Autism & the Candida Connection

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There has been a lot written about yeast or Candida overgrowth. Less has been written about yeast die-off or "Herxheimer's Reaction." Ironically, the "die-off" is the most visible, lasting and unpleasant manifestation of treating the gut. It is also the best signal you have nailed the problem on the head. First discovered by Dr. Herxheimer in connection with studies involving syphilis, of all things, it was observed that symptoms worsened significantly with treatment.

Many microbes or single celled animals, when they die, release their toxins into the system. In many cases it is the toxin, and not the microbe itself, that causes the illness. Although yeast causes gut deterioration (like English Ivy destroying a brick wall), it is the toxin Gliotoxin, which is the cause of many immune and behavioral problems.

Yeast, as any beer drinker will tell you, is also the main mechanism for converting sugar to alcohol. Many sufferers of yeast report a drunken or foggy feeling. This is not surprising because yeast produces alcohol, which goes straight into the blood.

Gliotoxin, which has been studied largely in connection with organ transplantation, is known for its extraordinary immune suppression properties. It is also known to attack the central nervous system and to cause premature cell death. It is, in short, a very bad actor, which has not been very well studied.

Yeast is one of the main causes of final system breakdown and ultimately death in AIDS patients. Animals injected with concentrated gliotoxins suffer seizures and can die.

When you start treating for yeast or clostridia, these toxins will be released into the child's system, through a leaky gut. These can cause problems such as aggravated behavior, diarrhea, drunkenness and withdrawal symptoms. These are good signs. Herxheimer's can vary from a few days to upwards of several weeks. Do not be discouraged! You are on the right track!

It is possible to treat the symptoms of Herxheimer's, often with fairly dramatic results. Studies have shown that gliotoxins attack the central nervous system. There is also evidence that Vitamin C, combined with either Alka Seltzer Goldâ or Tri Salts (a mixture of calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate) seems to be a very effective way of neutralizing the gliotoxins and preventing acidosis of the blood.

We have seen William calm down within a matter of two to three minutes after getting 250 mg of Vitamin C mixed with Tri Salts (bicarb) or Alka Seltzer Gold. Although it is also controversial, sauna, or hypothermia, also seems to help with die-off reactions. Lots of water to flush the system is also a good idea.