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Newsletter & Health News
Autism
We receive many hair analyses with a diagnosis of autism. This is not surprising, given the
tremendous increase in autism in the past 20 years. Parents of autistic children report that the
ARL tissue mineral analysis is often helpful for their children.
Autism is actually a spectrum of behavioral disorders that causes repeated behaviors, bizarre
behavior and inability to communicate. One in every 500 children is now diagnosed with autism.
According to California records, it has increased 1000% in the past 20 years!
Autism used to account for 3% of the caseload of the California Department of Economic
Security. It now account for 34% of the caseload and costs taxpayers about two million dollars
per child. These figures include only autism and not related disorders such PPD, NOS,
Aspergers Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders.
Causes of Autism
There is no official medical cause or cure for autism. Autism foundations often focus on
discovering a genetic cause, but have yet to succeed. However, it is possible to piece together a
number of contributing factors. The following is known:
• Fully 93% of cases of autism begin after children are vaccinated! Dr. Joseph Mercola, who
has treated hundreds of autistic children, particularly indicts the hepatitis B vaccine, given on the
child's first day of life. At that time, children do not have a developed immune system and their
nervous system is very vulnerable. In the USA, the number of vaccines has increased from 8 in
1980 to 22 today.
• About 80% of autistic children have auto-antibodies in their blood that are present in only
about 5% of normal children. These auto-antibodies are related to viruses such as measles,
mumps and cytomegalovirus. Some are specifically related to the MMR vaccine.
• Many vaccines (though not the MMR) contain thiomersal, which is 49.5% mercury. The
symptoms of autism are very similar to the symptoms of mercury poisoning. Children today
receive over 100 times the safe dose of mercury for 6-month-olds due to vaccines.
• 99% of autistic children in a recent study have dysfunctional metallothionein metabolism.
Metallothionein is a carrier protein required for mercury, copper and other metal detoxification.
• Many autistic children are highly allergic to milk protein. Strict avoidance of all milk products is
beneficial for many of these children. Avoiding wheat and sugar also helps many autistic children.
• Giving secretin to autistic children has been found helpful. Secretin is a powerful hormone
normally secreted by the mucosa of the duodenum and jejunum. It stimulates the pancreas to
secrete digestive juices.
From these empirical studies, one can see that vaccine reactions appear to play a role in
autism, as perhaps does mercury toxicity and leaky gut or other intestinal dysfunctions. The high
percentage with metallothionein dysfunction could be genetic, but it could also be due to
nutritional imbalances.
Hair Analysis and Nutritional Aspects
Most autistic children's hair analyses reveal a slow oxidation pattern, often a low
sodium/potassium ratio and often copper imbalance. Other toxic metals such as mercury may be
present, although they are not always revealed on the first hair test.
We know that many mothers today are nutritionally deficient and many have copper toxicity,
whether overt or hidden. These imbalances can be passed on to the children. Copper, mercury
and other metals pass through the placenta from mother to child. The influence of the father is
less clear, although there is obviously genetic influence.
Low sodium/potassium ratios on hair analyses are often associated with digestive disturbance.
This is compounded today by soy-based infant formulas, the use of antibiotics and other
medication that damage the normal bowel flora, and antibiotics along with other chemicals found
in foods that can disrupt the intestinal flora.
Genetic problems cannot account for the staggering increase in autism in the past 20 years.
However, genes are activated by nutrients. In our experience, mothers and children are more
poorly nourished today than twenty years ago, thanks to poor eating habits and changes in our
food supply.
Stress from other sources may also play a role. The hair mineral tests often reveal chronic
stress patterns. In addition to the stress due to vaccines, poor diets and medications, stress may
be related to the family and the child's environment.
Correction of Autism
In addition to avoidance of allergic foods and secretin therapy, a scientifically designed
nutrition program may be helpful for autism in several ways. The first is by enhancing digestion
and absorption. This may require digestive enzymes, probiotics such as acidophilus, anti-candida
supplements and dietary changes to help rebuild the digestive system.
Nutritional balancing programs can also facilitate the removal of mercury, copper and other
metals that may be present in excess. This can occur even if metallothionein metabolism is
impaired. The nutrition programs recommended by Analytical Research Labs help remove toxic
metals by five methods simultaneously:
• improve energy production by balancing the oxidation rate
• improve the organs of elimination
• provide chelating agents such as vitamin C
• provide antagonists for toxic metals
• recommend ways to reduce exposure to metals.
References:
There are many references on the subject of autism. The following are just a few: 1) Autism
and Mercury, Waterhouse, R., Sunday Times, London. 2) California Dept. of Developmental
Services, quoted by Rollens, R., M.I.N.D. Institute of California. 3) Smith, C. and Doyle, M.,
Memorandum Regarding Congressional Autism Conference. 4) For more references, see www.
Mercola.com
Copyright © 2001
This material is for educational purposes only
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
