Comprehensive Guide to Managing Autism 
 

Willis S. Langford 

Slightly changed by Kees de Vries, Drunen, Holland (june 2003) 
 
Warning: Do not scan and read this paper piecemeal. It must be studied to avoid mis-steps.

Introduction

There are several very basic things discussed in this paper that can be done at home with little or no expensive testing. Foremost is the home testing for thyroid function discussed toward the end of this paper, and support of thyroid function. The “unloading of the donkey” is vital to possibly 80% of these troubled children for they are poisoned, drowning in their own toxic wastes. Elimination of bowel disorders is very first on the list of vital action. It is often as simple as supplying a digestive enzyme supplement, or removing milk. Some autistic children can be helped dramatically by medical procedures such as an infusion of the intestinal hormone secretin. The need and the beneficial response to secretin, I think, are dependent upon the amount of damage to the duodenum and small intestine from whatever cause, and on the stomach’s ability to produce adequate hydrochloric acid (HCl) for proper digestion. Since proper functionality of these two things largely determine proper digestion, it is vital that both be operative. Without adequate HCl, secretin infusion can, at best, be only partially effective in restoring digestion and proper physical and mental function. Secretin is reduced in hypothyroid rats (Robberecht et al, 1981), so first support the thyroid. HCl production is very dependent on adequate zinc levels, usually lacking in these children. With support for the thyroid, adequate zinc, and possibly supplemental betaine hydrochloride, secretin infusion may be totally unnecessary. 

The path of autism is different for each child. Some are prone to seizures, some are not; some behave aggressively while others are overly passive. However, children with autism and with ADHD share several factors. There is a deep disturbance in their fatty acid metabolism that impairs their utilization of amino acids, and often there is an imbalance in their electrolytes. Electrolytes control what’s called membrane traffic—what goes in and out of cells. This means that providing other nutritional supplements is relatively ineffective until the electrolyte (sodium-potassium-magnesium-calcium) imbalance is corrected. The delicate balance of electrolytes also controls the electrical activity within the brain. Practitioners suggest the extent of the nutritional problem in these observations:  

Nutritional abnormalities: 

a. Zinc deficiency exists in 90% of autistic children

b. Copper excess exists in 85%

c. Calcium and magnesium deficiencies are common

d. Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency exists in nearly 100%

e. Fiber deficiency exists in nearly 100%

f. Antioxidant deficiency exists in nearly 100% 

Additionally, there is heavy metals poisoning: A recent study found 85 percent exhibited severely elevated Copper/Zinc (Cu/Zn) ratios in blood, suggesting a disorder of metallothionein (MT), a short, linear protein responsible for homeostasis of copper and zinc and many other metals. “The severity of the Cu/Zn imbalance was far greater than that of any other population we have studied over the past 25 years,” said William J. Walsh, Ph.D., Physician, biochemist and chief scientist of the Pfeiffer Treatment Center, Naperville, Illinois. His database suggests that copper overload and zinc depletion are the most common metal-metabolism abnormalities in behavioral conditions such as, ADHD, autism, depression, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia. In addition, these sufferers are unusually sensitive to lead, cadmium, mercury, and other toxic metals that they tend to accumulate rather than eliminate. Nevertheless, if a mouse cannot make MT, then it should not get copper deficient when fed a high-zinc diet. We fed some of these mice and some control mice (ones that can make MT) diets that contained normal amounts of zinc and some that contained much more zinc. The results showed that the mouse without MT got copper deficient when fed the same high-zinc diet as the mouse that had MT. This study strongly suggests that the old theory is not true and that stimulation of MT is not necessary for high-zinc to bring about a copper deficiency. We suggest instead that the high zinc is inhibiting a copper transport protein in the intestinal membrane, and copper cannot be absorbed—Reeves PG, Copper Metabolism in Metallothionein-null Mice Fed a High-zinc Diet. J Nutr Biochem 9:598-601, 1998.  

Blood and urine analyses yielded evidence of a metallothionein dysfunction in 499 of 503 patients (99%) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, according to Walsh, suggesting that autism may be caused by either a genetic MT defect or a biochemical abnormality, which disables MT protein. “An MT disorder may affect the development of brain neurons and may cause impairments in the immune system and gastrointestinal tract, along with hypersensitivity to toxic metals,” he said. The excess copper in these kids is probably from two causes. Mercury depresses zinc, and there is a high incidence of zinc malabsorption. To reduce copper, you must use significant amounts of vitamin C and zinc.  

Treatment for this imbalance centers on stimulation of MT protein with divalent metals (such as zinc and manganese) that are in depletion, and by providing N-acetylcysteine, serine, selenium, and other constitituents of MT. Of secondary benefit are vitamins B₆, A, C, D, E, glutathione, genistein and biochanin A (both from soy), and glucocorticoids (anti-inflammatory drugs). This treatment should be gradual during the first 4 weeks of treatment to avoid rapid release of copper from tissues, which could cause a sudden worsening of symptoms. 

Mercury adversely affects detoxification systems such as metallothionein, cytochrome P-450 (Phase I), and bile. Mercury ties up this material so it cannot bind and clear other metals such as lead, cadmium, and aluminum. Mercury inhibits sulfur ligands in MT and, in the case of intestinal cell membranes, inactivates MT that normally binds cuprous ions, thus allowing buildup of copper to toxic levels and malfunction of the zinc and copper containing Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD). Mercury induced reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation (forming free radicals) has been found to be a major factor in mercury’s neurotoxicity, along with its leading to decreased levels of the vital enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismustase (SOD).  

Metallothioneins across species are rich in cysteine (~30%) and have higher affinities for mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) than for zinc. Therefore, as Hg and Cd bind to metallothionein, and are restricted from entering the mitochondria, zinc is released. The free, ionized zinc, which would be toxic if permitted to accumulate, binds to a metal regulatory element on the promoter region of the metallothionein gene and “turns on” the synthesis of metallothionein. Increases of as much as 3-times are reported. Such induction of metallothionein provides increased binding capacity for both toxic metals (protective) and zinc (functional). The displacement of zinc in the presence of toxic metal burden may explain in part why increased levels of zinc are so commonly seen in the scalp hair of patients exhibiting significant levels of toxic metals Hg, Cd, Pb (Quig, unpublished observations). 

Furthermore, their minerals and amino acids are deficient and/or imbalanced. Their production of red and white blood cells is irregular. They have a dysfunctional immune system (often attacking “self”). Eighty percent suffer mitochondrial disorders (lack of energy production) according to Dr. Colemen, George Washington University Hospital. Ninety percent suffer some degree of hypothyroidism despite “normal” TSH readings (Raphael Kellman, MD). Eighty-three percent suffer dysfunctional Phase I and II, liver-enzyme activity (causing a build up of toxins and heavy metals), and 85% of autistic meet criteria for malabsorption leading to a multitude of nutrient deficiencies (Wm. Walsh). Both the autistic and the ADHD children often suffer lymphoid modular hyperplasia (measles infection in the gut—Wakefield). Thus, children with autism do not absorb food properly, leading to nutrient deficiencies. The most common deficiencies of poor diet and malabsorption are fatty acids, the minerals zinc, selenium, magnesium, and calcium, and the vitamins A, B₆, C, and D, and E. This compromises immune function, and provides inadequate antioxidant protection to offset the high oxidative stress these children suffer, thus causing significant damage to cells throughout the body and brain. It is interesting to note that uric acid plays a key antioxidant role in the plasma, and many of these children have low urea/uric acid, possibly reflecting high oxidative stress. The nutrient deficiencies can occasionally cause extreme behaviors; some children with autism have been reported to have actually gouged out their eyes due to a calcium deficit. If your child is pushing at his eyes, supplement calcium and vitamin D, and get him in the sun.  

Children with autism have a lot of metabolic abnormalities as indicated, but that is a result of the problems with their immune system. Heavy metals such as mercury induce a dramatic activation of the immune system and autoantibody production in the genetically susceptible. This autoimmune syndrome is dependent on T-Cells, which are important for B-Cell activation and cytokine secretion. Studies have found mercury impairs the body’s ability to kill Candida albicans by impairment of the lytic activity of neutrophils. A population of plant workers with average mercury excretion of 20 ug/g creatinine was found to have long-lasting impairment of neutrophil function. 

Another study found such impairment of neutrophils decreases the body’s ability to combat viruses such as those that cause heart damage, resulting in more inflammatory damage. Samplings of immune data reveal that most of these autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) children have atypical elevations of antibodies against otherwise common pathogens such as Epstein-Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, and/or Human Herpes Virus 6 (EBV, CMV, HHV-6), and in some 30%, elevated anti-measles antibodies indicative of chronic infection from measles vaccine—Kawashima H, Mori T, Kashiwagi Y, Takekuma K, Hoshika A, Wakefield A; Department of Paediatrics, Tokyo Medical University, Japan. “Of the 160 autistic children we looked at, only five did not have bowel disease”—Wakefield. (Attenuated vaccines contain live viruses that don’t usually cause overt disease.) HHV-6 induces synthesis of a broad range of host cell proteins, including interferon alpha, CD4, interleukin-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha.  Additionally, HHV-6 kills Natural Killer Cells. 

Human herpesvirus-6, the etiologic (causative) agent of roseola, is ubiquitous, establishes latency in the host, and can infect a variety of immunocompetent cells, with CD4+ T lymphocytes being the targets in which it replicates most efficiently, and HHV-6 has an “Immunosuppressive effect... on T-cell functions” such as “suppression of interleukin-2 synthesis and cell proliferation.” 

HHV-6 is a commensal inhabitant of brains. Various neurologic manifestations, including convulsions and encephalitis, can occur during primary HHV-6 infection, or in immunocompromised patients. HHV6 has been reported within oligodendrocytes and microglia, and focal HHV6—encephalitis has been documented. It is considered causative in CFS. 

