Naturally Recovering Autism with Karen Thomas

Karen Thomas of Naturally Recovering Autism interviews Zen Honeycutt from Moms Across America on Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury Found in Baby Formula. Catalyzed by the FDA’s failure to regulate heavy metals in baby formula, a coalition of consumer advocacy groups commissions testing of 20 different brands. Groups urge the FDA and legislators to protect infants from toxic exposure. Severe health risks posed by these toxic metals include developmental delays, cancer, kidney damage, and neurocognitive difficulties. A coalition of consumer advocacy groups, including Moms Across America, GMOScience, and The New MDS, has uncovered alarming levels of toxic metals in baby formula. Testing of 20 popular brands revealed that 100% of samples contained aluminum and lead, with over half also testing positive for arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. Disturbingly, six formulas contained all five metals in both samples. Notably, aluminum levels in one goat’s milk formula were up to 40,000 times higher than other metals tested, far exceeding FDA safety limits. Mercury and cadmium levels in several samples also surpassed allowable limits in drinking water. Despite the FDA’s “Closer to Zero” initiative launched in 2021, no substantial regulatory limits have been set, leaving babies vulnerable. Recent efforts, including the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024, which was announced by Congress on May 9, one week after the heads of Moms Across America and GMOScience met with lawmakers and the FDA in D.C. to deliver the results of the baby formula testing, aim to give the FDA authority to regulate and enforce limits on levels of heavy metals found in baby food and potentially formula. Talk points in this podcast: Alarming rates of toxic metals when testing 20 different baby formula brands. 100% of the 40 samples tested contained aluminum and lead. 57% of the samples tested positive for arsenic, 55% for mercury, and 35% for cadmium. Six of the 20 formulas were positive for all five toxic metals in both samples. At 41,000 ppb, aluminum levels in a goat’s milk baby formula were 4000 – 40,000x higher than other metals in the formulas tested and exceed limits set by the FDA for maximum safety level of aluminum for a preemie. Levels of mercury in four samples measured above the limit allowed by the FDA in drinking water. Levels of cadmium in both samples of one formula were nearly twice the level allowed in drinking water. The is heightened vulnerability of infants due to their small bodies and rapid cellular growth... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/197

It’s common in children, and adults, with autism to have speech issues. This can be a difficulty speaking clearly all the way to completely non-verbal, at any age. Many symptoms come from various toxins, pathogens and coinfections. We begin with healing the gut and diet, but there is so much more involved. In my last podcast episode We discussed the toxicity of aluminum. In studies it has been noted that speech is one of the symptoms associated with speech issues of all kinds. It’s never just one thing. Speech is helped by all of it, but for best results the complete A-Z approach must be done. As underlying common symptoms of speech issues with autism I find there are three issues that are an absolute must to be covered properly for best results. Speech issues are caused by many things, but the top three I’ve found in my research and experience are: Aluminum Viruses PANS Aluminum How Do We Get Aluminum Exposure? Aluminum is prevalent in our society in the air, soil/food, water, cookware, and in the health care products most people use daily such as deodorants, fragrances, lotions, make-up, and so much more. It is contained in antacids, over the counter supplements, and medications. Almost 75% of all adjuvant-based medical treatments include aluminum salts. Aluminum Poisoning with Emphasis on Its Mechanism and Treatment of Intoxication See Study here. Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/196

How Do We Get Aluminum Exposure? Aluminum is prevalent in our society in the air, soil/food, water, cookware, and in the health care products most people use daily such as deodorants, fragrances, lotions, make-up, and so much more. It is contained in antacids, over the counter supplements, and medications. Aluminum-based adjuvants are also used in the immunotherapy of allergic conditions. Almost 75% of all adjuvant-based treatments include aluminum salts. Aluminum Poisoning with Emphasis on Its Mechanism and Treatment of Intoxication See Study here. Mehrdad Rafati Rahimzadeh, 1 Mehravar Rafati Rahimzadeh, 2 Sohrab Kazemi, 3 Roghayeh Jafarian Amiri, 1 Marzieh Pirzadeh, 4 and Ali Akbar Moghadamnia 5 Aluminum, a corrosion-resistant metal, has light weight and density, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and high ductility and is easily deformable. For this reason, it is used in aerospace industries, transportation industries, packaging and food industries, building and construction, electrical industries, a wide range of home household and appliances, machinery and equipment, and monetary currency like aluminum coins... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/195

Nanti’s son was diagnosed with autism at twenty-eight months. For almost a decade, she searched for answers to help give him a future with more independence, peacefulness, and a better way of life. After trying various practitioners, one after the other, that did not give her any real help or hope for his future, she persevered to find the education, guidance, and support she needed and found it at Naturally Recovering Autism. Today, due to her efforts, Nanti’s eleven year old son has greater independence, is now calm and happy, sleeps through the night, can speak, write, ride a bike, has friends, and the whole family has more peace. She says he is FINALLY on the road to recovery... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/194

Karen Thomas Interviews Zen Honeycutt, Founding Director of Moms Across America Diet does matter! The food we eat causes chemical reactions to take place in the body. These reactions can be healthy ones such as strong bones and immunity, or they can be unhealthy reactions such as an underlying cause for aggression and even violent behaviors, sleep disorders, hormonal disruption, gut dysbiosis, weak immunity, inability to focus, fatigue, anxiety, and much more. Please listen as Karen Thomas interviews Founding Executive Director of Moms Across America, Zen Honeycutt , to discuss important environmental factors relating to the food you eat and the connection to a variety of health issues. Learn what you need to know to keep your family healthy. Talk points: Current US policy regarding regulations of heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides in our food Latest test results of popular children’s cereal The FDA banned Red Dye No.3 in cosmetics in 1990 based on scientific evidence of its carcinogenic risks, yet the agency has never moved to ban it from our food. In October of last year, California became the first state to ban Red dye No.3 with the passage of AB418. Seven other states have followed suit and passed similar bills so far in 2024. What consumers can do to avoid toxic-laden food What consumers can do to help change policy to ensure better regulations of pesticides and heavy metals in the food supply, especially ultra-processed foods What farmers can do to ensure a clean food supply... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/193

A time comes in your life when you know that in order to make changes in your life you have to do something differently. When my son had debilitating symptoms of autism that no one knew how to help me with I realized it was up to me to make a change happen for him. After that last trip to the Emergency Room it was the fuel for my fire to learn on my own. Do you have this fire burning inside of you? If you want to know how to help your child with autism to live a happier, healthier and more productive life to their full potential then please join me for my free live virtual event, the Autism Recovery Action Plan. Registration is now open. Register here now! Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/192

