Culprits of Autism Identified:
Toxins, Gut Bacteria, Nutritional Deficiencies, and Vaccines Made with
Human Fetal Cell Lines
October 06, 2014
Story at-a-glance
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Three decades ago, autism affected one in 10,000 children.
Today, autism is estimated to afflict as many as one in 50
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Researchers are now starting to understand how a child’s
microbiome can play an important role, either by
exacerbating or even causing autistic symptoms. New studies
suggest restoring microbial balance may alleviate autistic
symptoms
-
Autistic children have distinctly different microbiome
compared to healthy children. Studies show they have fewer
healthy bacteria, and markedly higher levels of toxic
volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
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The Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) Nutritional Program
is designed to promote healthy gut flora and restore the
integrity of your gut lining
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Recent research also reveals that increases in autistic
disorder correspond with the introduction of vaccines using
human fetal cell lines and retroviral contaminants
By Dr. Mercola
Three decades ago, when I was still in medical school, autism
affected one in 10,000 children.1,
2 Today, autism is estimated to afflict as many as one
in 50 children.3
Mounting research indicates that brain disorders are the
result of excessive exposure to toxins from multiple
sources—including the mother, while in utero.
Another critical factor appears to be related to gut
bacteria, which are of course also adversely affected by toxic
exposures of all kinds, from food, environment, and medicine.
The more we learn about the functions of the human
microbiome, the more we come to realize that bacteria may in
fact be responsible for a vast majority of human health
conditions. As noted in a previous article by Experience
L!fe:4
"The idea that we have so many more microbial cells
than human cells runs counter to the long-held belief that
our health is mostly orchestrated by instructions embedded
in our DNA.
Scientists worked hard to crack the human genome,
but, ultimately, just knowing our genetic codes proved
insufficient to actually cure disease. Researchers
eventually realized they had to factor in and analyze the
human microbiome to get a clearer picture of how health and
well-being are maintained."
Researchers Reaffirm Link Between Gut Dysfunction and Autism
Researchers are now starting to understand how a child's
microbiome can play a role, either by exacerbating or even
causing autistic symptoms. As noted by Scientific American:5
"Autism is primarily a disorder of the brain, but
research suggests that as many as nine out of 10 individuals
with the condition also suffer from gastrointestinal
problems such as inflammatory bowel disease and 'leaky
gut'...
Scientists have long wondered whether the composition
of bacteria in the intestines, known as the gut microbiome,
might be abnormal in people with autism and drive some of
these symptoms.
Now a spate of new studies supports this notion and
suggests that restoring proper microbial balance could
alleviate some of the disorder's behavioral symptoms."
Indeed, this is precisely what Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride
surmised when she created the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS)
Nutritional Program, which is designed to restore the integrity
of your gut lining.
According to Dr. Campbell-McBride, most problems in the brain
are usually connected to what's going on in your digestive
system. She may also have been among the first to discover that
there's a very important connection between damaged gut flora in
pregnant women and developmental problems in their children,
especially autism.
I believe the
GAPS Nutritional program is vitally important for most, as
the majority of people have such poor gut health due to poor
diet and toxic exposures, but it's particularly crucial for
pregnant women and young children.
According to Dr. Campbell-McBride, in children with GAPS the
toxicity flowing from their gut throughout their bodies and into
their brains continually challenges their nervous system,
preventing it from performing its normal functions and process
sensory information.
GAPS may manifest in a wide range of symptoms, fitting the
diagnosis of either autism, or attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD) without
hyperactivity, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or obsessive-compulsive
disorder, just to name a few possibilities.
Autistic Children Have Fewer Healthy Bacteria, and Higher Levels
of Toxins
In one recent experiment conducted by researchers at Arizona
State University, feces from autistic and healthy children were
compared to assess the composition of their microflora. Not
surprisingly, the levels of bacterial colonies differed
significantly between the two groups.
Another study, published last year in the journal PLOS
One,6
also found that autistic children have distinctly different
microbiome compared to healthy children. Notably, they had fewer
healthy bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium. Autistic
children also had markedly higher levels of toxic volatile
organic compounds (VOCs).