John O’Leary, Ph.D., a world-class researcher and molecular biologist from Ireland, using state of the art sequencing technology, showed how he had found measles virus in the gut of 96% of autistic children, compared to 6.6% of normal children. This virus did not come from the natural disease; it came from the measles vaccine. In addition, Dr. O’Leary found measles virus present in 75% of children with Crohn’s Disease. Crohn’s has traditionally been an intestinal disease of adults, following years of dietary abuse. Its appearance in children is a new event, and Dr. O’Leary’s work points to measles virus from vaccines as the likely cause. Additionally, Candida, according to antibody studies done at the Atkins Center, is involved in more than 80 percent of all cases of Crohn's and Colitis. 

Their pathogenic (disease producing) power is derived from the fact that they can set up persistent infections within various lymph tissues (that of the gut, for example, as shown by Wakefield) as well as within circulating cells of the immune system. Wakefield found that controls had prevalence in the gut of HHV-6 DNA similar to that of those with ulcerative colitis—86%! Virus infected monocytes (White Cells) travel freely throughout the body, and have been shown to enter the brain, take up residence there, and secrete cytokines (chemical messengers) toxic to brain tissue. They also serve as foci of infection. It is not uncommon for infants to run fevers and show other signs of acute inflammation after receiving multiple vaccinations. Interferon production is stimulated by infection with a virus to protect the body from super infection by some other microorganism. In this study, vaccination of one-year-old infants with measles vaccine caused a precipitous drop in the level of alpha-interferon produced by lymphocytes. This decline persisted for one year following vaccination, at which time the experiment was terminated—Journal of Infectious Diseases. Thus, this study showed that measles vaccine produced a significant long-term immune suppression. Similarly, the report in the British medical journal Lancet confirmed that a significantly higher percentage of these children had received a DTP shot within 30 days of the onset of polio compared to a control group of children without polio, 43 percent of polio victims compared to 28 percent of controls. The DTP vaccine suppresses the body’s ability to fight off the polio virus. Thus, we have evidence of long-term damage to the immune system from vaccines. Starting at about 4 months, this leads to the infections, antibiotics, more infections, and more vaccines that often precede autism. 

“Complete Immunoglobulin E (IgE) deficiency was seen in 10% of the patients. Almost 20% of the patients had low IgA, and 8% of them had a complete lack of it, which is quite high compared to the general population (1 in 700-1,000). About 25% of the subjects had IgG subclass deficiency. About 25% of the patients had a deficiency of various subsets of lymphocytes (e.g., CD3, CD4, and CD8 Killer T-Cells). In fact, almost 35% of these autistic children had a deficiency in Natural Killer Cells. In general, the cytokines IL-2 and alpha-interferon are increased, while IL-1 is normal”—Dr. Sudhir Gupta. IgG anti-brain autoantibodies were present in 27% with ASD, and with 2% from healthy children. IgM autoantibodies were present in 36% with ASD compared with 0% of controls. The presence of these antibodies raises the possibility that autoimmunity plays a role in the pathogenesis of language and social developmental abnormalities in a subset of children with these disorders—Serum autoantibodies to brain in Landau-Kleffner variant, autism, and other neurologic disorders. J Pediatr 1999 May;134(5):607-13.  

“I firmly believe that up to eighty percent (and possibly all) cases of autism are caused by an abnormal immune reaction, commonly known as autoimmunity. The autoimmune process in autism results from a complex interaction between the immune system and the nervous system.  

“Antibodies to measles (rubeola) virus (MV) and human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) are elevated, which is a sign of a present infection, past infection, or a reaction to the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The HHV-6 and measles viruses are etiologically linked to autism because they are related to brain autoantibodies and demyelinating diseases.  

“Recently, I conducted a study of measles virus (MV) and HHV-6 in autism....This study showed two things in particular: first, that the virus antibody levels in the blood of autistic children were much higher when compared to normal children; and secondly, the elevated virus antibody levels were associated with the brain autoantibody titer. Interestingly, the viral antibody and brain autoantibody association was particularly true of MV antibody and Myelin-Basic Protein (MBP) autoantibody (i.e., 90 percent of autistic children showed this association). This observation led me to hypothesize that a measles virus-induced autoimmune response is a causal factor in autism, whereas HHV-6, via co-infection, may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disorder. Although as yet unproven, I think it is an excellent working hypothesis to explain autism, and it may also help us understand why some children show autistic regression after the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization. 

“There is enormous potential for restoring brain function in autistic children and adults through immunology....The goal of therapy should be to normalize or reconstitute the immune response instead of inducing immune suppression or stimulation. This will maintain a balance within the normal immune response, avoiding major fluctuations of overt immune activity which could be detrimental to the patient”—Excerpts from Autism, Autoimmunity, and Immunotherapy: a Commentary by Vijendra K. Singh, Ph.D. Department of Biology & Biotechnology Center, Utah State University, Logan Scientific Board Member, Autism Autoimmunity Project. 

Reed Warren, et al, mention how the IgA findings relate to infections and report a fascinating double susceptibility in that 6 of 8 autistic kids with low IgA levels also had null alleles of the complement C4b: “...IgA is also important in protection against pathogenic infections and participates in the clearance of pathogens via the alternative complement pathway. C4 proteins [e.g., from the C4a and C4b genes] are involved in the other complement pathway, the classical complement pathway. Therefore, it is interesting that of the eight autistic subjects with decreased IgA levels, all but two also had a C4b null allele suggesting that, in these patients, both pathways of complement activation [and response to infections] are probably operating at less than optimal level.”   

A test of thirty-six children revealed grade I or II reflux esophagitis in 25 (69.4%), chronic gastritis in 15 (42%), and chronic duodenitis in 24 (67%). Low intestinal carbohydrate digestive enzyme activity was reported in 21 children (58.3%), although there was no abnormality found in pancreatic function. Seventy-five percent of the autistic children had an increased pancreatico-biliary fluid output after intravenous secretin administration (indicating hypersensitivity of the pancreas) —Gastrointestinal abnormalities in children with autistic disorder. J Pediatr 1999 Nov;135(5):559-63. 

Children with autism produce higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines than children without autism. Autistic children have been shown to exhibit many anomalies in cell-mediated immunity, including abnormal T-cell activation (Warren et al, 1995), decreased relative numbers of helper-inducer lymphocytes, and a lower helper-suppressor ratio. (Denney et al, 1996) These last 2 measures were inversely correlated with severity of autistic symptoms. In children with these abnormal antibody patterns, selenium supplementation at a dose of 10 mcg/kg body weight for six months significantly increased IgG-2 and IgG-4 levels and reduced the number of infections. Low blood values of these two antibodies are associated with intractable seizures. Selenium and vitamin E supplementation has overcome intractable seizures that were resistant to drugs.  

In workers exposed to fluorine, those with subclinical hypothyrosis [reduced tri-iodothyronine (T3) in 51%] had immune alterations that were more evident. T-lymphocytes count rose, but their functional activity declined, indicating impaired cooperation of immunocytes as a result of imperfect control under low concentrations of T3 (Balabolkin, 1995). Their immune system is driving with no brakes!  

Elevated serotonin levels have been consistently found in 30% -50% of autistic patients, and may represent a marker for familial autism. Hyperserotonemia in autism appears to be due to enhanced 5-HT uptake, as free 5-HT levels are normal and the current report of an excess of the long/long 5-HTTLPR genotype in autism could provide a partial molecular explanation for high platelet serotonin content in autism—PMID: 11378854. Serotonin synthesis is decreased in the brains of autistic children and increased in autistic adults, relative to age-matched controls (Chugani et al, 1999), while whole blood serotonin in platelets is elevated regardless of age (Leboyer; Cook, 1990).  

Finally, these kids are hypersensitive to everything: sound, light, touch, and colors. Typically, bright yellow will drive them up the wall leading to all sorts of aberrant behavior. This sensitivity is usually related to a deficiency of vitamin B₆, zinc, and magnesium.  

These medical facts show that every symptom of these dear children is treatable! These kids are sick. They are not usually brain damaged. What seems to be occurring is an immune mediated, abnormal “shut down” of blood flow in the temporal lobe area of the brain, and therefore an interference with central nervous system function. 

This paper is not meant as a medical prescription, nor do all the conditions and suggested interventions apply to every child. You must study this paper until you see your child’s face in it, and then use the parts that are applicable to him. In all instances, it is good to consult with your medical professional when making any major nutritional changes.

Immune 101

There are three major classes of Immune Cell types: granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are divided into three subgroups: B-Cells, T-cells, and Natural Killer Cells. T-cells are divided into CD4, helper cells, CD8, suppressor cells, and cytotoxic, CD8, Killer T-cells. That is, they show the Cluster Determinant (CD) glycoproteins on their surface. During the first two years of life a delicate one-to-one ratio between CD4 (helper) and CD8 (suppressor) cells forms.  CD4/CD8 ratios that do not equal 1:1 are indicative of abnormal immune systems. All these produce cytokines, chemical messengers that tell the other cells what to do. Cytokines, also called growth factors, are the common language of the immune, hormonal, and nervous systems regulating the growth and development of cells and tissues. Scientists state that: “Stimulation of the developing immune system (by early childhood diseases—WSL) can prevent auto-immunity” with clinical evidence proving that immune stimulation prevents auto-immune disease by up-regulating growth factors that bring the body back into balance with normal cell-to-cell communication. 

Growth factors are biologically active, biochemically well-characterized, small proteins (cytokines) that regulate cell growth, repair, renewal, and cell death throughout the body, including the developing nervous and immune systems. Growth factors need not enter cells to exert their effects upon DNA and cellular activities because they use specific cell receptors that carry their signals into the genes. Specific growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF_B) play critical roles early in the four-stage, cell cycle, during what is called G1 phase. These growth factors determine the cell’s fate by regulating what genes are turned on or off. If a gene is “turned on”, it will be read and its message translated into protein. If a gene is “turned off”, its message will remain dormant. Many viruses compete for the same DNA gene regulatory (transcription) sites as growth factors do since viruses need to overcome the growth factor’s control of the cell’s fate so that the virus can multiply and infect more cells. Growth factors contribute to healthy communication between the protective systems in the body, such as the nervous, immune, and hormonal systems. If growth factors do not work appropriately, there is aberrant cell-to-cell communication throughout the body, and a type of chaos ensues—Dr. Barbara Brewitt, Chief Science Officer, Biomed Comm, Inc. 