Candida is very tricky to work with so you need to know many of the contributing factors and why it is so hard to get rid of. It’s never just one thing, and prsistency is key. Candida Induced Alcohol Poisoning Candida requires sugar as food. This can come in the source of any chemical that ends in “ose” such as glucose, fructose, or sucrose. Carbohydrates such as bread and pasta are also converted by the body into sugars that act as another food source for the yeast. When glucose (from sugars and carbohydrates) is digested by Candida, it creates the alcoholic chemical ethanol and its extremely toxic byproduct, acetaldehyde. Candida and this alcohol, acetaldehyde, are transferred via the placenta to the developing fetus and are capable of doing harm during development. After birth, the baby continues to receive alcohol through the mother’s breast milk. Alcohol can cause malnutrition by preventing the body from digesting proteins. Many liquid herbal tinctures contain alcohol. Be sure supplements are alcohol free. Associated problems from alcohol: Aggressive and violent behavior. Alcohol causes damage to areas of the brain that can increase aggressive behavior to violent behavior. Anxiety Lethargy Impaired coordination, speech, and memory loss. Liver damage causing a lowered ability of the body’s detoxification processes. Damage to the intestinal lining reducing the ability for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Inability of the hormones released by the thyroid to become activated. NOTE: The thyroid may produce an acceptable lab test because it is releasing the proper hormones. The problem is that, once released, the hormones cannot do their jobs due to acetaldehyde inhibiting the working sites needed by those hormones. Malabsorption and malnutrition due to inhibition of pancreatic enzymes and reduced ability for the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/191

Children on the autism spectrum usually have both candida and heavy metal toxicity. The essential candida diet where we starve out the bad bacteria by removing the bad processed carbohydrates and excess sugars that they thrive on ensures a better outcome. However, it is lesser know that mercury will slow down the removal of candida. Mercury inhibits the body’s natural ability to fight off excess candida so it is imperative to not only do a proactive diet and candida protocol, but this must include heavy metal detoxification. Mercury is candida’s friend. It’s likely that one reason why candida can be so challenging to get rid of is because there is still mercury in the system. I have found that if we get rid of the mercury, candida seems to go away more easily, but first we must heal and strengthen the gut. The toxins released from heavy metals and fungus lower the body’s ability to turn the food we eat into energy. With conventional sulfur containing heavy metal chelating methods, such as DMSA, one must exercise caution to be sure the liver is supported first and the gut has more balance prior. Sulfur may likely disturb the already weak GI tract. These drugs also deplete the body further of important minerals and allow for reabsorption of the toxins while it’s being excreted. Mercury is known to inhibit the human body’s ability to kill Candida. It does this by preventing a type of white blood cell called neutrophils from killing the Candida fungus. These cells normally destroy microorganisms and foreign matter in the blood. Some common sources of mercury come from our environment. The air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink all contain heavy metals. Be sure you have a high quality water filter like the one here. Additionally, mercury amalgam dental fillings are a strong source of toxicity and the amalgams a mother has during pregnancy leak mercury into her system which is passed in utero to the growing fetus so the child can be born with mercury toxicity... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/190

Children on the autism spectrum almost always have an overgrowth of candida in their gut. In fact, scientists estimate that 70% of all people have an overgrowth of candida. In our intestinal system we have what are known as “good” bacteria. They work hard to keep our gut lining and our immune system in good health to fight off infection and disease. Candida, also known as yeast or fungi, is some of the normal bacteria we all carry in our gut. The problem arises when Candida’s numbers grow too high and get out of control. When the bad bacteria grow to a higher count than the good bacteria we have what is known as an overgrowth. This is often referred to as a yeast infection or Candida albicans. These bacteria have a delicate balancing system. This balance can easily be thrown off by such things as physical injury, poor diet, toxins, emotional stress and the use of antibiotics. Fungus, and yeast, such as Candida albicans in the gut, can easily be inhaled through oral secretions and affect our respiratory pathways and lungs. Fungus in the body is unknowingly tied to many allergies and can also mimic symptoms of a heart attack... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/189

Parents wonder, “If my child with autism is on a gluten free and casein free diet then how will they get enough calcium?” No dairy!!! Why not? A few reasons are that it’s Inflammatory, has a naturally high sugar content, and it creates opiates just like gluten does. Yes, just like opiate drugs, so your child may be addicted to them. Then you may ask, “How do I get calcium into my child’s body?” Minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium aid in eliminating acids from the body. An acidic body is one with toxicity, infections, and disease. Calcium If there is not an adequate supply of calcium absorbed from food or supplements, the body will recruit from its own resources, such as retrieving calcium from teeth and bones and magnesium from muscle. This leads to deficiencies in those areas and greater problems can result. I do not advocate supplementing with calcium either since excess cellular calcium can trigger many destructive processes in the brain, especially when there is lead toxicity. There are many good nutritional sources to get calcium from food. Such as broccoli, kale, almonds, salmon and sardines. Additionally, supplements that help with calcium absorption include: Magnesium It’s estimated that up to 80% of people are deficient in this mineral. It can become depleted by many things including lipid peroxidation which largely affects organs that are made of fat. The brain contains 60% fats; therefore it is highly susceptible to the damage that can be done by lipid peroxidation and to toxins from lipid-soluble substances such as pesticides and mercury... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/188

People are told by well-meaning traditional medical practitioners that if ferritin (iron) is low, then they should take iron supplements – what could be the problem with this? IRON Beware of low iron in children. It is important in brain development. There may be many causes to their fatigue, lack of ability to focus, or ADHD, and low iron may be one of them. Our children often have heavy metals in their bodies and levels of lead may also be elevated if there is a deficiency in iron. Proper enzymatic activity is critical and iron also helps assist the many functions associated with it. These enzymes are necessary for proper functioning of iron and are often not working properly due to the presence of aluminum in the body. Why Too Much Iron Is Bad On the other hand, we do not want excess iron in the body because it can cause oxidation and inflammation. Yeast and intestinal bacteria can use excess iron to their advantage, and it can be overall immunosuppressive. Iron can help strengthen pathogenic (bad) bacteria in the gut. Too much iron in the body can increase the damage from excitotoxicity due to glutamate. If your child has weak liver or kidneys, check with your healthcare practitioner regarding his iron levels as too much can be dangerous for him. Diabetics should also be very cautious with excessive iron. Studies show excessive iron can cause increased susceptibility to infection, immune abnormalities, inflammation of the stomach lining, and ulcers. Taking iron in supplement form as excess iron can promote viruses to grow-it is best to get it from food sources. ANEMIA It is common for those with imbalanced gut flora to be anemic. Anemia is when there are a lowered number of red blood cells in the body. Our kids often look pasty white and can be lethargic and weak most of the time. One likely culprit is the lack of iron, but it takes much more than iron to balance anemia. Healthy blood needs almost all of the B vitamins, vitamin C, A and D, amino acids, along with multiple minerals, including magnesium, manganese, iodine, copper and zinc... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/187

There are many types of viruses and they can cause many different health related neuro-developmental issues. In this podcast we will discuss many of these that relate to common symptoms of autism including speech, autoimmunity, cognition and our ability to think. Viruses and Autoimmunity Many viruses can adversely affect the immune system, either by suppressing its function, or causing it to mistakenly attack the cells and tissues of the host body. This is called autoimmunity. We must not overlook the harmful effects of overstimulating the immune system. The brain’s immune system contains protective cells called microglia. These cells regulate brain development, maintenance of neuronal networks, and injury repair. Viruses can be active in the body for years and be a continuing over activity of the immune system. When stimulated by a foreign substance the microglia secrete chemicals, including glutamate, preparing for an immune attack. This can get triggered in a sort of “on” position and stay activated spreading these chemicals and leading to an autoimmune issue. Multiple systems and organs of the body can be damaged. For example, the cells of the liver are highly susceptible, as well as the respiratory system. I’d also like to mention that glutamate can trigger seizures, so the viral component needs to be observed as a factor in them. The immune system plays a vital role in brain development and a weak immune system can impact brain function, especially cognition and our ability to think. Inflammation is a strong factor here. We are always working to reduce inflammation to regain health... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/186

