Naturally Recovering Autism with Karen Thomas

Lyme Disease Causes and Prevention [Podcast Episode #167]

Lyme disease is on the rise. One in every four children on the autism spectrum tests positive for Lyme disease. It is the fastest growing vector-borne infection with 300,000 new cases per year. This number is said to likely be an underestimate. It continues to be under-diagnosed due to the Center for Disease Control’s inadequate established bands or markers used for detection in blood tests.

Lyme disease is usually contracted through a tick bite. Some of these ticks can be as small as a poppy seed and go unnoticed. Lyme can be passed in utero from a mother to her child, as well as in breast milk. Lyme can also be passed from mosquitoes, sand fleas, head lice and other insects. 

Symptoms of Lyme disease (which can also mimic other disorders including symptoms of autism):

• Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
• Learning difficulties
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Depression
• Anger/rage...

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Natural Solutions To Thyroid Imbalance [Podcast Episode #166]

In our last podcast episode #165, we discussed adrenal fatigue. When the adrenals are taxed then the thyroid is directly affected. 

SOME COMMON CAUSES OF THYROID IMBALANCE

Low levels of iodine, and other nutritional deficiencies, as well as certain drugs can cause the conversion of T4 (thyroxin), the lesser active thyroid hormone, into T3 (triiodothyronine), the necessary active form, to become blocked. T3 is about three times more potent than T4. Clinical symptoms, the entire endocrine system, and nutrition all need to be evaluated. It is possible to have a subclinical condition, which is difficult to detect.

Nutrient deficiencies, medications, including birth control pills, and diet all play a role in an inability for thyroid hormones to convert to their active states. Pesticides, fluoride, mercury, and lead are among the strong factors. Certain foods can be contributing factors to the alteration of T4, to T3 conversion. Soy is a food that is associated with blocking this conversion and reduces the ability of the thyroid to function. The artificial sweeteners sucralose (Splenda) and aspartame also create weaknesses in organs such as the liver that diminish nutrients needed by the thyroid.

Internal stressors, such as inflammation, also contribute to thyroid disorders. If the adrenal glands are imbalanced, there may be an imbalance in Cortisol levels. T3 only gets into the cells if there’s enough Cortisol. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can cause symptoms such as nervousness, anxiety, rapid heart rate, sweating, fatigue, heat intolerance, hyperactivity, increased appetite, eye disorders, tremors, and weight loss. For this reason, the high quality lab Diagnos-Techs includes Gliadin testing (a derivative of gluten), in the saliva/adrenal test. Most natural practitioners carry these take-home tests in their offices...

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/166

Adrenal Fatigue [Podcast Episode #165]

Adrenal Fatigue

Stress can lead to weakened adrenal glands which leads to excessive fatigue. This can also mean trouble thinking clearly or being able to focus. Starting a new school year has multiple stressors involved, but especially so for those on the autism spectrum.

It is more than common for kids on the autism spectrum to have elevated adrenal hormones, otherwise known as cortisol, due to the internal stress from inflammation that their toxic overload, coinfections, and pathogens have on the multiple systems of the body. There is also a lot of outside stress from sensory overload, not being able to do what they want to do, lack of speech, poor sleep, etc. There’s a lot of frustration that is stressful for them, and for you as a parent too. It’s never just one thing that causes a symptom, so it is important to work with all of these triggers from A-Z. This will all help the adrenals but we can support them further as we work with the underlying causes.

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/165

Common Causes of Seizures In Autism [Podcast Episode #164]

As I write this I want to be sure you know it’s never just one thing, but a combination of them that triggers anything, including seizures. Autism is a complicated diagnosis with many underlying biological issues that need to be addressed properly so the body can strengthen on its own. We don’t want to mask symptoms, but work with the causes.

Here are common culprits of seizures to be worked with:

Diet

 Remember that the gut controls the brain and up to 80% of the immune system, so take diet seriously! A diet low in carbohydrates and higher in Keto based foods is best. You can begin by removing the top 7 foods that contribute to inflammation and leaky gut syndrome. Get your free guide to them here.

Please also see information and links to studies on the “Ketogenic Diet For Those With Seizures”.

Histamines

Histamines, whether food based or environmental can be a trigger for many things such as anxiety, sleep issues, increased stimming, mast cell activation syndrome, and seizures.

Environmental factors can include things in and around your home such as chlorine which is not only in swimming pools but also in our household water. Always use a quality filter for your drinking water such as the Aquatru. Also use a shower filter to help remove chlorine from the shower since the hot steam allows it to enter our pores in the shower. Santeforhealth.com has a shower filter and a bathtub bulb filter for those areas...

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/164

Karen Thomas Interviews Dr. Anna Kennedy, Founder of the Anna Kennedy Online Charity Supporting Adults With Autism [Podcast Episode #163]

Thousands of parents biggest worry is the question what will happen to our autistic children and adults when we are no longer around? Parents all need piece of mind that practical and emotional support will be available when they are not there to help.

♥

Who will look after our children when we are no longer around?

♥

Dr Anna Kennedy OBE, is founder of the Anna Kennedy Online Charity.

As a mother of two sons with autism, Dr. Kennedy saw the great need for support for adults diagnosed on the Autism spectrum. For many, autism is a lifelong condition that creates challenges for the individual based on levels of anxiousness, sensory issues, communication, and other behavioral difficulties.