The authors suggest that implementing a regimen of pre- and
probiotics could be a useful treatment tool to restore microbial
balance. They also noted that certain microbial indices may be
signatures for autism.
"One open question is whether these microbial
differences drive the development of the condition or are
instead a consequence of it. A study published in December
2013 in Cell7
supports the former idea," Scientific American8
goes on to report.
When researchers at the California Institute of
Technology incited autismlike symptoms in mice using an
established paradigm that involved infecting their mothers
with a viruslike molecule during pregnancy, they found that
after birth, the mice had altered gut bacteria compared with
healthy mice.
By treating the sick rodents with a health-promoting
bacterium called Bacteroides fragilis, the researchers were
able to attenuate some, but not all, of their behavioral
symptoms. The treated mice had less anxious and stereotyped
behaviors and became more vocally communicative."
The Rise of Nutritional Psychiatry
The Caltech study9
published in Cell is said to be the first to
demonstrate that alterations in gut bacteria can directly
influence autism-like behaviors in mice. Previous research has
shown that probiotics can serve as an
alternative treatment to antidepressant drugs in those with
depression and anxiety.
In fact, we're now seeing the rise of "nutritional
psychiatry," which I believe is a huge leap in the right
direction. In a paper published in the Journal of
Physiological Anthropology10
earlier this year, the authors discuss the importance of
fermented foods for mental health.
Fermentation, they note, produces varieties of phytochemicals
and flavonoids that are otherwise rare in the human diet, which
can readily alter the microbial profile in your intestines for
the better. They write:
"[T]he consumption of fermented foods may be
particularly relevant to the emerging research linking
traditional dietary practices and positive mental health.
The extent to which traditional dietary items may mitigate
inflammation and oxidative stress may be controlled, at
least to some degree, by microbiota.
It is our contention that properly controlled
fermentation may often amplify the specific nutrient and
phytochemical content of foods, the ultimate value of which
may associated with mental health; furthermore, we also
argue that the microbes (for example, Lactobacillus and
Bifidobacteria species) associated with fermented foods may
also influence brain health via direct and indirect
pathways."
Iron Deficiency Also Raises Autism Risk
In related news, another recent study11,
12 suggests that women over the age of 35 who are
deficient in iron during pregnancy, concurrent with a metabolic
condition, have a five-fold greater risk of having an
autistic child. According to The Scotsman:13
"Low iron intake was associated with the higher risk
if the mother was 35 or older at the time of the child's
birth or if she suffered from metabolic conditions such as
obesity hypertension or diabetes."
Three years ago, Assistant Professor Rebecca Schmidt at the
University of California reported an association between folic
acid supplementation and a reduced risk for autism. In her
latest study, maternal iron intake during pregnancy was also
found to play a role. According to Professor Schmidt:
"Iron deficiency, and its resultant anemia, is the
most common nutrient deficiency, especially during
pregnancy, affecting 40 to 50 percent of women and their
infants. Iron is crucial to early brain development,
contributing to neurotransmitter production, myelination and
immune function. All three of these pathways have been
associated with autism."
Autism and Cancer May Be Related to Human Fetal DNA in Vaccines
So far, evidence has pin-pointed environmental toxicity, gut
dysfunction, and certain nutritional deficiencies as
contributors to autism. There's also the issue of
vaccine-induced damage. A study published in the September 2014
issue of the Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology14
reveals a significant correlation between autism and three
specific vaccines:
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Hepatitis-A vaccines
As reported by Global Research:15
"Using statistical analysis and data from the US
Government, UK, Denmark and Western Australia, scientists at
Sound Choice Pharmaceutical Institute (SCPI) found that
increases in autistic disorder correspond with the
introduction of vaccines using human fetal cell lines and
retroviral contaminants. Even more alarming, Dr
Theresa Deisher, lead scientist and SCPI founder noted that,
'Not only are the human fetal contaminated vaccines
associated with autistic disorder throughout the world, but
also with epidemic childhood leukemia and lymphomas.'"
