🌸
🌸
"The need for drug therapies will fade away as brain science advances."
“For every drug that benefits a patient,
there are natural substances that can produce the same effect”.
🌸
"The need for drug therapies will fade away as brain science advances."
“For every drug that benefits a patient,
there are natural substances that can produce the same effect”.
🌸
🌸
The Next Revolution in Psychiatry
Drug medications will not stand the test of time.
A fundamental limitation is that psychiatric drugs are foreign molecules
that produce an abnormal condition rather than producing normalcy.
Epigenetic and other therapies in the new era will normalize
the brain without introducing side effects.
🌸
The Next Revolution in Psychiatry
Drug medications will not stand the test of time.
A fundamental limitation is that psychiatric drugs are foreign molecules
that produce an abnormal condition rather than producing normalcy.
Epigenetic and other therapies in the new era will normalize
the brain without introducing side effects.
🌸
🌸
Nutrient Power:
Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain
By Dr. William J. Walsh
CONTACT: Sue Hanegraaf [email protected]
🌸
Nutrient Power:
Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain
By Dr. William J. Walsh
CONTACT: Sue Hanegraaf [email protected]
🌸
“Bill Walsh is not a renaissance man: he’s a renaissance scientist.
This book could change medical history.”
Marguerite Kelly, syndicated columnist, The Washington Post
https://imhu.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Nutrient-Power.pdf
🌸
This book could change medical history.”
Marguerite Kelly, syndicated columnist, The Washington Post
https://imhu.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Nutrient-Power.pdf
🌸
Free sample
$16.99 $9.99 Ebook
Psychiatry has made great advances in the past 50 years but it needs a new direction.
In his book, Nutrient Power: Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain (Skyhorse Publishing, September 2012), the author and scientist William J. Walsh, PhD, presents a science-based nutrient therapy system that can help millions of people diagnosed with mental disorders.
Recent discoveries in epigenetics and the molecular biology of the brain have provided a roadmap for the development of effective, natural, drug-free therapies that do not produce serious side effects.
The author explains that the need for prescription drugs will fade away as science advances.
The evidence-based nutrient therapy system presented in Nutrient Power recognizes that nutrient imbalances can alter brain levels of key neurotransmitters, disrupt gene expression of proteins and enzymes, and cripple the body's protection against environmental toxins.
Dr. Walsh’s database containing millions of chemical factors in blood, urine, and tissue has identified brain-changing nutrient imbalances in patients diagnosed with attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, behavior disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.
Nutrient Power describes individualized nutrient therapy treatments that have produced thousands of reports of recovery. Walsh's approach is more scientific than the trial-and-error use of psychiatric drugs and is aimed at a true normalization of the brain.
Depression, schizophrenia, and ADHD are umbrella terms that encompass disorders describing the widely differing brain chemistries and symptoms. Nutrient Power describes individualized nutrient therapies tailored to those specific biotypes. The book includes case studies and in- depth chapters describing how the brain can be healed by identifying nutrient deficiencies and overloads, and how natural, drug-free therapies can effectively correct the imbalances.
Other book highlights include the Walsh Theory of Schizophrenia, a new way to look at autism, a promising new treatment for Alzheimer's, and recommendations for reducing crime and violence.
About the Author
William J. Walsh, PhD, is a scientist with more than 40 years of research experience.
He received his doctorate in chemical engineering from Iowa State University. Dr. Walsh has devoted the last 30 years to develop biochemical-treatment protocols for patients with behavior disorders, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. He is the author of more than 200 scientific articles and reports.
Dr. Walsh lives and works outside of Chicago, Illinois.
Advance Praise for Nutrient Power
“With Nutrient Power, Bill Walsh joins Linus Pauling, Carl Pfeiffer, and Abe Hoffer on the Mount Rushmore of behavioral nutrition. Bill Walsh opened my eyes to unsuspected nutritional needs, which saved my son.
That could happen in your family, too.
—Dr. Woody McGinnis, autism researcher
“A necessary must for practicing physicians, patients, and families! This book opens a new door in psychiatric healthcare. When all else has failed, read this book.”
—Albert Mensah, MD, Mensah Medical
“Nutrient Power brings a unique new perspective to mental, behavioral, and autistic disorders, including the crucial role of epigenetics. Anyone seeking advanced treatments for mental illness will benefit greatly from reading Dr. Walsh’s new book.”
—John Skelton, former assistant director, Australian Army Psychology Corps
To request a copy of Nutrient Power or to learn more from the author, please contact:
Sue Hanegraaf/ 630 400 3400/[email protected]
Available in print and as an e-book wherever books are sold in stores and online.
Nutrient Power
Skyhorse Publishing (September 2012) hardcover ISBN: 978-1-62087-258-1 Price: $29.95
Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain
By Dr. William J. Walsh
William J. Walsh, PhD, is an internationally recognized expert in the field of nutritional medicine. He is president of the non-profit Walsh Research Institute in Illinois and conducts physician training programs in advanced biochemical/nutrient therapies in Australia, Norway, and other countries.
