Another dietary factor to consider is the link between high fructose corn syrup and autism. Eliminating this common sweetener may have both a preventative effect and improve neurological symptoms.
Another dietary factor to consider is the link between high fructose corn syrup and autism. Eliminating this common sweetener may have both a preventative effect and improve neurological...
... (more)The Gluten Free Casein Free diet is one - parents have observed improved eye contact and language and decreased hyperactivity, among other things. Also worth a try is the GAPs diet - less studied, but also promising. There are pages on FoundHealth about both of these diets - check them out!
The Gluten Free Casein Free diet is one - parents have observed improved eye contact and language and decreased hyperactivity, among other things. Also worth a try is the GAPs diet - less studied,...
... (more)
Wow, thanks so much for sharing! At what age did your daughter receive her diagnosis, and at what age did she start the diet?
Thanks a lot Henry! If you or someone you know tries this, please share your experience and help us strengthen our info.
1Madsen, K.M., Lauritsen, M. B., Pedersen, C. B., Thorsen, P., Plesner, A.M., Andersen, P.H. & Mortensen, P. B. "Thimerosal and the Occurrence of Autism: Negative Ecological Evidence from Danish Population-Based Data", Pediatrics 3, no 112 (2003): 604–6.
2“Thimerosal in vaccines,” www.fda.gov, 31 March 2010, http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/VaccineSafety/UCM096228#toc.
3Ratajczak, Helen. "Theoretical aspects of autism: Causes—A review", Journal of Immunotoxicology 8, no 1 (2011): 68-79.
4Campbell-Mcbride, Natasha. "Gut and Psychology Syndrome", Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine 23, no. 2 (2008): 90-94.
Because the first symptoms of autism are often reported shortly after vaccination, there is a lot of debate about a possible causal relationship.
The ingredients and practices under scrutiny for causality are:
Thimerosal
Thimerosal is an antibacterial preservative found in many vaccinations, including some flu vaccines and one brand of the DTaP vaccine. It contains 49% ethyl mercury. Points worth considering are:
Mercury
Mercury, present in the vaccine preservative Thimerosal, is a likely contributor to autism, though it is unknown whether vaccines or other environmental exposure are the actual culprit. Symptoms of mercury exposure and autism are similar, including social impairments, depression, anxiety, and neurosis. In addition to the small amounts found in vaccines, mercury can be found in
Human DNA in the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
In 1979, a new version of the MMR vaccine was introduced that did not contain Thimerosal. The rubella component this new version of the MMR vaccine was propagated in a human cell line derived from embryonic lung tissue, meaning that it contained human DNA. An additional spike in incidence of autism occurred in 1995 when the chicken pox vaccine was grown in human fetal tissue.
Vaccination Schedules
Some doctors and researchers recommend administrating the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines separately, about a year apart from each other. In theory, this would reduce the severity of any side effects while improving the effectiveness of each vaccine.3
A Note on the Immune System and Vaccines
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, clinician and founder of the GAPS diet, does not believe that vaccines cause autism, but rather cause the latent disease to express itself. Because the immune systems of autistic children are almost always compromised due to imbalanced gut flora, they are overwhelmed by the introduction of vaccines. This, in her opinion, may lead to the first symptoms of autism.4
Because the first symptoms of autism are often reported shortly after vaccination, there is a lot of debate about a possible causal relationship.
The ingredients and practices under scrutiny for causality are:
Thimerosal
Thimerosal is an antibacterial preservative found in many vaccinations, including some flu vaccines and one brand of the DTaP vaccine. It contains 49% ethyl mercury. Points worth considering are:
Mercury
Mercury, present in the vaccine preservative Thimerosal, is a likely contributor to autism, though it is unknown whether vaccines or other environmental exposure are the actual culprit. Symptoms of mercury exposure and autism are similar, including social impairments, depression, anxiety, and neurosis. In addition to the small amounts found in vaccines, mercury can be found in
Human DNA in the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
In 1979, a new version of the MMR vaccine was introduced that did not contain Thimerosal. The rubella component this new version of the MMR vaccine was propagated in a human cell line derived from embryonic lung tissue, meaning that it contained human DNA. An additional spike in incidence of autism occurred in 1995 when the chicken pox vaccine was grown in human fetal tissue.
