Healing the New Childhood Epidemics Book Review

Dr. Kenneth Bock is known for the Healing Program that has helped hundreds of children with the 4-A Disorders. The 4-A Disorders include autism, ADHD, asthma, and allergies. In his book Healing the New Childhood Epidemics, he states that, “Vaccinations, administered with toxic levels of mercury in them, helped cause an epidemic of autism. They also contributed to the new epidemics of ADHD, asthma, and allergies. The tragic irony of this would be overwhelming , except for a single salient fact: the new epidemics can be defeated. They are epidemics of metabolic dysfunction and toxicity, and they can be overcome by rebalancing the metabolism, and reversing that toxicity. Dr. Bock, believes that autism, ADHD, asthma, and allergies can be reversed. He explains that the links among these disorders go on and on. These links extend to a significant degree to modern childhood epidemics. Including those of learning disabilities, depression, teen suicide, substance abuse, speech pathologies diabetes childhood obesity, and recurrent ear infections. While autism is strictly a psychiatric disorder, Dr. Bock believes that it is actually a neurotoxin disorder. Why? Because it’s caused primarily by the presence of destructive elements that injure the brain. These are toxic chemicals, viruses, incomplete proteins, inflammation, and immune cells that attack the brain. Dr. Bock considers autism to be a three-faceted illness with direct damage to the immune system, the gastrointestinal system and the nervous system. This destruction includes, inflammation of the brain and gut, viral infiltration of the brain and gut, severe nutritional deficiencies, food reactions that have neurological consequences, autoimmune attacks upon the brain and body, immune system over activity and under activity, and undernourished muscle tissue.

The four catastrophic changes are toxins proliferated, and with our water systems now becoming polluted with hydrocarbons, pathogens and waste that many people are using bottled water. The air has been saturated with mercury from coal-burning plants, with IQ damaging lead. Diesel exhaust is also particularly linked to autism. Our oceans are also full of poison. Mercury has caused tuna to be no more safe than to consume a can a week. Foods have been fouled with chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics to a level that was unheard of twenty years ago.) nutrition deteriorated, (due to the increase of eating foods that are considered fast food, and all of these harmful processed foods. Without the right nutrients, the body can not properly protect, detoxify, or restore itself, and vaccinations have increased. Since 1991, vaccinations have been doubled with the amount of toxic mercury, as well as increasing the frequency, and the probability of children who will receive multiple vaccinations in a single dose.

This book is about the Healing Program. It creates recoveries by eliminating futer exposure to toxins, flushing existing toxins out of the system, primarily by detoxification, and by restoring the miracle of methylation, healing the damage that the toxins have triggered., and by restoring proper function of the nervous system , the immune system, and the gastrointestinal system.

The Healing Program

1. Nutritional Therapy
Whole organic, nutrient dense foods must be eaten.
No allergic foods
Yeast-proliferating foods
GFCF diet
Carbohydrates are limited. Low blood sugar can cause some autistics and ADHD symptoms.

2. Supplementation Therapy
Detoxifying supplements
Metabolism-supporting supplements
Herbal supplements
Probiotics
Brain-supporting supplements

3. Detoxification: Chelation therapy and the miracle of methylation, stimulating the organs pf detoxification and elimination.

4. Medication including antifungal, antibiotics, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, highly individualized medications.

Please read his book for a more detailed program that includes everything that you need. From supplements to chelation treatments. It is how he conducts each individuals unique condition as if it was doing detective work. With each new problem arising in the children that he does see, he would play detective to figure out what and why was this child having a reaction(either a meltdown in autism, to allergies, ADHD, and asthma). I really enjoy reading about Dr. Bock’s success with children that he has healed by using the Healing Program. He really understands these children and how their bodies react to so much.

Solving your child’s mystery depends on finding the clues within them that would cause such reactions. For example, a history of autoimmune disorders (such as scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis), allergies, and neurological disease (Parkinson’s). These are only examples, and may contain other disorders and diseases.

Being exposed to thimerosal in utero, impaired immunity by vulnerability to ear infections. Multiple courses of antibiotics, which interfere with the excretion of heavy metals. Taking vaccinations while being ill with infections and taking antibiotics can be disastrous. Food allergies and bowel problems can also contribute to clues. This is just the start of clues for a particular person and many more can cause symptoms of autism or any of the other 4-A disorders.

