Naturally Recovering Autism with Karen Thomas

Why Food and Nutrition Matter For Those with Autism with Julie Matthews

What role does food play in overall autism recovery? You may have heard of the staple gluten free/casein free diet (GF/CF), but there’s much more to it than that. Food and nutrition matter greatly for those with autism and in overall autism recovery.

 

The definition of recovery is to regain health! Food is medicine that helps us regain and keep our health.

 

Please listen to my radio show interview (show #36), with Julie Matthews, author of Nourishing Hope for Autism Recovery.

In show #36 we answer the questions:

 

1) Why does food matter for autism? 

2) How does a parent get started with this approach of following a special diet?

3) What factors most influence one’s effectiveness and success, (i.e roadblocks to avoid and tips for success)?

4) What are some reasons behind picky eating, and some approached to help break through?

 

Note: show #36 will be in the show archives about 48 hours after the show airs live, (aired live April 9th).

For those already doing something with diet/nutrition:

 

1) How do you know when it’s time to further refine/change one’s diet approach, (beyond the “starter” GFCF or GAPS)?

2) What other food factors does one need to know about and consider? Let’s talk about Salicylates, Oxalates, Phenols and other things we’ve been hearing about with these diets. 

 

 

Julie Matthews BIO:

 

Julie Matthews is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and published nutrition researcher specializing in complex neurological conditions, particularly autism spectrum disorders. She’s the author of an award-winning book, Nourishing Hope for Autism, and co-author of a comprehensive study proving the efficacy of nutrition and dietary intervention for autism – published in the peer-reviewed journal, Nutrients. Julie’s approach stems from her 17 years of clinical experience with autism and addresses the BioIndividual Nutrition® needs of each person. Using autism as a model for addressing complex chronic disease, her methodology helps practitioners specializing in varied disorders improve the health and healing of their clients through strategic therapeutic diet intervention. She has a private nutrition practice in San Francisco, California, and supports families and clinicians from around the world with her learning tools and professional training courses. Visit http://NourishingHope.com.

Click Here for more details.

Symptoms of Genetic Disorders Caused By Environmental Factors with Dr. Bob Miller

Genetic disorders are known to be affected by environmental factors. These mutations, or variations, can be caused by various environmental factors. Genetic susceptibilities are more common today due to increasing toxic insult in our environment. Less than five percent of humans have genetic defects at birth.

Genetic SNP’s or “snips” make the enzymes necessary for the genes to work properly. These enzymes can be blocked by toxins such as:

• Heavy metals including mercury and lead
• Chemicals in and around our homes and pesticides such as glyphosate that are sprayed in our yards as a weed killer and on our food crops. Glyphosate is a chemical found in the weed killer known as Round-up. It is also sprayed on food crops to dry them out when ready to harvest. We then ingest these extremely harmful chemicals.
• Electromagnetic field radiation (EMF’s)

When our genes cannot function properly their pathways become disrupted and multiple health and behavioral symptoms arise. This usually begins with an inflammatory response in the body which then can be seen as anxiety, sleep disruption, aggressive behaviors and much more. We often don’t realize why our kids are acting out or feel so sick but these genetic blocks are usually at the core of the problem. 

Learn how various foods and environmental toxins can affect your child’s health and behaviors in my radio show interview with Dr. Bob Miller, specialist in functional genomics. Learn how genetic function is affected by the environment and what nutritional needs there are for those with specific genetic variants. Please listen to radio show #35, Symptoms of Genetic Disorders Caused By Environmental Factors.

Bob Miller is a Traditional Naturopath specializing in the field of genetic-specific nutrition. He earned his naturopathic degree from Trinity School of Natural Health and is board certified through the ANMA. In 1993, he opened the Tree of Life practice and he has served as a traditional naturopath for 25 years. For the past several years, he has been engaged exclusively with nutritional genetic variants and related research, specializing in nutritional support for those with chronic Lyme disease.

Click Here for more details.

