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Chapter 3. Promoting Detoxification Safely
and thorough release of toxins, but also accomplishes it with the least possible
discomfort—although of course, discomfort and setbacks may be part of the process.
After introducing support for the methylation cycle, we further support detoxification
and address microbial overgrowth through the use of certain key supplements,
which will be reviewed in Part Two of this book. Throughout, we are
able to track the detoxification process through biochemical tests. Because each
person and each child is individual, everyone has an individual pathway to healing
and recovery.
Now that we’ve looked at certain factors that work together and separately to
increase toxic load, let’s look at some key areas in which toxins act to undermine
health and function.
How Metals Interfere with Healthy Function
As we have seen, viruses may hold onto metals, and metals in turn interfere with
numerous important reactions. I’ll mention some of these here, with the caveat
that our understanding of these interactions continues to evolve.
In the body, mercury interferes with the methylation cycle, making a bad situation
worse for those whose methylation cycle is already impaired. Lead, mercury,
and a number of other toxins can inhibit a key enzyme that converts the neurotransmitter
dopamine to norepinephrine. With lower levels of norepinephrine,
the body cannot effectively regulate attention and focus, contributing both to
attention disorders that many children experience as well as to brain fog and
other focus issues that adults with ailments like chronic fatigue syndrome may
experience.
Toxins Norepinephrine Focus
Lead lessens energy levels by interfering in heme synthesis. The heme molecule
(with an iron atom at the center) is the non-amino acid component of a protein,
helping the protein’s biological activity. Heme is also the component of hemoglobin
that helps to hold onto oxygen in your blood. Reduced oxygenation can have
a serious effect on energy levels and may be a contributing factor to fatigue. In
addition, without heme, the body can’t make cytochromes. The membrane of the
mitochondria, the cells’ energy factories, are typically loaded with cytochromes,
which are needed for electron transport in and out of the mitochondria. As a
result, high lead will often tend to decrease energy levels through its effect on
oxygenation as well as its effect on cytochromes. Many children with autism have
problems with energy. You also see energy issues in chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia,
and low muscle tone. Lead plays a very strong role here along with the role of
aluminum discussed earlier.
Autism: Pathways to Recovery
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