Comprehensive Guide to Managing Autism - 9

A Second Scenario

The stomach does not produce enough hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin to breakdown the proteins in the stomach. Additionally, reduced HCl cannot activate the enzyme protease that is necessary to complete protein digestion. Other stomach hormones are reduced or lacking, and harmful bacteria are allowed to enter the gut with the food. The chyme leaving the stomach is not acid enough to trigger the secretin release. Digestion is greatly hindered for want of pancreatic enzymes (including peptidase), and the person so afflicted lacks the nutrients of protein, vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, and most of the minerals, all of which depend on HCl to be digested and assimilated effectively. One symptom may be Vitiligo. The lack of pancreatic enzymes, including peptidase, leads to peptides of casein and gluten passing into the blood stream and to the brain, creating many of the autistic symptoms including a 30% incidence of epilepsy. A small help is to choose supplements in the citrate, gluconate, orotate, or aspartate forms that will be utilized even in absence of HCl. Remember, the citrate form of magnesium is a laxative. 

Additionally, aspartate will breakdown the ammonia that is sometimes a problem with autistic children. It is also vital to the synthesis of glycoprotein that is essential to cell-to-cell communication and proper immune function. Being one of two main excitatory amino acids, an excess is found in Epilepsy and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). It enhances immunoglobulin production and antibody formation. A deficiency is seen in calcium and magnesium shortages. A low level of aspartate should lead to a test of calcium and magnesium status. In protein, aspartic acid exists mainly in the form of its amide, Asparagine. Among the biochemicals that are synthesized from aspartic acid are asparagine, arginine, lysine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, and several nucleotides. Aspartic acid performs an important role in the urea cycle. Glutamate and aspartate are also very important in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (Krebs cycle), from which most of the energy is produced by metabolism. Their reaction in this pathway is by what is called the malate-aspartate shuttle for the transportation of energy into the mitochondria. One of its metabolites is a precursor of the pyrimidines. Clinically, aspartic acid may be used to treat fatigue or depression. Its effect on the thymus gland lets it be used as a mild immunostimulant. 

The presentation of autism is sometimes linked to ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, the most common urea cycle defect. Damage to this enzyme can occur with exposure to mercury. A low level of OTC leads to states of hyperammonemia, seizures, and stroke critical issues in states of epilepsy and autism. The often spacy, confused behavior, “brain fog”, that is frequently observed in these disorders may be attributed to states of hyperammonemia as ammonia reaches the brain.  

Children with mild or moderate urea cycle enzyme deficiencies may not show symptoms until early childhood, or the symptoms may go unheeded. This childhood onset can be seen in both boys and girls. Symptoms include hyperactive behavior, sometimes accompanied by screaming and self-injurious behavior, agitation or irritability, and refusal to eat meat or other high-protein foods. Later symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, delirium, seizures, and finally, if the condition is undiagnosed and untreated, coma and death. Childhood episodes of high ammonia (hyperammonemia) may be brought on by viral illnesses, including chickenpox, or even exhaustion. The condition is often misdiagnosed as Reye’s syndrome. 

The lack of HCl causes the environment of the gut to be greatly changed, inviting overgrowth of candida yeast that produces a multitude of adverse symptoms. One of the characteristics of some severe fungal infections is that the patient never gets a cold. We hear, “He is the healthiest person in the family.” We know fungi provide protection from bacterial infections; however, when yeast is killed off without reestablishing proper flora, bacterial infestations are quick to take over. Bacterial overgrowth, such as citrobacter fruendii (that destroys the mucus lining of the gut), is also a result of this lack of HCl. Another nearly impossible to kill bacterium is Klebsiella Pneumoniae. Here is one successful way to beat them. Dr. Amy Holmes, Baton Rouge, Louisiana says, “I finally was able to completely rid Mikey of the ever-present Klebsiella Pneumoniae. It had been 4-plus in each and every stool culture for at least the last 3 years, despite throwing everything reasonable, both antibiotics and natural substances, at it. I finally realized that nothing was able to get at this bug because of its heavy LPS coat, so I ‘uncoated’ it with bismuth subsalicylate, and killed it with PO Neomycin. I used Neomycin 250 mg/bismuth subsalicylate 50 mg capsules—a compounding pharmacist must make these. It can be made as an oral suspension too. The dose is 1 capsule three times a day for 10 days. We are celebrating its defeat. Mike went through a period of apparent die-off for about a week, but has now gotten over that. His progress has been astounding lately.” See my Electronic Book “Self-help to Good Health”, Chapter “Candidiasis”.  

