Naturally Recovering Autism with Karen Thomas

Histamine sensitivities are extremely common in children with autism. 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 genetic snips, or SNP’s, and autism health to become balanced it is crucial to first heal the gut and regulate a proper diet, and avoid specific foods. Get your free guide to the top 7 foods to avoid to quickly reduce the symptoms of autism. Get your free guide here.

Please listen to my radio show interview with Dr. Beth O’Hara as we discuss many of the questions and answers around histamines and autism. It’s show #50.

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Food sensitivities are extremely common in children with autism. Symptoms range from stomach pain and eczema, to aggression and everything in between. In this radio show interview with Dr. Kendra Becker we dive deep into the most common food triggers, their symptoms, and how you can avoid them.

Issues arise when certain foods are eaten like phenols, fiber, gluten, casein, soy, GMO’s and so much more. Please listen to my live radio show interview with Dr. Kendra Becker. You can find it here. It’s show #49.

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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used successfully in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders. Hyperbaric chambers have helped the symptoms associated with autism including improving digestion, increasing energy levels (improving mitochondrial disfunction), improved social engagement and language ability, reducing symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), better cognition and learning ability, reducing inflammation, assisting detoxification, killing bugs in chronic infections such as Lyme, and more.

Dr. Anju Usman Singh, suggests using soft sided chambers for children with autism versus hard sided chambers due to the lower atmospheric pressure like that of sea level. It is important to start slowly and work your way up gradually even in a soft sided chamber. The hard sided chambers have a higher pressure such as below sea level, but they do get more oxygen into the plasma. Some kids have difficulty with pressure in their ears in the hard sided too. If using a hard sided chamber it is recommended to go to a doctor for this therapy.

Soft sided chambers can be rented or purchased to use at home. A child can take an ipad or a game inside of the soft chamber and mom or dad can go in with them to make it comfortable or even fun. Generally, it is helpful to do this about 5 hours per week for a total of 40-60 hours a month. Gauge your child’s response and see if they positively respond to the treatments. Within 20 hours you should be able to tell by symptom improvements. The maintenance usage for those who are positive responders is use for about 3 weeks on, then taking a break of about 3 weeks off, etc.

Also watch for symptom flare-ups. Certain infections such as PANS/PANDAS, or strep, and candida can worsen from hyperbaric oxygen therapy since these particular bugs like oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also not recommended for anyone with asthma or COPD.

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Recovered from Autism Caused by Lyme Disease and Mold/Biotoxin Illness

Do you wonder if your child can recover from their symptoms of autism? My own son is living proof of this, as are so many other children today. One of these children, Brian Dashore, shares his personal story of recovery here with you in this heartwarming and motivational interview.

At 18 months of age Brian Dashore was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Brian continued his earlier years of life with very limited speech, and one day at age 6, suddenly he found himself in extreme pain and his legs stopped working. His health continued to decline and he was unable to turn himself over in bed or walk. For two years following this episode he was restricted to using a wheelchair.

Brian’s mother, Dr. Jodie Dashore, being a neurologist was determined to figure out how to restore Brian’s health to 100%. He had seen many doctors around the world. It took a decade to finally discover that he had Lyme and chronic inflammatory response from mold biotoxins. Ultimately, integrative medicine and clinical herbalism helped him accomplish his dreams. 

Today Brian is 17 years old. He has been accepted to Ivy League high school summer programs and won science and math awards. He plans to have a career in medicine to help other people know they do not have to live in pain with chronic illnesses either. He currently has his own website, TeenLymeHub.com, where he runs a support group for teens with Lyme Disease, Mold biotoxin illness, PANDAS/PANS and Aspergers. You can also join his Facebook group from there too.

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How much does the health of the gut really affect the symptoms of autism?

Clinical trials with a broad range of ages have reflected the transfer of microbiota from a healthy human to the GI of individuals with autism spectrum disorders to be helpful in “reducing their GI symptoms, reducing their ASD symptoms, and increasing their diversity of gut bacteria”.

