MANAGING THE YEAST BEAST

Posted: January 18, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Health | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

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One of the questions we get asked quite frequently is about how to control yeast, so we thought we would write a post to give you our latest thoughts on the topic.

Yeast, in our opinion, is one of the hardest health problems associated with autism to beat. We can’t say that our children are 100% yeast free. However, with a recent discovery of a new product we feel like we’ve made some significant progress on killing off our children’s yeast. Prior to using this product we felt like we did nothing more than manage their yeast… we just kept it status quo (i.e., it didn’t get worse but it didn’t get any better either).

We know a lot of the DAN! doctors prescribe Diflucan or Nystatin. Leah tried Diflucan for a couple of months when Brody was first diagnosed with autism and she really didn’t see any gains. She stopped giving it to him after a few months because she wasn’t comfortable with the potential side effects and long-term implications.

Molly never went this route because she read that once you take children off the antifungal drugs, the yeast comes back with a vengeance (i.e., it mutates and comes back even stronger and more resistant to treatment) and then it is almost impossible to eradicate. Also, she read that it is not healthy to leave your children on these antifungals for long periods of time. Doing so can weaken children’s livers and other organs.

After a lot of researching, we came to believe that the key to managing yeast is what no mother wants to hear… DIET. Basically, low sugar and low carb is essential or else you are constantly feeding the yeast.  Here is a link to our website where we give a brief overview of yeast and several options for managing it, including diet and supplement suggestions www.healthinducedautism.com/candida-yeast.html.

Molly tried many of the natural antifungals on the list but to be honest, they did nothing more than keep Annie’s yeast in check (i.e., they didn’t kill off any of her yeast, but her yeast didn’t get worse either).

We lived with years of frustration, fighting a losing battle against yeast. We figured our children would have to suffer through the side effects of chronic yeast for the rest of their lives. But then, Molly discovered a new product that worked wonders for Annie. But Leah needed convincing before she was willing to open her wallet. She wanted Annie to be the “guinea pig.”

Molly has now been using this product for Annie for over a year and Leah has used it with Brody for a few months. The product is called Yeast Management.

When Molly started using it for Annie, she saw an incredible burst in language and social skills. In addition, she saw a big improvement in her bowel issues.  When Leah started the product with Brody, she too saw a burst in language and noticed that his tongue was no longer white (i.e., covered with yeast).

Our kids did not experience die off from using the product. But we believe this is because they had eaten a “clean diet” for over four years before introducing the Yeast Management.

If you start it, we strongly recommend going really slow to minimize die off. Start with a ¼ teaspoon, once a day, mixed with a bit of water (Molly squirts it in Annie’s mouth with a syringe and Brody just drinks it for himself).

If you are seeing good things, then continue to increase the dose by a 1/4 teaspoon every week and work your way up to 1 tablespoon. We are not doctors. We are just telling you about what we did. Please don’t take this as medical advice.

By the way, if you order the Yeast Management, you will see on the label that it contains sugar and vinegar. Don’t be concerned. First of all, it has a very small amount of sugar/vinegar. Second, the sugar/vinegar is what baits the yeast. The yeast eat the product and then “blow up” (excuse the “mom lingo”) from the inside out. That’s why the product works so well.

Product info: Yeast Management 1.800.405.2827 or email Trsproducts@embarqmail.com. The company doesn’t have a website because they sell wholesale to doctors and their doctors don’t want them to have a presence on the web. They don’t usually sell direct to the consumer but because they are sympathetic to the autism cause, they will sell direct to anyone who mentions they have a child with autism (at a discounted price). With discount, the price is $39.95 a jar and $8.95 shipping (in the U.S.).

INTERNAL SUNSCREEN SAFER THAN TOPICAL SUNSCREEN?

Posted: June 18, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Health | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Introduction

  • The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its 2012 Sunscreen Guide, listing the safest and most toxic sunscreens on the market.
  • About 75 percent of sunscreens contain potentially harmful ingredients, such as oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate.
  • Several studies have confirmed that appropriate sun exposure actually helps prevent skin cancer. In fact, melanoma occurrence has been found to decrease with greater sun exposure, and can be increased by sunscreens.
  • The key to safe sun exposure is to determine the time of year when UVB rays will reach the ground in your specific area. When UVB rays are absent, your body will not produce vitamin D in response to sun exposure.