Comorbid Symptoms of Autism-Lyme, Mold Biotoxins with Dr. Jodie Dashore

In this interview with Dr. Jodie Dashore we dive deep into the comorbid symptoms of autism. These are the common, but commonly mis-diagnosed, and undetected additional illnesses that can prevent our children from gaining recovery from autism. Please listen to this very informative interview.

Dr. Dashore is highly specialized in the German biological and holistic treatment of children with Autism comorbid with tick-borne diseases, mold and biotoxin illness. She uses cutting- edge technology with all natural methodology. Dr Dashore designs highly individualized genetic-based biological protocols to help children with ASD achieve their full potential. See below for further details on Dr. Dashore’s background.

Click Here for more details.

Parenting Without Stress: How To Raise Responsible Kids While Keeping A Life Of Your Own with Dr. Marvin Marshall

Welcome to part 3 of the 3-part podcast series on help with school (see links below to the other two).

In this podcast, watch and learn the tools necessary for parents and educators alike to achieve the optimum results with children, and all relationships, through positive communication. This podcast helps us to understand and learn how we can empower children and receive peaceful and optimum outcomes in all areas of life.

Having close to 50 years experience working in the educational system, Dr. Marvin Marshall shows how to have young people influence themselves to become more responsible by implementing three practices and by using the Raise Responsibility System. By showing how to promote responsibility—rather than aiming at obedience—you become more effective, improve relationships, promote responsibility, and reduce stress for all family members.

Dr. Marshall shows parents, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone working with young people how to reduce stress and have young people WANT to do what adults would like them to do. His approach is unique because it is totally non coercive, yet not permissive. People who use his unique approach reduce stress for all involved and continually find working with young people a joy. Disagreements are easily handled, impulsive behavior is eliminated, and conflicts even between siblings are significantly reduced.

Also listen to my radio show interview with Dr. Marshall. It’s show #33.

Click Here for more details.

SNP Genes and Autism (Part-1) with Dr. Kendra Becker-Musante

Let’s talk about some genetic SNP’s that are associated and supported in recovering autism. Single nucleotide polymorphisms, often referred to as SNPs (pronounced “snips”) are basic genetic variations in people. Respectively, in a DNA sequence. There are thousands of genes associated with AUTISM and all of them have been randomized out in clinical trials which tells us that autism is largely environmental! However, even though our genes do not define us, they can guide our way toward healing. 

Genetic susceptibilities come from trauma, both physical, emotional, and from toxic insult. Less than five percent of humans have genetic defects at birth.

Some favorite SNP’s that can be associated and supported in recovering autism:

MTHFR 

It is estimated that 98% of people with autism have the MTHFR gene snip. MTHFR or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (methyl-ene-tetra-hydro-folate-reductase), when working properly, produces the MTHFR enzyme, MTHFR (5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase). However, if the gene is mutated it will not be able to make important compounds such as protein, and it disrupts the methylation cycle, otherwise known as detoxification. MTHFR gene mutation also disrupts the body’s ability to make the master antioxidant, glutathione. When the body cannot detoxify properly the toxins build up in the body and cause a myriad of health problems. MTHFR is also responsible for creating the process of converting the amino acid homocysteine to methionine. Methionine is the amino acid our body uses to make proteins.

With the MTHFR mutation metabolic issues are common, and so is the deficiency of folate, vitamin Methyl B12 , (vital for proper function of many things including methylation, digestion and food absorption), and pyridoxine (vitamin B6, for brain function and coping with stress), or mutations of related enzymes. Folate is natural and comes from food sources such as green vegetables, beans and other whole plant foods. It is responsible for synthesizing DNA, making red blood cells, transporting oxygen, and supports the functioning of our nervous and cardiovascular systems. Adequate B vitamins, including folate are also necessary for proper cognitive function.

Folic acid is synthetic and commonly in multivitamins and fortified foods. This can cause excess to build in the body. The body has a limited ability to convert folic acid to folate. Too much folic acid can affect gene expression, may reduce immune system function, and exacerbate vitamin B12 deficiency. It is critical to make sure to check your multivitamin, because most will contain folic acid and not folate.  

