Phenol Intolerance (PST) Dificiency

Children with ADHD and Autism have many inefficiencies in metabolic enzyme functions and deficiencies in nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, Coenzyme Q10, and glutathione.) Autistic children have more profound and complex inefficiencies and deficiencies. Enzymes depend on one or more nutrients to function properly. When enzymes are "lazy" or there is a deficiency in the nutrients the enzymes requires, jams are formed causing problems in other ways or on enzyme pathways. The solution includes reducing the substances that must use certain enzymes and providing the nutrients to make the enzymes work better. Phenols are naturally occuring compounds. They have antioxidant qualities and protective functions, so some are beneficial and good to consume for most people.

The enzyme PST is an important part of detoxification pathways which remove from the body toxins resulting from metabolism and environmental chemicals, as well as additives in food.The phenols are beneficial to the system; it is the PST deficiency that is the problem. Artificial coloring and flavoring are the biggest load on the PST system, but high-salicylates foods are significant as well.Slaicylates are a type of phenol; however, not all phenols are salicylates. High-phenol fooods include apples, tomatoes, oranges, cocoa, red grapes, colored fruits, and cow's milk. Banana's may also be a problem; in addition to phenol, bananas contain tyramine which causes headaches and fatigue. Pears are low in phenols and is tolerated by most. Environment chemicals and toxins, especially petroleum by-products are also heavily added to the PST system.

Adding to the diet nutrients that help improve PST function are: magnesium, vitamin B6 (not alone), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, glutathione, and N-acetyl cysteine. Provide a source of the sulfate to help the PST enzyme that assist in food digestion; which improves the handling of phenols in food. For example use Epsom salt which consist of magnesium and sulfate and can be added to bathwater.

Symptoms that may suggest a phenol sensitivity include: 1.) known food/chemical intolerances or unusual sensitivity to medications. 2.) disrupted sleep; unusual laugher when waking in the night. 3.) regressive behavior after eating food/juice containing artificial colors. 4.) self-injurious actions perhaps related to headaches. 5.) high consumption of apple juice (or other high-salicylate juices) and high-phenol foods (apples, red grapes, etc.)6.) large variations in functioning ability. 7.) anger and/or aggression. 8.) hyperactivity 9.) unexplained periotic red ears or red cheeks. 10.) night sweating.

Sources of Phenol-compounds are: FD&C colors, vanillin, BHA,BHT, & TBHQ, natural flavoring (may contain phenols), salicylates, MSG, Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, sulfites, benzoates, perfumes, nitrites, nitrates, corn syrup (made from hydrogen sulfide and cornstarch), and medication asprin and salicylic acid products that contain aspirin and salicylic acid.
"The Kid-Friendly ADHD&Autism Cookbook copywrite 2006 pg. 49-50 Fair Winds Press