Safe Sunscreen Criteria

To make it onto EWG’s safe list, sunscreens must:

  • Be free of oxybenzone - believed to cause hormone disruptions and the type of cell damage that can provoke cancer
  • Be free of retinyl palmitate (a type of vitamin A) -  ”high concern” due to its developmental and reproductive toxicity
  • Provide a maximum of SPF 50 – SPFs higher than 50 do not offer a great deal more protection at higher levels, therefore, you are wasting your money by buying SPFs higher than 50
  • Protect against both UVA and UVB sunrays - SPF only protects against UVB rays, which are the rays within the ultraviolet spectrum that allows your body to produce vitamin D in your skin. But the most dangerous rays, in terms of causing skin damage and cancer are the UVA rays. This is why you always want to make sure any sunscreen you buy protects against UVA’s as well as UVB’s.

Internal Sunscreen a Safer Alternative?

  • Using an “internal sunscreen” is an alternative to slathering on sunscreen.
  • Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, has been found to offer effective protection against sun damage when taken as a daily supplement.
  • Some sunscreens are also starting to use astaxanthin as an ingredient to protect skin from damage. You can look for a sunscreen that has astaxanthin in it. Just make sure the product in question does not contain other toxic ingredients, as topically applied astaxanthin will not likely cancel out the deleterious effects of an otherwise toxic lotion.

Other Tips to Decrease Risk of Burning

  • Consuming a healthful diet full of natural antioxidants is another useful strategy to help counter skin damage from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
  • Fresh, raw, unprocessed foods deliver the nutrients that your body needs to maintain a healthy balance of omega-6 and omega-3 oils in your skin, which is your first line of defense against sunburn.

For More Information

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/06/04/astaxanthin-as-sunscreen.aspx

http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/

http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/hall-of-shame-whats-wrong-with-the-sunscreen-protection-business/ - A list of brand name children’s sunscreens that “failed the test” according to the EWG and made it on their “Hall of Shame.”

IN A CLASSROOM OF 30 CHILDREN… HAVE YOU NOTICED?

Posted: June 4, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Health | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 28 Comments »

In a classroom of 30 children have you noticed:

  • 3 have learning disabilities
  • 3 have food allergies
  • 3 have respiratory allergies
  • 3 have skin allergies
  • 3 have asthma
  • 3 have attention disorders
  • 1 has autism

Have you ever wondered why?

UPDATE ON NAC FOR AUTISM

Posted: June 2, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Health | Leave a comment »

We heard from BioAdvantex, the makers of the NAC product used in the study about how NAC may reduce irritability and repetitive behavior for people with autism. They clarified that the NAC product used in the study is being sold as an over the counter product. For more information, please see BioAdvantex’s clarification below:

 

“As a representative of BioAdvantex , the company that provided the NAC tablets to the study, I would like to clarify that the reference of “pharmaceutical grade” was to the active used in the product. The NAC used in PharmaNAC effervescent tablets is pharma grade. PharmaNAC is a otc product and available in many countries. What Dr. Hardan is referring to is the quality of the otc NAC. It is important to ensure that otc NAC uses pharma grade active and tablets are individually packaged to prevent oxidation as opposed to a bottle of pills which may oxidize every time the bottle is opened!”

NAC REDUCES IRRITABILITY AND REPETITIVE BEHAVIOR IN AUTISTIC CHILDREN

Posted: May 31, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Health | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Article Summary

  • Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital studied 31 children with autism.
  • In a double-blind study, the children received N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) or a placebo for 12 weeks.
  • The NAC used was a pharmaceutical-grade preparation donated by the neutraceutical manufacturer BioAdvantex Pharma.
  • Subjects were evaluated before the trial began and every four weeks during the study using several standardized surveys that measure problem behaviors, social behaviors, autistic preoccupations, and drug side effects.
  • During the 12-week trial, NAC treatment decreased irritability scores from 13.1 to 7.2 on the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist, a widely used clinical scale for assessing irritability.
  • In addition, according to two standardized measures of autism mannerisms and stereotypic behavior, children taking NAC showed a decrease in repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. The researchers believe that NAC could be the first medication available to treat repetitive behavior in autism – if the findings hold up when scrutinized further.
  • The change in irritability scores is not as large as that seen in children taking antipsychotics. But these drugs cause significant side effects, including weight gain, involuntary motor movements and metabolic syndrome, which increases diabetes risk.
  • By contrast, the side effects of NAC are generally mild, with gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, nausea, diarrhea and decreased appetite being the most common.
  • Dr Hardan cautioned that the NAC for sale as a dietary supplement at stores differs in some important respects from the individually packaged doses of pharmaceutical-grade NAC used in the study, and that the over-the-counter version may not produce the same results.
  • He said: ‘When you open the bottle from the drugstore and expose the pills to air and sunlight, it gets oxidized and becomes less effective.’
  • Researchers speculate that NAC reduces irritability and repetitive behaviors by increasing the capacity of the body’s main antioxidant network and modulating the glutamatergic family of excitatory neurotransmitters.
  • The scientists are now applying for funding to conduct a large trial in which they hope to replicate their findings.
  • Stanford University is filing a patent for the use of NAC in autism, and one of the study authors has a financial stake in a company that makes and sells the NAC used in the trial.
  • The researchers said that the findings must be confirmed in a larger trial before NAC can be recommended for children with autism.
  • The study appears in Biological Psychiatry.

More Information on NAC

  • Serves as a precursor for the synthesis of glutathione. (Glutathione plays a critical role in protecting the liver from toxins and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Low levels of glutathione is lined to a number of diseases that are associated with oxidative stress).
  • NAC is also known for its mucolytic properties and its ability to chelate heavy metals.
  • NAC may be part of a treatment plan for neurological diseases, liver disease, chronic infections, or any other disease associated with a compromised antioxidant defense where a higher glutathione level is desired.

Our Opinion

For years, the autism community has used NAC to help our children. While we are glad that, at last, a supplement is getting some positive “press” from the mainstream medical community, we were disheartened to hear that NAC will likely become a prescription pharmaceutical. Once this happens, our cost will go from $8.00 per bottle to $80.00 per bottle, plus the cost of a doctor’s visit to obtain a prescription.

It was also disappointing that one of the study authors has “a financial stake in a company that makes and sells the NAC used in the trial.” Hmmmm – is it really true that over the counter versions of NAC are not as effective as the pharmaceutical version (as the study cautions) or perhaps, are profits at play here?

For information on possible dosage amount, check with your practitioner and read the following articles: http://www.treatingautism.co.uk/news/580/nac-supplement-useful-for-treating-irritability-in-children-with-autism/

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1018-N-ACETYL%20CYSTEINE.aspx?activeIngredientId=1018&activeIngredientName=N-ACETYL%20CYSTEINE

TOP TEN TOXIC CHEMICALS SUSPECTED TO CAUSE AUTISM AND LEARNING DISABILITIES

Posted: May 4, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Crusade For Answers (Why 1:88?), Health | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

“Knowledge of environmental causes of neurodevelopmental disorders is critically important because they are potentially preventable.” This is according to Philip Landrigan, MD, MSc, a leader in children’s environmental health and Director of the Children’s Environmental Health Center (CEHC) at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Children’s Environmental Health Center (CEHC) developed a list of ten chemicals found in consumer products that are suspected to contribute to autism and learning disabilities. The top ten chemicals are:

