Autism Requires Environmental Medicine

Parents Of ASD Child

I know you moms and dads are exhausted and doing the best you can to get through each day. I want to give you an applause for everything you are doing. Being a parent is a DIFFICULT JOB! I also know that financially it can be a struggle. Insurance is for SICK CARE and does not usually cover testing or treatments that promote wellness. Plus the Pediatric side of medicine often does not tell you that there is anything else. So when you are tired at the end of the day, the last thing you want to do is research. I know when you are in your shoes it feels like you are alone in the world trying to navigate the system. Just know that if you look hard enough there are services that actually help give grants to get you care…. Just don’t give up, that is your baby.

Not Sure What Autism Is

Autism also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a labeled condition that is on the rise. One in Fifty-four kids in the US have been labeled with Autism. Autism can be a wide range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. It is usually diagnosed in the toddler years. Other symptoms often are involved with autism like sleep issues, seizures, gastrointestinal problems, allergies and so on.

What We Know

Autism occurs due to genetic and environmental factors. We know that with the study of epigenetics our genes can be influenced by our environment. Therefore, we should be putting a lot more attention on an environmental work up.

Why Are Parents Not Seeking Help

I get really frustrated when all I hear parents doing for their child is working with Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. There is so much available to date to help kids with ASD. I’m not knocking those services they are great, but it should not be the only therapy. As a mama bear I want to protect my kids and give them the best health possible. I have done everything in my powers even when money was tight to get better healthcare for my child. I would sell my house and give up my creature comforts if it meant finding care for my child. I’m not just saying this…. I actually have done this for my daughter. I have often wondered if it was lack of finances that causes people to not seek care. But I know people that could afford other treatments. So when I see my mama friends drinking Lattes, wining and dinning at nice restaurants and making lavish vacation plans, it makes me wonder WHY. Why are they not seeking care for their kiddos? Why are they not moving heaven and earth to find treatments? Why are they stuck with the occupational and speech therapies as the be all end all for their babies? Or could it be lack of knowledge that other treatments exists. There is so much available today with podcast, books, blogs, articles, even social media posts to not know that there is at least the simplest thing makes me shake my head. I have learned the hard way and it is really hard not to talk about medicine with my friends. I just love them the way they are….   If this is you, I’m not judging…. I’m trying to just figure out why…. And I’m glad you are reading to explore your options. So just as as a mom, I am wanting to figure this out.

Okay rant over….

So Why Environmental Medicine

There are internal environmental toxins and external environmental toxins. Babies are born into this world already being exposed to hundreds of chemicals in the womb. Then they are bombarded will all of the chemicals thereafter.

Internal Environmental Toxins:

• Cellular Waste

• Bacterial Imbalances

• Hormone Break Down

• Food Sensitivities

• Medication

• Parasites

• Viruses

• And More

External Environmental Toxins:

• Disposable Diapers Standard

• Mattresses

• Flooring

• Flame Retardants inPajamas and Furniture

• Soaps, Lotions and Powders

• Toys

• Breast Milk or Formula

• Food -Chemical Additives, Pesticides and Herbicides

• Laundry Detergents

• Fragrances

• Air Pollution (worse in your home)

• Vaccine Ingredients

• Heavy Metals

• Contaminated Water Supply

• And LOTS MORE

The list goes on and on of the things they are exposed to. There are over 85,000 chemicals in this world. The majority of them have not been tested for human safety. No wonder their little systems are overwhelmed with all of this. Some of these toxins store in the body and other are excreted quickly. These toxins can interfere with gene function, neurological development, the immune system and more.

Testing ASD Children

There are so many things to consider when a child has ASD, like was the child born via C-section or Vaginal. Why? Because of the Microbiota of the Gut. The gut bacteria will be different between a vaginal birth and c-section a breast-fed and non breast fed. The gut bacteria is important for so many reasons like absorbing nutrients, immune health and neurotransmitter health. Then there is the question was the child vaccinated. Has he or she been exposed to any viruses and/or had any illnesses? These things all matter. Where was the child born on city water or well water? Do you have new or old furniture? Carpet, Vinyl, Laminate, Wood or Tile? So many things matter when trying to decide the relevance of each test.

