudden dumping of metal toxics from tissues, which could
cause kidney damage and a worsening of symptoms—Dr. Wm. Walsh. Inexperienced doctors
trying to detoxify mercury with DMSA, and possibly DMPS, may damage these
children irreparably! Natural medical physicians throughout the US have reported
MS symptoms in adults and intractable seizures in pediatric patients with high
dose and extended use of DMSA (2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid), Chemet, or
Succimer. Irresponsible use of these toxic drugs will damage the sulfoxidation
system of PST children beyond repair. One reason to be careful is that DMPS
takes the metals out in a certain order: zinc, tin, copper, arsenic, mercury,
plumbum (lead), iron, and cadmium, creating damaging deficiencies in necessary
metals (minerals). DMPS takes considerable glutathione (GSH) to metabolize it,
in addition to folic acid, vitamins B6, and B12, and
molybdenum. Furthermore, “Urinary values, without looking at the cellular
mercury/low weight, free-thiols, and therefore susceptibility to the metal, are
useless. One who has 1 mcg/l coming out in the urine, due to depleted thiols,
can be more toxic from mercury than one with 50 mcg/l coming out who has normal
or high cellular thiols. Thus, it would be very important to test cellular
thiols in some cellular samples OTHER THAN BLOOD. Since red cells are renewed
every 120 days, the red cell pool is not usually affected by the chronic mercury
that accumulates in thiol-richer and/or more stable cells of the organs of the
kidneys, liver, brain, colon surfaces, oral cavity gums, and alveolar bone.
Unless you check those cells, and look at mercury/low weight, free-thiol ratios
in those, and get some real indicators of toxicity and susceptibility, the urine
measurements are useless.”—Ray Saarela, Biochemist who has experienced DMPS
damage, and developed a safe protocol for detoxifying mercury. Ray has this to
say about DMPS and DMSA: “You may want neither of the two, as both worsen the
kidneys (DMPS horribly, and DMSA does also cause kidney pain and worsening each
time I take even just very small doses in 25-150 mg range). These are the
recommendations of the DAN! Mercury Detoxification Position Paper (May 2001):
“DMSA should be given in doses of no more than 10 mg/kg/dose and no more than
30 mg/kg/day with a maximum dose of 500 mg (1500 mg/day maximum). Exceeding
these limits has been associated with a significantly higher incidence of side
effects and toxicity. The dosing interval can be any convenient period, as long
as the dose limits are not exceeded. There is no convincing evidence to suggest
that dosing intervals shorter than eight hours provide any inherent benefit,
although a lower dose given more frequently may help to reduce troublesome side
effects. In addition, the subset of children who experience improvement only
while receiving DMSA may benefit from more frequent dosing. Clinical experience
supporting 3- or 4-hour dosing intervals is matched by equally good results with
8-hour dosing. As always, the dosing interval should be based on the clinical
response of the individual patient.” Phase II of the DAN!
protocol calls for adding Alpha Lipoic Acid to the treatment: “Start with 1 to
3 mg/kg/day of alpha-lipoic acid and increase to 10 mg/kg/day as tolerated.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a natural product of human cells and so has minimal
toxicity; doses of up to 25 mg/kg/day given over more than three years have been
studied in adults with no detectable toxicity. There is a theoretical concern
that alpha-lipoic acid may bind to DMSA and reduce the availability of both, but
this has not been seen clinically. Another concern is that alpha-lipoic acid
reduces the removal of methyl-mercury by glutathione, which is a reason why it
should be given with DMSA. There is also evidence that alpha-lipoic acid reduces
copper excretion. Since DMSA increases copper excretion (it has been used to
treat the copper intoxication of Wilson’s disease), this should not be a
problem if alpha-lipoic acid is used with DMSA. “A serious concern
with alpha-lipoic acid is that it can facilitate the movement of mercury out of
and into the cells. It can be very useful in mobilizing mercury from within the
cells and making it available for DMSA to chelate. Without the DMSA to
‘grab’ the mercury from lipoic acid, it may readily enter other tissues.” Kidney side effects and
lowering of neutrophils are both known documented DMSA side effects. Extended
use of DMSA can cause mild to moderate neutropenia with increased SGOT,
SGPT, Platelet count, Cholesterol, Alkaline Phosphatase, and Blood Urea Nitrogen
(BUN). Adverse reactions to DMSA include ataxia (inability to coordinate
muscular movement that may indicate a copper deficiency), convulsions, rash,
nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, headache, dizziness, sensorimotor neuropathy,
changes in urination, arrhythmia, infection, redness of the face and
extremities, heartburn, vomiting, loose stools, metallic taste in mouth,
hemorrhoids, rash, stomach and abdomen cramps, flu like symptoms, tremors and
twitches (magnesium depletion), and headache. Based on experiences and
literature studies and studying people’s reactions to chelators, red itchy
skin, swollen faces and hands are most probably reaction to DMSA, metabolic or
immunological intolerance to it, rather than an ACTION of cleansing. Those
people who tolerate DMSA OK have not developed itches or swollen body areas. According to the DAN!
protocol, these are the common side-effects of DMSA: “nausea, diarrhea,
anorexia, flatulence and fatigue. If these become serious enough, reducing the
dose will usually make the symptoms tolerable. Occasionally, patients develop a
maculopapular rash during treatment; this should not to be confused with an
allergic reaction. Some autistic children are reported to experience a transient
regression in language and behavior during and shortly after treatment. Reducing
the dose may also make these symptoms less bothersome. Clinical experience
suggests that most children who experience regression at the start of therapy
will have less regression with each subsequent cycle of treatment.” Beneficial
“side-effects” reported with DMSA therapy in autistic children include rapid
progression of language ability, improved social interaction, improved eye
contact, and decreased self-stimulatory behaviors (“stimming”). Children
with motor problems have experienced significant improvement in both strength
and coordination. If intestinal dysbiosis (particularly candida)
is not adequately treated prior to starting DMSA, any improvement from the DMSA
may be masked when the intestinal dysbiosis worsens on exposure to a rich
culture medium such as DMSA, cysteine, cystine, or NAC. It is interesting to
note a report that NAC can stimulate lymphocytes or inhibit them, usually the
later in the limited tests done. Consult your physician
if there are bothersome effects. Erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
is a self-limited inflammatory disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It is
thought to be induced by immune complexes and mediated by lymphocytes.
Distinctive target-shaped skin lesions, sore throat, mucous ulcers, and fever
characterize it. It usually begins a week or more after therapy starts and will
usually resolve spontaneously if the inciting medication is stopped. Toxic epidermal
necrolysis (TEN) is the most serious cutaneous drug reaction and may be fatal if
not recognized. Its onset is generally very acute and characterized by epidermal
necrosis without significant dermal inflammation. Its pathology is poorly
understood but it also usually resolves when the inciting agent is stopped. TEN and Stevens-Johnson
syndrome are absolute contraindications to continued therapy. There are no
specific treatments other than supportive therapy and symptom relief. It is
reported that some are using DMSA in liquid form. This may be an expensive
mistake as DMSA in liquid is said to lose up to 20% of its potency each 24
hours! Zinc excretion doubles
during the administration of DMSA. This can cause kidney dysfunction where the
hair zinc/copper ratio is less than 5:1. Patients must be kept hydrated as renal
function can be compromised. DMSA removes mercury from the “extracellular
compartment,” which is about half the body. DMSA is completely useless for
brain detox, and if not used on the every 4-hour schedule may increase brain
mercury levels according to Andy Cutler and others. Your child may also show an
increase in autistic symptoms (may become more “stimmy” or show more
oppositional behavior). If the side effects are severe or difficult to deal
with, stop the cycle and allow a rest time, then start the next cycle with a
lower dosage. You may also want to try a shorter chelation cycle, with a larger
rest period in between. The main target for mercury is the kidney. Mercury has
been shown to cause a 50% reduction in kidney filtration function after just two
months with new amalgam fillings in the mouth. It would be wise to support the
kidneys by supplying kidney glandular supplements and other nutrients. Dietary
fiber and apple pectin can aid the organs of elimination. According to Dr.
Dietrich Klinghardt, regarding challenge tests with chelating agents
(administration of appropriate agent followed by mercury urinalysis), “Our
clinical experience has shown that when a patient is mineral deficient
(especially sodium, calcium or potassium), the body is unable to effectively
mobilize toxic metals with a challenge test! The patient’s mineral status
needs to be corrected before successful mobilization [via a challenge test or
actual detoxing] for mercury should be attempted.” A failure to ensure that
adequate copper, molybdenum, zinc, selenium, manganese, magnesium, and
glutathione stores exist before chelation can induce a dangerous lack of these
essential nutrients. Selenium also assists in reducing the amount of zinc and
copper excreted through the urine in the presence of mercury. Seleno-methionine
is more readily incorporated into the system than are other forms of selenium.
This is particularly evident in the kidney. In workers who are occupationally
exposed to mercury, their mean urinary selenium was lowered. By increasing
their selenium, through the diet, urinary mercury excretion increased and blood
levels of mercury reduced. Most children are dehydrated, and efforts to
rehydrate them should be made before chelation is begun. The DAN! protocol
states, “Selenium supplementation should be limited to 1-4 mcg/kg/day.
Magnesium, molybdenum, manganese, vanadium and chromium are all among the
minerals that are deficient in autistic children; these can be supplied by a
multi-mineral supplement. Be sure that this supplement does not contain copper.
Copper is the one mineral that autistic children often have in excess and
additional supplements will only worsen the excess.” The exception would be
for those children who have been tested low in copper, in which case it must be
supplemented for vitamin C, zinc, molybdenum, and DMSA will dangerously deplete
it. It would be valuable to monitor red-cell, copper levels. I further venture
to say the amount of selenium recommended here is far too low, and should be in
the 5 mcg/kg range for mercury has already depleted the child’s stores of
selenium, and chelating will reduce it the more. The presence of adequate
selenium will bind mercury, preventing recycling in the gut and increasing
release through the urine. Urgent warning:
Mothers are posting that their kids’ responses to DMSA are exactly reverse of
what should be occurring. The kid feels great “on” DMSA, but has regression
and undesirable behaviors when in the resting or “off” phase. This is
encouraging some to put the child on longer “on” periods and shorter
“off” periods, even using some DMSA during the “off” period. These
children are being poisoned! Some are reporting back (kidney) pain, which is a
sure sign of kidney damage from mercury. One mother acknowledged that the child
became progressively worse during off periods, but felt great while “on”,
but when the child developed back pain, she stopped chelation. In conversation
about the experience, she acknowledged the child was depleted of selenium and
molybdenum, but she allowed the chelation anyway. What you don’t know can hurt
you! This damage is occurring because panicked mothers are rushing to chelation
without knowing the mineral/glutathione/sulfur levels, or they are ignoring
known, low-mineral/glutathione levels. Chelation sucks minerals such as zinc,
copper, calcium, selenium, magnesium, and molybdenum out of the kid, so if he is
short to begin, he becomes dangerously deficient using DMSA. This damages
kidneys in particular. Kids with sulfation problems (PST) are the ones being
damaged. The only protection from this damage is to know that his molybdenum,
selenium, and other mineral levels are high normal going in, and remain normal
during chelation. Another mother reports that she knew the child was low on
selenium, but she chelated anyway. The result was a dangerously high T3 Thyroid
hormone reading. This is damaging to the thyroid, liver and other organs. If
anyone is experiencing this reversal of usual response, or has any complaint of
kidney pain, they must immediately cease chelation, and never touch it again
until all mineral levels are normal to high normal. Doctors who are not
monitoring mineral levels should be made aware of this problem, and the serious
damage this can cause. There is confusion over
continued supplementation during “on” periods. Mr. Andy Cutler states that
supplementation should continue daily whether “on” or “off”. He feels
there will be no significant difference in chelation results, and the child’s
mineral stores will be better protected. The one exception appears to be zinc.
Zinc should probably not be supplemented at a higher level than is in a daily
multiple during the “on” days. During “off” days, supplement added zinc
in the evening apart from meals, with a bit of oil to aid assimilation. Zinc
dipicolinate has been shown to have substantially greater absorption than zinc
sulfate. Liquid zinc is undoubtedly best. Taking it with lecithin may enhance
assimilation and sleep, preventing that 2 AM awaking. The additional thoughts: “It is the author’s continued experience that a ‘healing crisis’ means that more toxins are being pulled out of the tissue than the organs of elimination and the binding capacity of the chelator can cope with, causing the toxins to be redistributed in the body and to produce symptoms. If the choice of chelator, method of administration, dosage, and metabolic support are correct, the patient only feels better. If the patient’s individual priorities and ability to utilize the protocol have not been established, the patient will feel, and be, worse. Depending on the size of the dose, massive amounts (up to a 750% increase from pre-challenge levels) of toxic metals can be mobilized via the liver and dumped into the bowel and or kidney using either SH (DMSA/DMPS) or P-SH (clathration type) chelators. Without proper drainage support, this can cause problems. If the patient is intolerant of or allergic to sulfur there will be additional complications—Timothy Ray, O.M.D., LAc, Get the Lead OutThese are the symptoms of lead poisoning—do they look familiar?