Dr. Walsh has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and scientific reports and has been granted five patents. He has presented his experimental research at the American Psychiatric Association, the U.S. Senate, and the National Institute of Mental Health.
After earning degrees from Notre Dame and the University of Michigan, Dr. Walsh received a PhD in chemical engineering from Iowa State University. While working at Argonne National Laboratory in the 1970s, Dr. Walsh organized a prison volunteer program that led to studies of prisoners and ex-offenders researching the causes of their violent behavior.
A collaboration with Carl C. Pfeiffer, MD, PhD, a pioneer in the field of nutritional research therapy, led Dr. Walsh to the development of individualized nutrient protocols to normalize body chemistry and brain chemistry. Over the next 30 years, Dr. Walsh developed biochemical treatments for patients with behavioral disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease that are used by doctors throughout the world.
Dr. Walsh has studied more than 25,000 patients with mental disorders. His accomplishments include (a) groundbreaking studies reporting reduced violent behavior following nutrient therapy, (b) the 1999 discovery of undermethylation and copper/zinc imbalances in autism, (c) the 2000 finding of metallothionein protein depletion in autism, (d) the 2007 published study linking copper overload and post-partum depression, (e) the identification of five biochemical subtypes of clinical depression, (f) the 2011 development of the Walsh Theory of Schizophrenia, and (g) the direction of the Beethoven Research Project that revealed that the composer suffered from severe lead poisoning.
Dr. Walsh has conducted chemical analysis of more than twenty five serial killers and mass murderers, including Charles Manson, Richard Speck, James Oliver Huberty, Patrick Sherrill, and Arthur Shawcross. He has assisted medical examiners, coroners, Scotland Yard, and the FBI in these forensics studies. He has designed nutritional programs for Olympic athletes, NBA players, major league baseball players, a heavyweight boxing champion, PGA and LPGA golfers, and others.
Walsh Research Institute’s current research includes studies of autism brain tissues, the role of epigenetics in mental health, oxidative stress in disease conditions, and underlying causes of bipolar disorder.
$16.99 $9.99 Ebook
Psychiatry has made great advances in the past 50 years but it needs a new direction.
In his book, Nutrient Power: Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain (Skyhorse Publishing, September 2012), the author and scientist William J. Walsh, PhD, presents a science-based nutrient therapy system that can help millions of people diagnosed with mental disorders.
Recent discoveries in epigenetics and the molecular biology of the brain have provided a roadmap for the development of effective, natural, drug-free therapies that do not produce serious side effects.
The author explains that the need for prescription drugs will fade away as science advances.
The evidence-based nutrient therapy system presented in Nutrient Power recognizes that nutrient imbalances can alter brain levels of key neurotransmitters, disrupt gene expression of proteins and enzymes, and cripple the body's protection against environmental toxins.
Dr. Walsh’s database containing millions of chemical factors in blood, urine, and tissue has identified brain-changing nutrient imbalances in patients diagnosed with attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, behavior disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.
Nutrient Power describes individualized nutrient therapy treatments that have produced thousands of reports of recovery. Walsh's approach is more scientific than the trial-and-error use of psychiatric drugs and is aimed at a true normalization of the brain.
Depression, schizophrenia, and ADHD are umbrella terms that encompass disorders describing the widely differing brain chemistries and symptoms. Nutrient Power describes individualized nutrient therapies tailored to those specific biotypes. The book includes case studies and in- depth chapters describing how the brain can be healed by identifying nutrient deficiencies and overloads, and how natural, drug-free therapies can effectively correct the imbalances.
Other book highlights include the Walsh Theory of Schizophrenia, a new way to look at autism, a promising new treatment for Alzheimer's, and recommendations for reducing crime and violence.
About the Author
William J. Walsh, PhD, is a scientist with more than 40 years of research experience.
He received his doctorate in chemical engineering from Iowa State University. Dr. Walsh has devoted the last 30 years to develop biochemical-treatment protocols for patients with behavior disorders, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. He is the author of more than 200 scientific articles and reports.
Dr. Walsh lives and works outside of Chicago, Illinois.
Advance Praise for Nutrient Power
“With Nutrient Power, Bill Walsh joins Linus Pauling, Carl Pfeiffer, and Abe Hoffer on the Mount Rushmore of behavioral nutrition. Bill Walsh opened my eyes to unsuspected nutritional needs, which saved my son.
That could happen in your family, too.
—Dr. Woody McGinnis, autism researcher
“A necessary must for practicing physicians, patients, and families! This book opens a new door in psychiatric healthcare. When all else has failed, read this book.”
—Albert Mensah, MD, Mensah Medical
“Nutrient Power brings a unique new perspective to mental, behavioral, and autistic disorders, including the crucial role of epigenetics. Anyone seeking advanced treatments for mental illness will benefit greatly from reading Dr. Walsh’s new book.”