Great Smokies Diagnostic Labs does a stool test to determine what bacteria are present, and the natural substance to which they are susceptible. These are the substances that may overcome these “bugs”: Lauricidin®, Berberine, amphotericin B, Oil of Oregano, Plant Tannins, Uva-Ursi, and Tanalbit (3 caps per meal). [Intensive Nutrition Products, 1-510-632-2370, Oil of Oregano (2 drops AM meal/2 drops PM meal in juice, or 2 drops under the tongue. Capsules are available that can be used simultaneously, 800-769-7873]. Nystatin is a polyene antibiotic produced by the bacteria Streptomyces noursei. When given by mouth, it is not absorbed to any significant extent and remains in the intestine. This keeps the drug where it is needed and minimizes any systemic effects. The usual dose schedule is one to two million units a day, either as a single dose or in divided doses. Doses of up to 10 million units a day or more may be needed initially to eliminate yeast. Maintenance doses of one or two million units a day for in excess of a year are common. Please ensure that it is not formulated in a sugar base that feeds the candida! Side effects are limited to nausea and gastrointestinal upset, usually only seen at doses over 5 million units daily, however, die-off reactions may cause regression, nausea, rash, vomiting or diarrhea that may last for a week to ten days. Since it is not absorbed, the yellow color of the drug will modify the stool color, which may alarm some parents if they are not forewarned. 

Amphotericin B™ is more effective and less allergenic than Oregano, and all aromatic oils place an extra demand on Phase I liver enzymes that is undesirable for most autistic. Nystatin and Amphotericin B™ seem to work well in combination. For most children Nystatin is ineffective, and Candida, like bacteria with antibiotics, has become resistant to Nystatin (and other antifungals). Oral Amphotericin B™ is said to be safe, and about four times as effective as Nystatin. Injections, however, come with a long list of possible side effects that would indicate it is preferable to use it orally. Be aware, however, that it depletes _, a vital mineral already in short supply. It may be best to use the natural things first.  

Some use the herb Una Del Gato (Cat’s Claw) to fight candida and other parasites. This is dangerous for it is toxic to the liver and to peripheral mononuclear blood cells. It also inhibits cytochrome p450 (Phase I) liver enzymes causing unnatural retention of important body substances. Additionally, it would cause a buildup to possibly poisonous levels of several classes of drugs and body toxins. It also destroys the gut lining creating a condition favorable to “leaky gut” syndrome.  

Almost all remedies lose effectiveness in time and must be alternated, however, goat yogurt and hydrogen peroxide therapy (H2O2) seem to continue effectively. Perhaps an easier way is to periodically use colostrum (Kirkman Labs’ Colostrum Gold™ is casein free—others may not be), or whey, if you can tolerate it. (Whey must be undenatured. There are two I know of, Immunocal™ that may not be readily available, and is very expensive, and “The Ultimate Whey™” by Next Nutrition, Inc., www.designerprotein.com, that is available at most health food stores, or may be ordered from Nutrition Express 800-338-7979.) These provide lactoferrin that deprives these bacteria of the iron they need to replicate, and it contains a peptide, lactoferricin, that is bactericidal against E.coli, Klebsiella, pseudomonas, Proteus, Yersinia, Staphylococcus, Listeria, and other bacterial species. Lactoferrin also kills viruses, fungi, and certain tumor cells. The data indicates that lactoferrin may be of therapeutical value in treatment of autoimmune disorders—Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 1995, 43:3-4, 207-9. In any case, use of these natural aids will protect the “good guys” unlike antibiotics that destroy everything including the gut. Whey, because of its cystine content, may be undesirable where there is a sulfoxidation problem. 