Vaccination Schedules
Some doctors and researchers recommend administrating the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines separately, about a year apart from each other. In theory, this would reduce the severity of any side effects while improving the effectiveness of each vaccine.2 3
A Note on the Immune System and Vaccines
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, clinician and founder of the GAPS diet, does not believe that vaccines cause autism, but rather cause the latent disease to express itself. Because the immune systems of autistic children are almost always compromised due to imbalanced gut flora, they are overwhelmed by the introduction of vaccines. This, in her opinion, may lead to the first symptoms of autism.3 4
1Madsen, K.M., Lauritsen, M. B., Pedersen, C. B., Thorsen, P., Plesner, A.M., Andersen, P.H. & Mortensen, P. B. "Thimerosal and the Occurrence of Autism: Negative Ecological Evidence from Danish Population-Based Data", Pediatrics 3, no 112 (2003): 604–6.
2“Thimerosal in vaccines,” www.fda.gov, 31 March 2010, http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/VaccineSafety/UCM096228#toc.
23Ratajczak, Helen. "Theoretical aspects of autism: Causes—A review", Journal of Immunotoxicology 8, no 1 (2011): 68-79.
34Campbell-Mcbride, Natasha. "Gut and Psychology Syndrome", Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine 23, no. 2 (2008): 90-94.
Because the first symptoms of autism are often reported shortly after vaccination, there is a lot of debate about a possible causal relationship.
The ingredients and practices under scrutiny for causality are:
Thimerosal
Thimerosal is an antibacterial preservative found in many vaccinations, including some flu vaccines and one brand of the DTaP vaccine. It contains 49% ethyl mercury. Points worth considering are:
Mercury
Mercury, present in the vaccine preservative Thimerosal, is a likely contributor to autism, though it is unknown whether vaccines or other environmental exposure are the actual culprit. Symptoms of mercury exposure and autism are similar, including social impairments, depression, anxiety, and neurosis. In addition to the small amounts found in vaccines, mercury can be found in
Human DNA in the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
In 1979, a new version of the MMR vaccine was introduced that did not contain Thimerosal. The rubella component this new version of the MMR vaccine was propagated in a human cell line derived from embryonic lung tissue, meaning that it contained human DNA. An additional spike in incidence of autism occurred in 1995 when the chicken pox vaccine was grown in human fetal tissue.
Vaccination Schedules
Some doctors and researchers recommend administrating the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines separately, about a year apart from each other. In theory, this would reduce the severity of any side effects while improving the effectiveness of each vaccine.3
A Note on the Immune System and Vaccines
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, clinician and founder of the GAPS diet, does not believe that vaccines cause autism, but rather cause the latent disease to express itself. Because the immune systems of autistic children are almost always compromised due to imbalanced gut flora, they are overwhelmed by the introduction of vaccines. This, in her opinion, may lead to the first symptoms of autism.4
Because the first symptoms of autism are often reported shortly after vaccination, there is a lot of debate about a possible causal relationship.
The ingredients and practices under scrutiny for causality are:
Thimerosal
Thimerosal is an antibacterial preservative found in many vaccinations, including the some flu vaccine vaccines and the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) one brand of the DTaP vaccine. It contains 49% ethyl mercury. Points worth considering are:
Mercury
Mercury, present in the vaccine preservative Thimerosal, is a likely contributor to autism, though it is unknown whether vaccines or other environmental exposure are the actual culprit. Symptoms of mercury exposure and autism are similar, including social impairments, depression, anxiety, and neurosis. In addition to the small amounts found in vaccines, mercury can be found in
Human DNA in the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
In 1979, a new version of the MMR vaccine was introduced that did not contain Thimerosal. The rubella component this new version of the MMR vaccine was propagated in a human cell line derived from embryonic lung tissue, meaning that it contained human DNA. An additional spike in incidence of autism occurred in 1995 when the chicken pox vaccine was grown in human fetal tissue.
