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Pediatrician, John J. Hicks, III MD
During my time in medical school I found that I unintentionally annoyed many of my professors by continually using one simple word, “why?” It was frustrating to be taught how to treat a body, tissues, organs and glands, without any explanation of why the disorder, illness or disease was present. Is health simply the luck of the draw? Could it be that we are nothing more than walking, talking time bombs waiting for the inevitable grasp of death to take hold?
Holding such beliefs may be tempting as it endeavors to absolve one of the key principles of health; responsibility! There is an attractive payoff in handing over personal responsibility to medical practitioners. For example, we may feel unqualified and unsure of how to take charge of our own health, in a medical world that is straining under the weight of many diverse opinions and buried in a myriad of questionable facts. Furthermore, our genetic blueprint serves to erroneously convince us that we are predisposed through heredity to an endowment of illnesses that ultimately becomes our expectation.
However, understanding the reality that most medically trained practitioners have been educated to treat symptoms of imbalance rather than restore well being provides a critical need to take back personal responsibility for health and obtain some understanding on how our magnificent bodies function and how to keep them functioning at their best.
The Digestive System
The cornerstone of most illnesses begins with digestion. Many health issues initiate at the beginning of the digestion process and are persistently reinforced with every bite. The food we eat should supply all the nutrients needed by the body for optimal functioning. Food is broken down to supply the building blocks for enzymes, neurotransmitters, proteins, DNA and RNA. The source of our food and how it is prepared is the first important step in this process. Foods that are locally grown, eaten in their season and organic are the best choices.
The quality of digestion and absorption are critical factors in how efficiently the body can break down and extract these vital nutrients. It has been said, “We are what we eat.” A more accurate statement would be “We are what we digest and assimilate” as everything that is not used in and by the body becomes toxins and waste.
Bacteria are organisms naturally found in the body and many are beneficial and necessary for good health. The probiotic bacteria help with digestion and absorption of nutrients. Other bacteria, anaerobic, aerobic and yeast in high amounts become a liability and create an unhealthy internal environment where disease states can result. Fortunately, varieties of probiotics are readily available and consist of diverse strains of bacteria. The most important strain is Bulgaricum. This strain shifts the internal gut environment so that it favors the growth of beneficial bacteria while similarly preventing the propagation of dysbiotic strains. Furthermore, Bulgaricum offers an additional benefit by toning and strengthening the immune system. Additionally, cultured vegetables made with sea salt or probiotic cultures provide beneficial bacteria, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial to stabilize the internal environment and assist in the build up of friendly flora. They are also a wonderful source of B vitamins and help to support the immune system and provide alkalinity for optimal pH.
Minerals, vitamins, enzymes and other nutrients are absorbed and utilized in the body only within a specific environment as measured on a “potential of hydrogen” scale, more commonly know as pH. A balanced pH is necessary for the correct and complete absorption of all nutrients. Furthermore, the growth of beneficial bacteria and prevention of dysbiotic or unhealthy bacteria also depend on correct and specific pH ranges. Our pH range varies throughout our body. For protein to be broken down into usable polypeptides, an acid pH is needed in the stomach. If we do not have the desired pH to break down the food, it stays in the stomach fermenting and rotting. This results in the release of carbolic acid gases, which push up against the cardiac sphincter, where the stomach joins the esophagus causing what is known as reflux. Reflux treated with antacids further reduces the ability to digest proteins thereby compromising the availability of amino acids. Immune DNA testing can provide valuable information on genetic potentiality towards reduced stomach acidity and chronic inflammation.
A commonly thought of solution to dysbiotic overgrowth is to appeal to the use of antibiotics. However, antibiotics are not able to distinguish between good and bad organisms and so kill all bacteria. They also tend to create irritation of the gastrointestinal tact, diarrhea and yeast overgrowth. Furthermore, they increase pH acidity, encourage growth of resistant organisms and suppress the immune system. Plasmids, which are genetic information molecules that allow organisms to develop resistance, are now found in yeast as well as bacteria.