—John Skelton, former assistant director, Australian Army Psychology Corps
To request a copy of Nutrient Power or to learn more from the author, please contact:
Sue Hanegraaf/ 630 400 3400/[email protected]
Available in print and as an e-book wherever books are sold in stores and online.
Nutrient Power
Skyhorse Publishing (September 2012) hardcover ISBN: 978-1-62087-258-1 Price: $29.95
Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain
By Dr. William J. Walsh
William J. Walsh, PhD, is an internationally recognized expert in the field of nutritional medicine. He is president of the non-profit Walsh Research Institute in Illinois and conducts physician training programs in advanced biochemical/nutrient therapies in Australia, Norway, and other countries.
Dr. Walsh has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and scientific reports and has been granted five patents. He has presented his experimental research at the American Psychiatric Association, the U.S. Senate, and the National Institute of Mental Health.
After earning degrees from Notre Dame and the University of Michigan, Dr. Walsh received a PhD in chemical engineering from Iowa State University. While working at Argonne National Laboratory in the 1970s, Dr. Walsh organized a prison volunteer program that led to studies of prisoners and ex-offenders researching the causes of their violent behavior.
A collaboration with Carl C. Pfeiffer, MD, PhD, a pioneer in the field of nutritional research therapy, led Dr. Walsh to the development of individualized nutrient protocols to normalize body chemistry and brain chemistry. Over the next 30 years, Dr. Walsh developed biochemical treatments for patients with behavioral disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease that are used by doctors throughout the world.
Dr. Walsh has studied more than 25,000 patients with mental disorders. His accomplishments include (a) groundbreaking studies reporting reduced violent behavior following nutrient therapy, (b) the 1999 discovery of undermethylation and copper/zinc imbalances in autism, (c) the 2000 finding of metallothionein protein depletion in autism, (d) the 2007 published study linking copper overload and post-partum depression, (e) the identification of five biochemical subtypes of clinical depression, (f) the 2011 development of the Walsh Theory of Schizophrenia, and (g) the direction of the Beethoven Research Project that revealed that the composer suffered from severe lead poisoning.
Dr. Walsh has conducted chemical analysis of more than twenty five serial killers and mass murderers, including Charles Manson, Richard Speck, James Oliver Huberty, Patrick Sherrill, and Arthur Shawcross. He has assisted medical examiners, coroners, Scotland Yard, and the FBI in these forensics studies. He has designed nutritional programs for Olympic athletes, NBA players, major league baseball players, a heavyweight boxing champion, PGA and LPGA golfers, and others.
Walsh Research Institute’s current research includes studies of autism brain tissues, the role of epigenetics in mental health, oxidative stress in disease conditions, and underlying causes of bipolar disorder.
🌸
| Dr. Walch / Depression.pdf |
| Dr. Walch /Nutrient Therapy and Improved Metal Functioning. pdf |
| Dr. William J. Walsh / Nutrient Therapy and Improved Metal Functioning. 2.pdf |
🌸
Nutrient Therapy and
Improved Metal Functioning / See the PDF above.
William J. Walsh, Ph.D. Walsh Research Institute Naperville, IL
Walsh Research Institute
Nonprofit public charity
Clinical Experience William J. Walsh, Ph.D.
10,000 Behavior & ADHD
3,500 Schizophrenia & Bipolar 3,200 Depression
6,500 Autism
Massive Chemistry Database
Laboratory testing of 30,000 mental health patients and controls.
Database Findings
Striking blood/urine chemistry differences between mental illness
populations and the rest of society.
Biochemical Individuality
Humans are genetically & epigenetically diverse.
Because of genetics and epigenetics, most people are deficient in several nutrients and overloaded in others.
Nutrient Deficiencies that Impair Brain Function
Zinc
Methionine
Folic Acid
Vitamins B-6 and B-12
Niacin/Niacinamide
DHA, EPA, AA (essential fatty acids)
Antioxidants: Se, GSH, Vitamins C, E, etc. Chromium
Nutrient Overloads that Impair Brain Function
Copper
Folic Acid
Iron
Methyl groups
Toxics: Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, etc.
Individualized Nutrient Therapy
Medical history and review of symptoms, Special blood/urine lab tests,
Diagnosis of chemical imbalances,
Prescribed nutrient program aimed at normalizing brain chemistry.
Populations With Positive Outcomes Following Biochemical Therapy
Behavior Disorders ADHD
Autism
Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia
Alzheimer’s Disorder
Frequent Questions From Mainstream Medicine
The Brain Is a Chemical Factory
The Power of Nutrients
Neurotransmitter synthesis
Reuptake processes at synapses
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression
Protection against oxidative stress
Nutrient Imbalances that Alter Neurotransmitter Activity
Zinc Deficiency
Copper Overload
Methylation Disorder
Folate Imbalances
B-6 Deficiency
Fatty Acid Imbalances Toxic metal Overload
Severe Oxidative Stress
These nutrient imbalances are present in a variety of disorders:
Example 1: Copper overload present in most cases of hyperactivity, post-partum depression, paranoid schizophrenia, and autism.