The CD4+, lymphocyte helper-cell activities are divided into Th1 (Cell-mediated immunity), and Th2 (humoral immunity). Th1 is the first-line of defense primarily against viral, fungi, and protozoa, while Th2 helps the B-cells to produce antibodies. The T-cells are separated into these two classes depending upon the specific cytokines the cells secrete in response to antigenic stimulation. Th1 cells primarily produce interferon (IFN) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), whereas Th2 cells produce IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13. The two helper T-cell classes also differ by the type of immune response they produce. While Th1 cells tend to generate responses against intracellular parasites such as bacteria and viruses, Th2 cells produce immune responses against helminths and other extracellular parasites. Interestingly, the cytokines produced by each Th subset tends to both stimulate production of that subset, and inhibit development of the other subset. Th1 and Th2 represent two, separate, counterbalancing functions of the immune system, and problems occur when they are out of balance. 

After a strong Th1 response to infection gets on top of the search-out-and-kill activity, Interleukin 4 and 10 promotes a change of a class of antibody (IgG1) produced by memory cells, and suppresses the activity of the killer cells and starts to shut down the Th1 immune response. The production of memory cells is dependent on this strong Th1 immune response. For example: the immunological action taken against a primary attack of measles is primarily Th1, with a later back-up by a Th2 antibody that is dependent on the initial Th1 response, and then a dampening down of the Th1 system by the Th2 antibody. However, “These alterations support the hypothesis that the immunologic alterations induced by immunization do activate type-2 cell responses leading to improved antibody production, while suppressing type-1, T-cell responses leading to reduced lymphoproliferation.” (JID 1996, Vol 173, pg 1324-1325) Do you understand the implications of this? There are plenty of antibodies at the expense of the ability to “search-and-destroy”—to fight other infections. This is the key—the difference between natural Th1, and vaccine induced Th2 immunity—and yet, some fail to show antibodies even when vaccinated and boosted and revaccinated! Could that be because they had no sufficient Th1 response?  Possibly, but magnesium deficiency has been shown to decrease antibody production, and lymphocytes, the body’s defense against invaders, are inhibited by magnesium deficiency, and most of these children are deficient in magnesium. 

To avoid rejection of the fetus, a Mother’s immune system shifts quickly to Th2, and the baby is born with this skew to Th2. After the baby is born, the healthy mother’s immune system changes back to normal Th1 dominance very quickly, and breast milk quickly starts the process of changing the baby’s balance towards Th1 dominance. The vaccinated Mother’s immune function is likely to stay Th2 predominant, robbing her of her natural immunity to infections and allergies, and she passes this skewed system to her baby! The poor, bottle-fed child gets no help at all to restore Th1.  

It’s most revealing to learn that the same insult given to those of different genetic makeup will cause some to have a Th1 response, whereas others will have a Th2 response! The ratio of these two is determined by the balance of adrenal steroids, notably cortisol and DHEA. Since cortisol is an antagonist of DHEA, stress-induced cortisol production shifts the number of CD4+ lymphocytes to predominantly Th2 expression. Cortisol also impairs liver detoxification, allowing buildup of environmental and physiological toxins. "Thus, even a potentially Th1-inducing virus may fail to induce Th1 during a time of stress"-Lancet, 1997, Volume 349, pg 1832.  

When Th1 is diminished, Th2 predominates leading to a host of chronic diseases. Conditions are pro viral, pro Candida. The chronic viral infection, whether measles or other, cannot be cleared as long as this bias exists. Furthermore, Candida can enhance Th2. This increases IgE, causing Candida to really flourish. One of the things that’s primarily responsible for maintaining the balance is healthy, gut microflora. When microflora are depleted or destroyed you're going to become more Th2 dominant, and have more tendencies towards allergies, and asthma. A strong presence of IgE in the blood is evidence of prominent Th2 activity, and a deficiency of vitamin B₆. Elevated IgE is associated with a history of numerous allergies. Allergies are indicative of an overactive (reactive) immune system. So, if you have high IgE, suspect that Candida and stress are at work, and supplement the vitamin B-complex. IgE mediated allergies have disappeared with removal of mercury.  

Stress is a major factor in the Th2 skew, and is considered a major cause of depression. Any type of stress raises a hormone called cortisol and a secondary hormone called epinephrine, your stress hormone, and this will make you more Th2 dominant, and more prone to allergic type situations. It will put a “tire” of fat on the belly and hips, and it can damage and kill neurons. It also decreases levels of growth factors that enable brain cells to thrive, and it reduces levels of serotonin needed to promote neurogenesis (growth of new neurons). A diet high in refined carbohydrates is going to alter the slow hormonal collective which includes cortisol, epinephrine, and insulin and create a Th2 dominance. Adrenal exhaustion will promote a cytokine shift from Th1 to Th2. Additionally, there are chemicals and heavy metals, such as mercury, that will make you more Th2 dominant. To reduce stress-produced cortisol by 47%, give the child 100 mcg of chromium each day (200 mcg for adults). Magnesium, vitamin C, and pantothenic acid also reduce cortisol and should be supplemented. A 45-minute massage (back rub?) will give a like reduction.  

One study shows that glutathione levels in antigen-presenting cells determine whether Th1 or Th2 response patterns predominate. “Raising glutathione levels has been shown to alter the cytokine balance in favor of a Th1 immune response”—“The immune system”, Peterson, JD, et al., 1998. The best way to increase glutathione quickly is with a transdermal lotion from Kirkman. Another interesting way has been developed to aid those with respiratory problems. Doctors at the Tahoma Clinic have observed remarkable improvements in many with chronic bronchitis or with emphysema who used 60 mg of nebulized, inhaled glutathione two times daily. If you have a problem metabolizing sulfur this may cause yur body to accumulate too much sulfite, creating a wheezing symptom, among others. For an appointment with a physician at Tahoma Clinic, call (253) 854-4900. For a doctor in your area inquire at (800) 532-3688.  

Additionally, when patulin, a sulfhydryl-binding chemical that conjugates glutathione rendering it unavailable for mBCl interaction, was applied to cells that were treated with the glyconutrient Ambrotose™ by Mannatech™, the glyconutrients protected the cells from glutathione depletion. This shows the potential of glyconutrients to not only increase glutathione production as reported elsewhere, but to protect it from loss leaving twice as much glutathione available —Proceedings of the Fisher Institute for Medical Research, November 1997, Page 14. Acemannan® (Manapol®), and reishi mushrooms among others, have been shown to increase the enzyme glutathione synthetase, which in turn produces glutathione (providing the substrates glycine, glutamine, and cysteine are available, WSL). Additionally, in a series of human trials, Acemannan® (from aloe) improved food digestion and absorption and enhanced “good” bacterial flora in the digestive tract by reducing yeast and pH levels—Sugars That Heal, Dr. Emil I. Mondoa, MD. The aloe extract found in Ambrotose® by Mannatech™, also significantly inhibited superoxide anion formation. This is one type of free radical that can have dangerous effects on the fragile DNA in our cells—Kim, HS et al. In Vitro Chemo-protective Effects of Plant Polysaccharides, Carcinogenesis, Aug 1999, 20:8, 1637-40.  

In addition to stress-induced, immune suppression, the body’s natural defense system is also susceptible to stress-induced malnutrition. When the body begins to suffer from stress-induced malnutrition, the cells of the immune system are deprived of critical nutrients necessary for their function. In addition to the macronutrients, myriad micronutrients that include zinc, selenium, vitamins A, C, E, and B₆, the amino acids glutamine, cysteine, and arginine, and proper ratios of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are known to be necessary for a functional immune system. Observations indicate that Fatty Acids (FA) can modulate immune responses by acting directly on T-cells, and suggest that alteration of cellular FA toward Omega-3 may be a worthwhile approach to control of inflammation that often tends to cancer. It is vital to note that MMR vaccine, and the chronic measles infection so often following, depletes the body of vitamin A. A deficiency of vitamin A and zinc, in particular, hinders cell-mediated immunity (Th1), and “our” kids are universally lacking in these vital nutrients. Scrimshaw, et al. (1968) reviewed over 50 studies of infection and nutrition and wrote, “no nutritional deficiency in the animal kingdom is more consistently synergistic with infection than that of Vitamin A”. In Southern Africa, it was found that injection of 250,000 units of vitamin A reduced measles vaccine deaths to virtually zero. Children with vitamin A deficiency are more susceptible to the effects of DDT, hydrocarbon carcinogens, and PCBs. 

Additionally, the Australian, Archivide Kalokerinos, M.B., B.S., Ph.D., noted for his work among the Australian aborigines in which he reduced an infant morality rate approaching 50% to virtually zero. Noting features of scurvy among some of the infants and children, and observing that many deaths followed vaccinations, he hypothesized that the vaccinations provoked death by throwing the infants into fulminating scurvy. Based on these observations, he improved the nutrition of the children, provided generous amounts of vitamin C, and avoided vaccines when children were ill with colds or other minor infections. As a result of this work he was awarded the Australian Medal of Merit in l978. 

Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in many infants is probably low, and the vaccines lower CMI further. One vaccine decreases CMI by 50%, two together by 70%. Three? Yet, repeated immunizations with three vaccines simultaneously from four weeks to 12 or 18 months are given. All these triple vaccines markedly impair CMI, yet some uninformed doctors, solely for convenience and profit give 10 viruses into these struggling immune systems in one sitting! Don't let this happen to your child! The longest safety trial of the triple vaccine MMR (all live attenuated viruses) was three weeks!  