Alternatively, there are more natural ways to address this overgrowth without such an immense global cost to the body. Therapeutic enzymes that include cellulase and protease break down and digest yeast and bacteria when taken away from food. Also, natural teas such as Indian Fire Tree Bark, a Native American remedy, are much more effective than anti-fungal medications.
Anti-fungals are known to block detoxification pathways making it more difficult to excrete the pockets of toxic yeast. When a detoxification pathway is blocked, namely in the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, anti-fungals and other medications can no longer be metabolized correctly. This increases the toxicity load of the body. Additionally, anti-fungals drive yeast cells into the liver, removing the ability of the body to eliminate them.
Even with the best supplements, microbial imbalance cannot be resolved without an alkaline diet that does not feed bacteria and yeast. Yeast feed off sugars, vinegars and high glycemic grains like corn. A healthy diet of protein, complex carbohydrates and essential fatty acids will cut off the food supply and lend support to a balanced supplement program.
The Detoxification System
The function of the detoxification system is to efficiently eliminate all waste and toxins and to keep pollutants from harming the delicate internal systems of the body. It can be likened to a sink that is consistently being filled with garbage from the activities going on in the kitchen. The liver and kidneys serve as the drains of the sink handling approximately ninety five percent of detoxification and excretion. Without adequate support these over burdened organs can become sluggish and depleted. This system can be the starting point for many issues that are found connected with autism spectrum disorder, chronic illness, dementia as well as a host of other neurological and endocrine conditions.
Phase 1 Detoxification
DNA testing provides important information to Phase 1 detoxification in the form of Cytochrome P450, which is a family of enzymes that complete the first round of detoxification reactions in the body. These enzymes use oxygen to change toxic compounds, drugs, or steroid hormones. When one of these enzymes is not functioning properly, the substrates (either medications or supplements) will not be removed out of the body, as they should. This can create toxic side effects even at standard doses typically considered normal.
Taking an enzyme inhibitor even at a lower dose will continue to create a toxic environment. Alternatively, if you take a medication that induces or stimulates the cyctochrome P540 enzyme, the substrate or medication dose may need to be increased. As a result the use of multiple medications, used simultaneously, creates many complicating issues for the detoxification process. A vicious cycle of medications used to treat side effects of other medications ensues.
DNA testing looks for polymorphisms in gene coding for specific enzymes. When a polymorphism is present there is a decrease in the efficiency or activity of that enzyme. The cytochrome enzyme family includes:
• CYP1A1 is responsible for detoxifying polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, (pollutants found in oil, tar, coal, exhaust fumes, charbroiled meats etc.) and some hormones including the 2-hydroxylation (adding OH molecules) of estrogen, acetaminophen, caffeine, estradiol, estrone among other drugs and substances.
• CYP1B1 is involved in the 4-hydroxylation of estrogen. This indicates potentials for estrogen sensitive tumors, early onset of menarche, (first menstrual bleeding) premenstrual syndrome, low fertility and complicated menopausal issues. Furthermore, acetaminophen, testosterone, and other medications are detoxified by this enzyme.
• CYP2A6 detoxifies nitrosamines and nicotine. This relates to nitrates and nitrates in meats and how they may negatively impact the body.
• CYP2C9 clears the residuals from Coumarin™ and sulfonureas. Sensitivities to sulfa drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications would be associated with malfunction of this enzyme.
• CYP2C19 assists in helping to detoxify proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec™ as well as other anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants and progesterone.
• CYP2D6 detoxifies twenty percent of all prescription medications, including many antidepressants, antipsychotics and beta blockers.
• CYP2E1 detoxifies nitrosamines and ethanol.
• CYP3A4 detoxifies fifty percent of all medications as well as the hormones estrogen and testosterone.
Phase II Detoxification
This system oversees the second phase of detoxification of waste and toxins from the body by adding large water-soluble molecules to toxins for elimination in urine and feces. It is divided into four specific types of reactions. The enzyme COMT (Catechol-O-methyl transferase) and MTHFR (methylenetrahydrofolate reductase) control the process of methylation, which is the addition of methyl groups to compounds. COMT controls methylation breakdown and the interconversion of the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and nor-epinephrine. If these substances are not controlled adequately, depression, bipolar disorder, heightened anxiety, attention deficit disorder, autistic spectrum disorders and alcoholism can result. COMT also contributes to the detoxification and modulation of estrogen and other hormones.