The starting point, in my professional opinion for all ASD children need to be a Great Plains Laboratory Organic Acids Test. This is not to be confused with your basic lab tests. This will address fungal and yeast markers, bacterial markers, neurotransmitter metabolites, amino acids, mitochondria, detox pathways and more.

Afterwards would depend on which environmental exposures are the highest on the Questionnaire.

Testing Options

• Organic Acid Testing

• Non Metal Toxins

• Mycotoxins

• Lyme & Co-Infections

• Gluten Testing with Cyrex

• Food Sensitivity Panels

• Nutrient Profiles

• Genetic Testing for SNPs

• Stool Testing Parasites

• Pyrolle Testing

• Heavy Metal Testing

Treatments For ASD

Emptying as much of the toxic burden as possible. Far Infrared Sauna therapy. Supplying nutrient therapies for lacking deficiencies and for supporting genetic methylation. Ridding the body of pathogens when called for either by botanical or pharmaceutical intervention. Medications, Herbal and Nutrient Supplements. Energetic therapies have also been shown to be beneficial. As a naturopathic doctor I have a larger tool box to be able to find the right therapies for your child.

If your child has Autism or you expect it then I strongly encourage you to seek care with either us or another environmental medicine expert. Start putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

Disclaimer: This article is not to give medical advice or treatment on a specific health condition or symptom. Please seek care at our office or with your primary care if you have specific questions.

Are You Reacting To The Foods You Eat?

Do you have a Food Sensitivity?

Isn’t it time you take the guesswork out of what you should and shouldn’t be eating? Food allergy and sensitivity testing can help you eliminate the foods that could be harming your body. Even healthy foods can be contributing to unhealthy reactions within the body.  People often confuse food allergies and food sensitivities. Food allergies are often severe and can be life threatening. A true IgE food allergy creates an immediate immune reaction. Food sensitivities are usually less severe, however, they still create numerous health problems.  A food sensitivity is often defined as a delayed IgG reaction. Some people report having symptoms up to 72 hours after they eat a specific food. Since reactions can be delayed for several days it makes it hard to differentiate which foods are aggravating you.

Common Food Sensitivity Symptoms

• Weight gain or Loss that is unexplainable

• Constipation or Diarrhea

• Bloating

• Headaches or Migraines

• Fatigue

• Brain Fog

• Poor Concentration

• Joint Pain

• Skin Rashes

• Eczema

• Acne

• Heartburn

• Chronic Pain

• Autoimmune Disease Flares

Testing Options

Food Sensitivity

We are highly selective on which food allergy and sensitivity test we offer to you.  For the most part food sensitivity testing is not covered by your health insurance. You may be special and have an awesome health insurance, unfortunately it isn’t the norm.  We have various testing kits for our patients.

Alletess Is the most affordable testing option.  Alletess offers 96 IgG and 184 IgG food sensitivities.  It is a finger prick test that the patient is able to do at home.   

Cyrex Laboratory is highly regarded for their immune screens.  They offer a Wheat/Gluten Array and Gluten Cross Reactivity Array.  Cyrex offers Food Immune Reactivity Screens. If you have an autoimmune disease or want to determine your reactions to gluten, then this is the lab for you.  Cyrex Testing can be expensive and requires testing gluten first, then gluten cross reactivity, and finally food reactions. They have 90 or 180 different foods/spices/food additives to test.  

Dunwoody Labs has set themselves apart from other labs by offering Complete Dietary Antigen testing.  They take 88 Foods and compare IgE, IgG, IgG4, C3d for all foods. This gives more comprehensive information for your immune health.  

Food Allergy

We blood test for the most common food allergies with True Health Diagnostics. Dunwoody does test for IgE responses to 88 foods as well.  Again, this will test only for immediate IgE reactions. It may be necessary for us to refer you to an allergist for further testing. If you have an IgE food allergy then it is necessary to always carry Benadryl and an Epipen.  

