Having trouble with capsules or powdered supplements that just are not palatable? New Multivitamin/Mineral/Antioxidant called Syndion is now available from New Beginnings at www.nbnus.com.
This combination formula could be a useful supplement for your family – particularly if you have had difficulty getting your child to take capsules or powders that are not palatable. I like the profile of the supplement as a combination vitamin/mineral/antioxidant remedy and the ingredients are chemical, gluten, casein, soy and egg-free.
Jim Adams from Arizona State University did a study:
“A pilot study indicated beneficial effects on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) in all areas, including Speech/Language,
Comprehension, Sociability, Sensory/Cognitive Awareness, and Health/Physical Behaviors” reports James Adams, PhD, an autism researcher at Arizona State University. “There was a 26% improvement in the total ATEC score during the 8 week study.”
Key Facts about Syndion®-SF:
*Is a comprehensive supplement that supplies necessary vitamins and minerals in a form that can be absorbed. It may replace several supplements and could save money.
*Contains important antioxidants which reduce oxidative stress in the body and support the immune system.
*Contains MSM and N-acetylcysteine which are sources of sulfur that support normal transulfuration pathways that contribute to adequate glutathione status.
*Contains adequate doses of B vitamins, folate and folinic acid, and minerals to support normal methylation pathways that can be involved in modification of heavy metals, regulation of gene expression, regulation of protein function, and RNA metabolism.
*Supports natural detoxification pathways that remove toxic substances from the body.
*Safely and effectively increases levels of fat-soluble nutrients and antioxidants.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Autism and the Controversy Over Vitamin D
Much has been discussed lately about the role of vitamin D and autism - particularly is additional vitamin D a beneficial biomedical therapy. Some indications are that many children on the autism-spectrum have very low levels, and that this deficiency can adversely affect brain development with respects to higher cognitive function such as complex thought, awareness, language development and more. The majority of children that I have tested show low levels of vitamin D (sometimes very low)- as evidenced by a 25(OH)D test - indicating that autistic children definitely appear to show a lack of this nutrient. However, this is not unique to autism as many individuals test low indicating that vitamin D deficiency in general may be a bigger issue than once realized. In traditional medicine the role of vitamin D has been mostly used to assist in calcium metabolism for bone health support. However, vitamin D has other function such as immune function support and protection against cancer.
There is a controversy brewing within the biomedical field for autism about vitamin D therapy, and the appropriate dosing of vitamin D. On one side there is the recommendation that higher doses of vitamin D (upwards of 5,000 to 10,000 units per day) are needed to get blood levels up high enough - in the range of 70 to 80 ng/ml - to help promote optimal health in an autistic individual. For years the standard dosing for kids has been between 100 to 400 units per day - sometimes a 1000 units per day in severely deficient children. There has always been a fear that excessive levels could be toxic. Recent information from the Vitamin D Council has shown that higher levels are likely needed to reach optimal effects, and that in general vitamin D dosing have been too low, and higher dosages are safe and appropriate.
The other side of this controversy is information put out from an organization called the Marshall Protocol. This group feels that vitamin D even at moderately elevated levels can be immune suppressive and dangerous - particularly if someone suffers from an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis or Rheumatoid Arthritis are conditions where the immune system attacks various body systems - in these cases the nerves and joints, respectively. The Marshall Protocol and Vitamin D Councils position on vitamin D are polar opposites. There really does not seem to be any middle ground between the two. So who is right? In the weeks to come I will be posting some additional information about vitamin D - particularly information about the benefits of this therapy. Listed here is an interesting article from Dr. Mercola talking about the Marshall Protocol. My viewpoint, after much research, is in agreement with Dr. Mercola. Vitamin D definitely has its place as a biomedical therapy for autism.
"Ever since I started promoting the benefits of vitamin D there has been a small but vocal minority of advocates of what is referred to as the “Marshall Protocol”.
As much as I would like to ignore it due to its lack of validity, I can no longer do so, because so many people are using this information and at the very least, they are placing their health at great risk and in many cases they are damaging their health.) Read More
There is a controversy brewing within the biomedical field for autism about vitamin D therapy, and the appropriate dosing of vitamin D. On one side there is the recommendation that higher doses of vitamin D (upwards of 5,000 to 10,000 units per day) are needed to get blood levels up high enough - in the range of 70 to 80 ng/ml - to help promote optimal health in an autistic individual. For years the standard dosing for kids has been between 100 to 400 units per day - sometimes a 1000 units per day in severely deficient children. There has always been a fear that excessive levels could be toxic. Recent information from the Vitamin D Council has shown that higher levels are likely needed to reach optimal effects, and that in general vitamin D dosing have been too low, and higher dosages are safe and appropriate.