1. LEAD

  • HOUSE PAINTS: Before 1950, lead-based paint was used on the inside and outside of most homes. It was used to make several colors including white, and was known to dry to a hard, durable surface. In 1977, federal regulations banned lead from paint for general use. But homes built before 1977 are likely to contain lead-based paint.
  • SOIL: Soil (dirt) near heavily used streets and roads may contain lead because lead used to be used in gasoline. Lead may also be found in the soil next to homes that previously had been painted with lead-based paint. Lead in the soil can contribute to high levels of lead in household dust.
  • DRINKING WATER: Lead may get into drinking water when materials used in plumbing materials, such as pipes, lead-based solders, brass and chrome plated faucets, begin to corrode (break down).
  • OTHERS: Lead has recently been found in some plastic mini-blinds and vertical blinds which were made in other countries. In addition, lead may be present in old toys, some imported toys, lead-glazed or lead-painted pottery, leaded crystal, and some inks, plasters, hobby and sports materials (such as artists’ paints, ammunition, stained glass treatments, or lead sinkers used in fishing). Lead contaminates are in some imported candy, especially from Mexico. Lead has been found in some traditional (folk) medicines used by East Indian, Indian, Middle Eastern, West Asian and Hispanic cultures. Cosmetics and hair dyes may contain lead.

2. METHYLMERCURY

Mercury is emitted from waste incinerators and coal-fired power plants. Fish is the main source of human exposure to methylmercury.

Other sources of mercury exposure include:

  • Dental amalgams used to fill cavities — the major source of inorganic mercury exposure in the general population
  • Drugs and related products, including topical mercury-based skin creams, infant teething
  • Powders, cosmetics, contact solutions, nasal sprays
  • Some vaccines
  • Breaking of household items that contain mercury, such as old thermometers or fluorescent light bulbs (for how to clean up breaks, click here)
  • Some folk remedies

3. POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBs)

Found in fluorescent lights, pesticides, fire retardants, plasticizers, transformers, capacitors, paints, wood treatment, printing inks, recycled paper, roofing materials, and landfills. PCBs are in hundreds of items. For a full list, go to http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/cu/nwr/PortlandHarbor/docs/SourcePCBs.pdf

4. ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDES (OP)

These chemicals are applied to crops, buildings, ornamental plants, and lawns. Agricultural uses include field applications on corn, cotton, canola, alfalfa, produce, and nuts. Exterminators use OP pesticides in residential and commercial structures and certain pest control products for cats and dogs contain OP compounds.

Products containing OPs include Dursban and Lorsban (containing the OP chlorpyrifos), Spectracide (containing the OP diazinon), and Sevin (containing the carbamate carbaryl).

People are commonly exposed to OP pesticides through eating fresh and processed vegetables, contacting pesticide-contaminated surfaces, breathing air near pesticide applications (both indoors and outdoors), and drinking pesticide-contaminated water. The multiple uses and ubiquitous nature of these chemicals result in routine exposures to many different OP pesticides for most people.

5. ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES

  • ON LAND: agricultural fields, golf courses, sports fields, playgrounds, roadsides, gardens and lawns
  • AT HOME: professional exterminations and carpet treatments, flea sprays and dips for dogs and cats
  • INSIDE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY BUILDINGS: professional exterminations and carpet treatments, pressure-treated (CCA) lumber
  • ON BODIES: head lice treatments, insect and tick repellants
  • ON FOOD: during cultivation on farms as well as after harvesting to deter fungal growth during shipping

6. ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS

Chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors include diethylstilbestrol (the synthetic estrogen DES), dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT, and some other pesticides.

  • BISPHENOL A (BPA) is a chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.
  • Di(2-ethylhexyl) PHTHALTE (DEHP) is a high production volume chemical used in the manufacture of a wide variety of consumer food packaging, some children’s products, and some polyvinyl chloride (PVC) medical devices.
  • PHYTOESTROGENS are naturally occurring substances in plants that have hormone-like activity. Examples of phytoestrogens are genistein and daidzein, which can be found in soy-derived products.

7. AUTOMOTIVE EXHAUST

According to an article on cbsnews.com written by Sammy Rose Saltzman, “A new study shows that children in families who live near freeways are twice as likely to have autism as kids who live off the beaten path.”

A short list of the likely pathogens in car exhaust:

  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Nitrogen dioxide
  • Sulphur dioxide
  • Suspended particles, PM-10 particles less than 10 microns in size.
  • Benzene
  • Formaldehyde
  • Polycyclic hydrocarbons

8. POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHs)

PAHs are a group of approximately 10,000 compounds. Most PAHs in the environment are from incomplete burning of carbon-containing materials like oil, wood, garbage or coal. Many useful products such as mothballs, blacktop, and creosote wood preservatives contain PAHs.