Further, “At the beginning of the study, the majority – 83% of participants – were classified as “severe” on an autism diagnosis scale. At a 2 year follow up, only 17% were still “severe”, and 44% no longer met the criteria for an autism diagnosis. Most participants had significant improvements in core autism symptoms and gastrointestinal problems. 

Microbiota Transfer Therapy for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Who Have Gastrointestinal Disorders (MTT-ASD) See study

In my recent radio show interview with Dr. James Adams, Director of the Autism/Asperger’s Research Program at Arizona State University, we discuss this topic at length and answer many of your questions:

• Why did you think GI problems and autism symptoms might be due to gut bacteria?
• Why did you think children with ASD had abnormal gut bacteria?
• What happened with the first children with autism treated by Dr. Borody in Australia?
• For your phase 1 treatment study, what treatments did you use?  What were the initial results?  Why did you do a long-term follow-up, and why?
• What is the status of your adult study?
• What is the future of microbiota transplant for autism?
• What are your plans for a future child study?
• What about other treatments for autism, such as your comprehensive nutritional intervention study?

Please listen to my radio show interview with Dr. James Adams on Microbiota Transplant therapy for treating GI problems in children with autism spectrum disorders. It’s show #46.

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Recovered from Autism Caused by Lyme Disease and Mold/Biotoxin Illness

Do you wonder if your child can recover from their symptoms of autism? My own son is living proof of this, as are so many other children today. One of these children, Brian Dashore, shares his personal story of recovery here with you in this heartwarming and motivational interview.

At 18 months of age Brian Dashore was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Brian continued his earlier years of life with very limited speech, and one day at age 6, suddenly he found himself in extreme pain and his legs stopped working. His health continued to decline and he was unable to turn himself over in bed or walk. For two years following this episode he was restricted to using a wheelchair.

Brian’s mother, Dr. Jodie Dashore, being a neurologist was determined to figure out how to restore Brian’s health to 100%. He had seen many doctors around the world. It took a decade to finally discover that he had Lyme and chronic inflammatory response from mold biotoxins. Ultimately, integrative medicine and clinical herbalism helped him accomplish his dreams. 

Today Brian is 17 years old. He has been accepted to Ivy League high school summer programs and won science and math awards. He plans to have a career in medicine to help other people know they do not have to live in pain with chronic illnesses either. He currently has his own website, TeenLymeHub.com, where he runs a support group for teens with Lyme Disease, Mold biotoxin illness, PANDAS/PANS and Aspergers. You can also join his Facebook group from there too.

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Broad Spectrum Digestive Enzymes

Children on the autism spectrum have difficulty digesting their food properly. This means they do not absorb the nutrients from the foods they eat. This starves their brain of what it needs to function properly. Broad spectrum enzymes assist in the digestion of many foods including protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber.

Enzymes are naturally produced by the body unless the GI tract is not working properly. If so, digestion and absorption of nutrients and many other factors are effected. Enzymes can be very helpful when taken just before or with meals to help break down food particles, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The enzyme known as DPPIV helps break down the large proteins in wheat known as gluten, and casein in dairy.

Enzymes for Therapeutic use

When enzymes are taken away from food they can be helpful as little garbage collectors in the sense of cleaning up the toxic debris from various viral and bacterial issues.

Benefits Beyond Digestion

Enzymes can be extremely helpful with the sensitive digestion needs of those with autism, ADHD, allergies, and more. By improving digestion there can be a reduction in inflammation in the GI tract, therefore, better overall health.

Keeping the gut healthy is crucial. The gut has receptors that make neurotransmitters for the brain such as serotonin which effects mood, appetite, and sleep, and GABA which acts to calm nerve function. Enzymes also act as little garbage collectors cleaning up toxic debris .

 

From using enzymes parents report better concentration, increased language abilities, improved digestion, and behavior.