Some autistics have a fungal dysbiosis caused by yeast overgrowth. Some of the clues include recurrent infections, history of frequent antibiotic use, chronic diarrhea, constipation, decreased cognitive function, or brain fog, gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort, low energy, depression or anxiety, decreased cognitive function, fatigue, chronic sinus congestion, and itching in the vagina, anus, or in other mucosal membranes.

As Dr. bock explains, one child had a streptococcus bacterial infections, which was triggering an attack on his brain. The name of the infectious disorder was PANDAS ( Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus. He treated him with an antibiotic cautiously to avoid a yeast overgrowth in his gut.

Autism is closely linked to chronic, persistent inflammation of the brain cells, or neuroinflammation. The immune system triggers this brain inflammation thru the immune system messengers called cytokines and chemokines. Inflammation can impair, and even destroy, brain cells. It can impede the function of neurotransmitters, like dopamine, the neurotransmitter closely associated with a positive mood and physical grace. The primary cause of Parkinson’s is the decline of dopamine function. Dopamine disorders can also trigger ADHD. Inflammation in the brain makes brain cells less capable of excreting toxic material which then causes even more inflammation. It creates a spiral of degeneration.

Due to a Vitamin A deficiency cone and rods of the eyes can be damaged, as with most autistic children. This causes the child to look sideways. From the book Envisioning A Bright Future By: Patricia Lemer, vision therapy can correct these and other vision problems. Your child may need to see a behavioral optometrist to create a plan for your child.

The amygdala, which makes you remember all the scary things that you need to know in order to survive, and that is too big and to active is probably the primary reason why autistic people do appear to have elevated anxiety. It has been shown that over 50% of all high-functioning autistic adults have severe anxiety and panic attacks. This excessive fear can lead to social anxiety, but it can also become phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, lack of impulse control, anger, abusiveness, depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and paranoia. The thalamus is in connection with the amygdala, which processes our sensory information. Autistics appear to frequently suffer from reduced size and impaired function of the thalamus. This along with general anxiety may account for their frequent desire to fixate on simple, repetitive activities. It can also lead to the clumsy and uncoordinated. The thalamus also helps regulate levels of neurotransmitters particularly the calming neurotransmitter serotonin and the pleasure neurotransmitter dopamine which are usually skewered in autistics. Autistics can have abnormalities in a special type of brain cell that may hold within it the very heart of love. This type of brain cell is called the mirror neuron.

ADHD sometimes know as a catchall diagnosis affects 3.5 million children and about 1.5 million adults. Although, Dr. Bock says that half of the children diagnosed with ADHD don’t become adults with ADHD, even though their personalities generally don’t change much. He says that these people are simply more comfortable and effective in adult environments that are of their own choosing, as they work on tasks that interest them. So what are the root causes of ADHD? Toxification of the brain and body with heavy metals, particularly mercury and lead, toxification from childhood vaccination containing thimerosal , especially when given to a child who is sick, or on antibiotics, toxification from environmental pollutants, and nutritional deficits that comprehends detoxification and that impair neurotransmitter function. Food alergies, sensitvities, and intolerances that can harm the brain’s chemistry.

Inflammation from the streptococcal bacteria that results in inflammation of the brain, from autoimmunity, is known as PANDAS, and is treatable with antibiotics. Utero stressors that include environmental toxins, inoculation, bacteria, viruses, nutritional deficits, and emotional stress. Low thyroid activity results in impared energy and cognitive function. A problem such as this is like that of an autoimmune thyroid disorder. Testosterone in males can exacerbate toxification. Genetic factors that contribute to various assaults on the nervous system, immune system, and gastrointestinal system. Some of these do sound like autism, and that is why Dr. Bock believes that the same basic factors also contribute to ADHD. This is why most children are labeled as having both autism and ADHD, like my own two sons.