Repeat DPT is given at 12 months. In mice, spectrally assayed cytochrome p450 was decreased by 50% for 7 days following DTP vaccination. Phospho-sulfotransferase, a Phase II detox enzyme was also decreased as was the RNA necessary to their production. Children receiving DPT show three times as many seizures as is the norm for children. A similar increase 3.3 times the norm occurred within four to seven days following MMR. This decrease of p450 enzymes tends to harbor toxins within the system, leading to toxicity through a build up of heavy metals and other poisons, including the thimerosal (mercury), aluminum, formaldehyde and other poisons in the vaccine. Mercury has also been found to play a part in neuronal problems through blockage of the p450 liver enzymatic process. Mercury has been shown to diminish and block sulfur oxidation thus reducing glutathione levels which is the part of this process involved in detoxifying and excretion of toxics like mercury. Glutathione is produced through the sulfur oxidation side of this process. Low levels of available glutathione have been shown to increase mercury retention and increase toxic effects. The cytochrome p450 (Phase I) enzyme pathway is the only way a baby has to deal with endotoxins from the gut. The Phase I system is one of several shut down temporarily by the DPT and other vaccines. Toxins from E. Coli (and those of Candida), being given off when the liver is impaired by DTP, can have severe consequences, having been associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome! This is all the more likely when there is a chronic deficiency of vitamins A and C as might be induced by a poor diet or by a chronic measles infection of the gut. No effort should be made to eradicate bacteria and fungi, releasing as it does large amounts of endotoxins, without ensuring the child is adequately supplied with nutrients, particularly vitamins A and C. Use of AlkaSeltzer Gold™ is said to reduce the impact of this die off.  

“The repeated use of vaccinations would tend to shift the functional balance of the immune system toward the antibody-producing side (Th2), and away from the acute inflammatory discharging side (the cell-mediated side or Th1). This has been confirmed by observation especially in the case of Gulf War Illness: most vaccinations caused a shift in immune function from the Th1 side (acute inflammatory discharging response) to the Th2 side (chronic auto-immune or allergic response).  

“The wise use of vaccinations would be to use them selectively, and not on a mass scale. In order for vaccinations to be helpful and not harmful, we must know beforehand in each individual to be vaccinated whether the Th1 function or the Th2 function of the immune system predominates. In individuals in whom Th1 predominates, the cellular immune system is overreactive causing many acute inflammations, thus a vaccination could have a balancing effect on the immune system and be helpful for that individual. In individuals in whom Th2 predominates, causing few acute inflammations, but rather the tendency to chronic allergic or autoimmune inflammations, a vaccination would cause Th2 to predominate even more, aggravating the imbalance of the immune system and harming the health of that individual”—Philip F. Incao, MD. 

Multiple vaccinations, in shifting this delicate balance to a predominant Th2 response, favor the development of atopy (asthma, eczema, hay fever, and food intolerances) and, perhaps, autoimmunity through vaccine-induced, polyclonal activation leading to autoantibody production. An increase in the incidence of childhood atopic diseases may be expected as a result of concurrent vaccination strategies that induce a Th2-biased immune response. 

The literature shows an association between antiviral vaccination and onset of childhood asthma. We have noted that attenuation of viral target by conventional vaccine preparation does not completely remove or degrade viral nucleic acids such as double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). It is known that viral dsRNA can induce activation of a host’s antiviral protein kinase (PKR). We have shown that activation of PKR by dsRNA leads to expression of Th2-type immune responses, e.g., allergy and asthma—Farhad Imani, M.D., David Proud, M.D. Recent discovery shows the gamma-delta group of T-cells are responsible for allergic responses through their production of interleukin-4 (IL-4). 

The odds of having a history of asthma were twice as great among (DTP) vaccinated subjects than among unvaccinated subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.59 to 6.74). The odds of having had any allergy-related respiratory symptom in the past 12 months was 63% greater among vaccinated subjects than unvaccinated subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 2.54). The associations between vaccination and subsequent allergies and symptoms were greatest among children aged 5 through 10 years—Hurwitz, E.L., Morgenstern, H; UCLA School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Los Angeles, California. 

One study published in the “Journal of Infectious Diseases” documented a long-term depressive effect on interferon production caused by the measles vaccine. Interferon is a chemical produced by lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) that renders the host resistant to infection. Vaccination of one-year-old infants with measles vaccine caused a precipitous drop in the level of alpha-interferon produced by lymphocytes. This decline persisted for one year following vaccination, at which time the experiment was terminated. Thus, this study showed that measles vaccine produced a significant long-term immune suppression. This suppression lays the child open to all sorts of infections. 

For example: a study published in the “American Journal of Public Health Investigators” on children who contracted polio, a total of 1,300 cases in New York City and 2,137 cases in the remainder of New York State, discovered that children with polio were twice as likely to have received a DTP vaccination in the two months preceding the onset of polio than were the control children. More recently, in a polio epidemic in Oman, DTP vaccination caused the onset of paralytic polio. The report in the British medical journal “Lancet” confirmed that a significantly higher percentage of these children with polio (43% compared to 28% of the controls) had received a DTP shot within 30 days of the onset of polio. The DTP vaccine suppresses the body’s ability to fight off the polio virus. 

Usually then, the autistic child needs to boost Th1 cells. This can be done with Omega-3 fatty acids [EPA at 1000 to 1500 mg a day (two to three teaspoons of CLO), and DHA between 1500 to 2500 mg a day (3 to 5 teaspoons of CLO or fish oil)]. The extra Virgin Olive oil, that contains oleic acid: four tablespoons a day of fresh oil that’s been refrigerated is very supportive of Th1, as is Vitamin A, 25,000 IU (adults), with a lot of carotenoids, a lot of vegetables, carrots, and things like that. In addition to that, L-glutamine, 10 to 20 grams (adult) a day, will strengthen Th1. Use Lactobacillus, two or three different kinds, and Bifidus, and magnesium, zinc, chromium, and silica.  

Hepatic glutathione is a key substrate for reducing toxic oxygen metabolites and oxidized xenobiotics in the liver enabling their clearance from the body. Depletion of hepatic glutathione is a common occurrence in mercury and cadmium toxicity and Leaky Gut Syndromes contributing to liver dysfunction and liver necrosis. It has also been demonstrated that Hg not only directly removes GSH from the cell, but also inhibits the activities of two key enzymes involved in GSH metabolism, GSH synthetase and GSH reductase. Hg also inhibits the activities of the free radical quenching enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and perhaps GSH peroxidase. Inside the cell, Hg0 is oxidized by catalase to the highly reactive Hg2+. Once assimilated in the cell, Hg2+ and MeHg+ form covalent bonds with glutathione and cysteine residues of proteins. Many factors can affect liver function and glutathione availability. For instance, a recent or chronic-active infection can deplete glutathione as does a single dose of Tylenol™. Studies have found that heavy metals, especially mercury and cadmium, deplete glutathione and protein-bound sulfhydryl (SH) groups resulting in inhibiting SH-containing enzymes and the production of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals. These reactive oxygen species result in increased lipid peroxidation, enhanced excretion of urinary lipid metabolites, modulation of intracellular oxidized states, DNA damage, membrane damage, altered gene expression, and apoptosis. Increased fragility and decreased sulfhydryl content in cell membranes follow closely, within 4-5 days, a decrease in plasma zinc concentration. These latter signs are readily reversible within 1-2 days by zinc supplementation. Additionally, one must supplement antioxidants vitamins C and E, selenium, and glutathione, and attempt to enhance the body’s production of glutathione. 

The displacement of zinc in the presence of toxic metal burden may explain in part why increased levels of zinc are so commonly seen in the scalp hair of patients exhibiting significant levels of toxic metals Hg, Cd, Pb (Quig, unpublished observations). Such high zinc readings in hair tests would indicate an actual lack of systemic zinc! 

Platelets from zinc deficient rats exhibit abnormal aggregation (failure to aggregate normally), a defect that is associated with impaired calcium uptake. The evidence suggests defective calcium channels in the plasma membrane of cells. Similar observations have been made in brain synaptic membranes from zinc deficient guinea pigs. As in the red cell, membranes from platelets have a lower than normal concentration of sulfhydryls. Treatment of zinc deficient blood with glutathione increases the aggregation response of platelets isolated from the blood of zinc deficient rats, bringing it back to normal. 

Chelation with DMSA needs GSH or NAC to metabolize out as disulfide-bound DMSA-GSH or DMSA-NAC. If replacement NAC/GSH is not supplied, DMSA and DMPS (3-4 times more so than DMSA) consume available stores leaving a dangerous deficiency. In humans, oral glutathione is readily absorbed by the gut mucosa, repleting its glutathione supply; but all remaining GSH is then broken down by the mucosa preventing systemic absorption. This may explain why oral glutathione has been of help to autistic children even when there is apparently no systemic absorption. This being true, one must support the body in its manufacture of GSH to avoid a dangerous lack due to chelation. Nevertheless, given the gut dysfunction found in many autistic children, oral glutathione at 250 - 500 mg/day may be of significant help. Additionally, a glutathione cream has become available. I think this means of replenishment of cellular glutathione is highly desirable. Further, it seems both forms should be used.  

An important point should be emphasized, however, regarding the potential for DMSA to contribute further to cysteine depletion. Ninety percent of the DMSA absorbed is excreted in the urine as a cysteine-DMSA-cysteine disulfide complex.⁴² Therefore, between days of oral administration of DMSA it is important to replace cysteine, except in those instances where the child is cysteine toxic. The important point here is that pharmacological doses of cysteine/NAC, in the range of 1500 mg daily, have the potential to exacerbate the adverse neurological effects of toxic metals since it moves mercury into the brain in rats. It is of interest to note that intravenous glutathione removes mercury from the brain. 

Methionine, betaine, and choline enhance liver function and increase the levels of SAMe and glutathione. In addition to the above supplements, use these that build glutathione: garlic, dandelion, shark liver oil, rice bran extract, lysine, and SAMe. All are totally nontoxic. Carotenes enhance immune response and “spare” the glutathione, a Phase II detoxification enzyme in the liver that we rely on to safely eliminate pollutants and toxins from the body. You might even want to add, after careful testing, Pregnenolone or DHEA, (both suppress cortisol), because the higher the levels of DHEA, within normal, the better Th1 performs. Thyroid, along with the retinol form of vitamin A, is needed to create progesterone and pregnenolone, so it may be better to support the thyroid and use cod-liver oil as suggested herein. Chromium reduces cortisol by 47%. Vitamin E, vitamin B-complex, panax ginseng, digestive enzymes, Transfer Factor™, even some things called arabinogalactans and glyconutrients (AmbroStart™ by Mannatech™), all build Th1 (enhance macrophage action and Natural Killer Cell function). Aloe (Manapol™—a stabilized, standardized Aloe contained in Ambrotose®), Ambrotose®, AmbroStart™, Phyt•Aloe®, PLUS, and ImmunoStart™ (all from Mannatech, Inc.) are without peers in producing glutathione, and in modulating this function of the immune system. A good back rub will make it all come together.  

