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Dr. Hicks’ article in Autism Science Digest Magazine
After 30 years as a medical doctor and pediatrician with 10 years heavily focused on autism, prompted by personal involvement with my stepson, I have seen tremendous changes in what we have learned and how we treat this condition. I have recognized four main components that when addressed and balanced encourage rapid progress towards wellness.
These four components include focusing on the digestive system, the detoxification system, the immune system and also methylation and neurotransmitters activity.
Digestive System
Nutrition is the foundational pillar of all good health.When the digestive system is imbalanced other issues will occur throughout the body system. Digestion and absorption is key to a strong foundation. Factors that strongly influence healthy digestion include enzymes, ph balance, leaky gut, and inflammation.Diets need to be customized to address individual needs and so there is not a one size fits all solution. Focus should center on increasing healthy flora while decreasing pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and parasites.
Detoxification
The liver and kidneys process around ninety five percent of the detoxification of bodily waste from metabolic processes and toxins.We have genetic predispositions towards certain conditions such as Autism, ADD, ADHD, Bipolardisorder, anxiety and Obsessive Compulsion disorder.DNA testing can determine these predispositions, which can then be addressed naturally through appropriate diet and supplement programs.
Immune System
Up to seventy percent of the immune system resides in the gut and so the digestive system and the immune system are intricately connected. Imbalances in the immune system can lead to food sensitivities and an overproduction of antibody cells. This may predispose to autoimmune diseases and a heightened immune system. As a result foods and substances that normally are accepted by the body become allergens and interfere with focus, concentration and mood. Immune DNA testing can be helpful to clarify predispositions within the immune system.
Methylation and Neurotransmitters
Catecholamine neurotransmitters are responsible for general feelings of well-being, focus, concentration, sleep and many other neurological processes. An enzyme of your detoxification system controls methylation or how the body uses catecholamine neurotransmitters. This predisposition can be positively addressed with high quality natural supplements, homeopathics, glandular extracts and other wholesome remedies.These systems can be brought into balance without the need for medication.
Holistic Medicine
Holistic Medicine approaches the body as a whole, interconnected, system.
Understanding how each system interacts with and influences all the others prompts solutions that address all the issues and provides a more complete resolution. Each body has the inner intelligence of what is needed to be healthy and well. The solutions lie in understanding and addressing the root causes of disease and in feeding and supporting the systems of the body.All interventions are simply ill fitting band-aids that suppress what is really going on.They are crutches that seemingly help one get by while the body if supported will heal itself. Our job is not to treat symptoms but to look down deeply where the problem is being created. As we work on the foundational pillars of digestion, detoxification, immunity, methylation and neurotransmitters we will assist in a manner that leads to true healing.