Yersinia is the name of a genus of bacteria, of which Yersinia pestis (bubonic plague) is the most well known. In addition, there are several other species of Yersinia that can and do infect humans. One of the troubling aspects of Yersinia infections is that the immune response to them is severely impaired. Apparently, one of the ways that Yersinia does this is to “hide” in macrophages (a type of white cell which, in the blood stream, is called a monocyte) and then to suppress thyroid function, interact with the normal inflammatory response to cause it not to work correctly, alter the ability of the blood/brain barrier allowing foreign material, bacteria, etc. to get in there. When the Yersinia infected cells are found in the gut, they contribute to malabsorption of gluten (breads) and to cause colitis—Susan J. Leclair, Ph.D., CLS(NCA). 

Uva-Ursi is normally used for lower urinary tract infections (bladder and urethra), and as a mild diuretic. Candida infection of female organs and bladder can be readily controlled by either a boric acid suppository (98% success rate), or by filling the cavity with yogurt! Some are using Uva-Ursi for dysbiosis. It probably should not be used by children for it may damage the liver, nor should it be used for prolong periods, or in high doses. Use it only under a doctor’s supervision. The above named remedies do not treat systemic candida, however, and it may require Diflucan™, Sporanox™ or Lamisil™ for that purpose. Please note that Diflucan™ is fluoride based, and it is best to avoid it.  

These medicines prescribed should all be anti-fungal, i.e., nor-nicotine and nicotine (very limited usage), along with the nutrients vitamins B₁ through B₆ (especially nicotinic acid, that is strongly antifungal), potassium and lithium, iodine, sulfates and sulfur (MSM, Epsom salts), and iron. Soda breads (pancakes, waffles, crackers, and biscuits) are said to be helpful, but you must not use sugars with them. Glyconutrients containing 11 polysaccharides have been found to enhance phagocytosis of candida, and killing of candida was 55% greater than in controls (Fisher Institute for Medical Research “Proceedings”, November 1997). Those with candida have been shown to have significant deficiencies of vitamins B₁, B₆, and magnesium. Some of the vitamins, especially vitamin B₁₂, are best supplemented by sublingual tablets, or in their coenzyme forms. Unfortunately, sublinguals often contain dyes and sweeteners you may find unsuitable. There are liquid vitamins that can be sprayed into the mouth and held there. You may want to check their suitability. Using these sublingually will supply the needed help regardless of digestive problems.  

Remove all yeast and raw vegetables from the diet, and boil all vegetables in salt (NaCl) water—drain, and cook normally. This will remove all bacteria and fungi the child’s body is not yet able to handle. Supplement HCl, as suggested elsewhere, to provide an additional barrier and enhance digestion. Also avoid the strongly pro-fungal pill binder, lactose (milk sugar), and milk products, and the chlorophylls. All forms of stress must be avoided for that produces cortisol and other steroids that feed the fungi. Heavy or even modest physical workouts must be avoided because they generate lactic acids at a rate that the body cannot handle. If this cannot be avoided, then Mannatech’s Sport and Em•Pact™ have been shown to give rapid recovery from lactic acid overload.  

A most appealing way to rid the body of candida is the use of an inexpensive, transient, spore-forming, soil bacteria that are nontoxic, nonpathogenic, and has an extremely antagonistic effect on Candida Albicans. It is believed to actually “feed” selectively on candida, coexisting with Bifido-bacteria and L. Acidophilus that the formula also supplies. It is called “Bacillus Laterosporus BOD”, and can be obtained as Yeast Avenger™ from www.cfsn.com [888-801-2376, outside USA (503) 590-9519]. You may be able to control the rate of die off by how much you take, and can avoid reinfestation immediately, as often occurs when quitting drugs, by continuing a small amount periodically. An interesting idea is to use these bacteria as a challenge test. If you experience no die-off symptoms, then you likely do not have candida overgrowth. This should be coupled with Culturelle™ (Klaire), or Pro-culture Gold™ (Kirkman) 20 billion count L. Acidophilus.  