The other side of this controversy is information put out from an organization called the Marshall Protocol. This group feels that vitamin D even at moderately elevated levels can be immune suppressive and dangerous - particularly if someone suffers from an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis or Rheumatoid Arthritis are conditions where the immune system attacks various body systems - in these cases the nerves and joints, respectively. The Marshall Protocol and Vitamin D Councils position on vitamin D are polar opposites. There really does not seem to be any middle ground between the two. So who is right? In the weeks to come I will be posting some additional information about vitamin D - particularly information about the benefits of this therapy. Listed here is an interesting article from Dr. Mercola talking about the Marshall Protocol. My viewpoint, after much research, is in agreement with Dr. Mercola. Vitamin D definitely has its place as a biomedical therapy for autism.
"Ever since I started promoting the benefits of vitamin D there has been a small but vocal minority of advocates of what is referred to as the “Marshall Protocol”.
As much as I would like to ignore it due to its lack of validity, I can no longer do so, because so many people are using this information and at the very least, they are placing their health at great risk and in many cases they are damaging their health.) Read More
Monday, March 16, 2009
Biofilms – A Potential Issue for Unresolved Yeast and Bacterial Problems in Children with Autism-Spectrum Disorders
The Biofilm Protocol is a therapy that can be employed in those individuals where conventional anti-bacterial or anti-yeast treatments have not resolved the issue. Listed here are a few things to consider with the use of this protocol:
Lack of stool culture findings for yeast and/or bacteria – but, individual seems to improve when placed on antibiotics or antifungal medication.
Adverse behavior in autism-spectrum disorders such as aggression, agitation, head-banging and others that is thought to be gut related, but no direct evidence of digestive pathogens.
Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), perseverative and/or repetitive behaviors – who tend to get worse in the spring and/or fall, yet do not test positive for strep infections.
Persistent and unresolved yeast and/or bacteria as evidenced on Organic Acid Test from Great Plains Laboratory (such as arabinose for yeast or HPHPA for clostridia bacteria.
Biofllms are a polysaccharide-type matrix (think of a large gelatinous glob) secreted by opportunistic bacteria and yeast. These pathogens secrete these biofilms as a defense mechanism to prevent immune detection which allows them to survive in an otherwise hostile environment. Unfortunately, with expansion of abnormal bacteria and yeast biofilms, the normal flora in the digestive system are reduced in number and overtime the digestive system becomes more and more stressed with increasing numbers of bad bacteria and yeast. In many situations these bacteria and yeast secrete toxins which adversely affect health. An example of biofilms is dental cavities. Bacteria in the mouth can produce biofilms which lead to cavity formation. A brand of mouthwash is now available called Biotene (found in most drug stores) which is specifically designed to help breakdown biofilms in the mouth.
The biofilms are held together by a combination of negatively charged minerals (aka. ions) such as calcium, magnesium and iron. In fact, iron seems to play a role in how many different types of pathogenic bacteria evade the immune system. The negative ions in biofilms are vulnerable to a certain chelator called EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). The EDTA binds these ions which makes the biofilm less stable. The addition of specific enzymes helps to breakdown the polysaccharide matrix, and the combination of the two – enzyme plus EDTA – makes the bacteria and yeast encased in the biofilm sludge exposed and vulnerable to attack. This not only allows the immune system access to the hiding pathogens, but antibiotics, anti-fungals or natural remedies such as herbs are now able to adversely affect the colonies of hiding bacteria and yeast.
The Biofilm Protocol has been set forth by Anju Usman, M.D. from Illinois. Dr. Usman is a long-standing member of the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) organization and an experienced biomedical autism treatment specialist. Her Biofilm Protocol (as mentioned by her from previous writings and lectures) is a work in progress, with each person needing to be treated individually.
The Biofilm Protocol (aka. program) consists of three stages: 1.) Breakdown and Detachment of the Biofilm using specific enzymes 2.) EDTA, Attacking of the microbes, and 3.) Cleaning-up phase.
The Biofilm Protocol, as well as additional biomedical protocols (from Heavy Metal Detoxification to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) as well as video lectures, daily access to Dr. Woeller through an interactive parent forum and twice weekly video chats and much more can be obtained from Autism Action Plan This membership site is a great way to empower your ability to help your child.
Lack of stool culture findings for yeast and/or bacteria – but, individual seems to improve when placed on antibiotics or antifungal medication.