Sources of PAHs include:

  • BREATHING: Most people are exposed to PAHs when they breathe smoke, auto emissions or industrial exhausts. Most exhausts contain many different PAH compounds. People with the highest exposures are smokers, people who live or work with smokers, roofers, road builders and people who live near major highways or industrial sources. Automobile exhaust, industrial emissions and smoke from burning wood, charcoal and tobacco contain high levels of PAHs. In general, more PAHs form when materials burn at low temperatures, such as in wood fires or cigarettes. High-temperature furnaces produce fewer PAHs.
  • DRINKING/EATING: Charcoal-broiled foods, especially meats, are a source of some PAH exposure. Shellfish living in contaminated water may be another major source of exposure. PAHs may be in groundwater near disposal sites where construction wastes or ash are buried; people may be exposed by drinking this water. Vegetables do not take up significant amounts of PAHs that are in soil.
  • TOUCHING: PAH can be absorbed through skin. Exposure can come from handling contaminated soil or bathing in contaminated water. Low levels of these chemicals may be absorbed when a person uses medicated skin cream or shampoo containing PAHs. They are also found at low concentrations in some special-purpose skin creams and anti-dandruff shampoos that contain coal tars.

9. BROMINATED FLAME RETARDANTS (BFRs)

BFRs have been used for many years as the primary flame retardant in many products. These chemicals are commonly found in high concentrations in:

  • Electronic plastic casings (televisions, computers, etc.)
  • Foams in furniture
  • Textiles (drapes and children’s clothing)
  • Products that have a potential to burn quickly
  • The largest source of BFRs in the home is actually house dust, because these chemicals tend to be released from their products and settle throughout the home.

10. PERFLUORINATED COMPOUNDS

  • PFCs are broadly used in manufacturing, including protective coatings for carpets and other non-stick coatings, airplanes, computers, cosmetics, and household cleaners. Some well known PFC containing products include Teflon, Stainmaster, Scotchgard, and Gore-Tex.
  • For a comprehensive look at PFCs, including information on what you can do, visit the Environmental Working Group report of PFCs at the Environmental Working Group website.

To read the full article, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140118.htm

Sources:

http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/explore/pollute/lead.htm

http://www.diabetesandenvironment.org/home/contam/metals

http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/cu/nwr/PortlandHarbor/docs/SourcePCBs.pdf

http://www.chemicalbodyburden.org/cs_organophos.htm

http://www.minddisrupted.org/about.php

http://niehs.nih.gov/health/materials/endocrine_disruptors.pdf

http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/chemfs/fs/pah.htm

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20025991-10391704.html

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF EARLY PUBERTY

Posted: April 20, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Health | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

A century ago, the average age for the onset of puberty in girls was 16. Currently, the new age of puberty for girls is 10.

Early onset of puberty in girls can cause a number of problems later in life due to hormonal imbalance, including increased risk of breast cancer. Tony Isaacs reports, “Studies have shown that risk of breast cancer is reduced by 7 percent for every year the onset of puberty is delayed.”

According to experts, Bisphenol A, better known as BPA, is the prime reason for the onset of early puberty in girls.

BPA

  • BPA is used to make plastics.
  • Prolonged storage as well as high heat (like when you leave your plastic water bottle in the car or microwave your food in plastic) cause BPA to leech out.
  • When BPA is leeched into the human body, it mimics estrogen and can offset the delicate hormonal balance in the developing child.
  • In 2010, Canada was the first country in the world to declare BPA a toxic substance that poses risks to human health and the environment.
  • Annual BPA sales have been estimated at $8 Billion.
  • It is unlikely that the United States will take action anytime soon against such a highly profitable item.
  • Natural News recently reported that the FDA announced that it would not ban BPA due to lack of evidence of harm.
  • BPA is found in: the vast majority of plastics, most containers and plastic bags, dollar bills, toilet paper, lining of canned foods, microwavable food containers/bags.