Vaccination Schedules
Some doctors and researchers recommend administrating the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines separately, about a year apart from each other. In theory, this would reduce the severity of any side effects while improving the effectiveness of each vaccine.3
A Note on the Immune System and Vaccines
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, clinician and founder of the GAPS diet, does not believe that vaccines cause autism, but rather cause the latent disease to express itself. Because the immune systems of autistic children are almost always compromised due to imbalanced gut flora, they are overwhelmed by the introduction of vaccines. This, in her opinion, may lead to the first symptoms of autism.4
Mercury exposure causes neurological distress, and is one of the clearest causes of autism. HFCS, a shelf-life enhancing sweetener commonly used in processed foods, has been shown to contain trace amounts of mercury. Mercury has also been found in common food colorings, where it is allowed by the FDA as long as it does not exceed one part per million.
There is now evidence that autism can be caused by a biochemical abnormality that disables the metal clearing function of metallothionein (MT) protein. Zinc is a mineral which plays a critical role in the elimination of toxic metals from the body. It works in concert with MT to eliminate mercury and other heavy metals from the body.
Consumption of HFCS results in low zinc levels.2 It has become clear that zinc depletion actually leads to toxic metal overload, and that mercury exposure causes zinc depletion. Severe zinc depletion and toxic metal overload may disable MT function.
Studies have shown that
Simply put, when the body is exposed to heavy metals, its capacity to excrete them is impaired. This can result in a systemic buildup, and cause oxidative stress on the brain. Toxic metal burden is associated with the severity of the neurological condition.1
Zinc deficiency also plays a role in ADHD.
It is possible to develop autism with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing autism. There is no way known to modify your child's risk for autism.
Genetics is believed to play a role in the risk of autism because the condition is more common in:
Recent studies have linked deletions in a section of chromosome 16. This chromosome abnormality may account for a small percentage of autism cases.
Caucasian males are more likely to be affected by autism than females. When girls are affected, though, they may have more profound symptoms.
Older parents (eg, mother's age over 35) may have a higher risk of having a child with autism.
Autism occurs more frequently in children with rare genetic disorders or other medical conditions, including:
There has also been a lot of press attention claiming links between vaccines and autism, as well as growing concern about high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and its possible causal role. Fetal and early childhood mercury exposure have also been linked to autism.
Because the first symptoms of autism are often reported shortly after vaccination, there is a lot of debate about a possible causal relationship.
The ingredients and practices under scrutiny for causality are:
Thimerosal
Thimerosal is an antibacterial preservative found in many vaccinations, including some flu vaccines and one brand of the DTaP vaccine. It contains 49% ethyl mercury. Points worth considering are:
Mercury
Mercury, present in the vaccine preservative Thimerosal, is a likely contributor to autism, though it is unknown whether vaccines or other environmental exposure are the actual culprit. Mercury toxicity Symptoms of mercury exposure and autism share several symptoms are similar, including social impairments, depression, anxiety, and neurosis. In addition to the small amounts found in vaccines, mercury can be found in
Human DNA in the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
In 1979, a new version of the MMR vaccine was introduced that did not contain Thimerosal. The rubella component this new version of the MMR vaccine was propagated in a human cell line derived from embryonic lung tissue, meaning that it contained human DNA. An additional spike in incidence of autism occurred in 1995 when the chicken pox vaccine was grown in human fetal tissue.
Vaccination Schedules
Some doctors and researchers recommend administrating the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines separately, about a year apart from each other. In theory, this would reduce the severity of any side effects while improving the effectiveness of each vaccine.3
A Note on the Immune System and Vaccines
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, clinician and founder of the GAPS diet, does not believe that vaccines cause autism, but rather cause the latent disease to express itself. Because the immune systems of autistic children are almost always compromised due to imbalanced gut flora, they are overwhelmed by the introduction of vaccines. This, in her opinion, may lead to the first symptoms of autism.4
1 Dufault, Renee et al. "Mercury exposure, nutritional deficiencies and metabolic disruptions may affect learning in children," Behavioral and Brain Functions 5, no 44 (2009). 2 Palmer, R et al. “Environmental mercury release, special education rates, and autism disorder: an ecological study of Texas.” Health Place 12, 203-209: (2006).