Additionally, it is known that Vitamin C seems to suppress the Th2 system and promote the Th1 system, which is why asthmatics on Vitamin C have fewer and less severe attacks than those who don’t take Vitamin C (Trop Geogr Med 1980;32:132-7). It has also been shown that the mean vitamin C level in patients with asthma is significantly lower than in healthy control subjects (Afr J Med Sci. 1985;14:115-120), and that Vitamin C can have a protective effect and block Exercise-Induced Asthma (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med Vol 151, April 1997, pg 367). 

Other than vaccines, candida, and stress, what causes Th2 to be elevated? Faulty digestion, a leaky gut, over consumption of glucose (sugar) and processed foods (that weakens systemic resistance to infection), transfatty acids, a diet high in the Omega-6 fatty acids like linoleic acid (cut canola, use olive). All of these promote over-functioning of Th2. This makes the cell membranes porous, and very vulnerable to infection. Adrenal exhaustion or a lack of glutathione may promote a cytokine shift from Th1 to Th2. Adrenal dysfunction can lead to hypoglycemia, increased allergy symptoms, weight gain, increased menopausal symptoms, mood swings, and mental confusion. Any suffering allergies, including asthma, undoubtedly have two conditions undiagnosed: hypoglycemia and hypoadrenocorticism. These must be corrected by temporary elimination of allergens, a low carbohydrate, high protein intake, and a supplement of nutrients chosen to support the adrenals and pancreas, including desiccated, whole-adrenal glandular. If not needed, the adrenal tablets may make you feel weak. The doctor may wish to offer whole, adrenal-cortex extract injections for faster results. Do not accept cortisone or prednisone! Do not fail to heed what you have just read! 

Additionally, vitamins B₆, B₁₂, A, C, E, para-aminobenzoic acid, pantothenic acid, and the minerals zinc, magnesium, and calcium aid the adrenals in conditions of hypoadrenocorticism (adrenal cortex deficiency). Pantothenic acid (300 mg), vitamin C (2000 mg), for adults, will support the pancreas. The bioflavonoids will reduce allergic reactions to foods and other substances.  

To determine if you have adrenal exhaustion, have your blood pressure checked after lying quietly for 5 minutes, then stand up and immediately recheck the pressure. If the blood pressure reading is lower when you are standing, suspect reduced adrenal function. The degree to which the blood pressure drops upon standing is often proportionate to the degree of hypoadrenalism. (low adrenal function). 

A “Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology” at McGill University and the Institute Pasteur in France article says, “A new study has found additional evidence that a chemical involved in inflammation may play a role in asthma. The study found more of the chemical known as Interleukin 9 (IL-9).” IL-9 is one of those Th2 substances that gets overactive, suppresses Th1, and you wind up with asthma. They believe that if you can lower IL-9 this is going to help treat, and even prevent, asthma. It says, “Interleukins have been known to play a role in regulating the immune system, and in particular, to be responsible for causing the early stages of inflammation.” They found that if you can lower the Th2, especially these Interleukins, and boost Th1 with all the nutrients we’ve been speaking about, they’re going to help dramatically in the management of a wide range of illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, AIDS, Chronic Fatigue, candida, multiple allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities, hepatitis, Gulf War Syndrome, cancer, and other autoimmune diseases, like autism. Just the elimination of candida has been found to cure a third of all eczema, irritable bowel, some asthma, joint pains, and virtually all psoriasis. Other symptoms of candida: internal bloating of the lower abdomen that is aggravated by beer, bread, pasta, sweets, or juices. Another good clue (90% probability) is when one reacts adversely to taking vitamins orally. To this add a high sensitivity to yeast and fungi or products containing them, like yeast, yeast breads, beer, mushrooms, cheese, mustard, vinegar, and mold spores that will cause discomfort when in bathrooms, basements, areas with wet leaves, summer beach houses, etc. Note: Good Housekeeping and Heloise have determined that regular vinegar kills molds at 90% and bacteria at 99.9% efficiency.  

Cytokines (hormone messengers secreted by immune cells), actively transported into the Central Nervous System (CNS), play a key role in this immune activation. It was recently observed that cytokines activate astrocytes and microglia cells (immune system cells) that in turn produce cytokines by a feedback mechanism. Where T-cells are over stimulated, they produce large numbers and amounts of cytokines that cause inflammation in the body, muscular pains, headaches, and often weight loss, and malnourishment. The free radical damage to “self” is great. Moreover, cytokines strongly influence the dopaminergic (dopamine), noradrenergic (noradrenaline), and serotonergic (serotonin) neurotransmission. There are indications that the cascade of cytokines can be activated by neuronal processes. These findings close a theoretical gap between stress and anxiety and their influence on immunity (they greatly lower the natural-killer-cell function). “When we are fit and healthy it means our bodies are working properly and keeping the germs and bugs at bay. It is only because the immune system falls down that we get ill,” said Michael Endecott, research director of the Institute for Complementary Medicine in London. 

Gluten (from grains) and casein (from milk) have immune, as well as neurotransmitter, impacts. Therefore, they have the ability to cause immune dysregulation and neurotransmitter imbalance. Opioids decrease T-cell proliferation via the mu-receptors, and this may cause a mild, immune suppression. Opioids can increase levels of gamma interferon also. When an opioid molecule attaches to a receptor in which it “fits”, adenylate cyclase is inactivated, leading to a decrease in intracellular Cyclic AMP (cAMP). Cyclic AMP is an important messenger system in the brain and body. When intracellular cAMP levels have been lowered because of constant (inappropriate) stimulation of opioid receptors on the cell surface, less tryptophan hydroxylase is phosphorylated, and therefore more of the enzyme is inactive. When this happens, tryptophan is not converted into serotonin, but is shunted down alternate pathways, eventually leading to urinary IAG (indolyl acryloyl glycine) and 3-indoleacetate. It is reported this affects 93% of autistic children. Urinary excretion of IAG in 15 normal subjects was significantly increased in June-September against the November-April collection in the same subjects. Elevated levels of IAG are also found in Hartnup's and SAD (seasonal depression from darkness).   

Organo-phosphate pesticides cause paralysis by inhibiting certain enzyme systems. One of these pesticides, Diazinon, has been shown to seriously interfere with the metabolism of tryptophan in a way that might force tryptophan metabolism towards the IAG route. Are these pesticides contributing to the increased IAG in the urine samples from the majority of people with autism and related disorders? In England, about 80% of those with autism or ADD/ADHD have high IAG levels. Increased IAG could contribute to increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and perhaps increased blood-brain barrier permeability. In animals, high opioid levels cause indifference to mother and others in the family. 

Immune B-cells can secrete the antibodies, immunoglobulins IgD, IgM, IgG, IgA, and IgE, which bind with the foreign antigen and produce red cell lysis, inactivate the virus, or produce bacterial phagocytosis. Most autistic children have delayed allergic reactions to some foods (show high IgG), and/or immediate, strong reactions to foods, inhaled pollens or mold (high IgE). These allergic reactions disrupt normal immune balance and alter interleukin-2 levels exacerbating their symptoms. IgA is normally secreted into the digestive tract in response to incoming food. IgA protects the mucosal surfaces of the mouth, nose, throat, gastrointestinal tract, ears and the eyes. Recurrent infections are an indication of deficient IgAs. Secretory IgA (sIgA) levels are elevated in the presence of infection or overgrowth of unwelcome germs, and are depressed if the infection or overgrowth is excessive. The incidence of selective IgA deficiency is 10 times higher in those with celiac disease than in the general population. IgA protects the mucus membranes of the body. Comprehensive stool analysis often finds below normal levels of Secretory IgA’s in the gut. One of the first things you want to do is to balance these Secretory IgA’s so as to protect the first line of defense in the intestinal tract. Tribes that live mainly on animal protein have the highest levels of IgA, and they almost never have infections according to Wolfgang Lutz who wrote the book on the myth of carbohydrate. IgA is found at very high levels in colostrum. The use of Bovine Colostrum should be very productive in overcoming these chronic infections, and should be preferred to repeated courses of antibiotics. When there is active infection, take a dose of colostrum every four hours around the clock until symptoms are fully cleared.  

It is interesting to note that diseases that can be associated with celiac disease include lactose intolerance, dermatitis herpetiformis, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders. In fact, if you have dermatitis herpetiformis (an itchy, blistery skin problem), you have celiac disease. 

One additional bit of advice: Never, ever let a child be vaccinated if he has had a recent infection/sickness, or is prone to repeat infections with the related antibiotic courses. Early and high frequency rates of ear infection are associated with greater severity of autism (J Autism and Dev Dis 17:585,1987). It is the children who have had three or more antibiotic courses who have a 4-times higher rate of adverse vaccine reaction. It is the ones vaccinated while suffering an infection or after a recent infection that often regresses into autism. Be warned. It all has to do with the immune function. Never accept a vaccine containing Thimerosal™, and never accept more than one shot per day. To pump ten viruses with the related mercury and other toxins into a child at one sitting is asinine and stupid, and should be criminal!   

Yeast species like candida are known to induce immune changes, and to produce neurotoxins, and most autistic children have yeast problems. Yeast binds the B-vitamins, and in absence of Bifidus flora, creates subclinical pellagra and beriberi. This lack of B-vitamins, particularly vitamin B₆ will interfere with the production of serotonin, melatonin, and other important neurotransmitters that controls behavior—so normal brain chemistry in the presence of yeast overgrowth is unlikely. Clostridia, found in approximately 20% ASD patients, and other harmful bacteria, also cause neurotoxic effects. These immunological changes (altered interleukins, cytokines, histamine, neuro-hormones, and other immune factors) affect brain chemistry, especially in the cerebellar and sensory components of the brain, and most autistic children have altered sensory perception. Reactions to clostridial toxins in mice suggest that it enhances glutamate efflux, leading to seizure and hippocampal neuronal damage. Komulain and Tuomisto, in 1981, found that methyl mercury, even in low concentrations, inhibited the uptake in synaptic nerve endings in the brain of the neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. This would be excitotoxic and tend to deplete the available neurotransmitters. The possibility of each of these imbalances should be examined, and, if present, corrected.  