Example 2: Undermethylation observed in most cases of OCD, anorexia, seasonal depression, schizoaffective disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.
The Repeat Offenders
Question: Why are these biochemical abnormalities seen in so many mental disorders?
Answer: Each is directly involved in synthesis or regulation of a major neurotransmitter.
Serotonin Synthesis
Norepinephrine Synthesis
Dopamine Synthesis
Nutrients and Regulation of Neurotransmitter Activity
Reuptake at synapses through transporter protein “passageways” is the dominant factor in NT activity.
Gene expression of transporters regulated by epigenetic processes.
Methyl, folate, niacin, and other nutrients have a powerful epigenetic impact on gene production of transporters and NT activity.
Neurotransmitter Activity
Important Factors:
Availability of nutrients, enzymes, vesicles, Amount of NT produced,
Dominant Factor:
Population of transport proteins, the passageways for returning NTs (reuptake).
Epigenetics
>20,000 genes in every cell’s DNA, each capable of producing a specific protein,
Liver, skin, brain, and other tissues require a unique combination of proteins,
For each tissue, a natural “bookmarking” process during fetal development establishes which genes will be expressed or silenced throughout life,
Environmental insults can alter gene marks and produce mental disorders and disease conditions.
Characteristics of an Epigenetic Disorder
Abnormal methylation,
Cases of sudden onset after normalcy,
Persistence of condition after onset,
A multitude of characteristic symptoms,
Heritable condition that violates laws of genetics.
Epigenetics & Mental Health
Many heritable mental disorders appear to be epigenetic, rather than genetic:
-- Schizoaffective disorder
-- Antisocial personality disorder -- Paranoid schizophrenia
-- Obsessive compulsive disorder -- Autism
-- Anorexia
-- Paraphilias
DNA PACKAGING
Each DNA double helix is nearly two meters long, and amazingly packaged into a tiny cell nucleus 10,000 times smaller in diameter.
The fragile DNA is wrapped around a multitude of tiny proteins called “histones” to form chromatin.
The chromatin is efficiently compressed into highly compacted chromosomes.
Histones
Composed of 8 linear proteins twisted together like a ball of yarn,
Originally believed to serve only as structural support for DNA packaging,
Later found to inhibit/promote gene expression depending on chemical reactions at histone tails.
Methyl-Acetyl Competition
Competition between acetyl and methyl groups often determines whether genes are expressed or silenced,
Acetylation tends to promote gene expression; Methylation generally inhibits expression,
Nutrient therapy can change methyl/acetyl ratios and adjust neurotransmitter activity.
Reuptake Transport Proteins
Transmembrane proteins that remove neurotransmitters from the synapse like a vacuum cleaner inhaling dust particles,
Formed by gene expression: amount present depends on methyl/acetyl competition at DNA CpG islands or at histones, Dominant effect on neurotransmitter activity!
Epigenetic Insights Into Nutrient Therapy
Antioxidants and Mental Health
1. Excessive oxidative stress is a distinctive feature of most mental disorders.
2. Functioning of NMDA and other NT systems is impaired by severe oxidative stresses.
3. Cumulative oxidative stresses can produce deviant epigenetic marks, and a lifetime of illness.
Causes of Excess Oxidative Stress
Exposure to Pb, Hg, Cd, and other toxic metals,
Depletion of GSH, MT, Se, Zn, cysteine, catalase and
other natural antioxidant protectors, Illness or injury,
Pyrrole disorder.
Mainstream Psychiatry Misconceptions
Depression regarded as a single entity with variations alongacentraltheme.Treatmentof choice--SSRI antidepressants to elevate serotonin activity at synapses.
Schizophrenia also regarded as a single entity, with variations along a central theme. Treatment of choice- - Atypical antipsychotic medications.
Chemical Classification of Depression
Depression Biotypes
Undermethylation: Low serotonin activity; Good response to SSRI antidepressants.
Pyrrole Disorder: Low activities of serotonin, GABA, and NMDA glutamate. Fair response to SSRIs.
Copper Overload: Elevated norepinephrine activity; SSRIs ineffective. Toxic Metal Depression: Depressed GABA , low glutamate activity at
NMDA receptors, and zinc deficiency. SSRIs ineffective.
Folate deficiency: Excessive activity of serotonin due to an epigenetic mechanism; Adverse reaction to SSRIs.