Other Early Puberty Culprits

  • Phthalates - class of chemicals used as softeners, or plasticizers, in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) vinyl products like: children’s toys, decorating and building products, blood bags, solvents, cosmetics, personal care products, wood finishes, and insecticides.
  • Growth hormones - found in meat and dairy products.
  • Soy foods and products - often highly genetically modified and contain large amounts of estrogen (which affects hormone balance).

To read the full article, http://www.naturalnews.com/035504_BPA_puberty_chemicals.html

For more information:

http://naturalsociety.com
http://www.naturalnews.com/028616_puberty_chemicals.html
http://nutritionfacts.org
http://www.naturalnews.com/030343_BPA_toxic_chemicals.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/035453_FDA_BPA_chemicals.html

BIG PHARMA TO THE “RESCUE”

Posted: March 12, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Health | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments »

We read a great article by Dr. David Williams discussing the possible reasons for the astronomical rise in ADHD and Bipolar disorder in our children. He also discussed alternative treatments for parents who would like to avoid using medication. The following is a summary of what we learned:

Prevalence of ADHD and Bipolar Disorder:

  • Some studies estimate 1 in 10 children has been diagnosed with ADHD. Some say as many as 15% of all boys and 6% of all girls have the problem. Others say as many as 20% of all school-aged children have ADHD. (Am J Public Health 99;89:1359–1364)
  • The number of young people being treated for bipolar disorder increased 40-fold in the United States between 1994 and 2003. (Arch Gen Psychiatry 07;64(9):1032–1039)

Big Pharma to the “Rescue”:

  • Insurance reimbursement is skewed in favor of medication. Dr. Williams spoke with many psychiatrists who say insurance companies pay them three times the money for “checking and adjusting” a child’s medication than they do for spending the same amount of time counseling them.
  • Children are being prescribed powerful mind-altering drugs at a time when their central nervous systems are still developing. No one yet knows the true damage or future consequences of such risky practices.
  • Children are being given the same drugs as adults—drugs that have been shown to have very serious side effects like diabetes, hormonal disruption, infertility, significant weight gain, and blood disorders. Additionally, it has been proven that these drugs can cause the very same problems they are being given to treat—problems like hyperactivity, depression, insomnia, and psychosis.
  • There are no blood tests or brain scans that can definitively confirm a diagnosis of either condition. The diagnosis becomes a subjective judgment call.
  • Mainstream doctors feel that diet, nutrition, and the child’s home environment have little, if anything, to do with the disorders.
  • Parents are told the best thing they can do is focus on pharmaceutical ways to immediately help the child until the medical community discovers more about the problems.

What does Dr. Williams Think is Causing the Rise in ADHD and Bipolar Disorder?

  • According to Dr. Williams, practically every case of ADHD and bipolar disorder can be directly linked to dietary/nutritional, hormonal, or environmental factors. Or, most commonly, a combination of these.
  • The environmental factor Dr. Williams believes most often triggers ADHD or Bipolar disorder is the increase in fear/stress for today’s youth.

How Does Fear/Stress Contribute?

  • Chronic stress takes a physiological toll on the adrenal glands. In response to stress, the adrenals release several hormones—one of which is cortisol. Cortisol increases blood sugar levels by counteracting the effects of insulin, suppresses the immune system, and helps metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
  • These are all things that help increase your body’s ability to “fight or flee” and survive when confronted with stress.
  • When the stress passes, cortisol levels return to normal and the body relaxes.
  • But, in a chronically high-stress situation, levels don’t return to normal and we begin to experience many negative effects. The same effects you’ll recognize as being diagnostic markers for ADHD and bipolar disorder:
      • Impaired cognitive performance (mental performance suffers)
      • Blood sugar levels are imbalanced (swings in mood and energy levels, craving for carbohydrates)
      • Decreased immunity (allergies, increased susceptibility to illness, slower wound healing)
      • Thyroid dysfunction (weight gain or weight loss, fluctuating energy levels, depression, skin diseases)
      • Sodium loss (craving for salt, increased blood pressure)
      • Increased abdominal fat (metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes)
  • Some kids deal with stress by internalizing it which causes them to become numb and have difficulty concentrating or paying attention. They can become pessimistic, depressed, and lose interest in those things that they once valued.
  • Other children use action to deal with their fears. They act out and exhibit hostility toward others in an attempt to regain control of their life. They refuse to cooperate with parents, teachers, and other authority figures. They get busier and busier trying to outpace their fears, but their hyperactivity becomes less focused and less useful. It’s as though their minds need to be constantly stimulated so there’s no idle time available to concentrate on the fear or stress at hand.
  • The two patterns are the same characteristics exhibited by children being diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder.