General cognitive,
verbal, and perceptual abilities decrease as lead in the system increases. These brain functions
are impaired by lead significantly reducing zinc, copper, and iron in the brain,
interfering with the zinc, copper, and iron-dependent enzymes that regulate
mental processes. Lead also interferes with calcium, magnesium, and zinc, the
sedative elements, leading to convulsions. Hyperactivity and epilepsy are among
the first presenting symptoms of lead poisoning. Addition of
silicofluoride to the water of many communities causes people to absorb more
lead. The lead blocks the action of calcium atoms in fostering the production of
neurotransmitters in the brain—such as dopamine and serotonin. As a result,
mental processes are seriously interfered with, and nerve reactions throughout
the body depressed ... this sort of toxicity is shown by research to play a role
in epileptic seizures and other convulsions." [Ref: Fluoridation and Truth
Decay, 1974, p.93] In one study, after 7
months of fluoride treatment, the protein content of brain with fluorosis
decreased, and the total brain phospholipid content (the stuff brains are made
of) decreased by 10% and 20% in the 30 and 100-ppm fluoride groups,
respectively. The main species of phospholipid influenced by fluorosis were
phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylserine. The
results demonstrate that the contents of phospholipid and ubiquinone are
modified in brains affected by chronic fluorosis and these changes of membrane
lipids could be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Most physicians do
not recognize fluoridation’s adverse health effects, but they are documented
in blind and double-blind studies. Allergy, hypersensitivity, gastrointestinal
and skin irritation are known side effects of fluoride ingestion. It impairs
memory and concentration and causes lethargy, headache, depression, and
confusion. Fluoride accumulates in human and animal pineal glands where it
impairs melatonin production. The toxicity of fluoride is increased in
people with inadequate nutrition (substandard vitamin-mineral intake), or who
are immune-compromised (e.g., diabetics, renal disease, etc.). When inorganic
fluoride compounds combine with gastric HCl, hydrofluoric acid is formed which
exerts an irritating action upon the mucous of the stomach and the upper
gastrointestinal tract. All these effects can be antagonized by giving calcium
and magnesium combined (50 mg/kg each). Rather than giving such high amounts of
these minerals, you must remove all fluoride from your child’s drinking and
bath water, toothpaste, and prepared breakfast cereals (that have up to three
times as much as is legal for drinking water). Supplementing the above-mentioned
phospholipids may be wise. A challenge test for
lead will only reveal what is in the blood, and blood tests may be nil. Lead is
quickly stored in tissue, bone, and brain, and only found in testing if
something has stirred it up. The best test for lead is hair analysis, often
reading 10 times higher than in the blood. Nevertheless, it may take a year or
more of nutritional therapy before lead is released from tissue storage and
becomes detectable on hair tests. During chelation, it may appear to all be
gone, only to be released from another reservoir and show high readings again a
year later! It is of importance to note that children retain up to 50% of lead
ingested, probably 5 times higher than adults, and they retain much more of that
ingested between meals or with high fat, or with low casein diets, or when iron
deficient. Lead can displace manganese and copper, both required for optimal
adrenal function. Lead and fluoride are frequently associated with
hypothyroidism, impairing the uptake of iodine by the thyroid. Lead is
frequently associated with low zinc levels, and this low zinc is frequently
associated with hypoglycemia. A low calcium/phosphorus ratio causes more lead to
be incorporated into the skeleton, and adequate calcium, magnesium, and alginate
must be present to eliminate lead. If any heavy metal
readings are “high normal” or more, they must be detoxified—preferably by
nutritional means (see my Chapter “Heavy Metals Poisoning?” from my
Electronic Book “Self-help to Good Health” ($21.95 US). Reducing lead from
“high normal” will remove a number of the above listed symptoms. Do not use
the chelators DMPS or high dose DMSA as these will likely further damage the
gut, and they will impair Phase I liver enzyme function causing a further
buildup of toxins. They can also further damage the sulfur oxidation system
(especially DMPS) by draining the system of copper, molybdenum, zinc, and other
mono-oxidase Phase I liver catalysts. The Physician’s Desk Reference documents
that DMSA can cause neutropenia as a side effect. Neutropenia is a deficiency in
neutrophil cells, the immune cells that kill foreign organisms like fungus.
Under no circumstances use DMPS and then Tylenol™
for pain. Tylenol™
toxicity from such a combination is a very real danger. EDTA is not a good
choice for chelating mercury, nor for removing lead for it removes 8 to 12
essential minerals, and only chelates what is in the blood and on arterial
walls. It does not reach into the body tissues and, by removing calcium, it
encourages deposition of lead. In addition, studies have found that use of EDTA
by patients with high levels of mercury can cause serious side effects, so EDTA
should be used only when mercury levels have been found to be low. In addition
to the nutrients listed above, battery manufacturers found zinc, with vitamin C
very helpful. While using 2000 mg vitamin C and 60 mg zinc, the blood level of
lead dropped 25% in 24 weeks, even as they continued working in the high lead
atmosphere. (This much vitamin C and zinc should be balanced with 8 mg copper
and 30 mg manganese.) Vitamin B1, 50–100 mg (in form of a
B–complex supplement), detoxifies lead also. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
is a medium-chain, fatty acid that is a powerful antioxidant soluble in both
water and fat, and an effective metals chelator. It regenerates both vitamins C
and E, keeping them effective longer. A deficiency of lipoic acid results in
reduced muscle mass, brain atrophy, failure to thrive, and increased lactic acid
and pyruvate accumulation. Supplemental ALA enhances glutathione production, and
regenerates glutathione and CoQ10 giving cells a double dose of antioxidant
protection. It inputs nutrients (glucose) into the cells to improve the
mitochondrial function, increases plasma ascorbate, plasma sulfur, and T-helper
lymphocytes/T-helper-suppressor cell ratios. A supplement seems desirable, but
do not use more than one milligram per pound of body weight in any one serving
(it may be better to use only half that). Its short half-life indicates it
should be taken several times a day. If any adverse responses are observed, cut
that amount in half. Alpha-lipoic acid is very safe at these recommended
dosages, although occasionally it causes mild stomach upset, and in rare cases
it can trigger an allergic skin rash. If you experience any of these reactions,
reduce the dose or stop taking the supplement. It is reported that large amounts
can significantly alter thiol (sulfur) metabolism, distribution, and
excretion—significantly increasing plasma cysteine levels, and by increasing
bile excretion of glutathione, it may result in depletion of the liver stores of
glutathione. Opioids have been shown to decrease hepatic glutathione also. This
will seriously affect the availability of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, and of
the enzyme, aconitase that is dependent upon glutathione. A deficiency of
aconitase will allow citric and aconitic acids to build up. The human body can make
enough alpha lipoic acid to prevent a recognizable deficiency disease, though
not enough to perform all its functions. The optimal level of alpha lipoic acid
varies with each person depending on biochemical differences, lifestyle,
exercise, and how much oxidative stress they experience. The requirement of NADH
and NADPH as cofactors in the cellular reduction of alpha-lipoic acid to
dihydrolipoate in various cells and tissues has been reported. These cofactors
can be lacking and block effectiveness of ALA. Certain diseases, environmental
conditions, and age can cause a deficiency in lipoic acid, and thus the body
often doesn’t make enough to meet all its metabolic and antioxidant needs. When sugar is
metabolized in the production of energy, it is converted into pyruvic acid. An
enzyme complex that contains lipoic acid, niacin, and thiamine breaks down the
pyruvate. Pyruvic acid can be elevated for a number of reasons, but mercury
is notorious for interfering with the mitochondrial, pyruvate dehydrogenase
complex, where it binds to and deactivates the lipoic acid coenzyme, resulting
in elevated pyruvic acid. Since the human body tends to have only the minimum
amount of alpha lipoic acid to prevent recognizable disease, supplementation may
help improve energy metabolism. This is particularly applicable in people with
lower than normal levels, for example, individuals with diabetes, liver
cirrhosis, heart disease, mercury toxicity, and HIV. Nevertheless, there is
compelling scientific evidence that high and constant doses of lipoic acid have
the potential to seriously disrupt a number of key minerals including copper,
zinc, and molybdenum, possibly elevating copper or zinc to potentially toxic
levels. More than the recommended amounts will compete excessively with biotin,
creating a deficiency of this vital B-complex vitamin. It may also impair a
vital enzyme, Carboxylase. It can deplete copper stores of the liver and
distribute it to other tissues, creating a potential toxicity. Large
supplemental amounts can also deplete the liver of vital glutathione, defeating
the very thing for which it is being used. Do not use ALA if known to have high
levels of these minerals, or high levels of cysteine. If one has high levels of
methyl-mercury (inorganic mercury from fish), ALA can hurt as well. A German
study reports that six months of lipoic acid causes a vitamin B12
deficiency [M Siepmann, W Kirch]. It decreases lipoic acid serum levels of
vitamin B12 [Aktuelle Neurologie, 2000, Vol 27, Iss 1, pp 33-35.
www.drmirkin.com/diabetes/8310.html]. It would thus be wise to supplement
vitamin B12 and biotin with the lipoic acid. It might be helpful to
supplement reduced (hydrogenated) glutathione, except where there is high
cysteine. One of the concerns is the capacity of ALA to chelate mercury. This
mercury will attach to available selenium. Unless adequate selenium is being
supplemented, the mercury may not be promptly excreted, and a selenium
deficiency could be induced. Many of the
“backfires” from using DMPS indicate a loss of the sulfur-oxidizing enzyme
“sulfite oxidase”, a molybdenum-histidine containing enzyme, and a dose
dependent reduction of cellular, low-weight thiols including that vital
antioxidant glutathione. This will compound the PST/sulfate problem. Antibiotics
should be avoided for the same reason, and steroids will do more harm than any
long-term good. Giving steroids might reduce the rate of demyelination, if that
exists, or “cool” an inflamed gut, but giving steroids can also further
disrupt the immune function and exacerbate an underlying infection such as HHV-6
or blood-brain-barrier, localized measles. Save the drugs until all else
recommended herein fails (it won’t). The best detoxifier of
all in this instance is glutathione, but don’t take the glutathione precursors
that contribute directly to the cysteine pool. Both L-cysteine and whole
glutathione do this. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) produces glutathione, and
is a mercury chelator in its own right. It should completely clear the body
within 24 hours if it is not utilized in making glutathione (according to
published pharmokinetics study). NAC does not contribute directly to cysteine
toxicity unless you take massive amounts of it. Around 500 mg/day (adult) stands
to benefit without significantly increasing risk of cysteine toxicity. NAC
should not be used initially or by itself with anyone suspected of having a
significant body burden of mercury. Like alpha-lipoic acid, cysteine and cystine, NAC can bind with mercury and carry it across cell membranes. NAC is
also a good culture medium for yeast, like its parent molecule, cysteine. Build glutathione and
“cool” the inflamed gut and the autoimmune response with Ambrotose®, or
AmbroStart™,
and Phyt•Aloe® by Mannatech™.
Plus, by Mannatech™
supplies plant sterols that detoxify mercury. PLUS and Ambrotose™
detoxify lead. PLUS, Ambrotose™,
and Phyt•Aloe®
protect against organic solvents as well as heavy metals. I should note that
Phyt•Aloe® bears several high sulfur, phenol-content vegetables, and may be
contraindicated for some PST kids, or to those allergic to any of these foods. Dr. Yoshiaki Omura
discovered that the leaves of the coriander plant could accelerate the excretion
of mercury, lead, and aluminum from the body. He had been treating patients for
an eye infection called trachoma (granular conjunctivitis), which is caused by
the microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis. Following the standard treatment with
antibiotics, Dr. Omura found that the patients’ symptoms would clear up
initially, and then recur within a few months. He experienced similar
difficulties in treating viral related problems like Herpes Simplex types I
& II and Cytomegalovirus infection (Does this recurrent infection sound
familiar?). Dr. Omura found those organisms seemed to hide and flourish in areas
of the body where there were concentrations of heavy metals like mercury, lead,
and aluminum. Somehow, the organisms were able to use the toxic metals to
protect themselves from the antibiotics! Dr. Omura noticed the mercury level in
the urine increased after patients consumed a healthy serving of Vietnamese soup
containing Chinese parsley, better known as cilantro, or coriander, since it
comes from the leaves of the coriander plant. Further testing revealed that
eating cilantro also increased urinary excretion of lead and aluminum. When
cilantro was used concurrently with antibiotics or natural anti-viral agents
and/or fatty acids like EPA with DHA, the above infections could be eliminated
for good. (Acupnct Electrother Res. 95:20 (3-4): 195-229.) Further testing with
those who had high levels of mercury following amalgam removal, showed that,
without the help of any chelation agents, cilantro was able to remove the
mercury in two to three weeks. (Acupunct Electrother Res 96;21 (2): 133-60.) I
think this removed only the free mercury from the amalgam removal in this short
time, however, Cilantro Extract has been shown in clinical trials and research
to mobilize mercury, tin, and other toxic metals stored in the brain and spinal
cord, and it moves them rapidly out of those tissues. This is a revolutionary
discovery and makes cilantro the first known substance that mobilizes mercury
from the Central Nervous System (CNS). Be aware that mercury
readings from the hair or blood will only reflect a current or recent exposure
within approximately three months, or the body’s active detoxification of
mercury. A negative reading may be meaningless. In addition to soup, one may use a Cilantro Pesto: 1 clove of garlic; 1/2 cup of almonds, cashews, or other nuts; 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 6
tablespoons olive oil. Put the cilantro and
olive oil in blender, and process until the cilantro is chopped. Add the rest of
the ingredients, and process to a lumpy paste. (You may need to add a touch of
hot water and scrape the sides of the blender.) You can change the consistency
by altering the amount of olive oil and lemon juice, but keep the 3:1 ratio of
oil to juice. (It freezes well, so you can make several batches at once.) Cilantro is a very
popular herb in Mexican cooking, and due to their large Mexican populations it
is easy to find anywhere from Texas to California. In other areas, you may need
to visit an Oriental market or specialty supermarket where is may be called
Chinese parsley. Dr. Klinghardt suggests
making this “pesto” to increase your intake of cilantro: Start with fresh,
organic cilantro and wash it thoroughly. Place the cilantro in a blender, along
with water, sea salt and olive oil. Blend the ingredients until creamy. Dr.
Klinghardt recommends taking 1-3 tablespoons of this cilantro pesto, three times
daily with meals. For those suffering from neurological problems, such as
Alzheimer’s, or brain “fogginess” and difficulty concentrating, the pesto
may be taken more often, he says. The best form of
cilantro is a tincture available from Dragon River (505-583-2348)
www.dragonriverherbals.com. The dose is one dropper applied on the wrists and
rubbed in twice a day. The tincture is also particularly useful for any joint
pain, and could be rubbed on the joint that is hurting as an alternative. You
can also augment the tincture with using the herb. It is not as potent, but
certainly will add to the program. However, like with chlorella, many people are
sensitive to oral cilantro. So, if you develop any nausea or discomfort after
eating cilantro, do not use it orally. Garlic is one of the best chelators, and Kyolic™ aged garlic (800-421-2998) is a deodorized form that concentrates its chelating ability to 200 times that of a fresh garlic clove. It is shown to increase fecal excretion of mercury to 400%, and to completely protect blood cells against high levels of lead. It provides large amounts of selenium (prevents recycling of mercury into the system), germanium, and sulfur. The liquid extracts of garlic are said to contain less sulfites. Cilantro, garlic, selenium (selenomethionine), zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, calcium, NAC, and glutathione are all effective mercury chelators, and I.V. vitamin C, has been helpful in preventing brain fog. I would play it safe, and skip chlorella. Acetylaldehyde and NADChronic exposure to
acetylaldehyde from alcohol, cigarette smoke, auto exhausts, and candida
creates a deficiency of vitamin B1, pantothenic acid, and niacin
(resulting in a lack of NAD/NADH). A moderately severe B1 deficiency
leads to a group of symptoms characterized by mental confusion, poor memory,
poor neuromuscular coordination, and visual disturbances. The coenzyme form of
niacin, NAD, is normally recycled continually during cellular energy production.