JAMA Pediatrics Study: October 2023 released a study, Persistence of Autism Spectrum Disorder From Early Childhood Through School Age. Findings Of the 213 children in this cohort study, 79 (37%) had non-persistent ASD. Higher baseline adaptive functioning and female sex were associated with non-persistent ASD. Oct. 11, 2023 – According to a new study from Boston Children’s Hospital researchers found that more than a third of toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder outgrew the disorder by the time they were about 6 years old. The findings were published this month in JAMA Pediatrics. ASHA Wire noted that some children with autism may LOSE their diagnosis as children. “Diagnoses can evolve as a child develops,” says Elizabeth Harstad, a developmental medicine physician, who led the study. “Our research shows how important it is that we monitor kids over time, because some children may really have changes in their social communication and behavioral function. This underscores the need for continuous assessments and adaptable intervention strategies.” The study found no meaningful association between the intensity of a child’s interventions and their chance of keeping their autism diagnosis, indicating the need for more research to understand the role that intervention may have in children who outgrow their diagnosis... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/185

Studies show that martial arts can be an effective way to build motor control through the repetition of movement in people on the autism spectrum. This helps both the motor and planning areas of the brain. It is also offers a great form of exercise in a group setting where socialization can be increased, while still allowing the individual to move at his or her own pace. Martial Arts is a great way to keep them physically active and engaged. This improves overall physical and emotional well-being. Meet Sensei Al Loren Al Loren has taught over 300,000 martial arts classes in 27 years. Al instructs kids, teens, adults, and seniors in multiple forms of martial arts including Karate, Aikido, T’ai Chi. Al was the 1986 National champion in Karate. He teaches in Marin County and San Francisco. He has had great success working with children to adulthood who are on the autism spectrum and finds that it increases balance and coordination, motor skills, muscle strength, gives confidence and offers self defense. Al Loren’s success comes from being compassionate and understanding the sensitivity necessary for each unique individual. Know that each accomplishment, however small, is a big deal. Building self esteem and trust through connection is key. Please join me for my podcast interview #53 with Al Loren, an expert in martial arts who specializes in working with children on the autism spectrum and those with other special needs. In my podcast #184 interview with Al Loren, we discuss the benefits of martial arts and his success methods for working with children and adults on the autism spectrum which are found in his new book, Martial Arts on the Autism Spectrum... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/184

Trusts and wills for children with special needs are essential to have in place now, so their future is well prepared in advance. We need to be sure our children with special needs are cared for with or without us when we are either incapable, or no longer here. In this podcast episode I interview attorney, Blake Baxter, on the subject of trusts and estate planning for children and adults with special needs. Some of the questions we address in making sure the trust is set up correctly to protect your family are: Who do you talk to about setting up a trust? What kind of trust to have? Who will be the be the beneficiary, the executor, or have power of attorney? Who oversees the trust and handles the investments and accounts? What if I’m still alive but no longer capable of making decisions for my child or their care? Do I still need a Will if I have a trust set up? Who are special needs attorneys who set up estate planning and how do I find a reputable one I can trust near me? Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/183

Mary is a true inspiration of a mother’s unwavering love and persistence to find the answers to give her autistic son Kevin his best life possible. Mary has gone from “being at the end of her rope” to finding triumph and success for Kevin. She says, “Consistency with the right roadmap make all the difference”. Please listen to Mary’s inspirational story, and share it with those you know on the autism journey who could also use some inspiration. From Mary regarding her son’s autism journey: October 2023 Currently Kevin 16 year old, 10th grade Background Diagnosed 2009 (2yrs)- speech impairment- went to pre school in elementary school for the speech Diagnosed 2012 (5) Autism like features, ADHD- told to go to Social Skills Diagnosed 2016 (9) Autism level 2 needing substantial support, ADHD, Auditory processing delays, sensory issues, speech language impairment, Learning disability Our Journey up to joining the Naturally Recovering Autism Program A lot of research, going to different Autism Dr’s. Trying different protocols for 4 years. Little progress. Speech, OT, feeding classes, Brain mapping, changed diet, cranial doctor, Chiropractor, supplements Little eye contact, stomach issues, gluten intolerance, low weight, hitting, biting At school, he hid a lot under the desks even in 6th grade. In 7th grade, he would leave to go to the bathroom and stay in there for a LONG time. Active with soccer, Baseball/- challenger league, and Tae-Kwon-Do. Started Naturally Recovering Autism program 11/2020 With little eye contact, stomach issues, gluten intolerance, low weight, hitting, biting, low social skills Below grade level for all classes except Math Struggling with Life Importance of staying in the program Today: Moved from Autism level 2 down to Autism level 1. Still below grade level in the reading/ language skills. He is about 8/9 grade level in reading/language. Has grown educationally 99% in the last year... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/182

Oxalates, salicylates, and phenols may be the culprit of new physical and/or emotional symptoms. They can trigger histamine intolerance and lead to many unwanted symptoms. A low histamine, low oxalate, low salicylate, low phenol diet along with support for detoxification, including liver support and healing the gut, and balancing candida, are all crucial. There are some enzymes that can help along the way as we work on the underlying root cases, but we need to reduce the amounts of these foods our child is eating, especially if we notice symptoms after eating. Histamines Close to 100% of children with autism have histamine intolerance and mast cell activation. Histamines are released by the digestive tract and the brain in defense as an allergic reaction. In histamine intolerance the body is over producing histamines and there are too many for the body to break down. This stress type response is a trigger for mast cell activation which creates a strong inflammatory response in the body. Symptoms to look for in histamine reactions Symptoms from histamine triggers are both physical and behavioral. They can vary from itching, hives, rashes, sleep problems, anxiety, extreme mood changes, seizures, digestive issues and diarrhea to increased stimming and more. By reducing stomach acid histamines contribute to further issues with digestion working against your efforts to heal the gut, and is a common reason for GERD or acid back up. One reaction can happen without all of the others. This can make it hard to determine what the cause is. Try a low histamine diet for a week. If symptoms subside then it can be helpful in determining... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/181

Why is my child a picky eater and what can I do to improve his diet? I hear this question all the time. In fact, it’s one of the most common questions I get so let’s dive into some of the reasons why and what you can do about it. Diet can be tricky to transition for our picky eaters, especially those with autism, but there is hope. My own son was once a very picky eater and today he is not at all, and I’ve helped hundreds of parents transition their kids to healthier diets over time. Children and adults with autism can be stuck in their routines and have some obsessions around food, but there’s even more to this. Some of the reasons why your child with Autism is a picky eater: The bad bacteria in their gut such as candida or yeast overgrowth thrives on the sugars and processed carbohydrates he eats. This makes him crave those foods. The problem is that when we feed the bad bacteria they get stronger. They are contributing to our child’s gut staying ill and something called ‘leaky gut’ which is where they have holes in the lining of their gut that allow undigested foods into the bloodstream. The immune system sees these and thinks they are a foreign agent to attack so each time it sees them it creates an allergic response and our child becomes allergic to that food. Leaky gut also contributes to poor absorption of nutrients from the food they are eating. Bad foods are inflammatory and keep the lining of the gut weak and easily permeable to breakage and more leaky gut issues. The gut controls the brain and up to 80% of the immune system, so we must heal the gut to heal many of the behaviors our kids have like irritability, sleep issues, lack of ability to focus, and poor immunity so they’re not sick all the time. Gluten and casein are the proteins in wheat and dairy. They create opiates in the body so our kids are literally addicted to these foods. PANS is an autoimmune issue that many kids with autism have. You may notice high anxiety, fearfulness, and obsessive compulsive behavior (OCD). The OCD is also an obsession with the way they eat food or what foods they will eat. Target the root triggers. Viruses, mold, Lyme, candida, parasites, and toxins all contribute to keeping the gut ill, so all must be worked with. They also contribute to a PANS flare-up which keeps the OCD happening. Histamine intolerance is very high in people with autism. Histamines are released by the digestive tract and the brain in defense as an allergic reaction. In histamine intolerance the body is over producing histamines and there are too many for the body to break down. This stress type response is a trigger for mast cell activation which creates a strong inflammatory response in the body... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/180