Die-off of yeast can produce severe regression in all autistic symptoms, explosive diarrhea, severe yeast diaper rash, lethargy, fever, bloating, nausea, vomiting, eczema, aching, headache, stuffiness, seizures, and an intense craving for sweets. To quickly relieve these intense cravings, mix a quarter teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of warm water and drink it down. Obviously, this is by stimulating the adrenals to release glycogen from the liver. This would speak of the need to support the adrenals as outlined elsewhere in this paper. The amino acid glutamine (250 to 500 mg up to three times daily) and the mineral chromium (200 mcg) supplemented regularly will also reduce cravings for sweets and starches caused by hypoglycemia by stabilizing delivery of sugar to the brain. To quickly break an irresistible craving, open the capsule of glutamine and place it under the tongue. Another suggestion: mix a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of warm water and rinse the mouth for a few seconds. Drinking it may relieve the other symptoms listed, or use AlkaSeltzer Gold™ (sodium/potassium) to relieve die off. To overcome chocolate cravings, sip a cup of ginger tea. It contains the same chemicals, but not the calories. The cravings for sweets and creamy foods that are high in fat may be triggered by a deficiency of zinc. Taking up to 30 mg zinc daily over time will help reduce these cravings.  

One will likely never be free of candida until five things are occur: 1) eliminate mercury and other toxins interfering with energy pathways, 2) eliminate excess systemic alkalinity—these individuals exhibit a sodium-potassium ratio of less then 2.3:1, indicative of adrenal burnout, induced hyper-alkalinity, and an impaired immune system, 3) restore deficient HCl and bile secretions—these shortages lead to an excessively alkaline gut, to poor digestion of proteins, to poor assimilation of most minerals and vitamins, and to poor digestion of fats that creates fatty acid imbalances leading to amino acid imbalances, and 4) restore biochemical energy production (mitochondrial function)—the energy pathways require optimal amounts of copper, iron, manganese, potassium, magnesium, carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, NADH, and CoQ10, (see the Section “Healing the Leaky Gut”), 5) Correct carbohydrate intolerances—Stress causes a rapid depletion of zinc and the bio-unavailability of copper resulting in a severe derangement of glucose metabolism. Poor absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines creates fermentation by gut organisms. This, as well as sugar in the diet, actually makes children drunk, and some have the smell of alcohol on their breath. This causes hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, and a proliferation of yeast in the gut.  

This is a quotation from Dr. Shaw’s book “Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD”: “Many of the yeast byproducts are acids and release of the acids that are absorbed into the body may cause a condition called metabolic acidosis. An extremely simple therapy used by physicians who treat autism is to supply a mild antidote that neutralizes the excess acids. The most convenient product is a nonprescription drug called AlkaSeltzer Gold™. Do not use any other kind of AlkaSeltzer™. AlkaSeltzer Gold™ is simply a very safe product (sodium and potassium bicarbonate) that helps to neutralize excess acids of any kind. The dose for children is on the label. Do not exceed the number of recommended doses.” One mother wrote, “It worked so well for both of my children that the die-off was an uneventful experience, even though they both had very high levels of yeast.” The restoring of acid/alkaline balance also relieves many allergies.  