Yet, when NAD helps detoxify AH, this recycling of NAD is blocked, and the
alternate form of NAD called “NADH” accumulates, impairing cellular
biochemistry in many ways. Thus, chronic AH exposure from candida
will likely produce a functional, niacin/NAD deficiency, but to supplement NAD
would seem to exacerbate the NADH buildup. This partial quotation
would seem to give the solution to NADH buildup: “Treatment of the human
Wurzburg T-cell line with 0.5 mM alpha-lipoate for 24 hr resulted in a 30%
decrease in cellular NADH levels. Alpha-Lipoate treatment also decreased
cellular NADPH, but this effect was relatively less and slower compared with
that of NADH. A concentration-dependent increase in glucose uptake was observed
in Wurzburg cells treated with alpha-lipoate. Parallel decreases (30%) in
cellular NADH/NAD+ and in lactate/pyruvate ratios were observed in alpha-lipoate-treated cells. Such a decrease in the
NADH/NAD+ ratio following
treatment with alpha-lipoate may have direct implications in diabetes, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and other pathologies where reductive (high
NADH/NAD+ ratio) and oxidant (excess reactive oxygen species) imbalances are
considered as major factors contributing to metabolic disorders. Under
conditions of reductive stress, alpha-lipoate decreases high NADH levels in the
cell by utilizing it as a co-factor for its own reduction process, whereas in
oxidative stress both alpha-lipoate and its reduced form, dihydrolipoate, may
protect by direct scavenging of free radicals and recycling other antioxidants
from their oxidized forms”—Roy S; Sen CK; Tritschler HJ; Packer L,
University of California, Berkeley 94720-3200, USA Heavily processed foods
are typically low on many nutrients, and NADH is no exception. Vegetarians tend
to be quite low on NADH, since they do not eat meat. Stress, old age, fatigue,
and disease will lower our natural supplies of NADH making it an important
supplement. A deficiency of NAD/NADH produces fearful feelings, apprehension,
suspiciousness, and worrying excessively with a gloomy, downcast, angry, and
depressed outlook. It has been shown to improve mental and physical health by
increasing production of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine is needed
for our short-term memories to work properly, and is required for good muscle
tone. Without enough dopamine in our bodies, our muscles will get stiff. NADH
helps produce another type of neurotransmitter called noradrenaline. This
substance makes us feel alert and leads to better concentration. Both dopamine
and noradrenaline are chemicals that can raise our spirits, so if either
substance is in short supply depression usually results. NADH leads to increased
levels of both of these “feel good” neurotransmitters, so it can be helpful
in reducing depression. It is interesting to
note that according to two biochemistry books, “Harper’s Biochemistry”,
twenty-fourth edition (pg 602) and “Textbook of Biochemistry”, Thomas M
Devlin, editor, Third Edition (pg 560), there are three separate paths for the
synthesis of NADH. One starts with niacin, another with niacinamide, and a third
involves the conversion of tryptophan to NADH catalyzed by vitamin B6.
I would thus conclude that the best approach would be to enhance all three paths
at the same time. This would involve supplementing with niacin, niacinamide,
vitamin B6, and tryptophan at the same time (along with supporting
nutrients). I could only guess as to the right distribution between these, but I
would expect that by combining them, far less would be needed than the megadoses
for niacin (up to 3g/day) or B6 (up to 1.2g/day) that were used by
Hoffer (niacin) and Pfeiffer (vitamin B6). It would seem reasonable
that adding a significant amount of tryptophan as a supplement to the B6
treatment would greatly enhance the production of NADH. In this same energy
producing circuit is CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10). To ensure the body can make adequate
CoQ10, supply adequate tyrosine, pantothenic acid, P5P, and vitamin C.
Headaches, insomnia, depression, agitation, and inability to concentrate may
also occur unless the vitamin B-complex is supplemented significantly,
preferably in its coenzyme form. CoQ10 may need supplementation also for it is
usually at barely adequate levels in the diet to begin with (the best form is
the oil gel cap, and the superior brand is Dr. Sinatra’s Q-GEL-PLUS,
800-304-1708. It contains water soluble CoQ10 combined with carnitine fumarate
and vitamins E, B12, and folic acid. It is three times more
bioavailable than the usual forms of CoQ10). Candida
produces a harmful toxin, however, its main deleterious effect is avid binding
of CoQ10. If fighting candida,
supplement CoQ10. Coenzyme A combines
with acetate in all cells to form Acetyl Coenzyme A, the active form of
Pantothenic Acid, perhaps the most pivotal single biochemical in all cellular
biochemistry. Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) is one of the most
critical vitamins for normal brain function. It supports the adrenals and the
pancreas, and helps the colon grow the beneficial bacteria. The disulfate form
of pantothenic acid, pantethine, bypasses cysteine conjugation and
decarboxylation. This might account for some of the clinical benefits seen with
pantethine supplementation. (The amino acids methionine and cysteine are
utilized in the formation of Coenzyme A, heparin, biotin, glutathione, and
lipoic acid, and lipoic acid is required to breakdown pyruvate into Acetyl
Coenzyme A.) Both sugar and fat must be transformed into Acetyl Coenzyme A to
power the Krebs cycle that produces 90% of all the energy used by every cell in
the body, including brain cells. Unfortunately, AH has a strong affinity to
combine with Acetyl Coenzyme A suppressing its activity in a dose-dependent
fashion. The energy-producing activity of cells falls in parallel with the
declining levels of Acetyl Coenzyme A as the concentration of AH increases. Acetyl
Coenzyme A is also necessary for the production of acetylcholine, the memory,
learning, and concentration neurotransmitter. Dr. Werbach’s study
demonstrated that people with colitis have markedly decreased Coenzyme A
activity in the mucosal surface of their colons, even when the blood levels of
pantothenic acid are normal. Dr. Atkins concluded, based on his success with
these patients, that pantethine bypasses the block in converting pantothenic
acid to Coenzyme A. But also, that pantethine is a growth factor for
lactobacillus bulgaricus and bifidobacterium that we know help control yeast
overgrowth. By upping levels of a
body enzyme, pantethine counteracts brain fog, certain allergic sensitivities,
and some consequences of alcoholism. In people with candidiasis, the enzyme
fights off a toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde,
which is thought to cause brain fog, often suffered but rarely diagnosed. The
pantethine-stimulated enzyme also detoxifies formaldehyde, an all too frequent
offender for chemically sensitive individuals. Acetaldehyde
accumulations in tissue are responsible for weakness in muscles, irritation,
and pain. Dr. Atkins states, “For all conditions that a doctor might prescribe
prednisone—allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, and
other autoimmune diseases, pantethine can be safely, effectively substituted. I
routinely use it for all of those conditions on hundreds of my patients, and
it’s valuable in weaning them off steroidal drugs, or certainly in allowing a
lower dose.” In summary, Dr. Atkins
is saying that pantethine, without toxic consequences, can reduce cholesterol,
counteract oxidation, stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria, and fight
allergies, inflammation, autoimmune disruptions, and alcoholism. In case you wondered,
Dr. Cooter and Dr. Schmtt suggest 300 micrograms of Molybdenum per day in three
divided doses, and further suggest staying on it for at least 4 months. Dr.
Atkins suggests 450 to 900 milligrams daily of pantethine with an equal amount
of pantothenic acid. There are three major stages of energy producing metabolism. The first stage is called glycolysis. It is the anaerobic (without oxygen) stage. It degrades glucose (from the blood) into lactic acid, or alcohol, or pyruvate. When the next two, aerobic (oxygenated) stages of metabolism are operating, the anaerobic stage produces pyruvate exclusively which then feeds into the Krebs cycle and the following respiratory chain. The first anaerobic step, glycolysis, produces two ATP molecules (the currency of energy in the cell) per molecule of glucose. The following two aerobic steps produce an additional 36 molecules of ATP. When the aerobic stages are not operating, the primary product is lactic acid and sometimes alcohol, but not pyruvate. Lactic acid buildup and excessive alcohol production are common in ASD. It can be seen that anaerobic metabolism will result in greatly reduced energy available to the cell, and will result in a voracious appetite for glucose just to supply the small amount of energy required for its reduced state of metabolism. This anaerobic metabolism is the process of cancer cell formation. A cancer cell is anaerobic. Toxic metals could be a root cause for genetic damage, causing anaerobic metabolism, and thus cancer. Removing them from the body could help in the prevention of cancer. PyrroluriaCandida
converts sugars into ethanol. Unused alcohol converts into acetaldehyde.
If you have adequate amounts of glutamine, selenium, niacin, folic acid, B6,
B12, iron, and molybdenum, aldehydes continue to be metabolized into
acetic acid, which can be excreted, or converted further into acetyl coenzyme A.
If these nutrients are in poor supply, aldehydes begin collecting in the
body’s tissues. So when we are fully nourished, candida
furnishes the body with a necessary part of the Krebs energy cycle necessary for
the health and maintenance of all cells. When our digestion is unbalanced, we
incompletely convert sugars into poisons and they stay poisons in our human
system. When our digestion is balanced, or we give it what it needs in terms of
supplements, a potential poison is transformed into a source of
energy—aldehyde poison becomes acetyl coenzyme A! Kryptopyrrole is an
avid aldehyde-reacting agent that has been shown to combine irreversibly with
pyridoxal phosphate. The resulting kryptopyrrole-pyridoxal complex binds
voraciously with zinc, and the combined product is leached out with the urine.
(I understand the compound is actually hydroxy-hemopyrrolenone and not
kryptopyrrole. See Clinical Chemistry 24(11)2069-2070 1978). This condition,
termed as pyrroluria (or malvaria), has been found to respond readily to zinc
and vitamin B6 therapy. Thus, acetaldehyde
induces a deficiency of Pyridoxal 5` Phosphate (P5P) the major coenzyme
necessary to form virtually all major brain neurotransmitters. It is involved in
all transamination reactions, whereby cells may convert many different amino
acids into each other to satisfy their ever-shifting, amino-acid needs. P5P is
necessary to convert essential fatty acids into their final-use forms, and to
turn linoleic acid into the key, nerve-cell-regulating biochemical,
Prostaglandin E1. P5P helps regulate magnesium entry into cells, and the ideal
level of excitability of nerve cells is strongly dependent upon their magnesium
level. P5P is also necessary to convert tryptophan to niacin and
niacin/niacinamide into the active coenzyme form, NAD. Unfortunately, AH is
known to strongly combine with the protein portion of P5P enzymes in a way that
displaces the P5P portion of the molecule. This subjects P5P to an increased
rate of destruction, and results in abnormally low blood and tissue levels of
this coenzyme. If fighting candida,
you must supplement P5P. Depression, which can
affect hyperactive and hypoactive children, and perceptual disturbances are
often the first indications of pellagra. Like people with schizophrenia,
affected children may hear voices. Foods may taste different to them. Letters
appear upside down, and words slip around the page. Children may see objects or
creatures among the shadows in the semi-dark. Usually, children are unable to
describe these changes in their perceptions without help. Dr. Hoffer’s “ABC
of Natural Nutrition for Children” includes a hundred-question Perceptual
Dysfunction Test that can be completed by young children with the help of a
parent. The PD Test was adapted by Dr. Glen Green from the HofferOsmond
Diagnostic Test (HOD), which Dr. Hoffer and Dr. Humphrey Osmond developed in
1960 to screen for schizophrenia. The HOD test can be used to evaluate mental
health in children over 10 years old although Hoffer says that some children may
have difficulty with some of the vocabulary. The HOD test is available as a
computer program at www.softtac@islandnet.com. In addition to these
questionnaires, a urine test can identify krytopyrroluria (KP), a substance
commonly found in the urine of schizophrenic patients. This substance causes a
deficiency of B6 (pyridoxine) and zinc by latching onto these
nutrients and removing them from the body via urine. Hoffer has noticed that
children with positive KP results also respond to B3. While all of
these tests and questionnaires may point to vitamin deficiency, the primary test
is to give the child large doses of niacinamide (often starting with 1 gram
twice daily). If the child’s perceptual and behavioral problems are caused by
a deficiency, Hoffer says that improvement will be noticed within months (or
sooner). Pyrroluria is a common
feature of many behavior and emotional disorders. It is an inborn error of
pyrrole chemistry that results in a dramatic deficiency of zinc, vitamin B6,
and arachidonic acid. Common symptoms include explosive temper, emotional mood
swings, poor short-term memory, and frequent infections. These patients are
easily identified by their inability to tan, poor dream recall, abnormal fat
distribution, and sensitivity to light and sound. The decisive laboratory test
is analysis for kryptopyrroles in urine. Treatment centers on zinc and B6
supplements together with omega-6 essential fatty acids. If your child has a low
arachidonic acid (AA) on the membrane fatty acid test, I would get a urinary
pyrrole test. We have good data from the Hormel Institute on consistently low AA
levels in autistic children with elevated urinary pyrrole levels. At least a
third of autistic and ADHD children have high pyrrole. When you see pyrroles
elevated in a child, you know two things right away: 1) very high zinc
requirement, 2) very high B6 (prefer P5P) requirement. The higher the
pyrroles, the greater these two are needed. Zinc picolinate may be preferred to
other zinc supplements for the lack of B6 may cause the formation of
picolinate to be suboptimal. Manganese will be required to balance the zinc.
This is such key information; I always get this urinary screen. Sixty percent of
Down’s kids have pyrroluria. I have all Pyrrolurics (low AA) on Evening
Primrose Oil.—Dr. Woody McGinnis (compressed). Walsh finds biotin very useful
in “slender malabsorber group” Pyrroluria or
Hemopyrrollactam Uria (HPU): Pyrrole is a toxin that interferes with liver
detoxification (blocks cytochrome p450) and with heme production. There may be a
need for niacin because B6 is required to convert tryptophan into
niacin. Many of the children with HPU have low levels of histamine, which may
make them more sensitive to allergies. One source of the elevated
hemopyrrollactam (pyrroles) is intestinal bacteria (Irvine and Wilson 1976).