Phenoptype #1 Undermethylated Depression
Elevated Blood Histamine Low SAMe/SAH Ratio
Low Basophils
Low Serotonin Activity
Symptoms & Traits Undermethylated Depression
OCD tendencies
Seasonal affective disorder
Competitive & perfectionistic
SSRI medications usually effective Calm exterior, but inner tension
Strong willed
High libido
Seasonal allergies
Phenotype #2 Low-Folate Depression
Tendency for high anxiety, panic
Phenotype #3 High-Copper Depression
More than 95% are female
Inability to eliminate excess copper
High anxiety
Tendency for post-partum depression
Onset during hormonal event
Estrogen intolerance
Tinnitis (ringing in the ears)
Sensitive skin, intolerance to cheap metals.
Phenotype #4 Pyrrole Depression
Phenotype #5 Toxic Metal Depression
Absence of trauma or emotional triggers Abdominal distress
Unrelenting depression
Cognitive deficits (children only)
Metallic taste in mouth, bad breath Irritability, anger
Food sensitivities
High oxidative stress
Other Forms of Schizophrenia
Porphyria Homocysteinuria
Thyroid Deficiency
Cerebral Allergy
Drug Induced Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Biotypes
Overmethyation: Classic paranoid schizophrenia;
Auditory hallucinations, paranoia, high anxiety.
Undermethylation: Delusional beliefs, catatonic tendencies, OCD behaviors.
Pyrrole Disorder: Combination of hallucinations and delusions; severe anxiety and mood swings.
NOTE: All Sz biotypes involve severe oxidative stress.
Schizophrenia Treatment
-- Separate nutrient therapies developed for each schizophrenia biotype,
-- Outcome studies reveal 80% of patients report significant improvement & ability to reduce or eliminate medication.
Useful Nutrients for Mental Patients
Undermethylation
SAMe, methionine, zinc, calcium, inositol, serine, magnesium, Vitamins A, B-6, C, D, and E.
Overmethylation
Folic acid, B-12, niacinamide, zinc, manganese, DMAE, Vitamins A, C, and E.
Pyrrole Disorder
Vitamin B-6, zinc, biotin
Schizophrenia: Evidence of an Epigenetic Disorder
Abnormal methylation and severe oxidative stress are major causes of epigenetic errors.
Behavior Chemistry
Antisocial-Personality Disorder: Depressed Zn, Cu, methyl, elevated pyrroles, hypoglycemia, toxic metal overload
Intermittent Explosive Disorder: High Cu/Zn ratio
Conduct Disorder: Severely-elevated pyrroles
Oppositional/Defiant Disorder: Undermethylation, low- normal Cu, low Ca & Mg
Treatment Outcomes: Compliant Assaultive Subjects
70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%
58%
33%
Symptom-Free
Partial Improvement
8%
No Change
1%
Worse
Massive Autism Database
More than 1.5 million chemical assays of blood, urine and tissues.
Striking biochemical differences between ASD children and non-affected children.
Pervasive Biochemical Abnormalities in Autism
Some Consequences of Excess Oxidative Stress
1. Hypersensitivity to Hg & other toxic metals, 2. Hypersensitivity to casein, and gluten,
3. “Leaky” intestinal and brain barriers,
4. Increased candida/yeast levels,
5. Depletion of glutathione & metallothionein.
Oxidative Stress Can Impair Brain Development
High oxidative stress depletes glutathione and metallothionein levels,
Autism Brains Are Different
The Three Musketeers of Antioxidant Protection
Glutathione: First line of defense, Metallothionein: Nature’s back-up system, Selenium: Speeds up the process.
Increasing Autism Rates
A Continuing Medical Mystery
The Role of Environment
Concordance of only 60-80% in identical twins indicates that environment plays a significant role.
Since DNA mutations can take centuries to develop, the autism epidemic has been attributed to changes in environment.
Environmental Insults: A Multitude of Possibilities
A New Explanation - Epigenetics
Undermethyation can alter gene programming during pregnancy,
Cumulative oxidative stress can produce deviant epigenetics “bookmarks” after birth,
Epigenetic errors can be transferred to future generations and contribute to the autism epidemic.
Epigenetic Model of Autism
Undermethylated in-utero environment results in life-long vulnerability to oxidative stresses,
The Promise of Epigenetic Therapies
The Next Revolution in Psychiatry
Drug medications will not stand the test of time. A fundamental limitation is that psychiatric drugs are foreign molecules that produce an abnormal condition rather than producing normalcy.
Epigenetic and other therapies in the new era will normalize the brain without introducing side effects.
The need for drug therapies will fade away as brain science advances.
Pfeiffer’s Law
“For every drug that benefits a patient, there are natural substances that can produce the same effect”.
Carl C. Pfeiffer, MD, PhD
THANK YOU!
Bill Walsh, PhD Walsh Research Institute www.walshinstitute.org
Improved Metal Functioning / See the PDF above.
William J. Walsh, Ph.D. Walsh Research Institute Naperville, IL
Walsh Research Institute
Nonprofit public charity
- Expertise in autism, ADHD, depression, behavior disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimers
- International physician training
- Research
Clinical Experience William J. Walsh, Ph.D.