The classic signs of the inattive type of ADHD include: lack of focus, easily distracted, short attention span, and difficult in learning. The hyperactive subtype is restlessness, impulsivity, and the tendency to pick up and discard random objects, talking to much, and easily becoming obsessed with things. As it is common for those with ADHD, their serotonin levels are low and often trigger symptoms of agitation, restlessness, and anxiety. ADHD patients can have lowered levels of the thought transporter acetylcholine. Without having enough acetylcholine to carry thoughts from one neuron to another, thoughts can get lost in a thick, impenetrable brain fog. Many ADHD children have elevated levels of dopamine which wakes the brain up and helps perk up their mood. To much dopamine can be as bad as having too little. Kids brain’s usually have a dopamine deficit because their brain cells can not adequately accept entry of this neurotransmitter. These neurotransmitters need to enter brain cells through receptors, and if these receptors are not working properly, then the neurotransmitters can not get through. As Dr. Bock explains that there are twelve different types of receptors for dopamine on each brain cell, and one receptor called D-4, and is notorious for malfunctioning. Using methyl-B-12 can often resolve this problem. Again getting to the root causes of all the potential problems is key to the healing program. Sometimes autism and ADHD are similar in their traits, and tend to share mental and behavioral problems. Some of the co-morbid neurological and psychological conditions that frequently accompany both are depression, anxiety and mood disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, learning disabilities, speech pathologies, oppositional defiance disorder, insomnia and sleep disorders, and communication disorders.

Asthma is another one of the 4-A disorders, and affects about 20 million children and adults. Children with autism and ADHD have a significant higher incidence of asthma. Thank the Lord that my children do not have asthma, however my sister does have asthma. The presence of asthma or allergies during pregnancy can lead to the child have a doubled chance of becoming autistic. It is said that children with asthma had higher rates of ADHD behavior, including poor concentration and conflicts with other children. People with asthma are 300 times more likely to be obese, even when they do exercise, because inflammation contributes to both disorders. Asthma, hypothyroidism, and allergies are the three most common co-morbid physical disorders among those with autism. Ninety percent of all children who have asthma also have allergies. Toxins from any source can cause asthma symptoms, as well as toxins from what we eat, breath, drink , inject, and touch can lead to an asthma attack.

Dr. Bock has described that there are three main sources of asthmatic inflammation. First, infections can be a common trigger of asthma after the inflammation has already taken hold. Infections can be caused by a virus, bacterium, or a fungus, and can originate in the airways and even the gut. Some infections may stay distant from the airways and then create inflammatory chemicals that can cause an asthma attack. An example would be that asthma can be caused by an infection such as a chronic yeast infection such as chlamydia. Infections can also indirectly contribute to asthma by skewing immunity and increasing the activity of Th-2 cells. This can heighten inflammation and make people more prone to allergic reactions. Treatment with antiviral, or antifungal can drastically help improve asthma symptoms. So therefore, Dr. Bock explains that asthma can be reversed.

The second is allergens that can cause inflammation like an infection would. That is why eating the wrong diet can contribute to inflammation. Most treatments for asthma does not contribute to food allergies. Food allergies can trigger inflammation and cause other symptoms, such as an allergic over production of mucus, and excessive sensitivity to the nervous system which can contribute to bronchial muscle spasms. In asthma milk and wheat are the top two problems with an asthmatic person with a food allergen asthma attack. The GFCF diet works well with this type of asthma attacks. To reduce the incidence of food reactions, but help regulate the immune system and to overcome Th-2 skewing; probiotics can also help those with asthma. Taking an essential fatty acids supplement can also help those with asthma. Other foods to avoid are those high in saturated fat especially trans-fatty acids found in many processed foods. Salt can have a pro-inflammatory effect, so watch the salt.

The third is toxins. Most toxins, if not any type, can create inflammation as the body tries to eliminate it. High levels of metals in the body can result in widespread inflammation. These can include mercury, lead, aluminum, cadmium, tin, and arsenic. So could vaccines that contain metal preservatives cause asthmatic symptoms? Likely. However, environmental toxins play a role in toxicity. As we all know that chemical gas can be excreted by home furnishings, dust mites, mold, mildew, dust mites, and insect waste products, as well as air pollution. Toxins are a major cause of asthma so detoxification programs can greatly benefit people with asthma.

Allergies is the fourth 4-A disorders. Allergies can create inflammation in the body causing a reaction. As in my case, I am allergic to corn, peanuts, and soybean oil. When I consume soybean oil, or any soybean for that matter (I guess), I feel like I am going to go crazy. I tend to space out with a headache, achy joints, sinus congestion, sore eyes, and so much more. I feel like I have been poisoned, and that is exactly what I have been doing my whole life. I haven’t tried it with peanut butter or corn, but that is a lot easier to stay away from since it is not in everything. I did figure out how the soybean oil affects me. It’s in almost everything that I do eat. I have been eating the one thing that is hurting my body. Think about taking the bread, butter, vegetable oil, and so much more out of your diet. You really do have to make sure that what you eat does not have that in the ingredients. I was surprised as I started reading labels on the things that we do have at home, and I was shocked. Who wouldn’t be.