Sometimes, a form of the antibiotics tetracycline and kanamycin turn off the
production of pyrrole. Symptoms of HPU are:
paleness of the skin, especially of the face (pallor), recurrent ear infections,
colds, allergy’s, hay fever, skin reactions, hyperreactivity, dermatografy,
headache, migraine, easy bruising, anemia, inability to climb a rope, climbing
rack, or flying rings, abdominal pain in the upper left side, convulsions, in
summer the skin is yellowish or golden brown, a bad set of teeth, hypermobility
of the joints, growing pains, especially of the knee (left), changes in
handwriting, white marks on their nails (zinc deficiency), sensitivity to
sunlight (probably B6 deficiency), loss of appetite, stretch marks on
the skin, sweetish breath odor, constipation, but more often an excessive stool
mucus with bloating and a light colored stool, and learning and behavioral
problems. Some depression patients have a genetic pyrrole disorder. Many of
these persons report benefits from Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, or other serotonin-enhancing medications. However, similar benefits may be achieved by
simply giving these patients sufficient amounts of B6 along with
augmenting nutrients such as magnesium and zinc. HPU belongs to the
non-acute porphyrias. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) has been linked to
porphyrin metabolism problems. In porphyrias, there is elevated porphyrins in
the urine. Hormones play a part in the porphyrias. Dr. Raymond Peat has observed
improvements in people with porphryia when they were placed on thyroid and/or
natural progesterone—a good reason to support the thyroid as urged herein. You
can get a urinary screen for elevated pyrroles for $32 from BioCenter Laboratory
in Wichita, 1 800-494-7785. Collect the urine with the child off all zinc and B6
supplementation for two days prior. Acetaldehyde
unfavorably influences prostaglandin metabolism by deactivating
Delta-6-Desaturase the enzyme that converts the Omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic
acid (LA), into gamma linolenic acid (GLA), that is totally absent from a
typical diet. GLA is the only material that can be converted into prostaglandin
E1, a key regulatory biochemical for both nerve cells and the immune system.
Conditions that promote production of Prostaglandin E1 prevents excessive
production of the inflammatory prostaglandin E2 from the dietary fatty acid,
arachidonic acid, that is plentiful in meat, poultry and dairy products. In the section of the book, “Gliotoxins, and Other Immunotoxins Produced by Yeast and Fungi”, Dr. William Shaw writes: “A
second toxic effect of gliotoxins (an antibiotic that is toxic to higher
animals, and that is produced by various fungi—WSL) is probably due to their
action on the sulfhydryl (mercapto) group of proteins, which they inactivate.
These sulfhydryl groups are necessary for the functioning of a wide variety of
enzymes. Supplements of glutathione, N-acetyl cysteine, and lipoic acid might be
useful to prevent this toxic action of gliotoxins since they help regenerate
free sulfhydryl groups. “A
third way that gliotoxins may be causing their damage is by the generation of
compounds called free radicals....Many of these harmful reactions can be
counteracted by compounds called antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E,
lipoic acid, glutathione, or N-acetylcysteine. Several physicians who treat
large number of children with autism have indicated to me significant
improvement of symptoms in some children with autism after treatment with the
nutritional supplements of glutathione or N-acetylcysteine.” Dr. Shaw often
recommends 500 mg of NAC for thirty days when beginning yeast therapy. See
cautions about using NAC elsewhere in this paper. The petrochemical AH is
used in perfumes, flavors, dyes, plastics and synthetic rubber, and is present
in fermented products. It has a general narcotic effect with symptoms of chronic
intoxication and “hangover”. The difficulties discussed above that are
caused by chronic AH toxicity should indicate that AH has a significant ability
to compromise the brain function. A partial summary of AH’s damaging effects
on brain function includes the following: impaired memory, decreased ability to
concentrate (“brain fog”), depression, slowed reflexes, lethargy and apathy,
heightened irritability, decreased mental energy, increased anxiety and panic
reactions, decreased sensory acuity, increased tendency to alcohol, sugar, and
cigarette addiction, decreased sex drive, and increased PMS and breast
swelling/tenderness in women. I recite these
biochemical effects of acetylaldehyde to stress that allowing candida
overgrowth to continue is a dreadful mistake. To drag out efforts to
eliminate it is equally unfortunate for the child. These effects of
acetylaldehyde are multiplied many times over when candida
die off occurs, but they can be minimized or eliminated by adequate supplements
of the affected vitamins and minerals, and by use of AlkaSeltzer Gold™
and N-acetylcysteine or lipoic acid (as outlined elsewhere in this article). These children likely have a family history of food intolerance, and candida predisposes to rampant allergies; so, in addition to clearing candida, they may need Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization (EPD) therapy, or NAET because allergies can cause many of these children’s symptoms, including hypoglycemia that mimics a multitude of diseases. Food allergies and sensitivities can be avoided by changing the foods one eats, thus it would seem relatively easy to eliminate food-related problems. Unfortunately, when one food is removed, other allergies become apparent or develop, until often it seems there are no foods that are safe to eat. Nevertheless, when these foods are avoided, other contributing factors, if present, will be much more easily discerned and addressed. Nevertheless, many, if not all, of these problems will disappear only when healing of the digestion and gut progresses. This is most quickly accomplished by homeopathic vaccine detoxification and mercury removal for these poisons are the root cause of these problems. The Thyroid: Metabolic Regulator“We are building a
web-site detailing our research into ASD from the last five years. It will
contain thousands of studies, tables, and other scientific information
documenting that ASD is caused by thyroid hormone dysfunction. We have
investigated all biochemical findings involved in ASD and traced them to T3
deficiency. Depending upon when this T3 deficiency occurs (i.e., during
gestation, neo-natal period, etc.) one will observe the different aspects
involved in ASD”—Andreas Schuld, brou@istar.ca. He has a
newsletter—“Parents of Fluoride-Poisoned Children.” Thyroid hormones are
closely related to all brain function and to pancreas function. This common
knowledge serves as the basis for the worldwide iodine supplementation program.
Healthy humans require iodine, an essential component of the thyroid hormones,
thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Failure to have adequate iodine leads
to insufficient production of these hormones (hypothyroidism), which affect many
different parts of the body, particularly muscle, heart, liver, kidney, and the
brain. The most devastating of these consequences are on the developing human
brain (Venkatesh-Mannar & Dunn, 1995). 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. Dr. Raphael Kellman,
MD, The Center for Progressive Medicine in New York, finds high rates of thyroid
dysfunction in his autistic patients. He states that 90% of medical problems
of both mother and child result from a lack of proper attention and testing of
the thyroid and its functioning. Concentration of mercury in the pituitary
and thyroid glands is usually much higher than that found in the kidney, brain,
or liver tissues in humans. Evidence seems to indicate a drastic decrease in the
production of thyroid hormones when mercury is in evidence. The problem is that
the standard medical tests for thyroid function, even the newer TSH test, are
totally inadequate. Low vitamin A status, that is rampant in these children, can
lower TSH readings. Furthermore, the child is judged normal by adult ranges! One
mother writes, “My son’s T4 is normal for an adult. I found a great article
in CLINICAL CHEMISTRY (1999 Jul;45(7):1087-91) reporting a study done at Harvard
by Zurakowski. It included scatter plots for several thousand kids for T4, T3,
and TSH. There were separate plots for boys and girls. When I saw the plots it
became obvious that my son’s T4 was quite low, yet the pediatric
endocrinologist was unconcerned about my son’s T4 being below the 2 percentile
for a boy his age.” Zinc supplementation can increase plasma levels of TSH and
normalize T3 and fT4, and selenium is essential to convert T4 to T3. These
minerals are universally lacking in these children. The American
Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) now says that a TSH level
between 3.0 and 5.0 uU/ml should be considered suspect. This is a major reversal
of the long held view that a person only has hypothyroidism if their TSH is
above 5.0. This is the first time a conventional U.S. medical organization has
acknowledged that the upper half of the TSH test’s normal range may not in
fact be normal, but rather, evidence of developing hypothyroidism, or a level
that is potentially able to cause hypothyroidism symptoms in patients. The total T4 and T3
measurements, being influenced by protein alterations, may not accurately
represent thyroid function. The free or unbound portion (free T4 or fT4 and free
T3 or fT3) more accurately represents what the body’s true thyroid hormone
levels are. Levels of free hormone represent the active hormone available to
react with cell receptors in the body. Additionally, in Hal
Huggin’s book, Uninformed Consent, he speaks of mercury binding to
iodine and ruining the quality of the thyroid hormone. On page 109, he states,
“A person may have adequate levels of T3 and T4, but if the hormones are
contaminated, for practical purposes, the person is functionally thyroid
deficient.” Bilirubin can inhibit the transport of thyroid into the
liver (invitro). Phenol-sulfotransferase is used to get rid of bilirubin, and
PST is not working properly in most autistic children. A buildup of bilirubin
will give a yellowish cast to the skin, which a few of the moms have mentioned.
So, the one diagnosing must not rely on lab readings alone, but must carefully
consider the presenting symptoms. In final analysis, the bottom line is, “Did
the patient respond favorably to thyroid support?” “Even though a TSH level
between 3.0 and 5.0 uU/ml is in the normal range, it should be considered
suspect since it may signal a case of evolving thyroid underactivity.” (AACE
Press Statement, January 18, 2001) There is a new saliva test for thyroid by
Diagnos-Techs, Inc. (425) 251-0596. Once damage to the
thyroid takes place it affects all the other organs—starting with digestion
and absorption. Toxins start accumulating in the system. You can have an array
of symptoms: Heart disease and its complications, high homocysteine levels, poor
circulation (especially to the skin with as little as 20-40% of normal blood
supply. This will give a pale face.), weight gain/weight loss, depending on the
type of metabolism you had to begin with, no appetite or binge eating, bloating,
fluid retention, skin problems (itching, eczema, psoriasis, acne, hives, and
other skin eruptions, skin pallor or yellowing), aching joints, low blood
pressure, high cholesterol, low libido, hair loss, and sensitivity to cold. The
immune system starts to deteriorate because the necessary nutrients are not
being absorbed. Repeated ear and urinary tract infections occur, and colds and
upper respiratory infections are frequent. This leads to antibiotic use,
creating a “leaky gut”, and destroying the essential bacteria, typically
causing diarrhea. An extract of Echinacea three times a day in juice will
usually enable the body to heal these infections, as will bovine colostrum,
Ambrotose®, and Phyt•Aloe®. If you must take antibiotics, eat goat yogurt
with it or supplement probiotics. That will reduce incidence of diarrhea by
half, and protect against a Candida
yeast take over. Candida, if
allowed to proliferate, creates a multitude of debilitating symptoms. In a
child, look for frequent infections, frequent diaper rash, continuous stuffy or
runny nose, dark circles under eyes, hyperactivity, or poor attention span. All
this results in an IgG imbalance (delayed food allergies), and opens the door to
virus and parasite infestation. As regards hair loss,
this is a frequent question. In addition to hypothyroidism, hair loss is one of
the prime symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency, cadmium toxicity,
Aspartame poisoning (drinking Diet Coke™?),
lysine deficiency, zinc deficiency (white spots on nails?), folic acid
deficiency, hyperammonemia (too much ammonia), and fatty acid deficiency. Take
your pick :-(. MSM also seems to cause hair loss when there is heavy metals
poisoning, particularly mercury. Other symptoms of an
underactive thyroid are: fatigue, constipation, depression, low body
temperature, infertility, menstrual disorders—especially excessive and
frequent bleeding contributing to iron deficiency, memory disturbances,
concentration difficulties, paranoia, migraines, over-sleeping and/or the
inability to sleep due to gastrointestinal discomforts, anemia, “laziness”
(no motivation), muscle aches and or weaknesses (low muscle tone, and some are
born that way), hearing disturbances (burning, prickly sensations, or noises in
the head), slow reaction time and mental sluggishness, labored breathing,
hoarseness, speech problems, brittle nails, and poor vision and/or light
sensitivity. Iron deficiency decreases body temperature by decreasing
norepinephrine and decreasing cellular oxygen, which contributes to the
low-body-temperature problem in hypothyroidism. Infants and children with
thyroid damage may suffer mental retardation, loss of hearing and speech, or
deficits in motor skills. Anemia is frequent in hypothyroidism. All of Dr. Kellman’s
autistic patient’s have a wide variety of these symptoms, and all have
malabsorption causing deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. There are problems
with the amino acids’ balance and stores. It has been shown that a
deficiency of vitamin A and E, the amino acid cysteine, the minerals zinc,
iodine, iron, and selenium, and of the antioxidant glutathione (which requires
cysteine), and an excess of copper will adversely slow the thyroid function.
Copper slows the thyroid while zinc increases thyroid action. Iron may be low
because of blood loss in women and girls, insufficient intake, or deficiencies
of minerals such as manganese, copper, or cobalt (vitamin B12), or
B-vitamins, which are essential for iron utilization. Copper and iron work
together to form hemoglobin and need to be supplemented together. Supplementing
with either alone can lead to a deficiency of the other. Iron, manganese, zinc,
and chromium are often deficient. Take 30-50 mg of zinc to increase thyroid
production. Use of liquid zinc will likely be more effectively assimilated
requiring lesser amounts. If rapid heartbeat is felt at night or early morning,
decrease the zinc and supplement copper and other minerals. It is known that a
vitamin A deficiency (Garcin & Higueret, 1977; Morley et al., 1978; Higueret
& Garcin, 1984) or a protein deficiency (see Brasel, 1980) induces adverse
changes in thyroid status. Those with a slow thyroid have difficulty in
converting beta-carotene to vitamin A, so supplement with a preformed vitamin A,
such as from fish oil. Most people with
thyroid disease find that they have to supplement calcium and magnesium.
Supplementing these minerals in the correct ratio can make a huge improvement in
the symptoms. However, supplementing them in the wrong ratio can make symptoms
worse. To further complicate the situation, the correct ratio of cal/mag changes
as you recover from thyroid disease. To balance calcium and magnesium, keep
these points in mind: a normal person needs a cal/mag ratio of about 2:1. A
hyperthyroid condition needs more magnesium, and a hypothyroid needs more
calcium, but these ratios need to be adjusted as you approach normalcy. An increased heart rate
or an irregular heartbeat can be a sign of either too little calcium or too
little magnesium; the key to knowing whether you need calcium or magnesium is
the strength of the heartbeat, not the speed or the irregularity. It is
magnesium and manganese that controls the fate of calcium and potassium in the
cell. If magnesium is insufficient, calcium will enter the cell excessively
causing spasms and cramps, and it will be deposited in the soft tissues
(kidneys, arteries, joints, brain, etc.) leading to calcium and potassium loss
in the urine. If the beat is too strong, take more magnesium, and if it’s too
weak, increase the ratio of calcium to magnesium. It is interesting to note that
a potassium deficiency and a vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) deficiency
may have an effect on heart rate. A vitamin B5 deficiency has similar
effects to a calcium deficiency, and a potassium deficiency can create an
irregular heartbeat. Excess copper (as in hypothyroidism) raises sodium and
lowers potassium and manganese tissue levels. Excess copper, by displacing zinc
and manganese, is often associated with pancreatic dysfunction. Carnitine will
conserve calcium, magnesium, and potassium, and may reduce heart arrhythmias and
fatigue. Many studies show that magnesium suppresses the sympathetic function,
while potassium stimulates parasympathetic activity. During hyperthyroidism,
magnesium is low and calcium is high. This imbalance is the result of other
mineral imbalances (copper, zinc, iron, manganese), but the effects on the heart
rate are the direct effect of a calcium/magnesium imbalance. This can be
demonstrated by taking a magnesium supplement. This intake of more magnesium by
one who is hyper will slow the heart rate temporarily. However, the body can’t
maintain normal magnesium levels if copper is low. So until copper is
replenished, extra magnesium is needed to control the rapid heart rate (low
copper tends to a hyperactive thyroid). The key to
understanding the effects of calcium and magnesium on the heart is this: calcium
is needed for muscles to contract and magnesium is needed for muscles to relax,
but depending on whether hyper or hypo, both have the same effect on heart rate.