Adverse behavior in autism-spectrum disorders such as aggression, agitation, head-banging and others that is thought to be gut related, but no direct evidence of digestive pathogens.
Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), perseverative and/or repetitive behaviors – who tend to get worse in the spring and/or fall, yet do not test positive for strep infections.
Persistent and unresolved yeast and/or bacteria as evidenced on Organic Acid Test from Great Plains Laboratory (such as arabinose for yeast or HPHPA for clostridia bacteria.
Biofllms are a polysaccharide-type matrix (think of a large gelatinous glob) secreted by opportunistic bacteria and yeast. These pathogens secrete these biofilms as a defense mechanism to prevent immune detection which allows them to survive in an otherwise hostile environment. Unfortunately, with expansion of abnormal bacteria and yeast biofilms, the normal flora in the digestive system are reduced in number and overtime the digestive system becomes more and more stressed with increasing numbers of bad bacteria and yeast. In many situations these bacteria and yeast secrete toxins which adversely affect health. An example of biofilms is dental cavities. Bacteria in the mouth can produce biofilms which lead to cavity formation. A brand of mouthwash is now available called Biotene (found in most drug stores) which is specifically designed to help breakdown biofilms in the mouth.
The biofilms are held together by a combination of negatively charged minerals (aka. ions) such as calcium, magnesium and iron. In fact, iron seems to play a role in how many different types of pathogenic bacteria evade the immune system. The negative ions in biofilms are vulnerable to a certain chelator called EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). The EDTA binds these ions which makes the biofilm less stable. The addition of specific enzymes helps to breakdown the polysaccharide matrix, and the combination of the two – enzyme plus EDTA – makes the bacteria and yeast encased in the biofilm sludge exposed and vulnerable to attack. This not only allows the immune system access to the hiding pathogens, but antibiotics, anti-fungals or natural remedies such as herbs are now able to adversely affect the colonies of hiding bacteria and yeast.
The Biofilm Protocol has been set forth by Anju Usman, M.D. from Illinois. Dr. Usman is a long-standing member of the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) organization and an experienced biomedical autism treatment specialist. Her Biofilm Protocol (as mentioned by her from previous writings and lectures) is a work in progress, with each person needing to be treated individually.
The Biofilm Protocol (aka. program) consists of three stages: 1.) Breakdown and Detachment of the Biofilm using specific enzymes 2.) EDTA, Attacking of the microbes, and 3.) Cleaning-up phase.
The Biofilm Protocol, as well as additional biomedical protocols (from Heavy Metal Detoxification to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) as well as video lectures, daily access to Dr. Woeller through an interactive parent forum and twice weekly video chats and much more can be obtained from Autism Action Plan This membership site is a great way to empower your ability to help your child.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Ibuprofen (aka. Motrin) Appears to Help Eradicate Candida Overgrowth
Another potential option for treating chronic yeast infections (i.e. Candida) has been discovered - Motrin. In a recent study by Pina-Vaz, et.al from the Department of Microbiology, Porto School of Medicine in Sweden it was shown that Ibuprofen at various concentrations had 'inhibiting' effects on Candida species proliferation, and at higher doses 'cidal' effects (aka. killing) were seen. The cidal mechanism was directly related to damaging the cell wall of Candida.
In addition, it was shown that an additive benefit was seen when Ibuprofen was used along with Fluconazole (aka. Diflucan) - a common medication used for Candida infections. I have have used Motrin for children on the autism-spectrum as a remedy to help decrease inflammation in the body - particularly the brain. Motrin (purchased over-the-counter) is implemented as a 7 to 14 day trial to see if it helps a child with respects to eye contact, focusing, attention, behavior changes, etc. With some children it does, and this has always been assumed to be a direct effect on neurological inflammation. However, with the findings of this new study it is possible that some of the benefits seen with Motrin may be related to an anti-candida property of the drug, and a reduction in toxic levels of yeast.
In addition, it was shown that an additive benefit was seen when Ibuprofen was used along with Fluconazole (aka. Diflucan) - a common medication used for Candida infections. I have have used Motrin for children on the autism-spectrum as a remedy to help decrease inflammation in the body - particularly the brain. Motrin (purchased over-the-counter) is implemented as a 7 to 14 day trial to see if it helps a child with respects to eye contact, focusing, attention, behavior changes, etc. With some children it does, and this has always been assumed to be a direct effect on neurological inflammation. However, with the findings of this new study it is possible that some of the benefits seen with Motrin may be related to an anti-candida property of the drug, and a reduction in toxic levels of yeast.
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