Heavy Metals

This is not a comprehensive list, simply some articles I have found along the way. “Our review suggests that most autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk factors are connected, either directly or indirectly, to immunoexcitotoxicity. Chronic brain inflammation is known to enhance the sensitivity of glutamate receptors and interfere with glutamate removal from the extraneuronal space, where it can trigger excitotoxicity over a prolonged period. Neuroscience studies have clearly shown that sequential systemic immune stimulation can activate the brain’s immune system, microglia, and astrocytes, and that with initial immune stimulation, there occurs CNS microglial priming. Children are [...]

Heavy Metals2019-09-16T14:38:45-04:00

Fragile X

“Reducing glutamate signaling pays off in fragile X” https://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v14/n3/full/nm0308-249.html “This has become a long-standing unanswered question in the fragile X field, which is also relevant to autism pathogenesis. Our current study generated astrocyte-specific Fmr1 conditional knock-out and restoration mice, and provided compelling evidence that the selective loss of astroglial FMRP contributes to cortical synaptic deficits in FXS, likely through the dysregulated astroglial glutamate transporter GLT1 expression and impaired glutamate uptake. These results demonstrate previously undescribed astrocyte-mediated mechanisms in the pathogenesis of FXS.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27383586 “We observed significantly reduced levels of protein for FMRP in adults with autism, significantly increased [...]

Fragile X2019-09-16T14:33:22-04:00

Looking at Glutamate in Underlying Infections & Immune Dysfunction (PANS, PANDAS, AE, Lyme, etc)

PANS & PANDAS Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) diagnosis has jumped to 1 in 200 hundred and is becoming more and more common. These disorders are distinguishing by an often striking onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms in response to immune activation and possibly misdirected immune response. While PANS can be triggered by numerous infections, PANDAS is just associated with the strep infection. Symptoms of PANS & PANDAS Tics Obsessions/Compulsions/OCD Anxiety Headaches/Migraines ADHD Food Restrictions Personality Changes Emotional Lability Sleep Disturbances Mood Disorders Regression of Skills/Grades Urinary Frequency What [...]

Looking at Glutamate in Underlying Infections & Immune Dysfunction (PANS, PANDAS, AE, Lyme, etc)2019-10-08T10:13:07-04:00

Dyslexia

This is not a comprehensive list, simply some articles I have found along the way. There seems to be growing evidence that excess glutamate is also involved with dyslexia. " The first theory suggests that dyslexia might be a consequence of neuronal hyperexcitability, which contributes to learning deficits by heightened noise and instability in information processing3. This theory emphasizes the importance of balanced levels of excitation and inhibition within cortical pyramidal-interneuron networks, which support tuning to sensory input, neural timing, and information processing. Excitation–inhibition balance and the precise timing of neural activity can be disrupted by [...]

Dyslexia2019-12-03T14:14:18-05:00

Brain Injury & Trauma

This is not a comprehensive list, simply some articles I have found along the way. “The window of post-traumatic epileptogenesis, as well as the post-TBI window of vulnerability to a second injury, extends beyond the acute period. The pathophysiology that follows in the days, weeks and months after injury involve compensatory processes of receptor up and down regulation, alterations in subunit composition and a growing imbalance of glutamate driven excitation and GABA mediated inhibition. A recent study by Cantu and colleagues highlights the early phases of this imbalance in glutamate and GABA and points to mechanisms [...]

Brain Injury & Trauma2019-09-16T14:29:51-04:00

Autism & Sensory Processing Disorder

This is not a comprehensive list, simply some articles I have found along the way. See immune function, mitochondrial dysfunction, microbial imbalances, seizures, ADHD, speech & language, movement disorders, sensory processing disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, methylation, metals, and EMF’s tab for additional information related to glutamate and autism. Favorite article on the role of glutamate in autism: http://www.holistichelp.net/blog/how-to-increase-gaba-and-balance-glutamate/ Great article linking autism symptoms to excess glutamate and glutamate dysfunction: http://www.ageofautism.com/2011/03/autism-and-glutamate-dysfunction-avoid-the-cause-race-to-the-cure.html Amazing flowchart on how free glutamate affects autism spectrum disorder, by Carol Hoernlein of MSG Truth http://www.msgtruth.org/images/Theory%20of%20Autism-Simplified.pdf Here is a great video on methylation and the role of glutamate in [...]

Autism & Sensory Processing Disorder2023-08-16T18:25:32-04:00

Anxiety & Depression

This is not a comprehensive list, simply some articles I have found along the way. Ever hear people talk about their need for Xanax to relax or calm their anxiety? Xanax and other benzodiazepine pharmaceutical options (Valium works similarly) help to temporarily restore balance between glutamate and GABA by artificially increasing GABA. This increase in GABA calms the over excitation from excess  glutamate, acting as a mild sedative. Unfortunately, artificially increasing GABA through the use of these pharmaceuticals will actually decrease natural production of GABA, only intensifying the problem. One of the best ways to naturally increase [...]

Anxiety & Depression2019-09-27T20:41:32-04:00

Ammonia

This information is here to help support you if you struggle with high ammonia levels. Not everyone will necessarily need to implement these changes. High levels of ammonia are frequently found in those on the autism spectrum. Ammonia may be high for many reasons, including bacterial imbalances, overgrowth of E.coli, clostridia, klebsiella, parasites, protein consumption, and so on, and ammonia is a byproduct of their metabolism.  One of the most common symptoms of high ammonia is the strong smell of ammonia in sweat, urine, stool, and/or breath.  Many often experience behavioral reactions from high ammonia, and [...]

Ammonia2023-04-29T17:05:06-04:00

Lowering Glutamate | Vitamin C

Vitamin C- Vitamin C is intertwined with glutamate signaling and glutamate release. It has the ability to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial function, and offer protection during glutamate release. The use of whole food sources such as rose hips, Camu Camu, guava, kiwi, strawberry, cherry, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, beet, carrot, spinach, broccoli, kale, cabbage, parsley, brussel sprouts, ginger, cauliflower, cranberries, asparagus, etc. are much preferred over supplementation in my opinion (glutamate risk and may contribute to oxalate issues). “Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties that may prove to be helpful in treating HD. [...]

Lowering Glutamate | Vitamin C2024-08-24T19:11:35-04:00
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