Since a major consequence of this immune imbalance is allergy, it is good to note some frequent manifestations. “Toddlers have excessive infections. They whine, they pinch, they hit, they spit, they kick, and they bite in excess between two and four years. They bite their siblings, their mother in particular, and sometimes their father. They have excessive temper tantrums. They have a lot of intestinal symptoms. They vomit clear mucous, and that means milk allergy. They dislike being held. They say the same sentence over and over again. They’re hyperactive, fatigued, and they have bowel problems. These are characteristic symptoms that frequently are related to something they ate, touched, or smelled. (You can often tame the Terrible Two’s with a zinc supplement—WSL.) Any food can cause diarrhea, but the food that’s most apt to cause constipation in any age group is milk and dairy products. Abdominal complaints such as swelling, belching, bloating, rectal gas, that sort of thing, is the result. 

"Bad breath is almost always milk, wheat and eggs. Bedwetting, after age five, if it’s related to a food, is due to milk or it’s due to a fruit juice. Soiled underwear: when they leak, and they have a little bowel movement on their pants all the time, it’s frequently due to grapes and raisins, but other foods can also cause it (like undigested fats, shown by light-colored stool—WSL). Leg aches, called growing pains—take the milk out of the diet for a week, then add the milk back, and you’ll see that many leg aches are due to milk sensitivities. Again, there are other causes for leg aches, but this is one of the causes. Clucking throat sounds—that’s a milk allergy. The potbelly is very characteristic of people who have food allergies. There are many other causes; you may have parasites, enzymatic dysfunction, or a malfunction in your gut, but one reason is allergies. 

"Learning, behavior problems, and depression: Young children four and five that want to kill themselves. Again, ask what did they eat, touch, or smell? They have headaches. They make strange noises. They bark like dogs. That sort of thing. They have asthma, hay fever, and eczema. When a person eats a food that causes eczema, which is an itchy rash in the creases of the arms and the legs, the area will get red when you’re eating the food, and the next day, they have the rash. So, there’s a delayed reaction, and that makes it difficult to put cause and effect together. But, if you watch the skin while they’re eating, you’ll be able to tell when it feels red and hot and that’s when they’ve eaten a food to which they are sensitive. 

"The adolescents have intestinal problems. Depression and fatigue are much more common. They say they have a ballooned, fuzzy head. They recognize that their head’s not thinking, not feeling right. Their muscles and joints ache. They frequently have an irregular heartbeat. Take your pulse. It should be nice and regular, if it’s irregular; something’s wrong (it could be a lack of potassium or magnesium—WSL). What did you eat, touch, or smell? Start to pay attention to your body, especially to your pulse. It’s like a smoke alarm in a room. (Get “The Pulse Test” by Dr. Arthur F. Coca, MD—WSL.) 

“Irritability and aggressiveness in adults are very common. I believe that much battering—wife battering, husband battering, sibling battering, mother battering—I think a lot of that is due to unrecognized sensitivities to foods and chemicals, and things of that sort. Now, the adults tend to be too tired. The women, in particular, cry easily, and are very depressed. Many times, they are moody and easily upset.”—(edited) Dr. Doris Rapp, MD.  

Aggression has also been connected to both too much and too little magnesium. Usually it is too little. Magnesium controls the breakdown and loss of serotonin in the synapse, and it is the best calcium channel blocker. 

Research shows that it is the magnesium status that controls cell membrane potential and through this means controls uptake and release of many hormones, nutrients, and neurotransmitters. It is magnesium that controls the fate of potassium and calcium in the cell. If it is insufficient, potassium and calcium will be lost in the urine and calcium will enter the cell excessively causing spasms and cramps, and it will be deposited in the soft tissues (kidneys, arteries, joints, brain, etc.).  

Magnesium protects the cell from aluminum, mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium, and nickel. Evidence is mounting that low levels of magnesium contribute to the heavy metal deposition in the brain that precedes Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s. It is probable that low total body magnesium contributes to heavy metal toxicity in children, and it is a participant in the etiology of learning disorders.   

In addition to allergy or opioid production, it has been found that milk and dairy can actually cause a microscopic blood loss in the intestine by a “reactive” inflammation of the bowel. This can lead to anemia. Curiously, a child that might go berserk on milk may not have a reaction to “processed” cheese. When the protein structure is changed, the food will not give as large an allergic reaction. “Unless a child has eczema where yolk or egg is triggering off a skin reaction, for some reason the immune pathway fired off by eggs doesn’t seem to play a role in what we are talking about in the brain. I rarely have to worry about taking a child off of eggs, even though you may have this ‘huge reaction’ on the food screen”—Dr. Michael Goldberg.  

There is evidence of immune suppression on exposure to testing doses of phenols (see PST).  There may be a drop in T-suppressor cells or total T-cell numbers. An overabundance of B-cells was interpreted as a reflection of toxic image to the immune system. An increase in helper cells, antibody formation, and elevation of some immunoglobulins was also noted. Other findings on phenolic exposure have been depressed serotonin, elevated histamine, and prostaglandins, abnormal complement and immune complex formation. It can contribute to the toxic overload in PST, or it can precipitate an allergic reaction. 

These alterations in normal body chemistry are largely due to a damaged, chronically-irritated, gastrointestinal tract largely caused by vaccinations, heavy metals, particularly mercury, antibiotics, resulting candida and bacterial overgrowth, and by chronic viral infections, and milk. While it is important to remove the allergens and to deal with the yeast, the single most effective, least expensive, way to treat the cause and not the secondary symptoms is homeopathy. I know the principles of homeopathy offend reason and the good American Way, “more is better”. With homeopathy, “less is more”. There are forces we do not begin to comprehend working in this body, and homeopathy is working with one. Find a skilled homeopath, and ask him to clear the vaccine damage and resultant virus infections, and the heavy metals poisoning. There seems to be two schools. Some will treat individual allergies. If you treat the causes (vaccine damage to the immune system, and the metal overload) and not the allergic symptoms, expensive tests and therapies for allergies will be unnecessary. The method I recommend uses the actual vaccine to clear vaccine damage and the toxins and metals that vaccine introduced into the body. When this is done, the gut is usually healed, there will be few if any allergies left, and candida will likely no longer be a problem. You will be amazed at the simplicity and relative, low cost, and immediate results, though there is some temporary regression with each course. This will restore the immune function to balance, and then other necessary, nutritional and behavioral interventions will be 10 times more effective. Until you have done this, other efforts will be very expensive and not fully effective. To those who are ready, I will supply the name of a homeopath using real vaccine remedies that are not usually offered by other homeopaths.

Leaky Gut

In a test of 36 autistic children reported by Repligen Corporation, 75% had a greater than normal pancreatic response to secretin infusion, especially among those with diarrhea (whose stool improved in consistency for several weeks afterward). These children are probably producing too little secretin, and thus receptor sites have proliferated. Human secretin receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor that is functionally linked to the cAMP second messenger system by stimulation of adenylate cyclase (Ng et al, 1999). When given secretin, there is overactivity of the pancreas. I.V. Secretin causes a five-fold increase in the output of IGF-1 in pancreatic fluid. They also documented a pattern of intestinal inflammation (esophagitis, gastritis, and duodenitis that would greatly hinder absorption of nutrients) in the majority. The most frequent gastrointestinal complaints were chronic diarrhea, gaseousness, and abdominal discomfort and distention. Histologic examination in these 36 children revealed grade I or II reflux esophagitis in 25 (69.4%) with symptoms of wakefulness with irritability or crying, pressing of the lower abdomen, and diarrhea. Chronic gastritis was detected in 15, and chronic duodenitis in 24. Low intestinal carbohydrate digestive enzyme (amylase) activity was reported in 21 children (58.3%), although there was no abnormality found in pancreatic function. Thirty-nine percent were deficient of the enzyme Lactase, and thus had digestive problems with milk, with bloating, gaseousness, and a loose stool (these symptoms can be alleviated with a digestive enzyme supplement containing lactase). None showed signs of Helicobacter Pylori infection, or of fungal or bacterial overgrowth even in the one-third with suspected fungal or bacterial overgrowth based on urine acid test results.  

Your doctor has probably forgot a simple, inexpensive, urine test the doctor can make in office that uncovers toxic bacteria. Ask for a “urinary indican” test. Indican is created when the essential amino acid tryptophan is fermented by harmful bacteria in the bowel. If the indican test is positive, decrease intake of sugar and high glycemic carbohydrates because eating these things encourage overgrowth of many types of unfriendly critters, including candida. Supplement friendly flora to crowd out the nasties.  

This inflamed gut (dubbed “Leaky Gut” because it has become porous allowing large, food particles both protein and undigested starch to pass unnaturally into the blood) produces a number of symptoms. Increased intestinal permeability (IP) may reflect damage to the microvilli, which can reduce levels of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar, eventually triggering osmotic diarrhea. Once this disease process starts, small bowel mucosal damage, indicated by higher IP ratios, remains “an important factor” associated with increased acidosis, hypokalemia (lack of potassium), iron deficiency, dehydration, and parasitic infection. Sucrose (table sugar) leaks into the blood, and this abnormal sugar in the blood stream causes a host of problems. Particles [especially from milk (casein) and grains (gluten/gliadin)] called peptides pass through the “Leaky Gut”, and activate the immune system creating many allergic symptoms, and also creating opioids in the brain that cause much of the “weird” behavior. Dermorphin and other opioid-like peptides can reduce stomach acid output (by inhibiting a zinc-bearing enzyme needed to make HCl), and change emptying time for the stomach, and therefore, hamper digestion. Undigested particles of undercooked grain starches pass into the blood and to the capillaries where they slow and clog blood circulation. Collateral circulation is likely enough to keep the organ functioning, but in the brain, neurons may be lost. This is why digestive enzymes are so vital to break down these protein and starch particles before they reach the gut.    