10,000 Behavior & ADHD
3,500 Schizophrenia & Bipolar 3,200 Depression
6,500 Autism
Massive Chemistry Database
Laboratory testing of 30,000 mental health patients and controls.
- More than 3 million chemical test results for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, depression, ADHD, depression, autism, etc.
- An additional 2 million blood/urine/tissue chemistries from research experiments.
Database Findings
Striking blood/urine chemistry differences between mental illness
populations and the rest of society.
Biochemical Individuality
Humans are genetically & epigenetically diverse.
Because of genetics and epigenetics, most people are deficient in several nutrients and overloaded in others.
Nutrient Deficiencies that Impair Brain Function
Zinc
Methionine
Folic Acid
Vitamins B-6 and B-12
Niacin/Niacinamide
DHA, EPA, AA (essential fatty acids)
Antioxidants: Se, GSH, Vitamins C, E, etc. Chromium
Nutrient Overloads that Impair Brain Function
Copper
Folic Acid
Iron
Methyl groups
Toxics: Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, etc.
Individualized Nutrient Therapy
Medical history and review of symptoms, Special blood/urine lab tests,
Diagnosis of chemical imbalances,
Prescribed nutrient program aimed at normalizing brain chemistry.
Populations With Positive Outcomes Following Biochemical Therapy
Behavior Disorders ADHD
Autism
Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia
Alzheimer’s Disorder
Frequent Questions From Mainstream Medicine
- How could vitamins, minerals & other nutrients possibly help a person with a serious mental illness?
- Don’t you really need a powerful drug medication to get the job done?
The Brain Is a Chemical Factory
- Serotonin, dopamine, and other NT’s are synthesized in the brain.
- The raw materials for NT synthesis are nutrients: vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
- A genetic or epigenetic imbalance in a nutrient needed for NT synthesis can result in serious brain chemistry problems.
The Power of Nutrients
Neurotransmitter synthesis
Reuptake processes at synapses
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression
Protection against oxidative stress
Nutrient Imbalances that Alter Neurotransmitter Activity
Zinc Deficiency
Copper Overload
Methylation Disorder
Folate Imbalances
B-6 Deficiency
Fatty Acid Imbalances Toxic metal Overload
Severe Oxidative Stress
These nutrient imbalances are present in a variety of disorders:
Example 1: Copper overload present in most cases of hyperactivity, post-partum depression, paranoid schizophrenia, and autism.
Example 2: Undermethylation observed in most cases of OCD, anorexia, seasonal depression, schizoaffective disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.
The Repeat Offenders
Question: Why are these biochemical abnormalities seen in so many mental disorders?
Answer: Each is directly involved in synthesis or regulation of a major neurotransmitter.
Serotonin Synthesis
Norepinephrine Synthesis
Dopamine Synthesis
Nutrients and Regulation of Neurotransmitter Activity
Reuptake at synapses through transporter protein “passageways” is the dominant factor in NT activity.
Gene expression of transporters regulated by epigenetic processes.
Methyl, folate, niacin, and other nutrients have a powerful epigenetic impact on gene production of transporters and NT activity.
Neurotransmitter Activity
Important Factors:
Availability of nutrients, enzymes, vesicles, Amount of NT produced,
Dominant Factor:
Population of transport proteins, the passageways for returning NTs (reuptake).
Epigenetics
>20,000 genes in every cell’s DNA, each capable of producing a specific protein,
Liver, skin, brain, and other tissues require a unique combination of proteins,
For each tissue, a natural “bookmarking” process during fetal development establishes which genes will be expressed or silenced throughout life,
Environmental insults can alter gene marks and produce mental disorders and disease conditions.
Characteristics of an Epigenetic Disorder
Abnormal methylation,
Cases of sudden onset after normalcy,
Persistence of condition after onset,
A multitude of characteristic symptoms,
Heritable condition that violates laws of genetics.
Epigenetics & Mental Health
Many heritable mental disorders appear to be epigenetic, rather than genetic:
-- Schizoaffective disorder
-- Antisocial personality disorder -- Paranoid schizophrenia
-- Obsessive compulsive disorder -- Autism
-- Anorexia
-- Paraphilias
DNA PACKAGING
Each DNA double helix is nearly two meters long, and amazingly packaged into a tiny cell nucleus 10,000 times smaller in diameter.
The fragile DNA is wrapped around a multitude of tiny proteins called “histones” to form chromatin.
The chromatin is efficiently compressed into highly compacted chromosomes.
Histones
Composed of 8 linear proteins twisted together like a ball of yarn,
Originally believed to serve only as structural support for DNA packaging,
Later found to inhibit/promote gene expression depending on chemical reactions at histone tails.