A weak heart rate means that calcium is deficient and the contraction phase is
weak and short. This results in an increase in heart rate and also an irregular
heartbeat because some contractions are missed entirely. Contrast this to a
magnesium deficiency where the heart rate is increased and irregular because
some of the relaxations are missed. It is the strength of the heartbeat, and not
the speed and irregularity that is the key. Remember that balancing calcium and
magnesium won’t correct thyroid problems. You’ll need to correct the other
minerals like copper, zinc, iron, selenium, chromium, and manganese to achieve
this. Calcium and magnesium get out of balance because of these other
nutritional problems. However, getting your calcium/magnesium balance corrected
is essential for normalizing heart rate, preventing dental decay and
osteoporosis, and preventing muscle cramps (too little magnesium). Zinc can have adverse
health effects at a daily dosage as low as 50 mg per day. Studies on zinc
supplementation show that this or higher levels can significantly lower High
Density Lipoproteins (HDL), copper, and super oxide dismutase [SOD] levels in
just 14 days. Calcium significantly inhibits the absorption of almost all other
minerals and trace elements by a factor of up to 60-70%. So, you could buy a
very good form of chelated zinc and the absorption will be very low because of
the calcium filler. Ninety percent of these products contained a level of
calcium between 600-1,000 mg that is not disclosed on the label of the bottle.
Avoid all mineral tablets that show an excipient of di-calcium phosphate. Take
all minerals other than a multivitamin/mineral on an empty stomach for best
absorption and effectiveness, and take zinc and magnesium 30 minutes before
bedtime, preferably with the EPO/CLO for maximum effectiveness. Taking zinc will
increase the metabolic rate, so if one is hyperthyroid, taking a large amount of
zinc just before bed may cause a very restless night. Should this occur
take zinc early in the day, and take copper at night. Selenium is very
important for normal thyroid function. It may become deficient if there are
excessive amounts of toxic metals being ingested. The more mercury or other
toxic metals ingested, the more selenium you’ll need. Two things tend to
deplete selenium stores: increased fatty acid intake, especially transfats, and
mercury that uses up selenium for detoxification. Studies show that a
deficiency of selenium causes the body to increase the conversion of T4 to T3,
which can lead to higher levels of T3. This has been frequently confirmed in
children with autism, and chelating when selenium is already low has driven T3
levels to excessive highs. Adults take 200-600 mcg of selenium per day (Children
can use 1/3 to 1/2 as much based on age). Always take selenium with vitamin E.
Start by taking 100 mcg per day, and gradually increase the amount as seems
right based on amount of mercury in the mouth. Don’t take over 600 mcg. Some
may be so deficient in minerals that they are close to becoming hyperthyroid. If
experiencing nighttime rapid heart beat, then you are close to becoming hyper
and should supplement minerals, especially copper. Acta Societatis Medicorum
Upsaliensis Vol 72, 1-2, 1967 reports a relationship between pyridoxine (B6)
and the thyroid gland. Individual’s who are suffering from a condition of
hyperthyroidism appear to need more pyridoxine than normal people. The result is
that there is a derangement in the way the body uses pyridoxine when the thyroid
gland is disordered. Opioids have been shown
to decrease hepatic glutathione. Low levels of glutathione have been
demonstrated in autism. Dermorphin and other opioid-like peptides inhibit TSH
output tending to hypothyroidism, and change other hormonal output affecting in
particular the functional activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical.
This creates chemical imbalances resulting in neurotransmitting problems. Pancreatic function was
significantly reduced in patients with hypothyroidism compared with healthy
subjects. Treatment with thyroxine restored the pancreatic function to normal.
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) The hypothyroid problem
is relatively easy to treat once the doctor is convinced it is malfunctioning,
and the results are dramatic. It can be quite effectively regulated, however, by
supplying the necessary nutrients, including iodine-bearing kelp, the amino acid
tyrosine, zinc, and desiccated thyroid concentrate, all available at your health
food store. For adults, I recommend Dr. Jonathan Wright’s Thyroplex for Men
(Women) that supplies 1/4 grain of the actual thyroid glandular containing all
the thyroid functioning hormones: T4, T3, T2, T1, along with other nutrients to
nourish the rest of the endocrine network. Order from Life Enhancement Products,
www.life-enhancement.com, 1-800-543-3873. Dr. David Williams recommends Thytrophin™
from Standard Process Products, along with their liquid iodine supplement Iosol™.
If you are taking thyroid medications, they may not work well at all when you
are deficient in iodine, but when you begin giving the above support, you must
work with your doctor to reduce or discontinue the medications or you could
become hyperthyroid. The amino acid tyrosine
and the mineral iodine are necessary to form thyroid hormones, and the liver
requires zinc, selenium, and glutathione (GSH) in adequate amounts to convert
the hormone T4 to T3. Glutathione also enables the cell to take up T3. GSH is
essential to the immune system, to antioxidation processes throughout the body,
mercury detox and excretion, Phase II liver detox, and mitochondrial energy
production. Typical blood panel tests for glutathione are inadequate for the
liver and/or tissue levels can be very low, but the blood may still be normal.
This powerful antioxidant is required throughout the body; so, ensure adequate
substrates of the amino acids. A pure amino acid supplement would be most
helpful. Amino acids are acidic, and in excess will cause a decrease in the
alkaline reserve of the body. Too much protein in the diet upsets the
acid–base balance of the body. One should check the pH of the urine,
periodically, to ensure this does not occur without corrective action. Because the
vulnerability of the adult rat cerebellum to the effects of thyroidectomy is
commensurate with the known clinical signs of cerebellar dysfunction in adult
hypothyroid man, a study investigated the influence of hypothyroidism in the
adult rat on brain biochemistry (Ahmed et al., 1993). Hypothyroidism resulted in
brain region-specific changes in certain catabolic enzyme activities. Acid
phosphatase activity was reduced in the cerebellum (by 34%) and the medulla (by
38%), whereas alkaline phosphatase activity was decreased in the midbrain (by
37%) and the subcortex (by 49%). A differential response was also observed in
the case of aryl sulfatase activity: aryl sulfatase A (myelin-degradative
activity) was diminished in the cerebellum (by 56%), whereas aryl sulfatase B
remained unchanged in all regions. Acetylcholinesterase activity was reduced in
the cerebellum (by 45%), the medulla (by 34%) and the subcortex (by 45%),
whereas monoamine oxidase activity was affected in only one region, the
cerebellum, where it was increased by (61%). The compromise of myelin and
neurotransmitter degradative enzyme activities may place severe restrictions on
normal brain function (Ahmed et al., 1993). Diminished
acetylcholinesterase activity (inhibition) results in increased acetylcholine.
For some this may be good, for others it can be cause of overactivity of
thousands of processes, and rigidity of muscles unless balanced by dopamine. MSM
is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. So it can increase acetylcholine. It does
this by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. MSM also protects
the body from acetylcholinesterase inhibitors like organophosphate pesticides.
In presence of pesticides poisoning, it is hard to tell what will happen to
acetylcholine levels when you use MSM. Failure to have
adequate iodine leads to insufficient production of thyroid hormones
(hypothyroidism), which affects many different parts of the body, particularly
muscle, heart, liver, kidney, and the brain. Chlorine, fluoride, and iodine are
chemically related. Chlorine and fluoride block iodine receptors in the thyroid
gland, resulting in reduced iodine-containing hormone production and finally in
hypothyroidism. Dental fluorosis is now seen to be a direct result of
fluoride-induced iodine deficiency during the time of enamel formation. The most
devastating of these consequences are on the developing human brain (Venkatesh-Mannar & Dunn, 1995). Iodine deficiency has been called the
world’s major cause of preventable mental retardation. The damage to the
developing brain results in individuals poorly equipped to fight disease, learn,
work effectively, or reproduce satisfactorily. Iodine deficiency causes brain
disorders, cretinism, miscarriages, winter depression (SAD), and goiter, among
many other diseases. A simple test to
determine if adequate iodine is available for proper thyroid function, and to
resupply stores if needed is this: obtain a bottle of standard iodine (sodium
iodide, 2.4%) from the drug store. Paint a 50 cent–sized spot on the tender
skin of the belly or thigh where clothes will not rub heavily. Watch that stain
for 24 hours. If it disappears in less than 24 hours, there is a need of iodine,
and the thyroid is likely sluggish. If the stain is noted to have disappeared,
paint it again on a different spot, and continue to paint a spot until it
remains visible for 24 hours. Interpretations of test: Color almost as strong as
when it was applied (adequate iodine); Color turns red (this usually indicates
chemical sensitivities that are normally helped by selenium supplementation);
Color turns black (usually associated with food sensitivities); Color stays
several days (usually indicates an iodine excess). One should supplement
selenium, and also kelp (unless there is excess iodine), but do not use the
drugstore iodine internally. For the autistic, a supplement of tyrosine would
likely be necessary for T4 is a tyrosine/iodine substance. Tyrosine will improve
dopamine levels that are often low in the autistic. To determine if there
is still a problem, perhaps as an aid to persuading the doctor to give the only
effective, medical, thyroid test, the TRH test, do this: For five days, on
awakening, without moving around except to reach the thermometer prepared the
night before (shake down below 96.00 F), measure the underarm
temperature for ten minutes. Average the results for the five days. If that
average reading is below 97.60 F (normal underarm temperature), you
likely have a problem. Below 97.20 F, you definitely have a problem.
Remember, if you take the temperature orally, normal is 98.60 F, and
rectally it is 99.60 F. Women still menstruating get the best
readings on the second and third day after menstrual flow starts. Supplement
kelp and the thyroid glandulars recommended above, and supply a wide range,
multivitamin/mineral formula. Other supplements recommended in this article
would be appropriate, especially the selenium, zinc, and glyconutrients. If that
doesn’t correct the body temperature reading in reasonable time, demand the
TRH test. A major cause of
hypothyroidism, especially in autistic who cannot break down such chemicals
easily, is fluoride taken in from water, toothpaste, mouthwash, soft drinks,
prepared breakfast cereals, and coating of the teeth. Sluggish liver enzymes,
common to autism, can cause accumulation of this deadly poison, and produce many
symptoms. Fluoride interferes with metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, and
with the function of the parathyroids that control the utilization of calcium.
Although Moolenburgh expected to find an allergic basis for the adverse effects
associated with fluoride, he considered that the symptoms represented poisoning
with inhibition of the immune system by a toxic substance in sensitive persons.
Where an exacerbation of illnesses with an allergic component such as eczema and
asthma occurred, his view was that immune system inhibition by fluoride had
resulted in a loss of the ability to cope with the allergy. Double blind testing
with 60 patients showed that certain individuals were intolerant to fluoride and
that exposure to this could reproduce gastrointestinal symptoms, stomatitis,
joint pains, excessive thirst, headaches and visual disturbances. This study
indicated a potential for motor dysfunction, IQ deficits, and learning
disabilities in humans. The symptoms included extreme chronic fatigue, excessive
thirst, general hives, headaches and gastrointestinal symptoms. Neurological
problems like headache, vertigo, spasticity in extremities, visual disturbances,
and impaired mental acuity can result. It displaces iodine in the thyroid,
inducing hypothyroidism, a condition largely responsible for many problems
outlined above. Muscles and elements of connective tissue, particularly collagen
fiber and bone tissue, undergo degenerative changes. It diminishes the immune
function significantly. One child’s chronic diarrhea cleared straightaway he
ceased drinking fluoridated water, and most "autistic" symptoms were
diminished or disappeared. Fatty acids were brought into better balance,
resulting in better hair, nail, and skin condition. Stop using fluoridated water
for drinking, cooking, and bathing (it is absorbed through the skin), and stop
using fluoridated dental products. Check to see if fluoride appears naturally in
your water. If so, drink filtered water. We usually think of
fluorosis as a permanent damage to bones or teeth. Fluoride can also damage the
liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs. However, the effects are reversible
with vitamins. Fluoride accumulates in ovaries. In laboratory experiments with
mice, fluoride damaged the tissues and cellular structures of ovaries and
uterus. Scientists showed photographs of the tissues they studied. The sequence
of photographs showed the tissues being progressively damaged as the mice became
intoxicated with fluoride. When the mice were given vitamin C and calcium
supplements and fluoride was not put in their water anymore, the tissues almost
returned to the original state of good health. Fluoride interferes
with male fertility as well. In an experiment with male mice, a larger
proportion of the sperm became abnormal when they ingested fluoride. The sperm
lost their motility or died. When the same mice were given vitamin C and calcium
and no fluoride, their sperm significantly recovered. Fluoride impairs the
production of free radical scavengers such as glutathione and melatonin.
Fluoride impairs the function of enzymes that prevent lipid peroxidation. These
enzymes include glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. In another experiment
with mice, Vitamins E and D repaired the damage that fluoride did to liver and
kidneys. Fluoride caused the glomeruli, those tiny blood vessels in the kidneys
for removing waste, to atrophy. In the liver, fluoride caused fatty deposition
and the death of cells. Vitamin E was beneficial because it is an antioxidant.
Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus so that their
optimal concentrations will be maintained in the blood. This optimal
concentration supports the metabolic activity of various tissues. Vitamins E and
D were effective after fluoride was removed from their diet. In an experiment with
rats, fluoride impaired the growth rate, but the rats that were given
beta-carotene and superoxide dismutase supplements had a faster growth rate.
