While scientists have not yet named a definitive cause of
autism, a recently published article suggests toxic metals may be to blame. On
the Medical XPress website, the article “Toxic metal pollution linked with
development of autism spectrum disorder” summarizes a research article, “Toxic
metal(loid)-based pollutants and their possible role in autism spectrum
disorder,” published in the October 2018 issue of Environmental Research. [To
read the summary article, please click here.]
Based on the belief that inflammation of nerve tissue in the brain causes autism, researchers from Russia, Norway, Bangladesh, Japan, France, Egypt, and Italy investigated the role of toxic metals in this inflammatory process. Under the direction of Professor Anatoly Skalny of RUDN University and Yaroslval State University in Russia, the researchers found evidence of neuroinflammation in the brains as well as toxins in the blood of children with autism.
The researchers determined that three toxic metals—aluminum, lead, and mercury—and one toxic metalloid, arsenic, might potentially cause autism. For example, aluminum impairs the function of glia, the cells that surround and support neurons, or nerve cells. In addition, arsenic interferes with neurotransmitters, the chemical substances that transfer nerve impulses to other nerves, muscles, and organs. The damage these common environmental pollutants can inflict explains neurological symptoms found in autism.
Specifically, the researchers noted three effects toxic metals can have upon the nervous system that may lead to a child developing autism. First, these toxins can trigger neuroinflammation commonly seen in autism in which tissues in the nervous system, particularly the brain, are inflamed. Also, these toxic metals can cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death. In addition, heavy metals can activate excitotoxicity, in which overstimulation of neurotransmitters can lead to damage or destruction of nerve cells.
If, indeed, children with autism are found to have heavy metal poisoning, the researchers do not recommend the typical treatment to eradicate these toxins. People with acute heavy metal toxicity, such as those with occupational exposure to these toxins, are typically treated with chelation therapy using sulfur-based compounds that bind with the heavy metals to remove them from the body. However, these oral chelators, including DMPS and DMSA, can have negative side effects. Moreover, children with autism are considered to have chronic metal toxicity and may need ongoing treatment to remove the heavy metals from their systems.
Consequently, the researchers advocate a nutritional approach that is both safe and effective. First, they recommend taking supplements of the minerals zinc and selenium, which can chelate heavy metals by binding with them and removing them from the body. Moreover, they suggest taking antioxidant supplements, such as Vitamin C and E, to protect cells from damage by these toxins.
Along with nutritional supplements, the researchers tout the value of a healthy diet to combat the effects of heavy metals. For instance, they promote eating foods that contain phytochemicals, such as flavanoids, which offer protective health benefits. These plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans, herbs, spices, nuts, and seeds, provide three key benefits: antioxidant action, immune system stimulation, and inflammation reduction.
In addition to including food with phytochemicals, the researchers also recommend a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods. An article on the online site Harvard Health Publishing at Harvard Medical School, “Foods that fight inflammation,” not only lists these healthy foods but also explains the benefits. [To read this article, please click here.] Included among anti-inflammatory foods are tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, olive oil, nuts, fatty fish, and fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
The research regarding the link between toxic metals and autism holds special interest for me because Alex was diagnosed with toxic levels of all four of the heavy metals named in the article: aluminum, lead, mercury, and arsenic. In fact, his doctor told us that he had the highest levels of arsenic she had ever seen. At that time, chelation with oral DMSA was the recommended treatment, and fortunately, Alex did quite well with this therapy. Although the careful and intermittent dosing of DMSA meant two years of chelation therapy, the sulfur-based compound removed these toxins from his system. Moreover, when we tested him ten years later to see if any of the toxins had returned, thankfully, the results indicated that he did not have any heavy metals in his system. Perhaps the nutritional supplements he takes, along with the healthy diet he eats, have protected him from heavy metals accumulating in his system again.
While this research linking heavy metal toxicity to autism is certainly a step in the right direction, scientists need to examine why children with autism cannot properly detoxify environmental pollutants. This research also highlights the need for parents to have their children with autism tested for heavy metal toxicity, which can easily and rather inexpensively be done through blood, hair, urine, or stool testing. For those who have aluminum, lead, mercury, and/or arsenic poisoning, the recommendations provided by the researchers—nutritional supplements and diet—offer simple and safe ways to eradicate toxins as well as to overcome the negative effects of the toxins upon the nervous system. Clearly, healing the nervous system in children with autism is crucial to their health, development, and well-being.