Autism Rates Jump Each Time Vaccine Made from Human Fetal Cell
Lines Is Released
The main clincher was the introduction of vaccines
manufactured with human fetal cell lines containing fetal and
retroviral contaminants. The cell line in question is known as
WI-38. According to the authors, autism rates rose sharply each
time another one of these vaccines were released. In the US,
autism rates jumped in 1980-1981 following the approval of
MeruvaxII and MMRII, both of which are made with the human fetal
cell line WI-38. Another jump in autism prevalence occurred in
1988, corresponding to three factors:
- The addition of a second dose of MMRII
- A highly successful measles vaccination campaign that
raised compliance from 50 to 82 percent between the years
1987-1989
- The introduction of Poliovax in 1987
In 1995, autism rates jumped again in response to the
introduction of the Varicella vaccine Varivax. In conclusion,
the authors note that "rising autistic disorder prevalence is
directly related to vaccines manufactured utilizing human fetal
cells." The timing of this damning study is uncanny. In late
August, Dr. William Thompson, a research scientist at the CDC's
National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases
(NCIR), claimed that the CDC covered up a vaccine-autism
connection in relation to the MMR vaccine.16
It now appears the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also
knew there were safety concerns relating to the use of human
fetal cell lines. As noted by Global Research:
"Instead of conducting safety studies [the FDA]
regulated the amount of human DNA that could be present in a
vaccine to no greater than 10ng.17
Unfortunately, Dr. Deisher's team discovered that the fetal
DNA levels ranged anywhere from 142ng – 2000ng per dose, way
beyond the so-called 'safe' level.
'There are a large number of publications about the
presence of HERV (human endogenous retrovirus – the only
re-activatable endogenous retrovirus) and its association
with childhood lymphoma,' noted Dr Deisher. 'The MMR II and
chickenpox vaccines and indeed all vaccines that were
propagated or manufactured using the fetal cell line WI-38
are contaminated with this retrovirus. And both parents and
physicians have a right to know this!'"
GAPS Protocol May Hold the 'Cure' for Autism
In her research, Dr. Campbell-McBride discovered that nearly
all of the mothers of autistic children have abnormal gut flora,
which is significant because newborns inherit their gut flora
from their mothers at the time of birth. Establishing normal gut
flora in the first 20 days or so of life plays a crucial role in
the maturation of your baby's immune system. It's important to
realize that babies who develop abnormal gut flora have
compromised immune systems, which puts them at higher risk for
suffering vaccine reactions. If your baby has
suboptimal gut flora, vaccines can become the proverbial "last
straw" — the trigger that "primes" his/her immune system to
develop chronic health problems.
The best way to prevent GAPS is for the mother to avoid all
processed foods, sugar, antibiotics (including CAFO meats and
antibacterial soaps), and birth control pills prior to
conception as these cause yeast and fungi to grow and also cause
leaky gut. This can then be followed by breastfeeding and
avoiding the use of antibiotics during (intrapartum) and after
delivering. It's also a good idea to make sure your baby's
microbiome is healthy before getting any vaccinations.
Fortunately, it's possible to rather inexpensively identify GAPS
within the first weeks of your baby's life, which can help you
make better-informed decisions about vaccinations, and about how
to proceed to set your child on the path to a healthy life.
The entire process for identifying children who would be at
risk for developing autism from a vaccine is described in her
book Gut
and Psychology Syndrome, but to sum it up, in her
practice she starts out by collecting a complete health history
of the parents, and their gut health is assessed. Then, within
the first few days of life, the stool of the child can be
analyzed to determine the state of her gut flora, followed by a
urine test to check for metabolites, which can give you a
picture of the state of your child's immune system. These tests
are available in most laboratories around the world and cost a
very reasonable amount, about $80 to $100 per test.