Mothers are often perplexed when, having been on Gf/Cf for a period, they find high levels of peptides still present. When a person goes Gf/Cf the body takes the opportunity to dump these things in the blood/urine again. That is why we see them in the urine for some time afterwards. In celiac literature, it speaks of taking 7 years to totally clear the system! “Treatment of the latter (candida) with conventional synthetic antifungal agents often causes impairment of liver detoxification functions, and a decrease in synthesis of phospho-sulfotransferase, an enzyme necessary to cleave food proteins, e.g., casein, into smaller easily absorbable peptides.”—Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, MD. Thus, fungicides exacerbate the opioid problem, and increase the potential for toxicity in PST kids. Of utmost significance is the observation that those eating soy proteins or drinking soy milk may also have high peptide readings in their urine. Soy proteins are used extensively as emulsifiers, binders, and stabilizers in meat, poultry, snack foods, sausage, frozen spaghetti, and whipped toppings. Textured vegetable protein is soy-based, and many meat substitutes are soy-based. It has been found that those on soy may have high values of gliadorphin and casomorphin, presumably because of peptides from soy that are similar or identical to those in gluten or casein (Zhang XZ, Wang HY, Fu XQ, Wu XX, Xu GL. Bioactive small peptides from soybean protein. Anri NY, Acad Sci 1998 Dec 13, 864: 640-5.  

Additionally, those on SerenAid™ or EnzymAid™ may show high peptide values in the urine. This may be because these products are interfering with the test. 

Are the symptoms being suffered symptoms of “autism”, or of malnutrition, toxicity, and immune changes induced by that chronically inflamed, out of balance, gastrointestinal tract? Can nutritional intervention ameliorate these “autistic” symptoms?

Digestion 101

Digestion begins in the mouth. Here foods are to be chewed until totally fluid, thus mixing ptyalin and other enzymes necessary to digestion of starch with the food. No fluids should be taken during chewing. Furthermore, thorough mastication of food may nourish the gut by providing it with salivary Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) that is healing to the epithelial lining of the gut. Purified Epidermal Growth Factor has been shown to heal ulceration of the small intestine.  

The food then passes to the stomach where it is thoroughly mixed and “ground” down to smaller pieces, separated and held back as required for proper digestion. It may be held for an hour while starches continue to digest. Food ready for digestion passes to the lower stomach, the pyloric antrum, where most digestion takes place. This highly sensitive area of the stomach controls the acidity of the stomach digestive juices. Secretions of the parietal cells into the stomach create the acid necessary to the breakdown and digestion of proteins. Acting as a thermostat, its G-cells secrete varying amounts of gastrin into the blood that signals the H2 cells of the upper stomach to produce more or less acid as needed. Histamine acts on the H2 receptors of the upper stomach’s parietal cells empowering them to produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) when called for by gastrin. It’s interesting to note that the acid is actually produced in the stomach by the mixing of chemicals secreted by these cells. Acetylcholine, released by the nerves, also affect the amount and timing of HCl production. Stress and emotions, then, also affect HCl production. These same cells, also release “Intrinsic factor” necessary to utilization of vitamin B12. Sodium and potassium are required in optimal amounts for production of HCl. If these things are not happening, your child may refuse meat, or will not digest it well.  

This dislike for meat, or a loss of taste, could indicate cellular distress and possibly cancer, or a lack of hydrochloric acid, or a zinc deficiency, for zinc controls the enzyme that makes HCl. Because there is a strong association between protein and zinc content in virtually all foods, insufficient protein intake, or stress on fish and fowl, may often be the cause of zinc deficiency. The food additive tartrazine is found to act directly as a zinc-chelating agent. Zinc is an essential component of about 70 metalloenzymes (including dehydrogenases lactate, malate, alcohol, and glutamate), alkaline phosphatase, carbonic anhydrases, carboxypeptidase A and B, and DNA and RNA polymerases. Zinc is thus widely found, and in relatively high concentrations throughout the body. A deficiency has far reaching consequences. Studies show that a marginal zinc deficiency reduces serum testosterone levels by 50% in adults. This adversely affects muscle tone and strength as well as digestion and utilization. Acrodermatitis enterophatica is presently the most well recognized human zinc responsive syndrome attributable to an inherited defect of zinc absorption. However, there are also a variety of other conditions that have been found to respond to zinc therapy, such as idiopathic hypogeusia, improvement in wound healing, gastric ulcers, acne, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as dyslexia. Zinc controls the release of vitamin A from the liver. An inadequate zinc nutriture has been linked with a variety of immune deficiency disorders, including cancers in both animals and in humans. 

Complex nitrogen (protein) metabolism appears to flourish in children with seizures, developmental delay, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involving not only Nitric Oxide (NO), but nitrogen retention as a whole (described previously as purine autism by Mary Coleman). Kids presenting with suppression of carbon dioxide (CO₂) may shun nitrogen rich foods due to the formation of ammonia (an alkaline compound of nitrogen and hydrogen) leading to a state of hyperammonemia. Excitotoxic effects of ammonia are augmented by increased synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), which is associated with N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation and/or increased synaptic transport of arginine. The behavior associated with excess NO/ammonia production in the autist is maniacal laughter.  

Hyperammonemia means that ammonia, instead of being discharged by the liver, is recirculated into the blood stream. It is apparently caused by a deficiency of four Amino Acids: Citrulline, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, and Arginine. Vegetarians are especially susceptible to Hyperammonemia because of the lack of essential, Medium-Chained Amino Acids (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine) that in turn cause a deficiency of those Amino Acids named above. Thus, a hyperammonemic state yields the spacy “brain fog” reaction, or in more severe instances may lead to seizures.  

Over breathing, expelling too much carbon dioxide through fast, shallow or even fast, deep breathing is part of the primitive stress response built into every human body. If this natural fight-or-flight response becomes chronic, the lack of CO₂ causes much havoc. Dr. Robert Fried found that hyperventilation (low CO₂, high alkalinity) precedes seizures and results in arterial constriction, including brain arteries, and spasms. This reduces blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. This affects the brain’s metabolism, therefore its function. Additionally, apnea is the absence of effective breathing for 20 seconds (15 in a preemie), and is associated with color changes (blue, gray, or dusky) and/or reduced muscle tone (turning “floppy”). In the infant, whether premature or not, breathing is exquisitely controlled primarily by the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, and to a lesser extent by oxygen levels. The method of children re-breathing their own air through “masking” used at The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential has often been helpful with these children as they raise their CO₂ and oxygen levels (and acidify the system). (Conversely, one Mom writes, “What we thought to be seizure behavior are periods of her blood pressure dropping suddenly and dangerously”.) Fried concluded that the abnormal electrical activity picked up on EEGs is the result of seizures, not the cause, nor the seizure itself. CO₂ is the main regulator of Cerebral Blood Flow, so this impaired vasoreactivity (constriction) may reflect the brain dysfunction in the seizure focus and adjacent areas.  

“By examining blood chemistries, the data that began to unfold was fascinating and clearly earmarked the acidosis and hypoxic state (low serum bicarbonate = low oxygen levels). Seizures were often brought under control by examining the electrolytic disturbance, and matching them to the child’s needs. Potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, and the like were used. (Potassium Bicarbonate from Emerson Ecological, Inc., www.emersonecologics.com.) (These normally alkaline minerals release the carbonate raising carbonic-acid levels, acidifying the system. CO₂ acts as an anticonvulsant, and also reduces glucose metabolites, which accumulate around the foci. Blood flow is increased to the brain—WSL.) Now we began to understand why so many children responded to Buffered C (potassium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate), and why others needed a more specific buffer (in some children for example niacin was grossly depleted, and they required niacin bicarbonate). (Calcium carbonate tends to constipate, and may be useful in controlling diarrhea, or when magnesium is tending to loose bowels—WSL.) Buffers and butyrates attenuate (lessens the effects of) abnormal nitrogen metabolism, however, children with ASD are unique in their presentations, and as we examine nitrogen retention/NO, electrolyte stability, catalysts, and lipid status to determine disturbances in metabolism, it requires that we act upon these aberrations in an integrative manner from a cellular perspective, not as singular interventions....We found that mineral endings contained in many multiples were worthless (magnesium oxide—a laxative), or irritating to the CNS (aspartates), or to the urea cycle (picolinates), but the children responded beautifully to alkaline salts such as Buffered C, the carbonates, and digestive support, including duodenum (naturally containing secretin and other components of the small intestine—1 teaspoon after meals—WSL. Obtain from www.krysalis.com.), and pancreas (available in porcine, bovine, or bovine derivatives—1 to 2 capsules after meals—WSL)”—Patricia Kane. “I found...that many, many of these children are in negative nitrogen balance. Their BUN-to-creatinine ratios are very high”—Dr. Mary Megson. Nitrogen retention is dependent upon dietary consumption of nitrogen-rich foods, along with lipid consumption, electrolyte stability, and mineral density and balance. Those with organic acidemias or amino acidemias will often exhibit this same protein intolerance.  

Purines are key building blocks for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, and are involved in a variety of other cellular processes. “Purine autism” was first characterized in the 1970s by Mary Coleman who noted elevated levels of uric acid in the urine of some patients. Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism, and is elevated in other diseases of purine metabolism such as Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome. Recent studies at UCSD suggest that some of the autistic patients with elevated urate levels also have evidence of abnormally high rates of intracellular purine synthesis further indicating that they have a purine metabolism defect. A few of these patients have been treated with an analog of uridine for several years, with improvements observed in cognitive performance and muscular function. Repligen Corp now holds the patent to uridine treatment for this condition. 