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/163

7 Tips To Help You Lose Weight [Podcast Episode #162]

Losing weight has far greater challenges if you’re not aware of seven crucial things. Many mothers talk about how their children on the autism spectrum (or they themselves) are having trouble losing weight. Often this difficulty is due to combined factors, beginning with a diet high in sugars and starchy carbohydrates, but other underlying health issues may be contributing as well.        

Weight Loss Checklist                 

Healthy weight loss is a challenge for children on the autism spectrum. They may be eating what they believe to be a healthy diet and exercising, but still they cannot lose the weight. When this happens, I go through a mental checklist of seven things:

1. Metabolic syndrome

2. Liver congestion

3. Thyroid imbalance

4. Adrenal stress

5. Candida

6. Leptin resistance

7. Brain support

8. Bonus: mold Biotoxins

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/162

What Doctors Don’t Tell You Magazine Interviews Karen Thomas on Autism Recovery [Podcast Episode #161]

Join Karen and Bryan Hubbard for the very first What Doctors Don’t Tell You seminar of the new year! Learn how Karen used her thirty years in the field of holistic health to find the resources and tools to help her son naturally recover from his symptoms of autism while also supporting him to live a happier and healthier life. Over the last 15 years, Karen garnered a passion to help other parents naturally recover their children who are on the autism spectrum and has become one of the top specialists in the field. In this interview, Karen also goes over the 4 stages necessary for autism recovery and answers common questions you likely have too. Please listen, learn and enjoy!

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/161

Why Some Brain Supplement Programs Do Not Work [Podcast Episode #160]

Whether your child has autism, ADD, ADHD, or any other neurological imbalance, it is known that natural brain supplements often work far better than pharmaceutical drugs without the negative or dangerous side effects.

If you are not seeing desired results from your brain supplements treatment program, there are several possibilities as to why:

1. 1. The wrong diagnosis.
   2. The wrong brain supplements treatment protocol, i.e. supplements, medications, or therapies. This also means the incorrect dosages.
   3. Citric acid is taken too close to supplement time. Citric acid as is in orange juice, lemonade, preservatives and more. It deactivates some medications and supplements. Do not ingest it within an hour before or after taking them.
   4. Stress hormones, namely corticosteroids, damage brain cells, especially the temporal lobes. They may also counteract the effectiveness of some treatments. Reduce stress level.
   5. Lack of support from family, school, caregivers or therapists; creates stress
   6. The wrong diet.
   7. Caffeine and nicotine use.
   8. Lack of exercise.
   9. Taking over-the-counter medications or supplements that may interfere with treatment.
   10. Mixing together incompatible medications and supplements.
   11. Not staying on natural supplements for a long enough period of time to allow them to work (minimum of three to six weeks).
   12. Purchasing cheaper, lower quality products in order to save money.
   13. Not having the right doctor. Using the doctor on your insurance plan may seem cheaper at first, but may cost you far more in the long run.
   14. Being in denial about what your child really needs and not getting the proper help...

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/160

The Glycemic Index and Autism [Podcast Episode #159]

The importance of knowing the glycemic index of your food choices is a preventative measure in your child’s health and behavior. This will also help to prevent obesity and diabetes along with keeping his gut flora in better balance.

The glycemic index or GI is a way to measure the physiological effect that various foods have on blood glucose levels. Knowing this can help you to control those hunger and energy fluctuations during the day by eating better choices. This becomes very easy in a short period of time. Once you begin to learn what foods are high and which are low it starts to fall into common sense.

Based on scientific data foods have been tested to show their effect on blood glucose levels. Foods with a low GI will have less of an effect on blood sugar than foods with a high GI. The foods we eat have a direct impact on how quickly our bodies are able to digest them. Slower digestion gives your body a chance to regulate the release of insulin better.

Many inexpensive, pocket-sized books are sold on the glycemic index. It is worthwhile to pick one up and learn how the different foods you are feeding your child will affect his blood sugar. If we look around at the childhood epidemic of obesity and diabetes it is easy to see how it can be prevented by better choices of food. Some foods and their glycemic content are listed below. There are also many websites available.

• Foods with a high GI break down rapidly, therefore releasing glucose into the bloodstream very quickly. This causes a rapid release of insulin which starts to weaken the body’s ability to balance blood sugar levels. This also weakens the adrenal glands (our stress-handling organs), which then weakens the thyroid gland which helps to regulate our hormone levels. All of this contributes to diabetes and obesity.

Foods with a low GI will break down more slowly releasing glucose into the bloodstream more gradually.

Lower glycemic index foods will:

• Keep you feeling full longer
• Assist in weight loss, (by reducing insulin levels it helps you burn fat).
• Assist in the prevention of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.
• Help prevent hypoglycemia, which is associated with headache, fatigue, sleep problems, and lack of mental clarity.
• Improve blood lipid profiles.
• Assist in better cholesterol levels
• Help with metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance also known as Syndrome X).

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/159

Diabetes Triggers and Prevention [Podcast Episode #158]

There are other physical problems that can accompany autism. One disorder that affects so many children today is diabetes. It is important to recognize the signs of diabetes, know the triggers and understand what you can do to prevent it from happening to your child.

Two Types of Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes: Type I and Type II. Type II diabetes is acquired insulin and leptin resistance and is directly related to poor diet, such as one high in processed foods and refined sugars, combined with a lack of exercise. If you are lucky, you can balance Type II diabetes with the proper diet and exercise with no need for insulin injections.

Type I diabetes is more severe. It is an autoimmune disease caused by the immune system attacking the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes need injections of insulin to prevent death. Type I diabetes can be hereditary and its onset can be triggered by many things...

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/158