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Nutritional Deficiencies

    Like most kids, and especially those on the spectrum of ADHD and autism, Clayton lived on and craved junk food. His typical diet included trans fat, food additives, 2 and an overload of carbohydrates and refined sugar. This has been associated with ADHD. 3 Blood tests confirmed significant deficiencies in many important fats, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Clayton had no omega-3 fats and very low levels of tryptophan, vitamins B 6 , A, and D, antioxidants (vitamin E and beta carotene), zinc, and magnesium.
     
    Omega-3 fats, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanenoic acid (DHA), are essential for brain function. In fact, 60 percent of the brain consists of DHA. A lack of these fats is strongly associated with ADHD, 4 as well as eczema and immune deficiency.

    Tryptophan is an amino acid (building block of protein) needed to make serotonin, the chemical in the brain for a relaxed and happy mood, and melatonin, the chemical for sleep. Vitamin B 6 is crucial to converting tryptophan into serotonin. Clayton’s unstable mood, sleep disturbance, and ADHD were clues to a B 6 deficiency. Some of his prescription medications were actually further depleting his B 6 supply. 5

    A clear indication of low vitamin A and omega-3 fat deficiency were “bumps” on the back of his arms called hyperkeratosis pilaris. 6 His low level of vitamin D led to lowered immunity. 7 Deficiencies of other vitamins such as vitamin E and beta carotene indicated he ate a diet high in junk food and low in vegetables and whole grains.

    Low levels of zinc are associated with lowered immunity, poor heavy metal detoxification, and ADHD. This was consistent with Clayton’s frequent infections, eczema, and allergies 8 as well as the hyperactivity symptoms. Low- magnesium levels lead to headaches; anxiety; insomnia, muscle spasms, cramps, and aches; and hypersensitivity to noises. 9

    Nutrients have a multifactorial effect and work in synergy. It is important to attempt to correct all the deficiencies; as you can see, they all interact and overlap.

Immune and Inflammatory Imbalances

    Clayton had asthma, allergies, hives, sinusitis, itchy skin, canker sores, a history of intolerance to baby formula, diaper rash, and frequent ear infections. These are all clear evidence of immune and inflammatory imbalances.

    These should not be thought of as separate conditions but rather
one
immune system highly annoyed by one or more triggers such as food or environmental allergens, molds, toxins, chronic low-grade infections, or perhaps a combination of these factors.

    Special testing for delayed, low-grade food allergies (IgG food sensitivity) showed Clayton’s immune system (and likely his brain 10 ; 11 ) was reacting to eighteen foods, including dairy, peanuts, yeast, citrus, and especially gluten, all of which created more inflammation. 12

    Gluten can trigger a low-grade, chronic immune response that inflames the brain and many other systems. Canker sores were just another clue pointing to celiac disease or gluten intolerance. 13 Indeed, his IgG antigliadin antibodies were elevated (indicating an autoimmune reaction to gluten found in wheat, rye, barley, spelt, oats, and tritacle). In a later chapter, you will learn more about why gluten was a major clue in Clayton’s healing process.

Digestive Imbalances

    Nausea, diarrhea, stomachaches, anal itching, and sensitive stomach were clear symptoms of Clayton’s
digestive imbalances.
The use of frequent antibiotics for the many infections led to a yeast overgrowth and abnormal gut flora. This resulted in a leaky gut (also called intestinal permeability). This condition gives way to the above-mentioned food allergies, systemic allergies, and inflammation. 14 So we can see why his immune system was so angry.

Detoxification Imbalance

    Metal toxicity indicates poor detoxification. Tests showed that Clayton had high levels of mercury and lead . His exposure was probably similar