Fluoride causes damage to the fat in your body (lipid peroxidation), which is
counteracted by the antioxidants beta-carotene and superoxide dismutase. Avoid
fluoride like the plague, but if unable to do so completely (it’s in all
prepared foods and drinks), then supplement vitamins and minerals to offset as
much damage as possible. Loss of appetite or picky eating is a common occurrence with “our” kids. Some of the things to consider are: medications (for colds, heart disease, asthma, tumors, epilepsy), vitamin deficiencies of B1 (Beri Beri), niacin (Pellagra), B12 (Pernicious Anemia), zinc deficiency, lead poisoning, copper toxicity, constipation, ammonia buildup from inadequate digestion of protein, vaccine reaction or chronic infections therefrom, and diseases like hypothyroidism, Addison’s (a deficiency of adrenal cortical hormone), hepatitis, celiac, acute nephritis, kidney failure, heart disease, and cancer. It is reported that too much vitamin A and D can cause loss of appetite. Animals responded to zinc supplementation within 1-2 hours with increased food intake. Also, it has been known that zinc deficiency in humans lead to mental depression, neurosis, sleep disturbances as well as to a reduction in appetite. Some things to improve appetite: supplement the above nutrients and improve levels of acetylcholine with nutrients such as lecithin, CDP choline, phosphatidylcholine, and the drug, Bethanechol. See a list elsewhere in this paper. Additionally, relieve constipation, address a thyroid deficiency, remove the toxic elements, and supplement alpha-ketoglutarate to remove excess ammonia. Some tonics available at the health food store are effective in improving appetite . Forskolin: Poor Man's Secretin?Coleus Forskolin is a
blood-vessel-dilating compound that stimulates increased production of thyroid
hormones T4 and T3 greatly assisting in overcoming sluggish thyroid activity. It
also increases the activity of an enzyme Adenylate Cyclase (AC) that resides in
the membrane of all cells, enabling greater cAMP production and activity within
the cell. It is of note that there are at least 3 different opioid
receptors—mu, delta, and kappa. When an opioid molecule attaches to a receptor
in which it “fits”, adenylate cyclase is inactivated, leading to a decrease
in intracellular cAMP. If 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. In the pancreas, studies show forskolin
increased amylase secretion that is often low in these kids. In fact, it
increased AC pancreatic activity 26-fold, and potentiated the increase induced
by secretin. Its activity is weak compared to that of secretin, but forskolin
also potentiates the activity of CCK-8 that affects the redistribution of
cellular calcium. It would seem that forskolin could offset some of the effects
of casein and gluten produced opioids, but is this an appropriate route? In one study, secretin
increased cAMP activity up to 10-fold, which mediated the enzyme Tyrosine
Hydroxylase (TH) activity up to three-fold. Forskolin also increased cAMP and TH
activity. In fact, forskolin stimulates TH activity in the hypothalamus,
hippocampus, and frontal cortex of the brain, whereas secretin activated TH only
in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. Use of 2 mg twice a day improved speech and
induced sleep more quickly in one child. Additional dosage may be needed, and
seems to be dependent on body weight. A small, 4-year-old child with distinct
hypothyroidism, using 10 mg daily, had adverse reactions, regressing into
stimming and screaming. Forskolin, especially
in conjunction with lecithin, phosphatidylcholine, or choline supplementation,
may greatly improve the action and effectiveness of vitamin A from cod-liver
oil, in the fashion that Dr. Megson has used the drug Urecholine™
(Bethanechol), by supplying a constant and adequate supply of acetylcholine to
the brain. She talks about a problem in absorbing CoA. (Truss says CoA is
depleted by the yeast toxin acetylaldehyde.) However, Dr. Megson asks this
question: “Mucosal cell integrity is also important for absorption of CoA,
that is the critical enzyme when choline is converted to acetylcholine. The
precursor for this reaction is s-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), now touted as the
‘cure all’ nutrient. If the CoA pathway is blocked, choline is diverted to
production of homocysteine (that SAMe metabolizes back into usable
aminos—WSL). Are we effectively blocking G-alpha inhibitor of G stimulatory
alpha pathways increasing cAMP cells causing lipolysis, and blocking
production of acetylcholine?” To increase the effectiveness of vitamin A,
our desire is to increase acetylcholine, however, this may be contraindicated
for children struggling under the burden of a PST/sulfoxidation disorder. Kane
found choline and inositol were disturbing to children with autism due to their
stimulation of nitric oxide (autoimmune response) and the Arachidonic Acid
cascade. Furthermore, the mineral endings contained in many multiples were
worthless (Mg oxide), or irritating to the CNS (aspartates), or urea cycle
(picolinates). The children responded beautifully to alkaline salts such as
Buffered C, and to the glandular pancreas (porcine derivative), or digestive
support. Michael Murray,
prominent naturopath, has this to say about forskolin: “It has a long
history of use in Ayruvedic medicine for treatment of cardiovascular disease,
eczema, abdominal colic, respiratory disorders, painful urination, insomnia and
convulsions. The basic mechanism of action of forskolin is the activation of an
enzyme, adenylate cyclase, that increases the amount of cyclic adensosine
monophosphate (cAMP) in cells. Cyclic AMP is perhaps the most important
cell-regulating compound. Once formed it activates many other enzymes involved
in diverse cellular functions. “Under normal
conditions cAMP forms when a stimulatory hormone (e.g., epinephrine, or
secretin) binds to a receptor site on the cell membrane, and stimulates the
activation of adenylate cyclase. This enzyme is incorporated into all cellular
membranes, and only the specificity of the receptor determines which hormone
will activate it in a particular cell. Forskolin appears to bypass the need
for direct hormonal activation of adenylate cyclase via transmembrane
activation. As a result of this non-specific activation of adenylate
cyclase, intracellular cAMP levels rise. “The physiological
and biochemical effects of a raised intracellular cAMP level include the
following: inhibition of platelet activation and degranulation, inhibition of
mast cell degranulation and histamine release, increased force of contraction of
heart muscle, relaxation of the arteries and other smooth muscles, increased
insulin secretion, increased thyroid function, and increased lipolysis (fat
burning). “Recent studies have
found forskolin to possess additional mechanisms of action independent of its
ability to stimulate adenylate cyclase and cAMP dependent responses directly.
Specifically, forskolin inhibits a number of membrane transport proteins and
channel proteins through a mechanism that does not involve the production of
cAMP. The result, once again, is a transmembrane signal that results in
activation of other cellular enzymes. “Forskolin also
antagonizes the action of platelet activating factor (PAF) by interfering with
the binding of PAF to receptor sites on cells. PAF plays a central role in many
inflammatory and allergic processes, including neutrophil activation, increasing
vascular permeability, smooth muscle contraction (including
bronchoconstriction), and reduction in coronary blood flow. After treatment of
platelets with forskolin prior to PAF binding, a 30-40% decrease in PAF binding
was observed. The decrease in PAF binding caused by forskolin was concomitant
with a decrease in the physiological responses of platelets induced by PAF.
However, this forskolin induced decrease in PAF binding was not a consequence of
cAMP formation, as the addition of a cAMP analog could not mimic the action of
forskolin. In addition, the inactive analog of forskolin, dideozyforskolin,
which does not activate adenylate cyclase, also reduced PAF binding to its
receptor. Researchers speculate that the action of forskolin on PAF binding is
due to a direct effect of this molecule and its analog on the PAF receptor
itself, or to components of the postreceptor signaling for PAF. “These are some of
the things they say forskolin may be helpful and useful for: eczema, psoriasis,
asthma, hypertension, congestive heart failure, angina, cerebral vasodilator
indicating that it may prove to be useful in cerebral vascular insufficiency and
post stroke recovery, increasing intraocular blood flow, weight loss programs
(due to its lipolysis stimulation), hypothyroidism, malabsorption and digestive
disorders, depression, prevention of cancer metastasis, and immune system
enhancement.” This is what he says about hypothyroidism, malabsorption, digestive disorders, and immune system enhancement that are our concerns here: “Hypothyroidism—forskolin
increases thyroid hormone production and stimulates thyroid hormone release. Malabsorption
and digestive disorders—forskolin stimulates digestive secretions
including the release of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, amylase, and pancreatic
enzymes. Forskolin has been shown to promote nutrient absorption in the small
intestine. Coleus forskohlii extracts may prove useful in treating dry mouth, as
forskolin increases salivation. Immune system enhancement—forskolin
exhibits potent immune system enhancement (primarily through activation of
macrophages and lymphocytes) in several models.” My reservations, and that of others more qualified than I, is that forskolin bypasses the G-protein "switch" to activate adenylate cyclase and raise cAMP levels. Apparently, since there is no “off” switch, this will keep these cells running “full bore”. This seems to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system to greater activity. This would not be desirable, obviously, for those with an overactive sympathetic system. Conversely, in low dose, it would probably be beneficial to one with a sluggish sympathetic nervous system (while one gives the sympathetic glands—the thyroid, adrenal medulla, anterior pituitary, and andric [male] hormones—needed nutritional support), and possibly to one with the G-protein dislocated from its retinoid receptors by the DPT vaccine as postulated by Dr. Mary Megson, however, she asked if increasing cAMP cells could be causing lipolysis, and blocking production of acetylcholine needed to enhance the activity of Vitamin A. (See my paper “Notes on pH Balance and Metabolic Types”). Increasing cAMP phosphodiesterase may cause a problem with getting adequate sleep. Additionally, Cyclic AMP inhibits the migration rate of white blood cells, as well as the ability of the white blood cell to destroy pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms. Reference: Journal of Dental Research, Vol. 55, Sup B, p. 523, 1976, “Effect of Inorganic Fluoride Salts on Urine and Tissue Cyclic AMP Concentration in Vivo”. DemyelinationAt birth, relatively
few pathways have myelin insulation. That is why a baby’s movements are
uncoordinated. Myelination in the human brain continues from before birth until
at least 20 years of age. Up until the age of 10 or so, vast areas of the cortex
are not yet myelinated, and up to the age of 20, large areas of the frontal
lobes are not yet myelinated. The brain’s highly
active cells, with high rates of oxygen consumption, produce many free radicals
or reactive oxygen species (ROS). Normally, these free radicals are neutralized
by antioxidant small molecules (that is, vitamin C, urate, glutathione, vitamin
E, etc.), as well as protein defense molecules (e.g., superoxide dismutases,
catalases, peroxidases, metallothioneins, etc.). A wide variety of insults
(e.g., trauma, hemorrhage, hypoglycemia, seizures, etc.) set in motion a cascade
of events that can lead to an excess of free radicals that overwhelm defense
mechanisms resulting in tissue damage. The brain is extremely vulnerable to free
radical-induced damage because it has high oxygen consumption, relatively low
defense capability and large amounts of unsaturated lipids. Myelin is highly
enriched in iron (LeVine, 1991; Erb, Osterbur and LeVine, 1996), which can
catalyze the formation of hydroxyl radical, cause secondary initiation of lipid
peroxidation, and/or react with some proteins to promote oxidative damage. In
lesion sites of multiple sclerosis brains, iron has been found in macrophages
and microglia (LeVine, in press). Products of free radical damage also have been
identified in lesion sites (LeVine and Wetzel, in preparation). The history of studies
on vaccines began in 1922 when a smallpox vaccination program caused an outbreak
of encephalitis, with a secondary result of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an
ascending paralysis ending in death. The polio virus produces a breakdown of the
myelin sheath, called poliomyelitis, that results in paralysis. Encephalitis,
whether caused through disease or as a result of vaccination, can cause
demyelination of the nerves. In regions in which there is no organized
vaccination of the population, general paralysis is rare. It is impossible to
deny a connection between vaccination and the encephalitis that follows it. In 1935, Thomas Rivers
discovered “experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE)”. Until then, it
was assumed that encephalitis was caused by a viral or bacterial infection of
the nervous system. Rivers was able to produce brain inflammation in laboratory
monkeys by injecting them repeatedly with extracts of sterile normal rabbit
brain and spinal cord material, which made it apparent that encephalitis was an
allergic reaction. EAE can explain the association of allergies and autoimmune
states with encephalitis. In 1947, Isaac Karlin
suggested that stuttering was caused by “delay in the myelination of the
cortical areas in the brain concerned with speech.” In 1988, research by
Dietrich and others using MRI imaging of the brains of infants and children from
four days old to 36 months of age have found that those who were developmentally
delayed had immature patterns of myelination. In 1953, it was
realized that some children’s diseases, measles in particular, showed an
increased propensity to attack the central nervous system. This indicated a
growing allergic reaction in the population to both the diseases and the
vaccinations for the diseases. There is a “cure” for measles. It is called
vitamin A, specifically, cod-liver oil. As early as 1932 doctors used cod-liver
oil to reduce hospital mortality by 58%, but then antibiotics became the
treatment of fashion (Clin. Infect. Dis., Sept. 1994, pg. 493), and vitamin A
was ignored until 1980. A 1993 study showed that 72% of hospitalized measles
cases in America are vitamin A deficient, and the worse the deficiency the worse
the complications and the higher the death rate (Pediatric Nursing, Sept./Oct.
96.). Yet, doctors and hospitals typically do not use vitamin A. In 1978, British
researcher, Roger Bannister, observed that the demyelinating diseases were
getting more serious “because of some abnormal process of sensitization of the
nervous system.” Some investigators believe that vaccination programs are
enhancing this increased sensitization of the population. Dr. Vijendra Singh (now
at the Utah State University, Logan; singhvk@biology.usu.edu; 435-797-7193) and
his coworkers have identified several autoimmune factors, in particular, the
presence of brain-specific autoantibodies (antibodies to myelin basic protein,
neuron-axon filament proteins, and serotonin receptor protein). Recently, they
also found important changes of virus serology; for example, measles virus and
human herpes virus-6 antibodies. Moreover, they showed that autistic children
have marked increases of two key cytokines, namely interleukin-12 and
interferon-gamma, which are known to play a significant role in the induction of
autoimmune diseases. Dr. Singh stated, “We
found evidence of brain, serotonin-receptor antibodies in Obsessive Compulsory
Disorder patients who were not on any therapy. Those who were on serotonin
re-uptake inhibitor therapy did not have these autoantibodies. In other words,
the therapy was actually altering the autoimmune response which resulted in
improved symptoms.” Among 33 autistic
children (less than or equal to 10 years of age) compared to 18 age-matched,
normal children, antibodies to myelin basic protein were found in 19 of 33 (58%)
sera from autistic children as compared to only 7 of 50 sera from control
children. Myelin sheath (the fatty acid complex that surrounds the axons of
nerves) is derived from the amino acid serine. A serine deficiency is seen in
candidiasis and hypoglycemia. Defects in serine synthetic pathway can lead to
neuropathy, neuritis, or behavioral disorders, and can mimic folate or vitamin B12
neurological deficiency symptoms. An excess of serine and threonine is seen in
vitamin B6 deficiency. One variation of serine,
namely Phosphatidylserine, serves several important functions within the central
nervous system, including development of the myelin sheath. Serine is required
for growth and maintenance of muscle, and with P5P forms cystathionine that with
P5P forms a-ketobutyrate and Cysteine. The amino acid glycine is a precursor to
serine, and the two are interconvertible. Histidine is said to be necessary for
maintenance of myelin sheath. Its supplemental use should be approached with
caution for it is a powerful chelator, and can deplete essential minerals. Phosphoserine, a
modification of serine, is a good predictor of Vitamin B6 deficiency,
in particular the form of Vitamin B6 called Pryidoxal-5-Phosphate
(P5P). If plasma Phosphoserine levels are abnormally high, that is a clear
indication of P5P deficiency. P5P is critical in amino acid processes. Tyrosine,
for example, cannot be converted into the neurotransmitter norepinephrine if
there is not enough P5P. Likewise, tryptophan cannot be converted into the
neurotransmitter serotonin if there is not enough P5P. Dr. Singh stated in
part: “Let me touch on the various autoimmune treatments being used for
autism. I think they have implications for other neuropsychiatric disorders such
as COD (OCD?), and perhaps Torero’s (Tourette’s?) Syndrome. At least two
seem particularly promising. One is IVIG—intravenous, immunoglobulin therapy.