With the MTHFR mutation it is important to reduce inflammatory foods from the diet such as gluten, dairy, processed carbohydrates and sugars. detoxification and the use of toxin binders can be very helpful.

Common health issues related to a disruption in the MTHFR gene are:

• Food allergies
• Inflammation
• Alzheimer’s
• Cardiovascular problems
• ADD/ADHD
• thyroid issues
• Chronic fatigue
• Eczema
• Infertility
• Drug sensitivities
• Tactile sensitivity

A couple of physical signs to look for that refer to MTHFR are:

• A sacral dimple. This would be on the top and center of the gluteal fold.
• A blue line in between the eyebrows.
• Tongue tie

 

COMT  

COMT stands for Catechol-O-methyltransferase and is an enzyme that breaks down hormones secreted by the adrenal glands to help us stay calm and handle stress. They are in a category of chemicals called catecholamines which are also neurotransmitters, or brain messengers, such as dopamine (our feel good chemical), epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), and norepinephrine (a stress hormone and a neurotransmitter).

COMT deactivates these neurotransmitters in a process that uses S-adenosyl methionine, or SAMe. SAMe assists with many things including motivation. SAMe is part of the methionine cycle which needs the help of the MTHFR enzyme to complete these chemical processes. Therefore, MTHFR and COMT are both needed. A mutation in either one of these genes causes a disruption in the physical and emotional effects of the individual.

Supplements that can be helpful:

• Magnesium is required for proper COMT function.
• Vitamin B6 is a cofactor to the COMT enzyme, so it can be helpful in its ability to be properly activated, but it must be added in slowly to avoid reactions..

Studies show “Catecholaminergic systems are involved in the regulation of aggressive behavior”.

(Catecholamines and aggression: the role of COMT and MAO polymorphisms.)

PON 1

The PON 1 gene relates to how our body’s metabolize organophosphates. It also relates to the susceptibility of vaccine reactions. 

Histamine Sensitivity (DAO)

Histamines are released by the digestive tract and the brain. When the DAO enzymes are mutated then it is difficult to remove histamine.  Histamine reactions come from the body having an allergic reaction. The body sees a food as an allergy when the immune system gets triggered to release histamine. Common symptoms are hives, extreme mood changes, poor sleep, Common causes are related to leaky gut and the MTHFR gene mutation. This can happen when an ill gut blocks methylation (MTHFR). 

For SNP’s and autism health to become balanced it is crucial to heal the gut and regulate a proper diet, and avoid specific foods beginning with a food guide.

In Summary

The SNP’s or snips, MTHFR , COMT, MAO, and histamines can contribute or be the cause of both physical and behavioral issues such as manic or depressive behaviors, pain disorders, aggression, anxiety, poor sleep, food allergies, inflammation, and much more. By working with a supportive diet and natural supplementation we can improve these symptoms and the health and behavioral symptoms of autism. Diet is exceptionally important and the gut must be healed properly.

Click Here for more details.

Electromagnetic Field Radiation and Your Health with Peter Sullivan

Please listen to this informative interview on electromagnetic field radiation (EMR)and how it can affect your health. This interview is with Peter Sullivan, the founder and CEO of Clear Light Ventures, Inc., and an environmental health founder who focuses on toxins and wireless safety. He has spent the last 15 years successfully recovering his two sons from autism and sensory issues. 

There are many health dangers involved with electromagnetic field radiation. It is known to shut down cells, their membranes, and their channels.  Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) can easily penetrate brain tissue, and children absorb twice as much as an adult (Wang and Fugiwara, March 2003). The growth of beneficial gut bacteria is much slower in the presence of EMR. EMR is also a common reason for anxiety and sleep disruption.  Please listen to these interviews to become fully informed about what electromagnetic field radiation can do to your health and how you can protect yourself and your family.

Ways to reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic field radiation

Turn off your wifi at night to help reduce the EMF pollution to your body while you sleep. A stetzer meter can help gauge the EMF of the devices in your home. Cell chips and home device plug-ins can be purchased to help reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation.  For the best devices to protect yourself and your family from EMF’s please read here. 