Dietary/Nutritional and Hormonal Factors Contributing to ADHD and Bipolar Disorder:

  • Two of the most common underlying problems directly associated with ADHD and Bipolar disorder are weak and poorly functioning adrenal glands (hypoadrenia) and poor blood sugar control (typically hypoglycemia).
  • That’s why cutting caffeine (an adrenal stimulant), high-fructose corn syrup, and refined carbohydrates (white flour, cereals, sugar, candy, fruit juices, sodas, etc.) from the diet and replacing those with nutrient-dense foods higher in protein and fat often makes such a huge difference.
  • Fats are crucial for normal growth and the development of children’s nervous and other systems. Eating quality fats doesn’t make one fat…refined carbohydrates do. Children need to eat the proper amount of healthy fats like olive oil, beef, butter, and lamb.
  • Other things that help include: eating more frequent but smaller meals throughout the day, not skipping meals, and eating high-quality protein snacks like nuts, peanut butter, cheese, whey powder, and avocados.
  • Vitamins and nutrients have been shown to help resolve ADHD and bipolar disorder. This includes several of the B vitamins, zinc, folic acid, chromium, iron, vitamins A, C, D, and E, and magnesium.
  • He also recommends: protein shakes with lecithin (choline) granules, adrenal glandular, thyroid glandular, and omega 3 fatty acids.

Conclusion:

  • Dr. Williams does not want to downplay the seriousness and the difficulty of dealing with either ADHD or bipolar disorder. For the child and the family, both can be a nightmare.
  • There may be cases where either the type of changes he has discussed won’t solve the problem, or the underlying cause can’t be determined.
  • He believes some of these disorders have a contributing genetic basis, maybe from a mother’s drug use or the child’s earlier exposure to some toxin. These cases may require medication.
  • However, based on research studies, his experiences and that of hundreds of other practitioners, he thinks that is more of the exception than the rule.

Our Thoughts:

We believe this article applies equally well to autism. After all, it is at the opposite end of the spectrum from ADHD. We believe reducing stress, eating a healthy/balanced diet, and adding supplements can make improvements in the symptoms of autism as well.

To Read the Entire Article Go To:

http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/resources/drdavidwilliams/newsletter/static/1dab5477-d48f-4477-9a20-4f1809da04ee.pdf

UPDATE FROM DR. SHAW – ACETAMINOPHEN AND AUTISM CONNECTION

Posted: March 2, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Crusade For Answers (Why 1:88?), Health | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 29 Comments »

Back in January, we did a post summarizing what we learned from a webinar we attended given by Dr. William Shaw of Great Plains Lab. He discussed the connection between autism and acetaminophen. Dr. Shaw did not release any official information or transcripts after the webinar, despite tremendous public interest, because he had not yet released his official study. But just yesterday, we got Dr. Shaw’s e-newsletter, with an official statement about the autism acetaminophen connection.

Here is a summary of what the update said (in mom-lingo):