Artificial sweeteners are unhealthy alternatives. For example aspartame is an excitotoxin which means it literally can excite brain cells to death. Current evidence indicates that sucralose and saccharin could influence the gut microbiota by reducing the good bacteria in the gut, and it has been linked to cancers. For instance, in one study, scientists fed Splenda to rats for 12 weeks. Splenda is an artificial sweetener that contains sucralose. The authors concluded that, after 12 weeks, the rats had fewer beneficial gut bacteria. Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Sugar Hypoglycemia is a condition that comes from low blood sugar or glucose. Behavioral outbursts, anxiety, and lack of ability to think clearly come from the brain being starved of its energy supply. When it has been too long since our last meal or snack, blood sugar drops and our brain cannot function properly. If we eat too many sugars and refined carbohydrates, our body responds by releasing large amounts of insulin to counteract the effects of all of the sugar. This is especially hard on the liver and can cause it to become congested creating further physical and behavioral problems. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can trigger many unhealthy reactions in our bodies. Excess insulin secretion can contribute to many severe disorders including allergies, asthma, alcoholism, cancer, heart disease, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, and more. The Glycemic Index The glycemic index or GI is a way to measure the physiological effect that various foods have on blood glucose levels. Knowing this can help you to control those hunger and energy fluctuations during the day by eating better choices. This becomes very easy in a short period of time. Once you begin to learn what foods are high and which are low it starts to fall into common sense... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/179

Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins and one that most people are deficient in. Be sure you supplement with vitamin D3, as it is the most bioabsorbable form. Many neurodevelopment conditions are associated with vitamin D deficiency such as depression, lack of motivation, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, muscular sclerosis, and schizophrenia. Vitamin D helps neurons grow and survive, and is important in brain development and its protection. It also decreases heavy metal damage to the brain, and is anti-inflammatory. As we approach the winter months we have less exposure to vitamin D from the sun. I’ve always said it’s not flu season, it’s low vitamin D season. This is why the prevalence of colds, flus and other viruses is so strong in the months with less sunlight and less skin exposure due to long sleeves and long pants covering our skin. Vitamin D is essential for fighting both viral and bacterial infections. It seems to be especially important in fighting viruses and is a far better choice in fighting the flu than anything, especially other toxin filled options that only cover one strain of influenza. A 2009 pediatric research journal stated that children and infants deficient in vitamin D are more susceptible to viral infections. Several large observational studies have shown a link between a deficiency and respiratory tract infections such as colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. —Any mechanism that prevents UVB absorption (clothing, increased pollution, longer periods spent indoors, etc.) works in a similar fashion to prevent cutaneous production of vitamin D3. Using the definitions from above, estimates suggest that 1 billion people around the world may be vitamin D insufficient/deficient... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/178

Sonja is grandmother to her autistic grandson, Kyle. She is getting results now because she has been proactive and persistent to find the right program that offers a complete roadmap and the support she needs. Sonja says, “We could have recovered Kyle a long time ago if we weren’t so overwhelmed.” Sonja and her daughter no longer live in overwhelm on the autism journey and are finally getting results recovering her 21-year-old grandson, Kyle. She says it’s all thanks to the Naturally Recovering Autism roadmap she now has in our membership program. It lets you do steps one at a time as a slow and steady process so it has also helped bring Kyle’s mom on board. Sonia is so happy to hear Kyle saying his first clear sentence and says, “I know I will recover my grandson now that I have the Naturally Recovering Autism roadmap”. Kyle has only spoken in broken words in the past. This time it was a complete sentence and it was clear with NO STIMMING. It was as if you and I were having a normal conversation. Being on this program is a lot better than the last one I was on. Responses were weeks and weeks away with testing results. The Doctor was difficult to get online. Thanks again for all you do Karen. It’s amazing these children deserve a much better life. These kids deserve college, marriage, and being the person they were meant to be. Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/177

Inflammation is a crucial process for our health, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a host of health problems. Recent studies have suggested that inflammation may play a role in the development of autism. A study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that children with autism had higher levels of inflammatory markers in their blood than typically developing children. Another study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that children with autism had higher levels of inflammatory cytokines in their brains than typically developing children. Some Causes of Inflammation Environmental toxins including heavy metals, coinfections, pathogens (viruses, fungi, candida, parasites, Lyme, Mold, etc), Poor diet, Electromagnetic Field Radiation, plus maternal stress increases inflammation in the fetus. What is inflammation and how is it related to autism? Inflammation is a natural response by the immune system to protect the body from harmful stimuli such as pathogens or toxins. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to tissue damage and a variety of health problems, including autoimmune disorders, heart disease, and even neurological disorders like autism. Recent research has suggested that inflammation may contribute to the development of autism by disrupting brain development in utero or early childhood. Inflammation can also exacerbate symptoms associated with autism, such as irritability and social withdrawal... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/176

There are Some Common Causes Why Children With Autism Have Trouble Focusing, however, as we do this there are natural supplements that can assist. We will discuss both. Know I am here to help you on this journey. Natural Supplements to Help Focus and Behavior Prescription medications come with negative side effects. There are natural ways to work with focus and attention issues. Always check with your practitioner for individual dosage needs. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to brain function, concentration, and mood, energy, and they are anti-inflammatory. Take with food for best absorption. L-tyrosine is an amino acid that will help the ability to focus. It builds the neurotransmitter called dopamine. Take away from food. Do not use it if your child is in a PANS flare. SAMe helps with motivation 5HTP is beneficial for mood stability and better sleep (5HTP helps makes neurotransmitter called serotonin). Note: 5HTP works so well that you should not take it if you are on medications. Take away from food. Gingko Biloba for focus and memory Phosphatidylserine is a natural phospholipid compound found in high concentrations in the brain. Supplementation has shown improvements in thinking skills and memory. These next two have strong caveats with them so let me explain further… Probiotics Probiotics build good bacteria in the gut. This also crowds out the bad bacteria which interfere with immunity and clear thinking. You must start slowly with probiotics due to a die-off reaction that happens when too many bad bacteria die at once and release their toxins. Half of a capsule is plenty to begin as you watch for symptoms. Reduce the dosage if symptoms arise. Parents are rarely educated in the essential knowledge of die off reactions that can happen from detoxifying too rapidly and not having enough proper toxin support binders in place. When yeast “dies off” it releases toxins that can enter your bloodstream. This is also known as Herxheimer’s reaction. It means that the liver cannot keep up with filtering out the toxic waste being released by the dying pathologic organisms. Symptoms of die off include irritability, headaches, fatigue and flu-like symptoms. Some people also experience either diarrhea or constipation.There may be heightened emotional outbursts or hyperactivity... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/175