Peter Sullivan’s Biography

Peter Sullivan is the founder and CEO of Clear Light Ventures, Inc., as well as an environmental health funder who focuses on toxins and wireless safety. He has spent the last 15 years successfully recovering his two sons from autism and sensory issues and recovered from his own environmental health issues. Peter’s work on detoxification and EMF (electromagnetic fields) have been featured in the book Toxin Toxout, the book The Out of Sync Child Grows Up, Mother Jones magazine, Paleo Magazine, and CNN’s Morgan Spurlock: Inside Man. He is an executive producer of the documentary “Generation Zapped”, about the health effects of wireless, and co-executive producer of the film “The Devil We Know” about Teflon pollution. Peter serves as a board advisor to Pure Earth (pollution.org), and the International Institute for Building-Biology Ecology. Previously, he worked as a software designer, making software easier to use at Netflix, Inc., Interwoven, Inc., Excite@Home, and Silicon Graphics. He also served as an Executive Officer and pilot in the United States Navy. He has a B.A. in psychology from the University of Detroit and an M.S. in computer science from Stanford University.

Click Here for more details.

Co-morbid symptoms of autism including PANS triggered by mold with Dr. Jodie Dashore

PANDAS or PANS is an acronym that stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. In 2010, PANDAS became PANS, which is the current proper term for it, so you may hear both.

The onset of PANS symptoms come often after a Streptococcal infection, also called Strep. After Strep. they may get tonsillitis. The onset can also be seen after an insult to the immune system that may trigger inflammation. It is known to become apparent after the H1N1 influenza vaccination which increases its likelihood. Genetically, those with mitochondrial deficiency are also more susceptible. Also look for excessive fatigue. They may even have mononucleosis (mono). Other infections that are known to trigger PANS can be Lyme disease, and Epstein Barr virus, which is what causes mononucleosis. We commonly may see mycoplasma infections such as a sore throat, or a respiratory infection. To add to the uncertainties, there may not always be symptoms of infections prior to the noting of the onset of the symptoms of PANS.

Parents may notice a sudden onset of symptoms such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or tiks. Tiks can be motor tiks where their body jerks rapidly, (not wiggling), or vocal tiks. Additional symptoms include separation anxiety, a decline in school such as in their reading and math abilities, simplified language, baby talk, bed wetting, and increased urination, aggression, and anxiety with stress. Only about on to two percent of children get PANS, but the percentage seems to be increasing.

PANS predisposes one to the symptoms of autism. Autism being a co diagnosis. Instead of a fever their brain will be effected, and thus, their psychology. PANS effects the immune system which is commonly weak in those with autism, so they are a higher percentage.

The onset of PANS is most common among children between the ages of three and eleven. It is noticed more around the age of seven or eight years old because of violent stimming. From ages three to five there may just be hyperactivity. Under the age of three it mimics the symptoms of autism.

Testing for PANS

Testing in either the early or late phase of PANS is best known through the Cunningham Test from Molecular Labs. This test identifies the antibodies associated with this disorder. Blood tests identify the illness and looks for triggers. Genetic testing is also helpful. Noted testing is done through CRISPR/Cas9, 23andme.com, MECP2. and Dr. Amy Yasko.

Treatment for PANS

Boosting the immune system and treating infections with the right diet that also reduces inflammation is essential, (see free workshop for more on diet). The goal is to keep the child stable. When going in for any vaccination ibuprofen and high doses of vitamin C can be used before and after to alter the fever response pathways.  In late phase, it becomes and autoimmune issue which requires stronger treatment for it. Camels’ milk has been known to be helpful in treating the immune responses associated with PANS and Lyme also.

PANS Resources

Karen’s live radio show interview with PANS expert, Dr. Rosario Trifiletti, show # 27. 

PANS specialist, Dr. Rosario Trifiletti’s website, PandasInstitute.org

Karen’s live radio show interview with Dr. Jodie Dashore on the co-morbid symptoms of autism including PANS triggered by mold, show #30

PANDASnetwork.org  (a support website for parents)

National Institute for Mental Health

Click Here for more details.

Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) with Dr. Karima Hirani

Low dose immunotherapy (LDI) has become increasingly popular in the area of autism because it is known to reduce the inflammatory responses in the body and restore balance to the immune system. It works with the infections in the body. LDI has become recognized for  its ability to provide relief from symptoms and improving the health of people with multiple areas of disease and chronic illness such as Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and more.Originally used to offer relief from allergies, it can also be referred to as low dose allergen therapy or LDA. LDI is often used along with LDA. 

Autoimmune issues can be created by the harmful toxins released by bacteria in the G.I. tract. Children with autism are well known to have an ill gut. There is a direct gut to brain connection, so if the gut has inflammation, so does the brain. The immune system can be triggered by many things such as toxins from bad bacteria, heavy metals, or undigested food particles leaking through the gut lining. These toxins and foods become sources of an allergic response that creates a cascade of inflammation throughout the body, and in the brain.

LDI helps to reduce these immune responses by training the immune system to stop over-reacting, and therefore, helping to desensitize the system to acquired allergies. Please listen to the full interview with Dr. Karima Hirani on low dose immunotherapy and learn how it can help  improve the overall health of you and your child.

I have interviewed Dr. Karima Hirani for my live weekly radio show on the topic of low dose immunotherapy. You can listen to it HERE. It is show #29.

Further Resources

Karen’s muscle testing tutorial video

Herxheimer or Die off reactions 

Natural Allergy Elimination here.

Dr. Ty Vincent’s Youtube video explaining what LDI can treat

Free Online Autism Recovery Workshop

Join my Free Autism Recovery Workshop, The 4 Stages to Naturally Recover from the Symptoms of Autism. Stage 1: Healing the gut, Stage 2: Natural heavy metal detoxification, Stage 3: Clearing the Co-infections, Stage 4: Brain support and repair.  Reserve your online seat here.

Dr. Karima Hirani, MD, MPH

Dr. Karima Hirani is an expert in Low Dose Immunotherapy. She graduated from USC Medical school in 1993. She has a Masters in Nutrition from the school of public health at UCLA, and she is board certified in family medicine. Dr. Hirani has been a functional medicine doctor practicing as a DAN and MAPS doctor for over 10 years. DAN stands for Defeat Autism Now. MAPS stands for Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs. She integrates a natural approach to conventional medicine, including natural alternatives to prescription drugs, vitamin and nutrient supplements as well as nutritional advice. Although her main focus is prevention, she specializes in chronic illness.

Learn more about Dr. Hirani at, www.drhirani.com

Click Here for more details.

Genetic Susceptibility with Dr. Kendra Becker-Musante

Of all factors, genetics play the most important role. Genes are basically just DNA blueprints. They are a pre-set program, but can be effected by the environment. What changes or mutates a gene is the signal it receives. Three reasons for signaling defects are:

1. Trauma (physical): via the nervous system. It impairs brain signals to proteins.

2. Toxins (environmental): chemicals interfere with signals to proteins.

3. Mind (emotional): Incorrect signals are sent at erroneous times and create dysfunction and disease.

Less than five percent of humans have genetic defects at birth. Ninety-five percent of defects are from incorrect signals. The outer coating of the cell is the “brain” of the cell, or the cell membrane. Genes are controlled by proteins within the cell. Protein is engaged by signals. The cell membrane can be permeated by one of the three signaling defects noted above and the protein portion of the cell can be disrupted. When the protein is disrupted it creates dysfunction or disease.

The proteins in cells collect their blueprints from DNA. Genes serve no other function than to store and pass on blueprints. It is now known that the genes we get from our parents can be altered by our environment, a phenomenon known as epigenetics. Even more interesting is that these alterations can be passed on to the next generation. (Reprogramming of Genome Function Through Epigenetic Inheritance; Surani, M. Azim; Nature, Volume 414, Issue 6859, Pp.122-128 92001); 11/2001; Nature; 2001 natur.414.122s.)