 

Help with positive gut bacteria and phenols

There are beneficial microorganisms in the gut that are built from fiber foods such as vegetables. If the GI tract is compromised and weak it can have trouble digesting fiber. Additionally, Phenols are a compound found in many healthy foods including vegetables and dark colored fruit. These are healthy foods but our kids may be sensitive to them. One enzyme formula that can be helpful with both fiber digestion and phenols is No-Phenol from Houston-Enzymes. They come in capsules and chewable form. 

 

Some Common Enzymes are:

• Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) breaks down casomorphin (from casein) and gluteomorphins (from gluten)

• Proteases break down proteins

• Lactase breaks down lactose (found in dairy)

• Amylase for starch (carbohydrate) digestion

• Alpha-galactosidase breaks down beans and other fiber-rich foods

• Xylanase helps digest fruits and vegetables (phenolic foods)

• Beta-glucanase for fiber-rich vegetables and grains

• Lipase breaks down lipids or fats

• Bromelain and papain are enzymes derived from pineapple. They break down proteins. Note: Some people exhibit sensitivities to fruit or citrus, so watch for signs of this from your child.

Cellulase may interfere with some time-released, cellulose-based medications. Ask your doctor or check your labels for hydroxypropyl cellulose, or hypromellose. Some products come as “cellulose-free”.

Quality Products

Broad spectrum digestive enzymes are taken just prior to eating a meal for their assistance in digestion. This helps the body absorb nutrients for better health and well being. There are several great products available such as Trienza by Houston-Enzymes.  This formula has the added benefit of DPP-IV, a specific enzyme that breaks down the larger proteins in dairy and wheat products that can injure the gut lining and create toxins in the blood which make their way to the brain. This often triggers an allergic response to these foods. Trienza also comes in a chewable form.

The size of the meal often determines the dosage. Start slowly with half the recommended dosage and work your way up to the full amount over a 12-14 day period.

The beauty of broad spectrum enzymes is that they assist with so many different types of foods. We do not always know exactly what disturbs our digestion. This way we cover a multitude of possibilities with one product.

Radio Show interview

Please listen to my radio show interview with Dr. Devon Houston of Houston-Enzymes. It is show #44. You can find it here.

About Dr. Houston

Devin Houston Ph.D.

Incorporator and CEO of Houston Nutraceuticals

Dr. Houston obtained a B.A. degree in Biology from Hendrix College in 1979. He then was awarded a B.S. degree in Medical Science in 1980 and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in 1987.

Dr. Houston’s graduate work focused on how the aging process affected certain enzyme systems.

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Camel’s milk is newer knowledge to the general public. I did not use it with my son because it wasn’t around then, or I didn’t know about it yet. I listened to a lecture when I was recently at the Autism One conference from Barry Smeltzer, who specializes in this field.

Camels’ milk should be used along with the help of a trained physician. It is used like medicine, as in only a few drops or teaspoons to begin. It may over stimulate the immune system if used to heavily and too quickly. The probiotic strains can that cause similar changes and increasing the benefits are similar to increasing any good bacteria and giving quality probiotics. Too much will cause die off reactions.

Camel’s milk does not have the same beta-casein structure as bovine milk, so it does not cause the same reactions as casein. This means it should be tolerated by most who are sensitive to casein, (the protein in cow’s milk). As with anything new, always muscle test first to be sure your child’s body is accepting of it and to know what dosage to begin with.

Click here for a free video tutorial of muscle testing.