School can be stressful for children with autism, and for their parents too. Get empowered by having the right strategies to assist with better energy, clearer thinking and ability to focus, as well as calmer behaviors and better social engagement. It’s also important to know your rights. Here we cover the most vital strategies for your child’s greatest success. 1. Parent Help With School Advocacy-504 vs IEP We know that the needs of each child are very different. For this reason, you as a parent are your child’s best advocate. If you’ve been getting calls from the school about your child’s behavior or told that your child is having difficulty in class with anything including a particular subject, or your child needs emotional support because they experience anxiety or other issues, then it’s a good time to ask for help for them. Know that in most states a staff member of the school, including teachers, cannot legally say they suspect there is an issue with your child. A staff member of the school cannot even say they think your child has a learning disability or needs help. A parent begins by writing a letter to the school making a written request. This cannot just be verbal. It needs to be in writing so there is a paper trail and proof you’ve asked. In this letter, you as the parent, say that your child may be having issues in school and that you suspect they may have a learning disability. Do not specify autism. Just ask for an assessment to be done by the school. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act the school must provide a free evaluation, and then assistance based on those results. Once the results of the evaluation are in, then the decisions are made around how to reach the best success for that individual child. 504 vs. IEP IEP and 504 plans help to educate staff on campus about the special individual needs of a child to ensure the greatest success. 504 and IEP plans are funded by the school and completely free. They are also required to be given under law due to the disabilities act... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/174

Children with autism are known to have GI problems. What is not as commonly known is how much the gut directly affects the brain and behavior, and how part of that problem comes from opiates. Yes, studies show the same opiates that come from opiate-derived drugs come from some foods when they are broken down in the gut. People on the autism spectrum have a much harder time breaking down these opioids, (also called exorphines), due to poor digestion and detoxification. For this reason, these opioides build up to large numbers further affecting their health and behavior. These opioids are just what they sound like, opiates, or morphine derivatives. They give that spacey look, and the lack of ability to concentrate. They have the same drug-like effects of morphine, so our kids get addicted to them. Gluten and Casein Gluten is the protein in wheat products and casein is the protein in dairy products. Gluten creates opioids called gluteomorphines, and casein creates ones called caseomorphines. These two food sources should be removed from your child’s diet completely. Additionally, spinach, rice and soy also contain opiate producing properties. Does your child “crave” breads, crackers, pasta, and other processed carbohydrates filled with wheat and possibly dairy too? Their opioids could be a big part of the reason why. Common foods that contain gluten: Wheat Barley Rye Soy sauce Gravy Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/173

Rapid detoxification Detoxification, even the initial phase when you’re changing the diet can cause some toxic “backlog” in your child’s body. You may notice some very heightened symptoms in this process. Rapid detoxification or die off can be too much for the body to handle and throw a person into mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Since kids with autism have poor detoxification pathways we need to support them right away. Healing the gut is the beginning phase of everything. The gut controls the brain and 80% of the immune system. We begin with the right diet by removing the top inflammatory foods, supporting detoxification pathways properly, and giving only one new supplement at a time. We use the lowest possible dosages too. Never just use a recommended dosage on any supplement bottle when working with a child with autism or it is more than likely that you will throw them into a die off reaction. Die off reactions include worsening behaviors, increased stimming, loss of focus or speech, headaches, fever, anxiousness, stomach ache, flu-like symptoms, rash, and more. By offering toxin binders to help sop up additional toxins that their body cannot process out fast enough, giving supplements to assist strengthening the detoxification pathways, and by supporting the liver you can help to reduce rapid die off symptoms. Always remember to move forward slowly. Die-off is not an illness or infection, it’s a temporary syndrome in response to the process of detoxification. It is the body’s immune response to releasing toxins. As toxins break down or pathogens die, they can release harmful substances that can exacerbate symptoms. The symptoms from die off generally resolve within 3-7 days. It is when the die off symptoms do not slow down and worsen that we must look at what other issues may have been triggered. PANS Beyond these worsened behaviors we can throw our children into more harsh issues such as PANS, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. What this really means is an autoimmune issue where the immune system has become overactive due to fighting harder against an onslaught of toxins being released too fast and the immune system becomes overactive. Symptoms of PANS include a rapid onset of obsessive compulsive disorder, fearfulness, clinginess, and increased anxiousness. It is important with autism not to boost the immune system. It may already be overactive and likely is with PANS. For this reason we need to be sure our treatment regulates the immune system. Regulating the immune system and treating infections with the right diet and the right supplements that also reduce inflammation are essential. The goal is to keep the child stable. Triggers that contribute to a PANS flare-up include Streptococcal infections, mold biotoxins, Lyme, rapid die-off reactions from detoxification that is going too fast for the child’s body to keep up with, and toxic exposure... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/172

The All-Important Hypothalamus The hypothalamus is the part of our brain that tells our nervous system if we should feel calm or fearful. This is commonly known as the fight or flight response. The hypothalmus is often injured in children on the autism spectrum. The hypothalamus has no protective blood-brain barrier, making it easy for toxins to enter this area and cause damage. A few known environmental toxins are mercury, aluminum, and bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in plastics such as drinking bottles, baby bottles, toys, dental sealants and the linings of food cans. Mold biotoxins are also a top offender. The hypothalamus holds within it the areas responsible for aggression, territorial defense, and sexual pursuit. It also controls sleep and appetite cycles along with the limbic system (another part of the brain). Estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus effect food intake, energy, and the distribution of body fat. Two Neurochemicals You Should Know The hypothalamus is part of both the endocrine system and the nervous system and is responsible for messages between the two. The hypothalamus releases many neurochemicals including: Dopamine: a neurotransmitter affecting reward-based motivation, decision-making, ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, restless leg syndrome, lack of focus and motor control. It also affects a part of the brain called the pre-frontal cortex. The pre-frontal cortex controls executive functioning such as the ability to see consequences for our actions and organizational planning. It is a big issue for people on the autism spectrum. Oxytocin: released via the pituitary as a part of hypothalamic functioning. Oxytocin is the hormone involved with the ability to bond with others, especially the mother after birth. How Can We Help the Hypothalamus? What can we do to assist the hypothalamus? Zinc, vitamin D3, proper iodine levels and exercise are crucial to the proper functioning of the hypothalamus. Scientists have found that gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin, and dopamine. Up tp 95% of serotonin is made in the gut. The gut must be healthy for adequate amounts to be produced and transfer properly to the brain. There is an excellent product called Stress Reducer Elixir that may increase oxytocin and serotonin levels naturally . This comes as tasteless sublingual drops. Your Unborn Child’s Exposure To Toxins It goes without saying that you should do your best to avoid toxins around your children and during pregnancy. When a mother is exposed to environmental toxins during pregnancy the fetus is directly affected. The liver is our main organ of detoxification. When it is congested and not working properly, then bile and toxins are frequently pushed back into the stomach. The cells become injured and weak and are then more susceptible to damage from pathogenic microbes such as candida, parasites, H. Pylori, and more. These pathogenic bacteria then cause inflammation in the gut which weakens the lining and even breaks holes through it. This is known as leaky gut. Leaky gut allows for undigested foods and other toxins to leak into the bloodstream causing inflammation throughout the body and brain. The behaviors we see are due to many factors but they all include inflammation and its effect on the central nervous system and the brain in particular... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/171