It is expensive and requires treatment on a regular basis, perhaps every 6 or 8
months. IVIG was originally designed for patients with viral infections and
severe combined immune deficiencies. The purpose of this treatment is to
reconstitute the immune response. It is generally done by bringing
immunoglobulin levels to normal status. “IVIG can be
administered at a hospital or a medical center. Even though it is a very safe
procedure, there is always a rare chance of adverse reactions especially after
long-term use. This was noted in a couple of patients with the neurological
disorder Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and there was one case report where after ten
years of treatment the patient in his late 40s had an acute reaction. Aside from
that, it is a reasonably safe treatment. “For autistic
children, IVIG was first used by Dr. Sudhir Gupta at the University of
California, Irvine. Some children with autism have experienced a significant
reduction of symptoms, some have had moderate or mild improvement, and still
others have shown no benefit at all. In a double-blind fashion we have found, at
least in a handful of patients that the IVIG therapy not only improved behavior
of the children, but it also produced change in the antibody levels. We have
found that after the IVIG therapy the antibody titers to myelin basic protein
and neurofilament protein actually went down below the detection limit. This
exciting finding documents the therapeutic result of IVIG, and should be
explored further. “You will not find
the therapy available everywhere. Remember, it is an experimental treatment. Not
every physician who deals with autistic children is familiar with this research.
Physicians dealing with autism may not get involved in the autoimmune function
with autism unless they have been to a conference on the topic or decided to
review the literature.”—Dr. Vijendra Singh. Ph.D. IVIG, or intravenous
immune globulin, is a mixture of immunoglobulins (antibodies), and is prepared
from pooled, human-blood plasma. Donors are screened for potential viral
infections like AIDS and Hepatitis A and B, but there is a significant risk of
occult (hidden) viral infection, especially Hepatitis C, from IVIG.
Additionally, “This IgG therapy can be used with patients with low IgA values,
but if the IgA values are so low that they cannot be detected, giving IgG
therapy is too risky. It is possible the deficient person’s body would produce
antibodies against the IgA in gamma globulin, causing potentially fatal
anaphylactic shock.”—Dr. William Shaw. For this reason, either Bovine
colostrum or Transfer Factor™
(both rich in IgA) should be used before using the IVIG method of restoring the
immunoglobulins. Dr. Singh continued,
“There are two other approaches that I think are important, but I must
emphasize the clinical treatment is not well established. One is the use of
immune-suppresser, anti-inflammatory agents, namely steroids such as ACTH or
prednisone. This is a conventional approach to treating autoimmunity. I have
heard from a number of parents of autistic children that their child was given
steroids soon after the diagnosis, and symptoms improved. The treatment was
later discontinued because they were concerned there could be toxicity on a
long-term basis, and I understand that. But if an autoimmune factor for autism
is determined through research, then there may be some room for treating
children with steroids. There was one study from Europe that supported this
approach. The idea is to first identify what is wrong before pursuing the
treatment. “The other treatment
is based on anecdotal reports: Sphingolin™.
Sphingolin™
is a trade name for a bovine brain myelin preparation. This commercial product
is sold as a nutritional supplement, and can be used to correct the immune
response against the myelin basic protein. So, if the child is found to have
antibodies to myelin basic protein or neurofilaments, which are rich in myelin
components, then you may think about giving this treatment. Many of those who
have done so are noticing very positive responses. Dosage should be quite low to
have this benefit to the patient. I’m not a physician and don’t prescribe
treatment, but from a research standpoint, the adult dose is generally two
capsules per day, hence the child would take only one or one-half. I have
parents who insist they would not consider taking their autistic child off this
treatment. The important thing is to first check whether the child has
antibodies to myelin basic protein or neurofilament. If there are no antibodies,
don’t do this treatment.”—Dr. Vijendra Singh. Ph.D. In 1993, Vijendra
Singh, PhD, published a study in which they found antibodies to myelin basic
protein in 50 to 60% of autistic children tested. Sphingolin™
(Myelin sheath protein supplement that is the exact component of the sheath), is
available from Terrace International (909-307-2100), $10.95 (1 months supply),
or from L & H VITAMINS at (800) 221-1152. The Web page for stories of people
with MS that have used Sphingolin™
is http://www.2cowherd.net. Since antibodies
persist for a much longer period of time than antigens of nucleic acids, the
detection of antibodies may be a reflection of past infection. However, caution
needs to be applied in the interpretation of antibody studies. The need for
caution derives from the fact that some infectious and autoimmune diseases can
result in polyclonal B-cell activation with the subsequent secretion of
antibodies directed at a range of infectious and host-derived antigens. For
example, infection with Epstein-Barr virus can result in the development of
antibodies to a number of other viruses including measles, rubella,
adenoviruses, enteroviruses and varicella-zoster virus. Similarly, infection
with human immunodeficiency virus results in the development or augmentation of
antibodies to a range of viral antigens as well as to host-derived antigens such
as DNA, myosin, and ovalbumin. It is thus possible that the detection of
antibodies to a range of viral agents may reflect infection with a more limited
repertoire of infectious agents. Similarly, the presence of antibodies to
host-derived proteins, noted in previous studies of schizophrenia, may reflect
infected cells, as well as autoimmune pathogenic mechanisms. (Pathogenetic
Aspects of Infectious, Immunological, and Chronobiological Processes in
Psychiatric Diseases, Henneberg AE, Kaschka WP (eds): Immunological
Alterations in Psychiatric Diseases. Adv Biol Psychiatry, Basel, Karger, 1997,
vol 18,pp 1-12.) A personal view is that
at no time, except to save a life is steroids justified for a child. If
continued, as would be necessary for any long-term benefit, the side effects
will be worse than the condition treated. Furthermore, with IVIG, a human blood
product goes directly into the veins. It must be prepared and processed
differently than IMIG (Intramuscular). Some people will get a little better from
IVIG, because a dysfunctional immune system is the culprit for these
children’s problems, and this product can help the immune system. The trouble
is that it is not a sustained gain. There is a very real danger of passing
hepatitis and/or any number of unidentified retroviruses with this type of
therapy. Presently we have no reliable screens for hepatitis C, D, E, F, or G.
If there is an allergic reaction in a child with low IgA, the possibility of
either getting very sick, or even dying is very real. There are a number of
safer ways to restore the immune function mentioned in this paper. These should
be used before resorting to the very expensive, potentially dangerous IVIG. It is recognized that many of the ASD children do indeed have myelination problems probably from vaccine damage. Strong evidence that these vaccines cause myelin sheath damage (multiple sclerosis) has caused France to discontinue all vaccination for hepatitis B. Apparently, zinc binds with and stabilizes the myelin sheath. Mercury increases urinary excretion of zinc (resulting in zinc deficiency). Mercury also interferes with zinc’s binding with MBP and impairs MBP aggregation. Myelin sheath (the fatty acid complex that surrounds the axons of nerves) is derived from the amino acid serine and involves vitamin B12. A serine deficiency is seen in candidiasis and hypoglycemia. Serine is required for the growth and maintenance of muscle. An excess of serine and threonine is seen in vitamin B6 deficiency. One variation of serine, namely Phosphatidylserine, serves several important functions within the central nervous system including development of the myelin sheath. The amino acid glycine is a precursor to serine, and the two are interconvertible. This MBP damage can be ameliorated, further damage prevented or repaired through nutritional intervention and the removal of heavy metals. Specifically, by supplementing lecithin, and using the other nutritional interventions mentioned herein. Lecithin, though from soy, does not have the negative qualities of soy for it does not contain those negative substances of soy protein, copper, diadzen, and genistein. Lecithin has proved useful in the following conditions: 1. It prevents cholesterol from congealing in fatty clumps in the blood and attaching to the vessel walls. It lowers the “melt” point from something like 180 degrees Fahrenheit to somewhere in the range of 65-75 degrees, fully liquid in the blood. 2. Exhibits good antioxidant properties. 3. Supplies choline that is so necessary to proper use of fats, and which increases available acetylcholine in the brain. A lack of acetylcholine produces urinary retention, gastric reflux, reduced cognitive function, and myasthenia gravis. Manganese, methionine, and inositol work with choline to produce lecithin in the body. 4. Detoxifies lead, mercury, various drugs, and counteracts the effects of radiation and DDT, and neutralizes many poisons. It protects and repairs myelin sheath of nerve fibers damaged by heavy metals and toxins—neutralizing or minimizing the effects of nitrates and nitrites. 5. In cancer treatment, it prevents melena (blood in the stool from radiation damage). 6. Dr. Minea achieved improvement in 80% of MS patients with injections of lecithin. Copper is also needed for myelin sheath. 7. With the B-vitamins, rutin, calcium, magnesium, and unsaturated fatty acids, it gives relief of shingles. 8. With vitamin E, it reduced insulin requirements of diabetics in several patients. 9. Aids in protecting the eyes. 10. Lecithin and antioxidants should accompany supplemental fatty acids. 11. Being high in phosphorus,
it can imbalance calcium if coupled with an intake of soft drinks, meats,
and phosphate additives in processed foods. Studies in Germany (Hafer, 1979)
related high levels of phosphate to troublesome behavior and hyperactivity
in children, with marked improvement when the excess phosphate was removed
from their diet. It is very easy to get excess phosphate from soft drinks,
processed foods, and baked goods where it is used as an additive. Suggested: up to four
tablespoons of granules in cancer and MS. Good food sources: eggs, seeds, and
cold-pressed oils. See www.centralsoya.com/CENSOYA/LECITHIN.NSF
for additional information on lecithin. While it is not my
purpose to study diets in detail, I would like to observe that one should not
concentrate on one food such as soy, rice, or nut milk, but use as great a
variety as is available, for all of these have definite deficiencies as the
perfect food. Soy infant formula, for example, raises blood levels of estrogen
thousands of times higher than breast milk (Alternatives Vol. 8, No.3, Dr. David
G. Williams), and contains enzyme inhibitors that can affect the thyroid
adversely. It is also high in copper that slows the thyroid. Dr. Jonathan
Wright's “Nutrition and Healing”, April 2001 states; “One ounce of soy a
day for one month can result in a significant increase in ‘TSH’ (the hormone
that increases with hypothyroidism). The FDA subsequently found that diadzen and
genistein (two of the most ‘hyped’ soy isoflavones) are responsible for this
hazard.” In fact, scientists Daniel Sheehan and Daniel Doerge, from the
National Center for Toxicological Research presented findings from rat feeding
studies indicating that genistein in soy foods causes irreversible damage to
enzymes that synthesize thyroid hormones. Ninety percent of children with ASD
have hypothyroidism already! The frequency of
feedings with soy-based milk formulas in early life was significantly higher in
children with autoimmune thyroid disease (prevalence 31%) as compared with their
siblings (prevalence 12%). It can also decrease the ability of red blood cells
to absorb oxygen according to Dr. David Williams and Dr. John R. Lee in their
newsletters. Its phytoestrogens require sulfate to solubilize them to remove
them from the body; thus, a PST child should severely limit soy products that
are unfermented. Soy is also highly allergenic. Soy infant formula is high
in both fluoride and aluminum, far surpassing the “optimal” dose, and has
been shown to be a significant risk factor in dental fluorosis. Both organic and
inorganic fluoride compounds have been shown to inhibit zinc-containing enzymes,
such as carbonic anhydrase (Dugad et al., 1988,1989; Gelb et al., 1985) that is
also now used as a marker for thyroid dysfunction (Hori et al., 1998). Soy is
lacking in the essential, sulfur-bearing, amino acid, and methionine. Methionine
is a critical nutrient for infants and children for growth and tissue
development. It is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, and it metabolizes
into several other sulfur, amino acids (Cysteine, Glutathione, and Taurine) that
support the body’s natural detoxification pathways. Adequate methionine, if
metabolized into these amino acids, ensures detoxification of mercury, arsenic,
and lead. It is an anti-inflammatory aid to arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches,
migraines, and other chronic pain syndromes. Both Asian and Western children who
do not get enough meat and fish products to counteract the effects of a high
phytate diet, frequently suffer rickets, stunting, and other growth problems due
to a lack of methionine and an induced zinc deficiency. This induced deficiency
of zinc will cause children to absorb more aluminum into their systems, because
aluminum competes with zinc in binding sites on ligands, organic molecules in
the body that attach to a single metallic ion. Systemic reduction of zinc is
especially prevalent in infants fed with soy formulas. [Settle et al., “Effect
of phytate: zinc molar ratio and isolated soy bean protein on zinc
bioavailability”, Journal of Nutrition, Vol 111, 1981, p.2223-2235.] Patients
with increased serum aluminum, due to a marked deficiency of zinc and/or
manganese, have been found to experience a variety of memory disturbances. Some
children displaying hyperactive behaviors and/or learning disabilities were
found to have increased serum aluminum and a deficiency of zinc and/or
manganese. Rice, in many of its
forms, is a high-glycemic food that elevates insulin in an undesirable fashion,
and when coupled with the plethora of other high-glycemic foods found in the
American diet, is very detrimental to blood sugar control and fatty acid
metabolism. Furthermore, different brands vary widely in sugar/carbohydrate
content. Shop carefully, and rotate these foods to minimize blood sugar problems
and allergic potential. “While I agree with the anti-milk stance, it is
important to remember that people should NOT switch to soy milk or rice
milk”—Dr. Joseph Mercola. His reasons, in addition to those listed above, is
that some soy milk products do not have sufficient vitamin D for toddlers, and
some rice-based milks do not have enough protein. When one ingests sugar
or high glycemic foods, insulin is released from the pancreas to assist the
sugar into cells and to control blood sugar levels. Balancing this action, the
adrenal glands release catecholamine hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine)
to keep the sugar levels from dropping too low. Studies have revealed that ADHD
children (and autistic who are ADHD) release only half as much of the
catecholamines as normal children. Norepinephrine plays a vital role in
attention and ability to focus. We also know that dopamine plays a vital role in
performance and memory. Serotonin deficiency appears to play a vital role in
violent and antisocial behavior. This drop in blood sugar creates a significant
decrease in brain activity in these children. Sugar is poison to these children,
and a removal of sugar and high glycemic foods will make a great difference in
their behavior. Avoiding these poisonous foods, and strengthening the adrenals
will often correct the problem. One aid recommended by Dr. Williams is Drenamin™
by Standard Process Products (800-848-5061). Acetyl L-Carnitine
(ALC) is the acetyl ester of carnitine (an amino acid) that transports fats into
the mitochondria. In the mitochondria these fats are converted to energy. ALC
not only increases the synthesis and release of acetylcholine, it now appears
that it has neuroprotective and neuroenhancing properties as well. We’ve noted
that the enzyme CoA is needed to convert choline to acetylcholine.