Some of the benefits of Camel’s milk he noted are:

It contains good fats
It contains probiotics that inhibit pathogenic bacteria and increase immunoglobulin
It heals the mucosal matrix
It prevents adhesions (as in leaky gut adhesions)
It has 3 times the amount of vitamin C than dairy
It has more minerals than bovine milk and higher protein
It has two times more antibodies than breast milk with smaller molecules to help cross the gut/brain barrier

Symptom changes noted from Camel’s milk:

may reverse allergies for people with cow’s milk allergies
may increase words and speech
help to balance the GI tract
calmer moods
weight gain
reduces acid reflux
increases empathy

It is challenging to get quality Camels milk now. They only have a small herd to supply a large demand. They are working on increasing this, but it will take time. If you do purchase some be sure it is grass fed, was low heat pasteurized (not high heat which kills the probiotics and many of the benefits), should be at least, flash pasteurized, not raw, and it should not be a powdered source because the water used to make the powder form is often not pure, has toxins, and may be sprayed with chemicals.To find camels milk near you just google your country name along with the words “camels milk”. There is a quality company in Colorado in the U.S. that will ship it frozen to you. They are TheCamelMilkCo.com. Tell them I sent you.

Children on the autism spectrum also have co-infections, or co-morbid symptoms, such as mold biotoxins, lyme disease, and compromised immune systems. These all effect the gut and their overall health, especially since 70-80% of the immune system is in the gut. These comorbid infections also cause gut issues and make our kids sick and can be the reason your child does not get better.

Learn how Camel’s milk can assist in helping kids with autism spectrum disorders and what the indications for it can be in my radio show interview with Dr. Jodie Dashore (show #43). We also discuss camels milk in (show #37). 

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Mast cells can determine how our bodies react to environmental triggers like sugar, pesticides, perfume, pollution, and other causes of inflammation. If you get mast cell activation it makes you extra sensitive to these and many more things. 

 

Mast cells are types of white blood cells found in almost all cells of the body including the skin, gut, eyes, lungs, nerves, brain, mouth, eyes, and in the the immune system. They help the immune system to stay in balance or “regulate.” Mast cells are involved in allergic reactions, and are often noted in histamine reactions. Mast cells help us heal, and they help the blood brain barrier function which helps protect your brain from toxins. 

 

Dr. Martin Pall, specialist in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry/Biophysics, notes that mast cell activation commonly occurs after exposure to chemicals, and is especially prevalent after exposure to electromagnetic field radiation. 

 

Please listen to my live radio show interview on mast cell activation with specialist, Dr. Beth O’Hara. It’s radio show #42.

 

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Over two dozen studies show the health related damage due to electromagnetic field radiation (EMF’s) effecting the bodies calcium channels. This is known as voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC’s). Learn how the electromagnetic field effects the cells of our bodies in this informative interview, radio show interview with Dr. Martin Pall is show #41.

Dr. Pall has also written a full article on the effects of EMF’s on our health as related to the calcium channel disruption.

Excerpt: “There were 10 biological responses EACH OF WHICH HAVE BEEN WIDELY REPORTED and each of which can be understood as being generated by downstream consequences of VGCC activation and elevated intracellular calcium. Those 10 are: Oxidative stress, therapeutic effects, single strand breaks in cellularDNA (as detected by alkaline comet assays), double strand breaks in cellularDNA (as detected by formation of micronuclei), cancer (which can be generated by the same well-documented mechanism that produces inflammatory carcinogenesis), male and female infertility (in which DNA double strand breaks have roles and possibly also calcium-triggered apoptosis), breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (produced by oxidative activation of matrix metalloproteinases and consequent degradation of tight junctions), and loss of melatonin leading to consequent sleep dysfunction. Each these has been widely reported, each of them is serious and each of them can be understood as being generated by the VGCC mechanism.” Read the full article here.

 

Dr. Martin L. Pall Biography

 

B.A. degree in Physics, Johns Hopkins University, Phi Beta Kappa with Honors, 1962; graduated with 180 semester hours of credit in 4 years.

Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry and Genetics, Caltech, 1968

Asst. Prof. Reed College, 1967-72.

Asst., Assoc, and Full Professor, Genetics and Cell Biology and Biochemistry/Biophysics, later Professor of Biochemistry and Basic Medical Sciences, Washington State University, 1972-2008.  Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Basic Medical Sciences, Washington State University.

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