MTHFR controls the methylation of hormones in pregnancy, blood clotting, neurotransmitters and amino acids. Too much of the amino acid homocysteine in blood plasma is related to coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.
NAT (N-acetyl transferase) controls acetylation (the adding of acetyl-COA to organics compounds) typically in the liver and kidneys. It detoxifies environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke and exhaust fumes. Defects in this part of the system, lead to an increased risk of lung, colon, bladder, head and neck cancer.
Glutathione is an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and detoxifies many water-soluble solvents, herbicides, fungicides, lipid peroxidases and heavy metals. Glutathione conjugation happens in the liver, kidney, brain and skin. There are two genes that manufacture glutathione. GSTM1, which affects the liver and kidneys, and GSTP, which is mainly in the brain and skin. Problems here can create issues in neurological pathways and also affect cellular energy. This may increase the potentials for cancer and oxidative stress.
Oxidative protection evaluates two types of super oxide dismutase enzymes. SOD1 affects the cytosol, which is the intercellular fluid found inside cells and protects cell nuclei. SOD2 protects the mitochondria, which generate cell energy. Impairment of these enzymes could manifest as fatigue, decreased focus and concentration and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, when activated these predisposing factors can trigger many issues with detoxification and trigger a domino reaction throughout other systems in the body. It is from this interrelated platform that underlying issues can be discovered so that chronic illnesses are not continually perpetuated.
Our DNA
The story of our DNA is no longer our destiny. An abnormality in our DNA does not mean that disruptive effects are guaranteed to manifest. The epigenome is a layer of biochemical reactions that turn genes on or off similar to a switch system. When gene activity is turned off the potentiality for disease is also shut down. By limiting environmental exposure to toxins, and supporting the body with a healthy diet and quality supplementation we can influence the epigenome. Dr. Bruce Lipton’s book, “The Biology of Belief”, shows clearly how thoughts and beliefs interact powerfully with genes and the epigenome. Believing you are destined to “inherit” cancer dramatically increases your chances of experiencing cancer. A healthy positive outlook is essential and will influence your genes towards keeping you well.
Detoxification requires life long attention. You cannot “quick fix” a system and expect it to run effortlessly unsupported in a toxic environment. The concern with many aggressive treatments, used in autism for example, is that the quick, forced removal of heavy metals can stress and damage the liver thus impairing the entire detoxification system. In young children this can demand a higher price and put forth greater risk than the treatment is worth. Our bodies inherently know how to run efficiently and correctly and will do so when receiving the necessary support and nutrition.
The Immune System
Most individuals with autism spectrum disorders and autoimmune disease have a Th-2 shift where the antibody side of the immune system is in over-drive. This typically develops early in life and is usually present for many years or even decades before symptoms develop. The immune system functions similar to a “teeter totter”. When it is in neutral it will shift back and forth between the TH-1 and the TH-2 as the body’s needs dictate. The TH-1 cytokine (TNF-alpha) side indicates the ability to fight viruses and cancers. Conversely, the TH-2 cytokine (Interleukins) side produces antibodies and controls different functions of the immune system.
A simple CD Lymphocyte subset panel will give a clear picture of the immune system’s current state. However, testing the DNA can be highly beneficial for long-term care. DNA testing tracks for these interleukins, as well as the tendency towards chronic inflammation.
• Interleukin-4 modulates hyper-responsiveness of the lung epithelial cells, which is indicative of asthma.
• Interleukin-6 evaluates the predisposition towards high triglycerides and lipoprotein lipase.
• Interleukin-10 suppresses the TH-1 side of the immune system making it more susceptible to acute and chronic viral infections and a decreased ability to protect against cancers.
• Interleukin-13 promotes IgE formation, developing IgE allergies, atopy and bronchial asthma.