I know, first hand, what it’s like to be a parent of a child with autism inside the whirlwind of confusion of not knowing if a food or supplement is right for your child, or how much to give to them in dosages. All people are unique too, so everyone’s needs will be different, especially a sensitive child with autism. I also know how it is to feel desperate for the right answers and support. I’m grateful to have gone before you on this journey and to now be able to offer you the resources you need to help clarify so much of this. It is why I created this podcast and the programs I offer parents. The first person to look to for help is yourself. You know your child best and you are his or her best advocate. No one else, not even a doctor, is with your child seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Others do not see the changes that you do. Do not be afraid to take charge. One of the first tools to learn is muscle test response or muscle testing. Where Did Muscle Testing Come From? I was first introduced to muscle testing in 1987 when I began working as a chiropractor’s back office assistant. She was an Applied Kinesiology (AK) doctor. AK doctors are licensed healthcare professionals who use this technique in their practices to link weak organs and nutrition deficits in patients. I worked in that office with her for ten years. The accuracy and efficacy have no question in my mind. The prevalence of muscle testing has grown tremendously since the early 1960’s when it was introduced by Dr. George Goodheart, a well-known Applied Kinesiologist (AK). Originally, muscle testing was referred to as Applied Kinesiology... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/170

To calm anxiousness we basically want to calm the nervous system. There are many tools and resources available to help with this task. Lift Something and Exercise Exercise releases serotonin in our brain so it can actually improve our mood. It’s also healthy for us to move, getting oxygen into our blood and brain, strengthening our muscles and bones, and flushing toxins out of our system. Aerobic exercise like running or biking are great but simply going for a short walk can help a lot. Using our muscles is one way to calm. Lifting a heavy object actually has a calming effect on the system. Ask your child to carry a fairly heavy object, within his capabilities, like a box with some papers or books in it out to the garage for you. One of the best tools we have found for calming is the door jam bar. Easily installed in any doorway this indoor support bar is strong enough to do pull ups on and has an attachment so you can add a swing or trapeze bar to it. This is especially helpful on rainy days. There are many door jam bars available, but not all are safe. The bar our occupational therapist told us about that we have had great success with and has a good reputation for being safe is sold by Playaway Toy Company Incorporated. Properly installed the weight limit is 175 pounds. For more information see www.playawaytoy.com or call (715)752-4565... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/169

Autism has many contributors, but there are specific ones among them that most people use daily. These toxins affect the neurological systems of fetuses and children at an even greater rate than they do adults. Our families are the most important thing in the world to us. We must educate ourselves in order to protect them. There are many environmental toxins that we live in and around. Studies are coming out regarding their safety, or lack thereof, but most people are either unaware of the dangers or disregard the warnings rather than give up convenience. Toxins are cumulative. Yes, small amounts over time build up and cause disease. Precautions can be made to detoxify the body or prevent them in the first place. Due to the nature of biology, each of us can tolerate different loads of toxins. These factors include our body’s ability to detoxify, the health of DNA, repair enzymes, amounts or toxins absorbed, the strength of cellular enzymes, age, genetic inheritance, possible pre-existing diseases, the number of toxins we are exposed to at different or concurring times, and the overall strength of the immune system. The list of the top ten chemicals in consumer products that are suspected to contribute to autism developed by The Children’s Environmental Health Center are: -lead -methylmercury -polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB’s) -organophosphate pesticides -organochlorine pesticides -endocrine disruptors -automotive exhaust -polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons -brominated flame retardants -perfluorinated compounds... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/168

Lyme disease is on the rise. One in every four children on the autism spectrum tests positive for Lyme disease. It is the fastest growing vector-borne infection with 300,000 new cases per year. This number is said to likely be an underestimate. It continues to be under-diagnosed due to the Center for Disease Control’s inadequate established bands or markers used for detection in blood tests. Lyme disease is usually contracted through a tick bite. Some of these ticks can be as small as a poppy seed and go unnoticed. Lyme can be passed in utero from a mother to her child, as well as in breast milk. Lyme can also be passed from mosquitoes, sand fleas, head lice and other insects. Symptoms of Lyme disease (which can also mimic other disorders including symptoms of autism): Attention deficit disorder (ADD) Learning difficulties Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Depression Anger/rage... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/167

In our last podcast episode #165, we discussed adrenal fatigue. When the adrenals are taxed then the thyroid is directly affected. SOME COMMON CAUSES OF THYROID IMBALANCE Low levels of iodine, and other nutritional deficiencies, as well as certain drugs can cause the conversion of T4 (thyroxin), the lesser active thyroid hormone, into T3 (triiodothyronine), the necessary active form, to become blocked. T3 is about three times more potent than T4. Clinical symptoms, the entire endocrine system, and nutrition all need to be evaluated. It is possible to have a subclinical condition, which is difficult to detect. Nutrient deficiencies, medications, including birth control pills, and diet all play a role in an inability for thyroid hormones to convert to their active states. Pesticides, fluoride, mercury, and lead are among the strong factors. Certain foods can be contributing factors to the alteration of T4, to T3 conversion. Soy is a food that is associated with blocking this conversion and reduces the ability of the thyroid to function. The artificial sweeteners sucralose (Splenda) and aspartame also create weaknesses in organs such as the liver that diminish nutrients needed by the thyroid. Internal stressors, such as inflammation, also contribute to thyroid disorders. If the adrenal glands are imbalanced, there may be an imbalance in Cortisol levels. T3 only gets into the cells if there’s enough Cortisol. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can cause symptoms such as nervousness, anxiety, rapid heart rate, sweating, fatigue, heat intolerance, hyperactivity, increased appetite, eye disorders, tremors, and weight loss. For this reason, the high quality lab Diagnos-Techs includes Gliadin testing (a derivative of gluten), in the saliva/adrenal test. Most natural practitioners carry these take-home tests in their offices... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/166

Adrenal Fatigue Stress can lead to weakened adrenal glands which leads to excessive fatigue. This can also mean trouble thinking clearly or being able to focus. Starting a new school year has multiple stressors involved, but especially so for those on the autism spectrum. It is more than common for kids on the autism spectrum to have elevated adrenal hormones, otherwise known as cortisol, due to the internal stress from inflammation that their toxic overload, coinfections, and pathogens have on the multiple systems of the body. There is also a lot of outside stress from sensory overload, not being able to do what they want to do, lack of speech, poor sleep, etc. There’s a lot of frustration that is stressful for them, and for you as a parent too. It’s never just one thing that causes a symptom, so it is important to work with all of these triggers from A-Z. This will all help the adrenals but we can support them further as we work with the underlying causes. Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/165