Genes lie dormant until a trigger signals its protein receptor and engages it causing either a positive or a negative reaction. If autism, ADHD, pervasive developmental disorder, seizures, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes, asthma, and bowel disorders were not occurring in epidemic proportions 50 years ago, then what has changed? There appears to be a correlation with an increased number of vaccinations.

For religious reasons, the Amish choose not to vaccinate, and their children have virtually none of the developmental or behavioral issues that the children of our modern society do. Is this merely coincidence? If it were environmental, as in electromagnetic field pollution and toxins in the air we breathe, it would be intelligent to believe that some of their children would be affected, but why none? One separating factor is that they do not vaccinate.

It is important to always make informed decisions based on information you collect from multiple valid sources. Not just one source.

More Autism Resources on Genetics

For more on genetics refer to Naturally Recovering Autism: The Complete Step-By-Step Resource Handbook for Parents.

Karen’s live radio show interview with Dr. Kendra Becker-Musante on Genetic Snips and Autism Susceptibility, show #28

Dr. Kendra Becker-Musante’s website: DrKendraBecker.com

Also see Methylation and B12 (Podcast)

Natural Allergy Elimination (Podcast)

PANS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome)

Click Here for more details.

What is PANDAS or PANS? with Dr. Rosario Trifiletti

PANDAS or PANS is an acronym that stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. In 2010, PANDAS became PANS, which is the current proper term for it, so you may hear both.

The onset of PANS symptoms come often after a Streptococcal infection, also called Strep. After Strep. they may get tonsillitis. The onset can also be seen after an insult to the immune system that may trigger inflammation. It is known to become apparent after the H1N1 influenza vaccination which increases its likelihood. Genetically, those with mitochondrial deficiency are also more susceptible. Also look for excessive fatigue. They may even have mononucleosis (mono). Other infections that are known to trigger PANS can be Lyme disease, and Epstein Barr virus, which is what causes mononucleosis. We commonly may see mycoplasma infections such as a sore throat, or a respiratory infection. To add to the uncertainties, there may not always be symptoms of infections prior to the noting of the onset of the symptoms of PANS.

Parents may notice a sudden onset of symptoms such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or tiks. Tiks can be motor tiks where their body jerks rapidly, (not wiggling), or vocal tiks. Additional symptoms include separation anxiety, a decline in school such as in their reading and math abilities, simplified language, baby talk, bed wetting, and increased urination, aggression, and anxiety with stress. Only about on to two percent of children get PANS, but the percentage seems to be increasing.

PANS predisposes one to the symptoms of autism. Autism being a co diagnosis. Instead of a fever their brain will be effected, and thus, their psychology. PANS effects the immune system which is commonly weak in those with autism, so they are a higher percentage.

The onset of PANS is most common among children between the ages of three and eleven. It is noticed more around the age of seven or eight years old because of violent stimming. From ages three to five there may just be hyperactivity. Under the age of three it mimics the symptoms of autism.

Testing for PANS

Testing in either the early or late phase of PANS is best known through the Cunningham Test from Molecular Labs. This test identifies the antibodies associated with this disorder. Blood tests identify the illness and looks for triggers. Genetic testing is also helpful. Noted testing is done through CRISPR/Cas9, 23andme.com, MECP2. and Dr. Amy Yasko.

Treatment for PANS

Boosting the immune system and treating infections with the right diet that also reduces inflammation is essential, (see free workshop for more on diet). The goal is to keep the child stable. When going in for any vaccination ibuprofen and high doses of vitamin C can be used before and after to alter the fever response pathways.  In late phase, it becomes and autoimmune issue which requires stronger treatment for it. Camels’ milk has been known to be helpful in treating the immune responses associated with PANS and Lyme also.

PANS Resources

Karen’s live radio show interview with PANS expert, Dr. Rosario Trifiletti, show # 27. 

PANS specialist, Dr. Rosario Trifiletti’s website, PandasInstitute.org

Karen’s live radio show interview with Dr. Jodie Dashore on the co-morbid symptoms of autism including PANS triggered by mold, show #30

PANDASnetwork.org  (a support website for parents)

National Institute for Mental Health

Click Here for more details.