Common Food Allergies

• Egg

• Milk

• Wheat

• Sesame

• Peanut

• Soybean

• Hazelnut

• Almond

• Shrimp

• Tuna

• Salmon

• Cashew

• Walnut

• Scallops  

What to Do When You Have A Food Sensitivity or Food Allergy?

Food Sensitivity Testing confirms that gastrointestinal work is needed.  Food Sensitivity Testing may not be 100% accurate when you have leaky gut. It is important to eliminate the bothersome foods while you are working on your GI health.  Enzyme Science Intolerance Complex can help you while you are figuring out which foods to eliminate. Taking one capsule with meals may help if there is a possibility of cross contamination.  Caution- this is not to be taken if there is a known diagnosis of an immediate allergy or celiacs disease. If needed there are more specialized testing for leaky gut, LPS, and Gluten Cross Reactivity. Often times you are able to add food sensitivities back into the diet if you were diligent with the treatment plan.  

True food allergies must be avoided from your diet.  Children can sometimes outgrow their allergies. It is important to be careful in not cross contaminating your food.  Always carry an epipen and antihistamine medications. Always work with your doctor.

If you are in the greater Spokane area and want to know if foods are bothering you, then schedule your appointment now.  Dr. Julie George enjoys helping patients restore their gut health. This is for your information and is not a substitute for medical advise from your doctor. If you have questions or comments concerning your own health please schedule an appointment with our office or with your physician.

Life Changes

As an expecting mother I envisioned the way I wanted to raise my children and have a professional career.  I wanted to instill some of the same family traditions that I had taken part in as well as start new traditions.  I thought about having themed birthday parties, trying healthy recipes and traveling the world.  I contemplated childcare situations and future education for my precious kids.  I envisioned taking 3 months off, then gently going back part time and building up to full time after the second birthday.  I really thought all of this was a perfect game plan.  

Then there was the birth of our third baby.  Everything went smoothly and she was a healthy 9lb 2oz baby girl born at home.  My envisioned game plan was still in place.  At 2 months old she started having horrible eczema and really bad reflux symptoms which were not improving.  As a mother, especially a naturopath, I felt like I was failing at discovering the underlining issue.  She had imaging and was being seen by a fantastic pediatrician, with no answers.  When she was 4 months old, we decided to give her an excellent product for eczema and reflux.  She immediately had anaphylaxis to the product.  We rushed her to the local hospital and onto being transported to the Children's hospital.  At the first hospital her blood work came back extremely abnormal.  We were in the hospital for 8 days before being released without a definite diagnosis.  Months later she was given the diagnoses of Hereditary Spherocytosis and Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE). 

During these months leading up to the proper diagnoses, our family's world was unraveling.  My naturopathic office was having to be put on hold, my life evolved around driving to the children's hospital multiple times per week for testing and treatment.  My husband and I spent countless hours researching the diseases as well as natural treatments.  The medical doctors did not always agree or understand our approaches.  It was extremely exhausting fighting for my rights to breastfeed my child, and not to do the harsh medications and feeding tubes.  My husband changed careers and relocated during this exhausting time, which left me tending to the stress of an ill child.  I managed working limited hours for months.  Some patients were understanding, but not all.  After a scary allergic reaction that required airlift to the Children's hospital due to respiratory distress, our flight nurses and ER doctors advised that we needed to move closer to the hospital.  This expedited our relocation to Spokane, WA. 

Life as we once knew it changed.  Everything changed.  We can not be careless anymore or free spirited about where we go.  With the Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE) she has anaphylaxis to most foods, along with severe environmental allergies.  Planning a trip requires knowing where the EpiPen is located and how close the nearest hospital is to us.  Childcare is extremely difficult to come by due to the possibility of another child dropping a crumb on the floor and she picking it up.  Things that most people never think about are now in our awareness each day. 

All of those plans I had years ago are just reminders that life doesn't always go as expected.  I am now having to be extremely creative with birthday celebrations and holidays.  We live life to the fullest and are grateful for our little girl.  She is doing amazing and I will write on that in the future.  My daughter's health conditions are definitely influencing the way I practice medicine and my appreciation for caregivers.  Life has changed and we now embrace our new life.