As I write this I want to be sure you know it’s never just one thing, but a combination of them that triggers anything, including seizures. Autism is a complicated diagnosis with many underlying biological issues that need to be addressed properly so the body can strengthen on its own. We don’t want to mask symptoms, but work with the causes. Here are common culprits of seizures to be worked with: Diet Remember that the gut controls the brain and up to 80% of the immune system, so take diet seriously! A diet low in carbohydrates and higher in Keto based foods is best. You can begin by removing the top 7 foods that contribute to inflammation and leaky gut syndrome. Get your free guide to them here. Please also see information and links to studies on the “Ketogenic Diet For Those With Seizures”. Histamines Histamines, whether food based or environmental can be a trigger for many things such as anxiety, sleep issues, increased stimming, mast cell activation syndrome, and seizures. Environmental factors can include things in and around your home such as chlorine which is not only in swimming pools but also in our household water. Always use a quality filter for your drinking water such as the Aquatru. Also use a shower filter to help remove chlorine from the shower since the hot steam allows it to enter our pores in the shower. Santeforhealth.com has a shower filter and a bathtub bulb filter for those areas... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/164

Thousands of parents biggest worry is the question what will happen to our autistic children and adults when we are no longer around? Parents all need piece of mind that practical and emotional support will be available when they are not there to help. ♥ Who will look after our children when we are no longer around? ♥ Dr Anna Kennedy OBE, is founder of the Anna Kennedy Online Charity. As a mother of two sons with autism, Dr. Kennedy saw the great need for support for adults diagnosed on the Autism spectrum. For many, autism is a lifelong condition that creates challenges for the individual based on levels of anxiousness, sensory issues, communication, and other behavioral difficulties. Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/163

Losing weight has far greater challenges if you’re not aware of seven crucial things. Many mothers talk about how their children on the autism spectrum (or they themselves) are having trouble losing weight. Often this difficulty is due to combined factors, beginning with a diet high in sugars and starchy carbohydrates, but other underlying health issues may be contributing as well. Weight Loss Checklist Healthy weight loss is a challenge for children on the autism spectrum. They may be eating what they believe to be a healthy diet and exercising, but still they cannot lose the weight. When this happens, I go through a mental checklist of seven things: 1. Metabolic syndrome 2. Liver congestion 3. Thyroid imbalance 4. Adrenal stress 5. Candida 6. Leptin resistance 7. Brain support 8. Bonus: mold Biotoxins Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/162

Join Karen and Bryan Hubbard for the very first What Doctors Don’t Tell You seminar of the new year! Learn how Karen used her thirty years in the field of holistic health to find the resources and tools to help her son naturally recover from his symptoms of autism while also supporting him to live a happier and healthier life. Over the last 15 years, Karen garnered a passion to help other parents naturally recover their children who are on the autism spectrum and has become one of the top specialists in the field. In this interview, Karen also goes over the 4 stages necessary for autism recovery and answers common questions you likely have too. Please listen, learn and enjoy! Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/161

Whether your child has autism, ADD, ADHD, or any other neurological imbalance, it is known that natural brain supplements often work far better than pharmaceutical drugs without the negative or dangerous side effects. If you are not seeing desired results from your brain supplements treatment program, there are several possibilities as to why: The wrong diagnosis. The wrong brain supplements treatment protocol, i.e. supplements, medications, or therapies. This also means the incorrect dosages. Citric acid is taken too close to supplement time. Citric acid as is in orange juice, lemonade, preservatives and more. It deactivates some medications and supplements. Do not ingest it within an hour before or after taking them. Stress hormones, namely corticosteroids, damage brain cells, especially the temporal lobes. They may also counteract the effectiveness of some treatments. Reduce stress level. Lack of support from family, school, caregivers or therapists; creates stress The wrong diet. Caffeine and nicotine use. Lack of exercise. Taking over-the-counter medications or supplements that may interfere with treatment. Mixing together incompatible medications and supplements. Not staying on natural supplements for a long enough period of time to allow them to work (minimum of three to six weeks). Purchasing cheaper, lower quality products in order to save money. Not having the right doctor. Using the doctor on your insurance plan may seem cheaper at first, but may cost you far more in the long run. Being in denial about what your child really needs and not getting the proper help... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/160

The importance of knowing the glycemic index of your food choices is a preventative measure in your child’s health and behavior. This will also help to prevent obesity and diabetes along with keeping his gut flora in better balance. The glycemic index or GI is a way to measure the physiological effect that various foods have on blood glucose levels. Knowing this can help you to control those hunger and energy fluctuations during the day by eating better choices. This becomes very easy in a short period of time. Once you begin to learn what foods are high and which are low it starts to fall into common sense. Based on scientific data foods have been tested to show their effect on blood glucose levels. Foods with a low GI will have less of an effect on blood sugar than foods with a high GI. The foods we eat have a direct impact on how quickly our bodies are able to digest them. Slower digestion gives your body a chance to regulate the release of insulin better. Many inexpensive, pocket-sized books are sold on the glycemic index. It is worthwhile to pick one up and learn how the different foods you are feeding your child will affect his blood sugar. If we look around at the childhood epidemic of obesity and diabetes it is easy to see how it can be prevented by better choices of food. Some foods and their glycemic content are listed below. There are also many websites available. • Foods with a high GI break down rapidly, therefore releasing glucose into the bloodstream very quickly. This causes a rapid release of insulin which starts to weaken the body’s ability to balance blood sugar levels. This also weakens the adrenal glands (our stress-handling organs), which then weakens the thyroid gland which helps to regulate our hormone levels. All of this contributes to diabetes and obesity. Foods with a low GI will break down more slowly releasing glucose into the bloodstream more gradually. Lower glycemic index foods will: • Keep you feeling full longer • Assist in weight loss, (by reducing insulin levels it helps you burn fat). • Assist in the prevention of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. • Help prevent hypoglycemia, which is associated with headache, fatigue, sleep problems, and lack of mental clarity. • Improve blood lipid profiles. • Assist in better cholesterol levels • Help with metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance also known as Syndrome X). Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/159

There are other physical problems that can accompany autism. One disorder that affects so many children today is diabetes. It is important to recognize the signs of diabetes, know the triggers and understand what you can do to prevent it from happening to your child. Two Types of Diabetes There are two types of diabetes: Type I and Type II. Type II diabetes is acquired insulin and leptin resistance and is directly related to poor diet, such as one high in processed foods and refined sugars, combined with a lack of exercise. If you are lucky, you can balance Type II diabetes with the proper diet and exercise with no need for insulin injections. Type I diabetes is more severe. It is an autoimmune disease caused by the immune system attacking the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes need injections of insulin to prevent death. Type I diabetes can be hereditary and its onset can be triggered by many things... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/158

The Exponential Harm of Inflammatory and Chemical Laden Foods Many foods eaten during the holidays such as sugar, gluten, dairy and food dyes will cause exponential harm to your child’s health and behavior. These foods bring common food allergies, inflammation, as well as physical and emotional instability. They are not good for anyone, but children on the autism spectrum and with ADD are particularly sensitive to these chemicals. Their detoxification systems are not as capable as others to handle them. Their brain cells are particularly vulnerable also. Symptoms to look for in histamine reactions Symptoms from histamine triggers are both physical and behavioral. They can vary from itching, hives, rashes, sleep problems, anxiety, extreme mood changes, seizures, digestive issues and diarrhea to increased stimming and more. By reducing stomach acid histamines contribute to further issues with digestion working against your efforts to heal the gut, and is a common reason for GERD or acid back up. Too much histamine released causes histamine intolerance which causes mast cell activation. When this happens our protective mechanisms are broken down and we become hypersensitive to things we ingest or that are in our environment... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/157