3 Scholl TO et al. “Low zinc intake during pregnancy: its association with preterm and very preterm delivery.” American Journal of Epidemiology 10 no 137, 1115-1124:(1993).
4 Schendel D et al. “Birth weight and gestational age characteristics of children with autism, including a comparison with other developmental disabilities.” Pediatrics 6, no 121: 1155-1164 (2008).
5 Julshamn K et al. “Trace elements intake in the faroe islands - element levels in edible parts of pilot whales (globicephalus meleanus).” Sci Total Environ 65: 53-62 (1987).
Mercury toxicity and autism share several symptoms, including social impairments, depression, anxiety, and neurosis.
There is now evidence that autism can be caused by a biochemical abnormality that disables the metal clearing function of metallothionein (MT) protein. MT protein works in concert with zinc to eliminate mercury and other heavy metals from the body. Severe zinc depletion and toxic metal overload may disable MT function. It has become clear that zinc depletion actually leads to toxic metal overload, and that mercury exposure causes zinc depletion. Zinc deficiency also plays a role in ADHD.
Long term exposure to mercury contaminated high fructose corn syrup could cause both zinc depletion and toxic metal overload, compromising MT functioning and leading to the bioaccumulation of mercury. 1
Several environmental and epigenetic studies have found links between mercury exposure and compromised neurological function, including autism.
For every 1,000 pounds of mercury released into the environment, there was a 43-percent increase in the rate of special education services and a 61-percent increase in the rate of autism.2
Low zinc intake during pregnancy is associated with a significant increase in the risk of preterm delivery 3. Low birth weight and pre-term birth increase the risk of autism two fold.4
In a study on prenatal mercury exposure in the Faroe Islands, researchers found after following 900 children until seven years of age that higher umbilical cord blood methylmercury was associated with lower scores on several developmental and cognitive tests [38]. The Faroese diet includes whale meat. In whale meat, the concentration of mercury rises continually with age and can exceed the selenium content. 5
Another study on prenatal mercury exposure followed 700 children in the Seychelles Islands, and found no relation between maternal hair mercury content and neurological function. This may be because Selenium levels are lower than mercury content in whale meat. Selenium is an important micronutrient which protects neurons from damage caused by mercury. 5 The Faroese diet of whale meat most likely contains more unmitigated mercury exposure with lower levels of selenium. 1
Mercury toxicity and autism share several symptoms, including social impairments, depression, anxiety, and neurosis.
There is now evidence that autism can be caused by a biochemical abnormality that disables the metal clearing function of metallothionein (MT) protein. MT protein works in concert with zinc to eliminate mercury and other heavy metals from the body. Severe zinc depletion and toxic metal overload may disable MT function. It has become clear that zinc depletion actually leads to toxic metal overload, and that mercury exposure causes zinc depletion. Zinc deficiency also plays a role in ADHD.
Long term exposure to mercury contaminated high fructose corn syrup could cause both zinc depletion and toxic metal overload, compromising MT functioning and leading to the bioaccumulation of mercury. 1
Mercury exposure causes neurological distress, and is one of the clearest causes of autism. HFCS, a shelf-life enhancing sweetener commonly used in processed foods, has been shown to contain trace amounts of mercury. Mercury has also been found in common food colorings, where it is allowed by the FDA as long as it does not exceed one part per million.
There is now evidence that autism can be caused by a biochemical abnormality that disables the metal clearing function of metallothionein (MT) protein. Zinc is a mineral which plays a critical role in the elimination of toxic metals from the body. It works in concert with MT to eliminate mercury and other heavy metals from the body.
Consumption of HFCS results in low zinc levels.2 It has become clear that zinc depletion actually leads to toxic metal overload, and that mercury exposure causes zinc depletion. Severe zinc depletion and toxic metal overload may disable MT function.
Studies have shown that
Simply put, when the body is exposed to heavy metals, its capacity to excrete them is impaired. This can result in a systemic buildup, and cause oxidative stress on the brain. Toxic metal burden is associated with the severity of the neurological condition.1
Zinc deficiency also plays a role in ADHD.