Through its conversion into carbonic acid, carbon dioxide is the most vital player in the maintaining of the body’s acid-base balance. Lowering carbon dioxide in the lungs by hyperventilation shifts the body’s pH towards alkalinity, which slows the rate of activity of all body ferments, enzymes, and vitamins. Chronic hyperventilating is not good for an alkaline system is more susceptible to virus and allergies. This shift in the rate of metabolic-regulator activity disturbs the normal flow of metabolic processes and leads to the death of the cell. The lowering of carbon dioxide in the nerve cells heightens the threshold of its excitability, alerting all branches of the nervous system and rendering it extraordinarily sensitive to outside stimuli. This hypersensitivity to light, sound, touch, taste, smell, heat or cold leads to irritability, sleeplessness, stress problems, unfounded anxiety, fears, allergic reactions, and inordinate stress. Concurrent with this, the breathing center in the brain is further stimulated causing a further loss of carbon dioxide. A vicious cycle has commenced. The detrimental influence of the rapid, deep breathing on the organism is a direct result of the creation of a carbon-dioxide deficit. It is clear that a deepening of the breathing does not necessarily mean an increase in oxygen uptake. On the contrary, it can mean a decrease in oxygenation, which leads to hypoxia, an alkaline imbalance, and cell spasming. “You are hyperventilating if breathing is predominantly thoracic (chest); if little use is made of the diaphragm (abdominal movement is minimal); if breathing is punctuated by frequent sighs; if sighing has an effortless quality with a marked forward and upward movement of the sternum but little lateral expansion.”—Dr. Robert Fried.  

If the above condition is suspected, one should obtain a roll of pH paper and check the pH of saliva and urine. Details of this testing are found in my electronic book “Self-help to Good Health”, (34 Chapters, 535 Pages, $21.95 US) in the Chapter “Digestion and Utilization”. An excessively acid condition would likely signal a too high CO₂. The lungs are not getting the carbon dioxide out and the needed oxygen in. The opposite would be true for an excessively alkaline condition—there is too little CO₂, yet the cells will be starving for oxygen. The best time for checking pH is mid morning and late afternoon before the evening meal. A word of warning: in using sodium bicarbonate excessively, potassium can be excreted producing a potassium deficiency that can cause heart palpitations. Use of too much bicarbonate can cause the system to become overly alkaline. 

If suffering hyperammonemia, or over alkalinity of any cause, calm the child’s breathing in whatever manner you can in order to raise CO₂ levels, and use these carbonate buffers to restore CO₂ and body acidity. One quick way to restore acidity is to drink a teaspoon of raw, unfiltered, apple-cider vinegar every hour or so until desired acidity is restored. Deep breathing can be used consciously, and perhaps unconsciously, to make more alkaline an already acid system—quite common in ASD. As Dr. Fried states, the over breathing may be “the body’s best adjustment to its present needs.” If the acidity were that of excess lactic acid, consciously hyperventilating would likely make the condition worse. Use these methods also to stop severe allergic reactions. The average asthmatic, for example, over-breathes 3-5 times the recommended amount, sometimes more. If you think someone’s having an allergic reaction, and you don’t have those (bi)carbonate buffers, try half a teaspoon or a teaspoon of baking soda in a half-glass of water. Sometimes, that will stop a reaction within 10 to 15 minutes. Three commercial, bicarbonate products AlkaAid™, AlkaSeltzer Gold™, and AlkaLime™, or alkali salts (from health food stores, usually a combination of sodium and potassium and sometimes calcium carbonate) can be used. This is very effective, not only in stopping reactions, but if you take it before you eat a food to which you are sensitive, you can sometimes prevent a reaction. If you’re going to dinner, and you’re not quite sure what they’re going to serve, you certainly should try to take that in advance. Supporting the thyroid will increase carbon dioxide production. A word of warning: in using sodium bicarbonate excessively, potassium can be excreted producing a potassium deficiency that can cause heart palpitations, and reduce HCl production. It is possible to cause the system to become overly alkaline. Many have found bee pollen, or perhaps more so, honeycomb, from local honey farms to be highly effective in relieving environmental allergy. Start with very small amounts, and slowly increase amounts until the allergy is overcome.  

ButyrEn™ (butyric acid) by Allergy Research Group/Nutricology, Inc (800-782-4274) is a short-chain, fatty-acid, dietary supplement in the form of an enteric-coated formulation of calcium and magnesium salts of butyric acid (2 tablets crushed, 2x daily, mixed in food). It supports the integrity of colonic mucosa by acting as primary fuel for the colonic epithelium. Colonic bacteria normally produce it, but when these bacteria are disrupted this supplement will support colon health as you rebuild colon flora. This has been shown to modulate local electrolyte flux, thereby mediating diarrhea. Alpha ketoglutarate clears ammonia, and butyrate clears ammonia, spores, and nitrogen. Butyrate and another short-chain fatty acid, caprylic acid, are frequently used as anticandida agents. Ecological Formulas (800) 654-4432 supplies a fluid butyrate. Liver and gallbladder congestion are major issues in states of toxicity. To insure that your gallbladder bile flow is functional add magnesium taurate or L-taurine, and butyric acid. An increased amount of niacinamide will be helpful too for it aids in release of toxins stored in fats. Sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and drugs deplete niacin. Vitamins E, C, selenium, CoQ10, and low dose Alpha Lipoic Acid all support the liver.   

As indicated, the undigested protein turns into ammonia and goes to the brain. Kane recommends that one hour after every meal, when the body is supposed to be producing its own bicarbonate the carbonate buffers be given, along with a big glass of carbonated water. I feel this is too soon for it will stop protein digestion and defeat the purpose of intervention. Studies of stomach content have shown that for up to an hour after eating, the stomach produces no acid, but digests carbohydrate. Though dumping takes place in small lots over time, it seems to me that 2 1/2 or 3 hours after eating would coincide with dumping time, and serve the purpose better. A child with these problems will consume mostly carbohydrates. All those carbs cause high glucose which produces more insulin than is healthful, and that interferes with fatty acid metabolism and protein utilization, and produces insulin resistant cells, tending to overweight and diabetes. Overweight children with high levels of insulin in their blood are also likely to have high levels of homocysteine, a substance that appears to raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and birth defects, as well as possibly other adverse effects as well. In addition, these children and adolescents appear to have lower levels of folate, a vitamin that can lower homocysteine levels. These children may have high albumin—which is the substance that transports toxins out of the body. High albumin means high levels of toxins are presently being transported.  

“Albumin binds organic acids and neutralizes their toxic effect to some extent. A low serum albumin is a significant risk factor that results in a more serious clinical episode in patients with organic acidemias. The administration of valproic acid (Depakene™), or salicylates, should be carefully evaluated in cases of suspected organic acidemias, since these drugs also bind to albumin, and diminish the protective effect of albumin in neutralizing toxic organic acids. Swedish developmental biologist Rodier has found that valproic acid, a common anti-seizure drug known to induce autism, causes brain damage in rodents, and precisely in the places expected, based on what’s known about autism. Anytime you are taking Valproic Acid, you must supplement L-carnitine (Carnitor™) and folic acid to avoid the deadly consequences of their deficiency.  

“Lactic acid may be elevated in a wide range of conditions including the pyruvate dehydrogenase, pyruvate carboxylase, 6 diphosphatase, and phosphenol-pyruvate carboxykinase, and dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase deficiencies, glycogen storage disease type I, fructose 1, and respiratory chain deficiencies”—Wm. Shaw. Additionally, vigorous exercise, bacterial overgrowth of intestines, shock, and anemia will elevate lactic acid. A possible link of metal toxicity to chronic fatigue is via metal binding to the sulfhydryl-containing antioxidant, lipoic acid, making lipoic acid unavailable for its vital role in the energy-producing tricarboxylic acid (citric acid, Krebs) cycle. A deficiency of lipoic acid results in reduced muscle mass, brain atrophy, failure to thrive and increased lactic acid accumulation. An enzyme complex that contains lipoic acid, niacin, and thiamine breaks down the pyruvate. If pyruvate were high, I would supplement these nutrients.  

When the mitochondrial respiratory chain (Krebs or citric acid cycle) is blocked, metabolites that are normally processed by its enzymes may build up in the cells and cause problems. When glutathione levels are compromised the mitochondrial respiratory chain is a vulnerable target and cell death ensues. Aluminum interferes with the citric acid cycle (inhibits alpha-ketoglutarate and results in toxic levels of ammonia), and thereby reduces energy production from foods. This has been shown to influence mood and energy levels. High aluminum levels were found to be related to encephalopathies and dementia. Recent studies suggest that aluminum contributes to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, senile and presenile dementia, clumsiness of movements, staggering when walking, and inability to pronounce words properly.  

Aluminum, as obtained from antacids, can bind pepsin and weaken protein digestion. It also has astringent qualities, and thus can dry the tissues and mucous linings and contribute to constipation. Regular use of aluminum-containing deodorants may contribute to the clogging of underarm lymphatics and then to breast problems such as cystic disease.  

Acute aluminum poisoning has been associated with constipation, colicky pain, anorexia, nausea and gastrointestinal irritation, skin problems, and lack of energy. Slower and longer-term increases in body aluminum may create muscle twitching, numbness, paralysis, and fatty degeneration of the liver and kidney. It is worse with reduced renal function. Aluminum may reduce the absorption of selenium and phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract. The loss of bone matrix from aluminum toxicity can lead to osteomalacia, a softening of the bone. Skin rashes have occurred with local irritation from aluminum antiperspirants. 

Pyruvate is a chemical derived from glucose that’s normally shipped into the mitochondria. A mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle that resides in the cytoplasm of every cell. One of the more unsung heroes of cellular life, the mitochondria use Pyruvate and fatty-acid metabolism and electron transport to provide energy for cells. Researchers studying the enterprising organelle have discovered that in 95 percent of the cases of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and ALS, there are elevated levels of free radicals and crashed mitochondria.  

Pyruvate is processed further so that the respiratory chain can harvest its potential energy. However, when the respiratory chain (electron transport) is blocked, pyruvate accumulates outside the mitochondria, and when too much pyruvate has accumulated, the cells start to convert it to lactic acid. “Many patients with mitochondrial disease have lactic acidosis—lactate in the blood,” neuroscientist Eric Schon of Columbia University in New York says. “And there’s decent evidence that the lactate isn’t just a sign of faulty mitochondria, but that the lactate itself is bad—especially in the brain, but probably also in the muscle. If this is true, then holding that lactate down would help the patient.” There is a frequent association of lactic acidosis and carnitine deficiency in autistic patients, which suggests excessive nitric oxide production in mitochondria (Lombard, 1998; Chugani et al, 1999). Sport by Mannatec