Heavy metals detoxification may reduce or eliminate autistic behaviors. Heavy metals toxicity is a concept fraught with controversy, but according to neurologists Philippe Grandjean, MD. and Philip Landrigan, MD., heavy metals such as mercury, aluminum, arsenic and lead contribute to the “global, silent pandemic of neurodevelopmental toxicity”. .https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(13)70278-3/fulltext

The doctors go on to state that a developing child’s brain is susceptible to damage from heavy metals at a low exposure, crossing the blood-brain barrier and accumulating in the brain. As a result, the rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been increasing dramatically worldwide.

Heavy metals detoxification is necessary to remove the heavy metals stored in the brain. The heavy metals replace crucial minerals such as zinc and iron needed to produce neurotransmitters. Heavy metals also decrease neuroplasticity, increasing learning and behavior problems, and causing inflammation of the brain, which adversely affects functioning of the brain, as well as escalating behavior issues.

I came across an excellent article that explains heavy metals detoxification for the parents or caregivers of our autistic loved ones. https://chriskresser.com/heavy-metals-and-behavioral-disorders-in-children/

How do I know if my child needs heavy metals detoxification?

1. heavy metals challenge: a heavy metals challenge is usually done by a provider familiar with DMSA and EDTA, both of which are controversial chelators of heavy metals. The patient is given a chelator such as DMSA or EDTA and the heavy metals are excreted in the urine. I found this procedure the most effective for measuring heavy metals burden in my son’s body, as it pulls the heavy metals from the soft tissues, such as the brain, where they are stored. The urine is then measured for detection of heavy metals.
2. hair analysis: a snippet of the hair is taken, and measured for heavy metals. I found this test to be not as effective as the heavy metals challenge, as it does not give a picture of the total heavy metals burden in the body.
3. blood test: blood is drawn and measured for heavy metals. I found this test to be not effective at all for detecting heavy metals burden. A blood test can only detect heavy metals that have recently been ingested, as heavy metals are stored in soft tissues such as the brain or bones soon after entering the body.

How do I treat my child for heavy metals detoxification?

1. DMSA or EDTA: these are chelators used for heavy metals detoxification. They are powerful chelators, requiring a qualified practitioner to administer them. These chelators have had their share of controversy, as there have been three deaths that I know of associated with them. But reports have shown that the wrong chelator was given in each death. DMSA and EDTA work by pulling out heavy metals, as well as crucial minerals, so the patient must be closely monitored, including liver and kidney function tests. It’s very important that the patient has regular bowel movements before starting DMSA or EDTA, as the heavy metals will be excreted through the feces, and if the patient is not able to have regular bowel movements, the heavy metals may be reabsorbed into the body.
2. zeolite clinoptilolite: zeolite clinoptilolite is a mineral found in volcanic ash, and is an excellent chelator of heavy metals. And the great thing about zeolite is that it doesn’t absorb vital minerals…just the heavy metals. But be sure to get the zeolite clinoptilolite, as regular zeolite is full of aluminum, one of the heavy metals we’re trying to remove. The zeolite clinoptilolite has had most of the aluminum removed.
3. glutathione: the glutathione pathway is crucial for removing heavy metals. A lot of our autistic kids have impaired glutathione pathways, especially if they have the MTHFR gene mutation. Glutathione comes in oral form or transdermal patches.
4. TRS spray: TRS (toxic removal system) spray contains zeolite, which is effective in heavy metals detoxification. TRS spray should be gentle enough to use every day.
5. remove heavy metals from your environment: Heavy metals lurk in well water, homes built before 1976, anti-perspirants, aluminum cookware and dental amalgams, to name a few sources. Filtering our water, change cookware to stainless steel or ceramic,use deodorant instead of anti-perspirants, remove dental amalgams and be careful renovating homes built before 1976, as lead dust is invisible (a fact I tragically didn’t realize until the damage to my son and the death of his twin).

Heavy metals detoxification is an important tool in our quest to get our autistic kids ready for independence as adults. A lot of our kids have impaired detoxification secondary to genetics, and aren’t able to excrete the heavy metals like most typically-developing kids can. That’s why our kids with autism need us to step in and help them rid their brains of the toxins that are holding their brains hostage.

Questions and/or comments? Feel free to contact me at https://www.scarlettsouthauthor.com/contact. You can also join my free newsletter https://www.scarlettsouthauthor.com/sign-up/ and get all the latest news and treatments on autism!

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scarlett

Scarlett South is a registered nurse, an autism specialist and the author of Autistic or Toxic? How I Unlocked the Mystery of My Son's "Autism." But her proudest achievement is her adult son, whom was once considered severely autistic, with talks of being placed in an institution, and whom is now an independent and productive member of society! Scarlett is based in Florida.

Latest posts by scarlett (see all)

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