Methyl-Acetyl Competition
Competition between acetyl and methyl groups often determines whether genes are expressed or silenced,
Acetylation tends to promote gene expression; Methylation generally inhibits expression,
Nutrient therapy can change methyl/acetyl ratios and adjust neurotransmitter activity.
Reuptake Transport Proteins
Transmembrane proteins that remove neurotransmitters from the synapse like a vacuum cleaner inhaling dust particles,
Formed by gene expression: amount present depends on methyl/acetyl competition at DNA CpG islands or at histones, Dominant effect on neurotransmitter activity!
Epigenetic Insights Into Nutrient Therapy
- Niacin & niacinamide act as dopamine reuptake promoters,
- SAMe is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor,
- Folatesreducesynapticactivityatserotonin,
dopamine, and norepinephrine receptors, - Undermethylated mental illness patients are intolerant to folic acid,
- Many nutrients influence neurotransmitter activity and brain function.
Antioxidants and Mental Health
1. Excessive oxidative stress is a distinctive feature of most mental disorders.
2. Functioning of NMDA and other NT systems is impaired by severe oxidative stresses.
3. Cumulative oxidative stresses can produce deviant epigenetic marks, and a lifetime of illness.
Causes of Excess Oxidative Stress
Exposure to Pb, Hg, Cd, and other toxic metals,
Depletion of GSH, MT, Se, Zn, cysteine, catalase and
other natural antioxidant protectors, Illness or injury,
Pyrrole disorder.
Mainstream Psychiatry Misconceptions
Depression regarded as a single entity with variations alongacentraltheme.Treatmentof choice--SSRI antidepressants to elevate serotonin activity at synapses.
Schizophrenia also regarded as a single entity, with variations along a central theme. Treatment of choice- - Atypical antipsychotic medications.
Chemical Classification of Depression
- My database studies have identified five high- incidence depression biotypes,
- The biotypes represent completely different disorders, each with unique neurotransmitter imbalances and symptoms,
- Separate treatment approach needed for each biotype.
Depression Biotypes
Undermethylation: Low serotonin activity; Good response to SSRI antidepressants.
Pyrrole Disorder: Low activities of serotonin, GABA, and NMDA glutamate. Fair response to SSRIs.
Copper Overload: Elevated norepinephrine activity; SSRIs ineffective. Toxic Metal Depression: Depressed GABA , low glutamate activity at
NMDA receptors, and zinc deficiency. SSRIs ineffective.
Folate deficiency: Excessive activity of serotonin due to an epigenetic mechanism; Adverse reaction to SSRIs.
Phenoptype #1 Undermethylated Depression
Elevated Blood Histamine Low SAMe/SAH Ratio
Low Basophils
Low Serotonin Activity
Symptoms & Traits Undermethylated Depression
OCD tendencies
Seasonal affective disorder
Competitive & perfectionistic
SSRI medications usually effective Calm exterior, but inner tension
Strong willed
High libido
Seasonal allergies
Phenotype #2 Low-Folate Depression
Tendency for high anxiety, panic
- Non-competitive in sports or games
- Absenceofinhalentallergies
- Food/chemicalsensitivities
- Adverse reaction to SSRI medications
- High musical or artistic ability
- Underachievement
- Sleepdisorder
- Lowlibido
Phenotype #3 High-Copper Depression
More than 95% are female
Inability to eliminate excess copper
High anxiety
Tendency for post-partum depression
Onset during hormonal event
Estrogen intolerance
Tinnitis (ringing in the ears)
Sensitive skin, intolerance to cheap metals.
Phenotype #4 Pyrrole Depression
- Severe mood swings
- Poor stress control
- Extreme anxiety
- Poor short-term memory, reading disorder, little or no dream recall
- Sensitivity to light, noise
- Poor immune function
- Very poor morning appetite
- Abnormal fat distribution,
- Inability to tan.
Phenotype #5 Toxic Metal Depression
Absence of trauma or emotional triggers Abdominal distress
Unrelenting depression
Cognitive deficits (children only)
Metallic taste in mouth, bad breath Irritability, anger
Food sensitivities
High oxidative stress
Other Forms of Schizophrenia
Porphyria Homocysteinuria
Thyroid Deficiency
Cerebral Allergy
Drug Induced Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Biotypes
Overmethyation: Classic paranoid schizophrenia;
Auditory hallucinations, paranoia, high anxiety.
Undermethylation: Delusional beliefs, catatonic tendencies, OCD behaviors.
Pyrrole Disorder: Combination of hallucinations and delusions; severe anxiety and mood swings.
NOTE: All Sz biotypes involve severe oxidative stress.
Schizophrenia Treatment
-- Separate nutrient therapies developed for each schizophrenia biotype,
-- Outcome studies reveal 80% of patients report significant improvement & ability to reduce or eliminate medication.
Useful Nutrients for Mental Patients
Undermethylation
SAMe, methionine, zinc, calcium, inositol, serine, magnesium, Vitamins A, B-6, C, D, and E.