Did you know that the gut affects a lot more than digestion? An ill gut can create symptoms such as poor speech, social connection, anger, depression, anxiousness, an inability to focus and concentrate, and much more. It’s important to work with the root causes, then once the toxins, pathogens and inflammation are out of the way some of the physical and behavioral symptoms and the acquired allergies can be eliminated. Autism can be a symptom, not a diagnosis. It can be a symptom of something underlying such as toxins, pathogens, infections, a compromised immune system, and inflammation in the brain. Many things cause the symptoms of autism. It’s not just one thing. Gut Healing Yes, there is much involved in healing leaky gut and if we don’t heal up the lining of the gut that is allowing undigested foods into the bloodstream so the immune system reacts to them then it keeps happening. The gut lining has many reasons why it may have holes like candida, parasites, glyphosate (in Round-Up weed killer that is sprayed onto food crops), mold biotoxins, Lyme. If we don’t get to the core of the issues then it keeps happening. Supplements are required along with the right diet for a long enough period of time, and getting the coinfections cleared. We also must support the organs of detoxification and their pathways during this process. It all takes time. Once all of this is done, or greatly reduced, the allergy elimination can work on eliminating the allergies that were acquired during the time when the gut was ill. Make sense? Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/156

The mind fears that the unconscious rage will break out into consciousness. It creates a physical distraction to keep your attention on your body instead of the rage. We rationalize structural pain because it is socially acceptable. We must acknowledge the psychological basis for the pain to get to the subconscious. The unconscious is terrified by the rage. We must acknowledge and accept the emotions. Think of your repressed rage and the reasons for it. The conscious speaks to the subconscious. You tell your mind that you know what it’s doing and it’s not needed. By identifying them they reduce the symptoms such as back pain or headaches, etc. It helps to list all of your reasons for anger, even from childhood. By identifying pressures consciously we reduce it. Find solitude. Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/155

1 in 30 U.S. Kids Diagnosed With Autism in 2020 — What’s Behind the Surge? The Children’s Health Defense released an article on the surge of autism and the newly updated diagnosis rate for children with autism now being 1 in 30! According to a JAMA Pediatrics research letter published this month by a team of researchers in China, 1 in 30 — 3.49% — of children and adolescents ages 3 to 17 were diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2020 The letter also referenced a new study showing a 53% increase in ASD in American young people since 2017. What is behind the current surge? Sadly, the CDC and other institutions in the medical community do not wish to dig deeply enough, so risk factors have not been adequately considered. “Stephanie Seneff, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, attributes risk factors beyond genetics to the development of the condition. Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/154

Supporting your Child’s Brain & Body with the Detoxification & Die Off Process Detoxification often begins with the liver. When your child is loaded with toxins, the liver is congested and cannot function properly, creating a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. Until the liver is supported and working better — and many toxins have been gradually eliminated — the body is not able to handle detoxification or a die-off process. Toxins are in the blood, inside most cells, and are in fluids outside the cell, causing the pain, symptoms, and behaviors your child is experiencing. The cells want to get rid of them and a process of detoxification and protocol through nutrition and supplements will help. What is die off? Die-off is not an illness or infection, it’s a temporary syndrome in response to the process of detoxification. It is the body’s immune response to releasing toxins. As toxins break down or pathogens die, they can release harmful substances that can exacerbate symptoms. The symptoms from die off generally resolve within 3-7 days. While some increase in symptoms is common, if your child’s symptoms or behaviors worsen, you can stop or reduce the dose before too many toxins accumulate in the body causing further problems. Failing to intervene in time, can cause extreme behaviors to develop. Stay With The Process The detoxification and die off process is slow, but there really is no alternative. Give the process time, stay consistent, and keep with the protocol as long as is needed. Eventually, as toxins and pathogens are eliminated — and as other fundamental issues are corrected through diet and supplements — you will be able to get your child’s body and brain healthy and functioning as normally as possible. Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/153

Tips for Car and Air Travel Traveling with children who have special needs can bring up some of their challenges. Car sickness, anxiety over travel and unfamiliar territory are all issues that can come up quickly. Be prepared! Car or Air Sickness Anxiety Increasing Energy Hydrate Sunscreen Oppositional Defiance Disorder Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/152

Summer is here! As we begin taking trips, the reality of traveling with children with special needs can bring up some of their challenges. Food to eat on the go is another issue to navigate. Here are some helpful tips for you to help make your travels more relaxing. Eating out while traveling Avoid MSG, aspartame, food dyes, bad fats, sugar, dairy, and gluten. Avoid fast food restaurants due to trans fats, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that disrupt the brain. Google “farm to table”, or “organic restaurants” to find healthier choices. If you find a healthier restaurant try chicken with no antibiotics or hormones and salads... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/151

Podcast Interview with Dr. Fran Kendall on Mitochondria Disease Karen Thomas interviews Dr. Fran Kendall, M.D. Dr. Kendall is a Harvard trained physician with a career of over 25 years specializing in metabolic, mitochondrial, and inherited (genetic) disorders. This interview focuses on mitochondrial disease, a lesser known, but common genetic disorder causing symptoms ranging from seizures, GI problems, fatigue, and Rett Syndrome. Dr. Kendall is an expert in this field. In this interview we discuss what you need to know about mitochondrial disease and what you can do about it... Mitochondria give cells over 90% of their energy. Without proper energy cells cannot carry out their functions. Mitochondrial Dysfunction vs Mitochondrial Disease Mitochondrial dysfunction simply means that the mitochondria are not working correctly. Mitochondrial disease is the term used when the primary cause of mitochondrial dysfunction resides in the mitochondria. Mitochondrial disease is generally genetic. It can be inherited from either or both parents. A special type of mitochondrial disease is caused by mutations on the mitochondrial DNA, and is inherited only from the mother. When the primary cause of mitochondrial dysfunction resides outside the mitochondria, mitochondrial dysfunction is called “secondary” (to something else)... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/150

Electromagnetic Field Radiation (EMF’s) can sabotage the efforts of your child’s recovery program, unless you protect your child from them. I have researched a product I wish to share with you to help harmonize the harmful effects of electromagnetic field radiation. I am excited for you to learn about this fascinating technology. Focused Life Force Energy (FLFE) activates a positive energetic environment that supports the consciousness of your space and provides you with more energy to improve the quality of your life. To expand our consciousness To sleep and meditate more deeply To boost our body’s natural healing ability To increase focus, concentration, creativity To energize our living/working space Parents report improved ability for their child to do schoolwork and a greater sense of calm. The EMF Mitigation Program in FLFE How it Works: FLFE’s EMF Mitigation Program changes the way EMFs are influencing our lives. The FLFE environment and the FLFE EMF Mitigation Program harmonizes and acts in other ways (including using the energetic signature of Shungite) to have EMFs be positive for us, actually supporting us to rise in consciousness... Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/149

Mindful Parenting comes from conscious thought patterns. Often we are driven by our emotions and we react, rather than respond. Please listen to this interview with Ana Vega, the founder of Happy Families and an international Parenting Expert, Coach, and Consultant. After growing up with a mom living with severe schizophrenia, she became a Vice President in NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the largest mental health organization helping people affected by mental illness and their families. Then, while working as a journalist and an entrepreneur and becoming a mom, she developed a passion for parenting and helping other parents. As a coach she uses the unique combination of Mindful and Positive Parenting to help make parenting easier and more enjoyable.” Click Here or Click the link below for more details! https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/148