  • “It appears that the marked increase in the rate of autism throughout much of the world may be largely mediated by the marked increase in the use of acetaminophen in genetically and/or metabolically susceptible children and perhaps the use of acetaminophen by pregnant women.”
  • Because many children with autism have defective sulfation, they cannot properly detoxify acetaminophen. Therefore, it becomes toxic.
  • This then leads to intestinal Clostridia bacteria overgrowth.
  • Then the Clostridia bacteria cause overproduction of brain dopamine and reduced concentrations of brain norepinephrine.
  • Too much dopamine leads to obsessive, compulsive, and stereotypical behaviors.
  • Too little norepinephrine leads to reduced exploratory behavior and learning in new environments.
  • Because sulfation is often defective for people with autism, the body cannot use proper pathways to get rid of acetaminophen. Therefore, the body sends a larger than normal amount of acetaminophen to be detoxified by a pathway called cytochrome p450 2E1.
  • The problem with this pathway is that it leads to excessive production of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), a very toxic metabolite.
  • NAPQI is dangerous because it depletes glutathione which then reduces the body’s ability to detoxify a host of toxic chemicals in the environment.
  • In addition, the increase of NAPQI creates oxidative stress which leads to protein, lipid, and nucleic acid damage from free radicals. It also causes an increased rate of damage to mitochondrial and nuclear DNA.
  • NAPQI production has been found to be increased in humans at recommended dosages of acetaminophen and would be expected to be even higher in people with diminished sulfation capacity (as is often seen in autism).
  • BOTTOM LINE: Question your acetaminophen use.

By the way, acetaminophen is not just linked to the increase in autism. It has also been implicated in the rise in asthma. For more information, please read the following article  http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/02/20/147002356/does-tylenol-worsen-asthma-for-kids.

For more information on Dr. Shaw’s original webinar about this topic, please read: http://ventography.wordpress.com/2012/01/14/acetaminophen-and-its-possible-connection-to-the-rise-in-autism/.

If you want to stay updated about news on this topic and future studies, please visit Dr. Shaw’s facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/acetaminophenandautism.

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS

Posted: February 24, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Health | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

SUMMARY OF ARTICLES:

  • Lead has been banned in paint since 1978 because of its toxicity at low levels, but it still shows up in small amounts in some of the best-selling lipstick brands.
  • The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which did an analysis of a study of lead in lipstick conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, wants consumers to know that most of the 400 different lipsticks tested were positive for lead (link.reuters.com/caz56s).
  • Several groups want the FDA to set a limit for how much lead lipstick can contain and to study whether there are any dangers to having the substance applied to human lips, particularly the lips of children and pregnant women.
  • Five of the nine lipstick brands with the most lead are sold by L’Oreal. L’Oreal’s “Color Sensational” Pink Petal had the most lead of any lipstick tested at 7.19 parts per million.
  • The FDA’s independent study, which will be published in the May/June 2012 issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Science, states that lipsticks pose no safety concerns for the millions of women who use them daily.
  • Authors of the book, “ Drop Dead Gorgeous: Protecting Yourself from the Hidden Dangers of Cosmetics,” Kim Erickson and Samuel Epstein say many ingredients in make-up have been shown to cause cancer in animals and should never be used as part of a beauty routine.
  • Coal tar colors, phenylenediamine, benzene and even formaldehyde are some of the toxins commonly found in shampoos, skin creams and blush, they say.
  • Hormone-disrupting chemicals, which could lower immunity to disease and cause neurological and reproductive damage, may also lurk in everyday cosmetics.
  • The authors claim the adverse effects of cosmetics build up over years of use.
  • The reason these synthetic ingredients are used is because they are inexpensive, stable and have a long shelf-life. Manufacturers love them, but the results from long-term use could be deadly.
  • So many things are put into cosmetics now that are carcinogenic, and it is allowed because cosmetics are not considered to be as serious as drugs or food.
Our Opinion:

WHOMP WHOMP…these two articles have really crimped our “New Year, New Us” style. Now how are we going to find new, dewy and fresh-faced 2012 make-up without poisoning ourselves?

We find it interesting that more and more advisory committees are saying that there is “no acceptable amount of lead exposure for children.” But when it comes to women’s lipstick, a little lead is okay.

The FDA says there is no cause for concern over the amount of lead in lipsticks because, comparatively speaking, they have significantly less lead than what’s in some of our children’s toys. However, logically speaking, if you put on lipstick multiple times every day, year after year, that amount of lead will build up and cause health problems.

Companies could find healthier ingredients to put in their makeup. But it would cost more, so they’re not going to do it unless they are forced. As usual, it all comes down to the almighty dollar.

http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/02/14/lipstick-lead-idINDEE81D0A020120214

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-108549/Danger-hides-make-up.html#ixzz1nE4A8ppc

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