Overmethylation
Folic acid, B-12, niacinamide, zinc, manganese, DMAE, Vitamins A, C, and E.
Pyrrole Disorder
Vitamin B-6, zinc, biotin
Schizophrenia: Evidence of an Epigenetic Disorder
Abnormal methylation and severe oxidative stress are major causes of epigenetic errors.
- Greater than 95% of schizophrenics exhibit abnormal methylation or oxidative overload.
- Epigenetic disorders violate classical laws of Mendelian genetics.
Behavior Chemistry
Antisocial-Personality Disorder: Depressed Zn, Cu, methyl, elevated pyrroles, hypoglycemia, toxic metal overload
Intermittent Explosive Disorder: High Cu/Zn ratio
Conduct Disorder: Severely-elevated pyrroles
Oppositional/Defiant Disorder: Undermethylation, low- normal Cu, low Ca & Mg
Treatment Outcomes: Compliant Assaultive Subjects
70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%
58%
33%
Symptom-Free
Partial Improvement
8%
No Change
1%
Worse
Massive Autism Database
More than 1.5 million chemical assays of blood, urine and tissues.
Striking biochemical differences between ASD children and non-affected children.
Pervasive Biochemical Abnormalities in Autism
- Depressed Glutathione & Cysteine
- Elevated toxic metals
- Hypomethylation
- Copper/Ceruloplasmindysregulation
- DepletedZinc&Metallothionein
- Elevated Pyrroles
- Low B-6, C, and Selenium
- Elevated Urine Isoprostanes
Note: Each of these imbalances is associated with elevated OXIDATIVE STRESS.
Some Consequences of Excess Oxidative Stress
1. Hypersensitivity to Hg & other toxic metals, 2. Hypersensitivity to casein, and gluten,
3. “Leaky” intestinal and brain barriers,
4. Increased candida/yeast levels,
5. Depletion of glutathione & metallothionein.
Oxidative Stress Can Impair Brain Development
High oxidative stress depletes glutathione and metallothionein levels,
- Ample glutathione and metallothionein essential for proper brain development,
- Oxidative insults can alter epigenetics of gene expression.
Autism Brains Are Different
- Narrowed minicolumns in brain cortex,
- Incomplete maturation in cerebellum, amygdala,
pineal gland and hippocampus, - Poverty of brain dendrites and synapses,
- Brain inflammation and increased head size,
- Damaged fats in autism brains,
- Abnormal levels of calcium and iron,
- Reduced structural connectivity between brain regions.
The Three Musketeers of Antioxidant Protection
Glutathione: First line of defense, Metallothionein: Nature’s back-up system, Selenium: Speeds up the process.
Increasing Autism Rates
A Continuing Medical Mystery
- Clearinbornpredisposition:Greaterthan60% concordance in identical twins; Less than10% concordance in fraternal twins,
- Dramatic increase in autism cases over the past 50 years.
- Autism rates continue to escalate
How can there be an epidemic
of a genetic condition?
The Role of Environment
Concordance of only 60-80% in identical twins indicates that environment plays a significant role.
Since DNA mutations can take centuries to develop, the autism epidemic has been attributed to changes in environment.
Environmental Insults: A Multitude of Possibilities
- Attention has focused on direct insults to the child from conception to age three.
- More than 30 environmental insults have been proposed, including mercury exposures, vaccines, changes in diet, viruses, increased Cu / Copper in the water supply, etc, etc.
A New Explanation - Epigenetics
Undermethyation can alter gene programming during pregnancy,
Cumulative oxidative stress can produce deviant epigenetics “bookmarks” after birth,
Epigenetic errors can be transferred to future generations and contribute to the autism epidemic.
Epigenetic Model of Autism
Undermethylated in-utero environment results in life-long vulnerability to oxidative stresses,
- Sometime after conception, cumulative oxidative insults reach a threshold that produces deviant epigenetic marks and the autism condition,
- Since deviant marks survive cell divisions, the autism condition can persist a lifetime,
- Epigenetic etiology explains violation of genetics laws, in a condition that “runs in families”.
The Promise of Epigenetic Therapies
- Deviant epigenetic marks appear to be reversible.
- Future epigenetic therapies may represent the best therapies for schizophrenia, depression, autism, behavior disorders, and ADHD
- Early epigenetic testing and treatment may enable prevention of these disorders.
The Next Revolution in Psychiatry
Drug medications will not stand the test of time. A fundamental limitation is that psychiatric drugs are foreign molecules that produce an abnormal condition rather than producing normalcy.
Epigenetic and other therapies in the new era will normalize the brain without introducing side effects.
The need for drug therapies will fade away as brain science advances.
Pfeiffer’s Law
“For every drug that benefits a patient, there are natural substances that can produce the same effect”.
Carl C. Pfeiffer, MD, PhD
THANK YOU!
Bill Walsh, PhD Walsh Research Institute www.walshinstitute.org
🌸