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) is also an enzyme that is important in acetylcholine
synthesis. Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system releases
acetylcholine at the nerve endings. Loss of gut mucosal integrity (common in
ASD) would decrease by 85% gut absorption of CoA, shunting choline into
homocysteine production that SAMe, folic acid, vitamin B6, and B12
metabolize back into usable aminos. TMG helps make SAM. Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is a safe, natural substance that easily crosses the barriers in the brain and nerve cells where it is converted first to choline and then to acetylcholine. It is an MAOI, and requires special consideration when using dopamine enhancement. DMAE, often referred to as a Smart Nutrient, is a very efficient antioxidant and free-radical deactivator. It stabilizes lysosome membranes preventing leakage of collected toxins and protein-damaging enzymes. Increased production of acetylcholine may explain why a continuous dietary source of SAM or DMAE makes people with multiple disorders feel better. Many will profit from this increase of acetylcholine, but observe the earlier mention of where too much, or an imbalance with norepinephrine, can cause adverse effects. Kane has observed bad effects of multiple vitamins containing choline. The affected group would likely be those unable to absorb CoA, and those suffering allergies, yeast overgrowth, and PST/sulfoxidation disorders. Fibroblast Growth FactorThis from a doctor with
an autistic child points to an area of which I know nothing. You may want to
investigate it with your doctor or contact Dr. Aguilar for further information.
“Out of pure desperation in January, I made an appointment with Dr. Luis
Aguilar for FGF2 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 2) for Mike. He gave an address to
the 1997 DAN! conference in which he presented his results using FGF2 in autism.
They were very impressive in younger children (ages 3 to 5). Mike got his first
FGF2 injection on April 19th; he gets an injection every 10 days. His response
has been remarkable with major improvement in EEG with VEP’s that Dr. Aguilar
uses for assessment, and with big improvements in language, especially
expressive (he was nonverbal).” FGF-2 is a growth
factor with receptors present on cells in specific areas of the brain damaged in
autism, such as the hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, mesencephalic
trigeminal nucleus, and cerebellum. FGF-2 normally acts to stimulate neuronal
cell growth from stem cells (the “progenitor” cells that can turn into the
various types of cells present in a normal brain) and blood vessel regeneration
(necessary for carrying nutrients into the brain). FGF-2 also stimulates the
bone marrow, which produces immune stem cells, and the thymus, which contributes
to immune cell development. This growth factor is also present in the intestines
to regulate healing and repair. Homeopathic dilutions of FGF-2 are theorized to
help autism by stimulating brain stem cell regeneration, blood vessel growth,
bone marrow functioning, and intestinal healing without the side effects and
expense of injectable FGF-2 such as increased inflammation and disordered
astrocyte (brain immune cell) turnover. “The greatest strength of growth
factors and CSE-homeopathic growth factors of Biomed Comm (www.biomedcomm.com)
is their ability to bring ‘abnormal’ cells working out of control back into
normal homeostasis”—Barbara Brewitt, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer. In tests, aloe vera extract stimulated fibroblasts that grow and repair tissue (from Sugars that Heal). Coupled with support for the thymus (a multivitamin/mineral plus a thymus glandular extract), one should see many vital improvements at a fraction of the cost. Summary and MiscellaneousIn summary, ensure
adequate production of hydrochloric acid, or supplement Betaine hydrochloride.
Supplement with digestive enzymes (SpectraZyme™,
EnZym-Complete™,
Peptizyde™/Hn-Zyme
Prime, the indicated amino acids, fatty acids, probiotics, vitamins, minerals,
glyconutrients, and phytonutrients. The foremost thing you should attempt here
is to restore thyroid function that controls enzyme production of the pancreas.
That will require you restore iodine, selenium, zinc, and tyrosine to
high-normal levels. Make the iodine and the morning temperature tests, and if
these indicate, follow the suggestions to restore the thyroid function. These
kids are highly stressed, and need adrenal support. It is imperative that you
give any nutritional intervention at least three month’s time, faithfully
followed, before judging it ineffective. No attempt to increase nutrient level
is wasted. The body will use these nutrients to some benefit whether you
“see” it or not. Coincidentally, you should use digestive enzymes, Yeast
Avenger™
and high-count acidophilus to control candida
and trash bacteria that have overrun the “Good Guys” in the gut. If your
child is PST, however, you should not attempt to clear candida
and bacterial overgrowth until you have reduced his toxic load by unloading the
donkey, otherwise, your child may suffer Kyle’s experience. Do a homeopathic,
vaccine detox that removes mercury and aluminum as well as other poisons pumped
into your child with vaccines. Medically, of first importance, test for heavy
metal poisoning and chelate as indicated, however, do not chelate unless you are
sure the mineral levels are normal, especially, do not chelate if selenium,
zinc, magnesium, manganese, and/or molybdenum are low. If on a gluten free diet, the following is pertinent: It is important to know
that Lactase enzyme supplement (Dairy Ease™)
had gluten in both their tablet and drop forms. Furthermore, Gas-X™
(simethicone), Pepcid™
(Famotidine), Tagamet™
(Cimetidine) also contained gliadin. Karoly Horvath, M.D., Ph.D. Associate
Professor of Pediatrics, University of Maryland at Baltimore Tel: 410-328-0812
Fax: 410-328-1072. Prilosec™
is reported to contain lactose. I have other
suggestions for controlling parasites and yeast. Feel free to send me any
questions you may have, there is no obligation, and the counsel is free. Willis S. Langford 3579 Santa Maria Street Oceanside, CA, 92056
USA www.glycoscience.com (Thousands of peer-reviewed papers on glyconutrients) www.mannapages.com/Willis (Information on Mannatech ™products and business venture, and buy glyconutrients at retail prices) www.yahoogroups.com/group/Williss (Autism List) www.callpne.com (pharmacists trained in glyconutritionals and drug usage/interactions, diabetes counseling. etc.) www.glycoinformation.com (Latest science, and stories of recovered health) www.mannarelief.org Bringing Health and Hope to the Children of the World) WillissL@aol.com
or (760) 439-7884 (personal)
Revised 4/24/2002 I am not a medical
professional. Nothing herein is intended to prescribe for, or to treat
disease, but is intended to inform, and to recommend certain courses of action
that may be viable to investigate further. In every instance, it is advised that
these actions be undertaken with the advice and consent of your medical
professional. Feel free to share this paper with him. Acknowledgments: I wish to acknowledge
and thank Kathy Blanco, of Beaverton, Oregon USA
(www.yahoogroups.com/group/interven) for introducing me to the Internet
experience of counseling autism, and who has provided sources for much of what I
have brought to you. I also wish to acknowledge and thank Paula Reza, of
Glasgow, Scotland, UK, for her suggestion that I write this type of paper, and
for her insightful and helpful encouragement, and for many of the ideas
included. It was she who introduced me to the condition labeled PST, and asked
my help in addressing it. I thank her and Kathy for the openness and willingness
to try many of my suggestions, and to share many of their interventions that I
have included. I appreciate, too, their willingness to introduce these ideas to
friends in the autism community. I’m happy to report that their children have
responded remarkably well to many of the ideas included herein. Andy Cutler, and
Jeff Clark of Metals Board at www.telelists.com, and numerous others have
contributed bits and pieces. Credit is given to the following who were not
interviewed, but the quotes are faithfully taken from their published
literature: Susan Owens for her valuable contributions to my understanding of
GAGs, CCK, and Motilin. (From the 1998 Durham Conference "Psychobiology of
Autism": Explorations of the New Frontier between Gut and Brain: A look at
GAGs, CCK and Motilin by Susan Costen Owens, University of Texas at Dallas,
http://osiris.sunderland.ac.uk/autism/owens.html); to Patricia Kane, BodyBio
Centre, 45 Reese Road, Millville, NJ 0833 for her information on fatty acids; to
Dr. Robert J. Sinaiko, MD, for quotes from his paper “The Biochemistry of
Attentional/Behavioral Problems”, to Henry Osiecki, B Sc (Hons) Grad Dip Nutr
Diet, to Dr. Woody McGinnis. MD, Tucson, Arizona, to Dr. Mary Megson, to Bernard
Windham, Chemical Engineer, to Dr. Doris Rapp, MD, and to Vijendra Singh, Ph.D.,
Utah State University, Logan, Utah for the quotes herein; however, none of these
may agree with the final product :-). I thank also Jon and Polly Tommey of
England for publishing an earlier addition of this paper as a bound insert in
the third edition (Spring 2000) of their remarkable magazine, "The Autism
File" (www.autismfile.com). My contribution was to put it all into a
useable format as an aid to suffering mothers who have been left largely without
guidance in this troubling malady. These additional sources are recommended: From a compilation by Dr. Woody
McGinnis of Tucson, Arizona. 1. Gastrointestinal Abnormality:
Malabsorption (J. Autism/Childhood Schizo, 1971 1(1):48-62) freq. reports acholic stools,
undigested fibers, positive Sudans. 85% of autistic meet criteria for
malabsorption (B.Walsh, 500 pts) Maldigestion--elevated urinary peptides: P Shattuck (Brain Dysfunct 1990; 3: 338-45 and 1991; 4: 323-4) KL Reicheldt (Develop Brain Dys 1994; 7: 71-85, and others) Z Sun and R Cade (Autism 1999; 3: 85-96
and 1999; 3: 67-83) Microbial Overgrowth--fungal, bacterial
and viral: William Shaw, Biological Basis of Autism and PDD, 1997. E Bolte on
Clostridium (Med Hypoth, 1998; 51: 133-144). P. Shattock and A. Broughton: IAG
elevations. W. Walsh and W. McGinnis: pyrrole elevations. Andrew Wakefield,
(Lancet 1998; 351: 637-4), TJ Borody, Center for Digestive Diseases, New S.
Wales, Australia. Abnormal Intestinal
Permeability: P D'Eufemia (Acta Pediatr 1995; 85; 1076-9) G.I. Symptoms reported
by parents: diarrhea, constipation, gas, belching, probing, visibly undigested
food and need for rubs. 2. Compromised
immunity: Recurrent Infections: Euro Child/Adolesc Psych, 1993:2(2):79-90 J Autism Dev Disord 1987; 17(4): 585-94
a. Abnormal Indices: T-cell Deficiency (J Autism Child
Schizo 7:49-55 1977) Reduced NK Cell Activity (J Ann Acad
Chil Psyc 26: 333-35 '87) Low or absent IgA (Autism Develop Dis
16: 189-197 1986) Low C4B levels (Clin Exp Immunol 83:
438-440 1991) Skewed ("elevated") Viral
Titers increasing grass-roots reports V Singh University of Michigan 3. Detoxification Weakness: Phase II Liver Enzymes, Depression (S. Edelson, DAN Conference Sept, 1997, and Toxicology and Industrial Health 14 (4): 553-563 1998) Sulphation low in 15 of 17 (mean 5 vs. nl 10-18) Glutathione Conjugation low in 14 of 17 (mean 0.55 vs 1.4-2.9) Glucuronidation low in 17 of 17 (mean 9.6 vs. 26.0-46.0) Glycine Conjugation low in 12 of 17
(15.4 vs. 30.0-53.0) Sulphation Deficit (Biol Psych 1;
46(3): 420-4, 1999) Peroxisomal Malfunction (P Kane, J of Orthomolec Med 1997; 12-4: 207-218 and 1999; 14-2: 103-109) Higher blood lead levels in Autism and
documented response to EDTA Chelation (Am J Dis Chld 130: 47-48, 1976) Apparent temporal association autism
onset and lead exposure (Clinical Pediatrics 27: 1; 41-44 1988) 4. Abnormal Nutritional Profile in
Children with Autism: Lower serum Magnesium than controls
(Mary Coleman, The Autistic Syndromes 197-205, 1976) Lower RBC Magnesium than controls (J.
Hayek, Brain Dysfunction, 1991) Low activated B6 (P5P) in 42%. Autistic group also higher in serum copper. (Nutr. and Beh 2:9-17, 1984) Low EGOT (functional B6) in
82% and all 12 subjects low in 4 amino acids (tyrosine, carnosine, lysine,
lysine hydroxylysine). Dietary analysis revealed below-RDA
intakes in Zinc (12 of 12 subjects), Calcium (8 of 12), Vitamin D (9 of 12), Vitamin E (6 of
12) and Vitamin A (6 of 12) (G. Kotsanis, DAN Conf., Sept, 1996) B6
and Magnesium therapeutic efficacy--multiple positive studies (start with Am J
Psych 1978; 135: 472-5) Low Derivative Omega-6
RBC Membrane Levels 50 of 50 autistic assayed through Kennedy Krieger had GLA
and DGLA below mean. Low Omega-3 less common (may even be elevated) (J
Orthomolecular Medicine Vol 12, No. 4, 1997) Low Methionine levels
not uncommon (Observation by J. Pangborn) Below normal glutamine
(14 of 14), high glutamate (8 of 14) (Invest Clin 1996 June; 37(2): 112-28)
Higher Copper/Zinc ratios in autistic children. (J. Applied Nutrition 48:
110-118, 1997) Reduced sulphate
conjugation and lower plasma sulphate in autistic. (Dev. Brain Dysfunct 1997;
10:40-43) B12 deficiency suggested by elevated
urinary methylmalonic acid (Lancet 1998; 351: 637-41) Hypocalcinurics Improve with Calcium Supplementation, Lower Hair Calcium in Autistics Reported (Dev Brain Dysfunct 1994; 7: 63-70).
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