• Interleukin-1 Beta exposes the marker for chronic inflammation. This shows the predisposition towards autoimmune disease, Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancers. High quality supplements are available to shift the immune system back to neutral when customized individually according to specific needs.
Additional Systems affected by the Immune System
Awareness of the current state of the immune system gives important information regarding the potential problems caused by vaccinations. A predisposition towards chronic inflammation coupled with an inability to clear adjuvants (activating agents) in vaccines, will create a greater risk of developing autoimmune disease following vaccination. These tendencies may result in recurrent infections as seen with Cytomegalovirus, Human Herpes Virus 6, Epstein Barr Virus and even streptococcal infections. The persistence of these infections contributes to chronic fatigue and food hypersensitivities.
Rarely caused by genetics, cellular energy is affected by the inability to pull in nutrients and co-factors for the production of energy. Muscle strength, focus and memory are common mitochondrial issues. Ubiquinone is the common carrier for the production of cellular energy. Every cell needs energy and therefore needs ubiquinone. Supplementing with CoQ10 in a form that can cross the blood brain barrier can be a highly effective.
The Krebs Cycle that produces energy is activated by NADPH (nicotinamide adenine phosphate.) This improves the electron transport chain, removing free radicals, assisting neurotransmitters and properly metabolizing hormones. Additional support for the cycle includes B vitamins, bioavailable minerals, and requisite co-factors.
B-12 should always be taken in the form of methylcobalamin or it will not be of use to the cells or systems. Mineral absorption varies in the different forms. Calcium carbonate is the cheapest and least effective form of calcium, as the body cannot assimilate it. Zinc, an essential mineral can cause abdominal pain if used in a form other than picolinate. In excessive amounts, zinc can stress the immune system creating an imbalance that favors a TH-2 shift.
Neurotransmitters
The common allopathic treatment for any neurological disorder is synthetic medication. However, the drugs prescribed have more serious side effects than the relief they offer. In addition, these drugs often have disappointing long-term results. Many drugs fail miserably, resulting in dosages being prescribed at dangerously high amounts. Most neurological drugs have never been thoroughly tested on children and can cause undesirable and permanent brain alteration.
Abnormal methylation pathways demonstrate the need for specific nutrients and supplements namely; B12 as methylcobalamin, folinic acid, methyl donors, NADPH, cellular extracts and glandulars. These substances provide necessary cofactors to support and make more efficient methylation reactions. If the COMT enzyme is impaired, levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine and nor -epinephrine are typically affected. This can lead to quick and significant disruptions in neurotransmitter levels, which can lead to erratic behavior and mood. By supporting methylation while addressing other vital components such as cofactors, amino acids, transporters, receptors and their subunits, significant improvements can be made without resorting to synthetic medications. These same principles hold true for serotonin, a well-known neurotransmitter that is an important contributor to feelings of well-being. Furthermore, supporting serotonin with a combination of customized amino acids can improve sleep, mood, learning, cooperation processing and sequencing.
Homeopathy and Vibrational Remedies
Although some practitioners may use homeopathy, I prefer the use of vibrational remedies, as they do not contain the large amounts of alcohol found in traditional homeopathic remedies. These remedies are infused with the necessary vibrational signatures to rebalance the immune system, clear vaccine residuals, remove auto antibodies, and eliminate bacterial and viral infections. These beneficial remedies can be selectively and specifically directed to assist the body without any side effects.
Solutions
Supplements, diet, therapies and attitude all play an equal role in healing the body. It is my belief that when a problem manifests a corresponding resolution is simultaneously created. As medically trained practitioners it is our first responsibility to “do no harm.”
It is our privilege to provide specific, individualized support to the body to give it the assistance it needs for reparation and healing.
Our bodies have been designed to be self-healing and equal to the task of moving us through our life in good health. We would do well to remember the wisdom shared by Hippocrates, the father of medicine when he said, “it is more important to know what sort of person has a disease, than to know what sort of disease a person has”. Healing comes from understanding the needs of the body and by supporting its weakest links. Each cell in our body carries the information, the wisdom and the power to bring about complete and total perfection and move us gracefully into wellness.