“These children also had grave disturbances in electrolyte chemistry, and tended to be acidotic (low CO). The data that unfolded was fascinating and clearly earmarked the acidosis and hypoxic state (low serum bicarbonate = low O₂ levels). Potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate and the like were used. Now we began to understand why so many children responded to Buffered C (potassium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate), and others needed a more specific buffer (in some children for example niacin was grossly depleted and they required niacin bicarbonate)”—Patricia Kane. Remember, the carbonates acidify the system. In any case, it should take no longer than six months to rid the body of all parasites. If it has been longer, you are probably not being aggressive enough, or you are not using a proper protocol. It will likely be necessary to make three or more tests for parasites since shedding of the eggs tends to be cyclical, and may not show in a single test. In any case, it is unlikely to detect the parasites that inhibit the upper intestine. Most parasites, except giardia and amoeba, will elevate levels of the white blood cell eosinophil (EOS) that is produced in response to allergens and infections. Giardia Lamblia is usually associated with food intolerances, gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, and fatigue, but severe hypothyroidism may be a result. It is often accompanied by candida. It is imperative you take aggressive action to rid the body of parasites and heavy metals. With them will go many “autism” symptoms. 

This additional information from Dr. Shaw: Most of the abnormal microbial products found in urine testing are almost surely from yeast and/or fungi in the gastrointestinal tract, since they decline following the use of an antifungal drug, Nystatin_@. Many autistic children have a background of frequent infections (especially middle ear infection), which are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics (even though the ear infections are usually of viral origin—WSL). Some children may have elevated yeast metabolites after only a singular antibiotic exposure. Over 700 articles in the medical literature document antibiotic stimulation of yeast growth. Since both early onset and high frequency of ear infection are associated with greater severity of autism, a yeast connection seems worthwhile to evaluate. Autism is usually a regression. This regression is often associated with thrush and/or frequent antibiotic use. 

Dr. Shaw’s laboratory has biochemically documented the “yeast die off” or Herxheimer reaction that follows the initial use of antifungal drugs. During the first three days of antifungal use, values for these microbial metabolites increase dramatically, and begin to normalize near day four. Die-off usually lasts about 7-14 days and after that time the change in the child can be rather dramatic. Parents report that after the yeast is under control the frequency of inappropriate noises, teeth grinding, biting, hitting, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior decrease. The child no longer acts almost drunk by being silly and laughing inappropriately. If the die-off does not end in 14-17 days, it is generally a reason to change one’s choice of anti-fungal.  

“All the mainstream medical textbooks talk about how people with hormone imbalances due to pituitary problems get yeast. Mercury causes pituitary problems. (In fact, heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium as well as pesticides and chemicals in plastics we daily use are hormone disruptors—WSL.) As if that isn’t enough, yeast is controlled by neutrophils generating oxygen radicals, and mercury prevents your neutrophils from generating oxygen radicals. (Mercury inhibits macrophage and neutrophil defense against candida by its effects on Th1 and Th2 cytokines—WSL). So it seems reasonable that mercury toxicity causes yeast problems. The fact that lots of adults with intractable yeast problems have them suddenly go away without special treatment once they started mercury detox supports the view that mercury causes yeast. So, if you are mercury toxic, you have a high chance of having a yeast problem, and the yeast will cause its own symptoms. You can reduce those symptoms modestly if you treat the yeast, but you will never really get better until you treat the mercury—and once you do that, you can stop treating the yeast because your body will be able to keep it in check”—Andy Cutler.  

When candida has become fungal and entered the bloodstream (Candidiasis), it is an extremely serious problem that is best controlled by hydrogen-peroxide infusions. Done properly in a clinic setting, the allergies can be disappearing in five to ten days, and the yeast can be gone in 21 to 28 days. A palatable oral form of hydrogen peroxide is available from the health food store under Dr. Donsbach's brand, SuperOxy Plus™.  

In addition to having estrogenic effects, mercury has other documented hormonal effects including lowered levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Some of the effect on depression is also related to mercury's effect of reducing the level of posterior pituitary hormone (oxytocin) and depressing the thyroid. The concentrations of mercury in the pituitary and thyroid glands are much higher than found in the kidney, brain, or liver in humans.