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tory syncytial virus). These may contribute to the pathology of autism by exacerbating
heavy metal retention. It’s possible that any type of virus can be involved
in autism—even atypical viral infections. Atypical viruses, sometimes called
“stealth viruses” can evade the immune system and lead to chronic infection.
Viral infection can also activate autoreactive T cells, creating autoimmune responses.
Microbes and Metals
In addition to focusing on the individual microbe, we need to understand and
consider the overall context that permits the microbial burden to build.
What permits microbial overgrowth Just as termites infest rotting wood, a wide
range of bodily imbalances permit opportunistic organisms to thrive. It may not
be enough to hunt down and kill an individual microbe. We may instead need to
consider all of the factors that undermine health and balance in order to create an
environment less hospitable to microbial overrun. That’s why this program entails
undertaking steps that strengthen and balance health. We introduce nutritional
support (via supplementation) to target specific microbes as well as supplementation
that helps to build a healthier overall gut environment.
Yes, people sometimes become ill even when taking excellent care of their health.
However, just as security measures reduce the risk of an intruder in the home, so
with proper health maintenance measures we can reduce the risk of opportunistic
microbial invasion.
What factors create the kind of environment in which harmful microbes thrive
A close relationship exists between chronic infection and retention of metals.
Metals seem to function synergistically with the microbes I discussed earlier in
this chapter. As we will see, bacteria and viruses have learned to survive—and to
create additional havoc in our bodies by acting as “accomplices” to these toxic and
heavy metals in order to further weaken our immune system so that our bodies
remain good hosts to the viruses.
Microbes Metals Immunity
Chronic infections in fact help these toxic metals hide in the body, where traditional
chelating agents are unable to effectively remove them. As we have noted,
tests may show the metal levels to be insignificant because the sequestered metals
“hide,” and cannot be measured, misleading people into thinking that metal
loads are not a problem.
64 Autism: Pathways to Recovery