Data collected in California, the only state that has kept records of autism incidence since the mid-1980s, showed that the peak years for annual consumption of HFCS coincided with the peak growth rates of ASD incidence in California.1
American children between the ages of 3 and 17 are reported to have 1.1% prevalence of autism, a number that has grown substantially in the past thirty years. Prevalence in Italy is only .1%.1
A study published in 2012 compared Italian and American lifestyles, assessing risk factors such as fish consumption, dental amalgam, air pollution, and other sources of mercury exposure. It found that environmental exposure to mercury in the two populations is equal, with the exception of the high quantity of HFCS consumed by Americans - around 37 pounds per year.1
Mercury exposure causes neurological distress, and is one of the clearest causes of autism. HFCS, a shelf-life enhancing sweetener commonly used in processed foods, has been shown to contain trace amounts of mercury. Mercury has also been found in common food colorings, where it is allowed by the FDA as long as it does not exceed one part per million.
There is now evidence that autism can be caused by a biochemical abnormality that disables the metal clearing function of metallothionein (MT) protein. Zinc is a mineral which plays a critical role in the elimination of toxic metals from the body. It works in concert with MT to eliminate mercury and other heavy metals from the body.
Consumption of HFCS results in low zinc levels.2 It has become clear that zinc depletion actually leads to toxic metal overload, and that mercury exposure causes zinc depletion. Severe zinc depletion and toxic metal overload may disable MT function.
Studies have shown that
Simply put, when the body is exposed to heavy metals, its capacity to excrete them is impaired. This can result in a systemic buildup, and cause oxidative stress on the brain. Toxic metal burden is associated with the severity of the neurological condition.1
Zinc deficiency also plays a role in ADHD.
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop autism with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing autism. There is no way known to modify your child's risk for autism.
Genetics is believed to play a role in the risk of autism because the condition is more common in:
Recent studies have linked deletions in a section of chromosome 16. This chromosome abnormality may account for a small percentage of autism cases.
Caucasian males are more likely to be affected by autism than females. When girls are affected, though, they may have more profound symptoms.
Older parents (eg, mother's age over 35) may have a higher risk of having a child with autism.
Autism occurs more frequently in children with rare genetic disorders or other medical conditions, including:
There has also been a lot of press attention claiming links between vaccines and autism, as well as growing concern about high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and its possible causal role. Fetal and early childhood mercury exposure have also been linked to autism.
Because the first symptoms of autism are often reported shortly after vaccination, there is a lot of debate about a possible causal relationship.
The ingredients and practices under scrutiny for causality are:
Thimerosal
Thimerosal is an antibacterial preservative found in many vaccinations, including some flu vaccines and one brand of the DTaP vaccine. It contains 49% ethyl mercury. Points worth considering are:
Mercury
Mercury, present in the vaccine preservative Thimerosal, is a likely contributor to autism, though it is unknown whether vaccines or other environmental exposure are the actual culprit. Symptoms of mercury exposure and autism are similar, including social impairments, depression, anxiety, and neurosis. In addition to the small amounts found in vaccines, mercury can be found in
Human DNA in the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
In 1979, a new version of the MMR vaccine was introduced that did not contain Thimerosal. The rubella component this new version of the MMR vaccine was propagated in a human cell line derived from embryonic lung tissue, meaning that it contained human DNA. An additional spike in incidence of autism occurred in 1995 when the chicken pox vaccine was grown in human fetal tissue.
Vaccination Schedules
Some doctors and researchers recommend administrating the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines separately, about a year apart from each other. In theory, this would reduce the severity of any side effects while improving the effectiveness of each vaccine.3
A Note on the Immune System and Vaccines
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, clinician and founder of the GAPS diet, does not believe that vaccines cause autism, but rather cause the latent disease to express itself. Because the immune systems of autistic children are almost always compromised due to imbalanced gut flora, they are overwhelmed by the introduction of vaccines. This, in her opinion, may lead to the first symptoms of autism.4