As Dr. Bock describes there are a number of disorders that can mimic what is actually an allergy. ADHD symptoms (the first disorder) could actually be an underlying problem for those who have an allergy such as a food allergy, therefore they have been misdiagnosed as to having ADHD. This one sounds like me if it plays out right. Arthritis (the second disorder) is another common one. The painful swelling could be an allergic reaction that is causing inflammation in the body. Most commonly this can mimic the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Sounds like me again. Allergies create problems with asthma (the third disorder) in which they can trigger an attack. Allergies to peanuts can create a severe asthma attack, as the gut inflames the lungs reducing the ability to breathe properly. Candida (the fourth disorder) problems are caused by food allergies and then the food allergy is causing candida overgrowth in becoming a cycle of yet another problem with allergies. Chronic ear infections (the fifth disorder) that can be triggered by allergic congestion. Frequent use of antibiotics can hare the immune system and the gut. Chronic fatigue syndrome (the sixth disorder) is closely associated with allergies because symptoms mimic and trigger this syndrome including malaise, fatigue, poor cognitive function, depression, swollen glands, and night sweats. Chronic pain (the seventh disorder) is amplified by inflammation of an allergic reaction, and by a decreased activity of serotonin that allergies can precipitate. Cognitive and mood disorders (the eighth disorder) are linked to allergies. It includes depression, anxiety, impaired cognitive function, and hyperactivity. Allergies can contribute to these conditions or contribute to existing conditions. Sounds like me again. Oh boy how wonderful this world is. Diabetes (the ninth disorder) can be worse due to an allergy. Food reactions disrupt insulin metabolism, destabilizing blood sugar levels, and cause inflammation of the pancreas. Who would have ever thought of that one. Digestive disorders (the tenth disorder) such as indigestion, including heartburn, gas, and bloating can be made worse from food allergies. Autistic children with bowel dysbiosis can be sensitive to problems with digestion and elimination. Eating disorders (the eleventh disorder) occur sometimes among people with food allergies. Food reactions typically trigger craving which can cause people to binge on favorite foods. Allergies also contribute to bulimia and anorexia, by lowering serotonin levels. Eczema, acne, and hives (the twelfth disorders) have been one hundred percent cured with patients who have hives, and sixty percent cured with patients who have eczema when an allergenic foods have been eliminated. Fibromyalgia (the thirteenth disorder) is widespread chronic muscle pain that has been linked to low levels of serotonin in which food reactions could be the cause. Hay fever( the fourteenth disorder) caused by airborne allergens when food reactions occur simultaneously and make the fever much worse. Headaches (the fifteenth disorder) are also common for symptoms of food reactions. One study says that ninety-three percent of young migraine patients stopped having headaches when they eliminated their reactive foods. Hypoglycemia ( the sixteenth disorder) results in reaction as it can spike blood sugar, which then will plummet. All because of an allergy? Wow! Insomnia ( the seventeenth disorder) happens when food reactions disrupt the normal balance of hormones and neurotransmitters, including serotonin and melatonin. Irritable bowel syndrome ( the eighteenth disorder) is often triggered by dairy products, animal fat, sugar, citrus, and cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli. Symptoms of food reactions can also mimic symptoms of IBS. Obesity ( the nineteenth disorder) linked to food allergies? It is possible. Weight gain can also contribute to food reactions. It is often triggered by allergic inflammation which disrupts the metabolism. Food reactions also cause food cravings. Food reactions create a false fat of tissue, swelling, abdominal bloating and water weight. Sinusitis (the twentieth disorder) is common among people with airborne allergies, and also among those with food allergies. Is it not amazing how allergies affects the body in so many ways. I find it fascinating.

When you have one of the 4-A disorders, you only wish that you can heal them. Finding the root cause of illness is key, and treating that illness is a top priority for you. Like me I have food allergies, and I notice a big change once I have taken them out of my diet. I realize how they affect me, and I am glad to get rid of the food that harms my body. What a difference in my physical, emotional, and mental state that it has made for me. I encourage to read this book if you have ADHD, asthma, autism, or allergies. I promise that you will be glad you did. I enjoyed this book very much, and I know that you will receive some great knowledge as you read.