In my view, it is absolutely VITAL to perform this analysis
BEFORE you consider vaccinating your child. If the test results
are normal, the likelihood of autism after vaccines is
dramatically reduced. As Dr. Campbell-McBride states, she has
yet to find an autistic child with normal bowel flora. If you
find that your baby has abnormal gut microflora, or begins to
develop symptoms of autism a year or two later, the
GAPS program should be started immediately, as the younger
the child is when you start the treatment, the better the
results.
Your Gut Bacteria are Vulnerable to Your Diet and Lifestyle
Processed, refined foods in general will destroy healthy
microflora and feed bad bacteria and yeast, so limiting or
eliminating these from your diet should be at the top of your
list. Following my recently revised
nutrition plan is a simple way to automatically reduce your
intake of sugar from all sources. Processed foods wreak havoc on
your gut in a number of different ways:
- First, they are typically loaded with sugar,
and avoiding sugar (particularly fructose) is in my view,
based on the evidence, a critical aspect of preventing
and/or treating depression. Not only will sugar compromise
your beneficial gut bacteria by providing the preferred fuel
for pathogenic bacteria, it also contributes to chronic
inflammation throughout your body, including your brain.
- Many contain artificial sweeteners and
other synthetic additives that can wreak havoc with
brain health.
In fact, depression and panic attacks are two of the
reported side effects of
aspartame. Preliminary findings presented at the 65th
annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology also
report that drinking sweetened beverages―whether they're
sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners—is associated
with an increased risk of
depression.
- Processed foods are also typically loaded with
refined grains, which turn into sugar in your body.
Wheat in particular has also been implicated in
psychiatric problems, from depression to schizophrenia, due
to Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA), which has neurotoxic
activity.
- The majority of processed foods also contain
genetically engineered (GE) ingredients (primarily
corn and soy), which have been shown to be particularly
detrimental to beneficial bacteria. There are several
mechanisms of harm at work here. For example:
- Eating genetically engineered
Bt corn may turn your intestinal flora into a sort
of "living pesticide factory," essentially manufacturing
Bt-toxin from within your digestive system on a
continuing basis
- Beneficial gut bacteria are very sensitive to
residual glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup).
Due to mounting resistance, GE Roundup Ready crops are
being drenched with increasing amounts of this toxic
herbicide. Studies have already confirmed that
glyphosate alters and destroys beneficial gut flora in
animals, as evidenced by the increasing instances of
lethal botulism in cattle
- Recent research also reveals that your gut bacteria
are a key component of
glyphosate's mechanism of harm, as your gut microbes
have the identical pathway used by glyphosate to kill
weeds
Your gut bacteria are also very sensitive to and can be
harmed by:
Antibiotics, unless absolutely necessary (and when
you do, make sure to reseed your gut with fermented
foods and/or a probiotic supplement) |
Conventionally-raised meats and other animal
products, as CAFO animals are routinely fed low-dose
antibiotics, plus
genetically engineered grains, which have also been
implicated in the destruction of gut flora |
Chlorinated and/or fluoridated water |
Antibacterial soap |
Additional Resources
Dr. Campbell-McBride's blog,
www.doctor-natasha.com
contains articles and videos relating to a wide variety of
health problems that can be helped with the GAPS diet. You can
also find more information on her web site
www.GAPS.me. I highly recommend
her DVD, Cooking with GAPS, featuring Caroline
Barringer, as it contains step-by-step instructions. Ideally,
you'll want to use this DVD in conjunction with the book,
Gut and Psychology Syndrome.
Hilary Boynton and Mary Brackett have also written an
excellent GAPS cookbook called The Heal Your Gut Cookbook:
Nutrient-Dense Recipes for Intestinal Health Using the GAPS
Diet. To locate a certified GAPS practitioner, see
www.GAPS.me for a listing by
country and state. Additionally, Dr. Kaayla Daniel, vice
president of the Westin A. Price Foundation, and Sally Fallon
Morell have written a new book together, Nourishing Broth,
which also provides information on preparing broth.
Copyright 1997- 2014 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/10/06/culprits-autism.aspx
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