Based on the belief that inflammation of nerve tissue in the brain causes autism, researchers from Russia, Norway, Bangladesh, Japan, France, Egypt, and Italy investigated the role of toxic metals in this inflammatory process. Under the direction of Professor Anatoly Skalny of RUDN University and Yaroslval State University in Russia, the researchers found evidence of neuroinflammation in the brains as well as toxins in the blood of children with autism.
The researchers determined that three toxic metals—aluminum, lead, and mercury—and one toxic metalloid, arsenic, might potentially cause autism. For example, aluminum impairs the function of glia, the cells that surround and support neurons, or nerve cells. In addition, arsenic interferes with neurotransmitters, the chemical substances that transfer nerve impulses to other nerves, muscles, and organs. The damage these common environmental pollutants can inflict explains neurological symptoms found in autism.
Specifically, the researchers noted three effects toxic metals can have upon the nervous system that may lead to a child developing autism. First, these toxins can trigger neuroinflammation commonly seen in autism in which tissues in the nervous system, particularly the brain, are inflamed. Also, these toxic metals can cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death. In addition, heavy metals can activate excitotoxicity, in which overstimulation of neurotransmitters can lead to damage or destruction of nerve cells.
If, indeed, children with autism are found to have heavy metal poisoning, the researchers do not recommend the typical treatment to eradicate these toxins. People with acute heavy metal toxicity, such as those with occupational exposure to these toxins, are typically treated with chelation therapy using sulfur-based compounds that bind with the heavy metals to remove them from the body. However, these oral chelators, including DMPS and DMSA, can have negative side effects. Moreover, children with autism are considered to have chronic metal toxicity and may need ongoing treatment to remove the heavy metals from their systems.
Consequently, the researchers advocate a nutritional approach that is both safe and effective. First, they recommend taking supplements of the minerals zinc and selenium, which can chelate heavy metals by binding with them and removing them from the body. Moreover, they suggest taking antioxidant supplements, such as Vitamin C and E, to protect cells from damage by these toxins.
Along with nutritional supplements, the researchers tout the value of a healthy diet to combat the effects of heavy metals. For instance, they promote eating foods that contain phytochemicals, such as flavanoids, which offer protective health benefits. These plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans, herbs, spices, nuts, and seeds, provide three key benefits: antioxidant action, immune system stimulation, and inflammation reduction.
In addition to including food with phytochemicals, the researchers also recommend a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods. An article on the online site Harvard Health Publishing at Harvard Medical School, “Foods that fight inflammation,” not only lists these healthy foods but also explains the benefits. [To read this article, please click here.] Included among anti-inflammatory foods are tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, olive oil, nuts, fatty fish, and fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
The research regarding the link between toxic metals and autism holds special interest for me because Alex was diagnosed with toxic levels of all four of the heavy metals named in the article: aluminum, lead, mercury, and arsenic. In fact, his doctor told us that he had the highest levels of arsenic she had ever seen. At that time, chelation with oral DMSA was the recommended treatment, and fortunately, Alex did quite well with this therapy. Although the careful and intermittent dosing of DMSA meant two years of chelation therapy, the sulfur-based compound removed these toxins from his system. Moreover, when we tested him ten years later to see if any of the toxins had returned, thankfully, the results indicated that he did not have any heavy metals in his system. Perhaps the nutritional supplements he takes, along with the healthy diet he eats, have protected him from heavy metals accumulating in his system again.
While this research linking heavy metal toxicity to autism is certainly a step in the right direction, scientists need to examine why children with autism cannot properly detoxify environmental pollutants. This research also highlights the need for parents to have their children with autism tested for heavy metal toxicity, which can easily and rather inexpensively be done through blood, hair, urine, or stool testing. For those who have aluminum, lead, mercury, and/or arsenic poisoning, the recommendations provided by the researchers—nutritional supplements and diet—offer simple and safe ways to eradicate toxins as well as to overcome the negative effects of the toxins upon the nervous system. Clearly, healing the nervous system in children with autism is crucial to their health, development, and well-being.
“Stretch out Your hand with healing power; may miraculous
signs and wonders be done through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Acts
4:30
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