Pica in children with autism, touching on its link to PANS, nutritional deficiencies, emotional factors, and gut health.

Pica is a complex and often misunderstood condition that can be particularly concerning when observed in children with autism. It involves the persistent eating of non-food items such as dirt, paper, chalk, hair, or even small objects like coins or toys. While pica can occur in children of all backgrounds, it is significantly more common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding the why behind this behavior is crucial for parents, caregivers, and professionals who want to provide appropriate support.

Pica is defined by the DSM-5 as the repeated ingestion of non-nutritive substances over a period of at least one month, and at an age where this behavior is developmentally inappropriate. In children with autism, pica can often persist beyond toddler years and may require clinical attention due to the risks involved, including choking, intestinal blockages, poisoning, and exposure to harmful bacteria.

There are multiple factors that can contribute to pica behaviors in children with autism, including sensory processing differences, emotional regulation difficulties, nutritional deficiencies, and underlying medical conditions. Here are some key contributors:

One of the most common underlying causes of pica is a deficiency in essential nutrients and minerals. When the body lacks certain elements, it may instinctively seek out non-food items that contain trace amounts of what it’s missing. In children with autism, this is especially relevant due to dietary restrictions, picky eating, or poor absorption caused by gut health issues.

Common deficiencies linked to pica include:

• Iron – Low iron levels (anemia) have a strong correlation with pica. Increasing heem foods which are rich in iron are suggested. Thai is much better than supplementing with iron since iron supplements can aggravate virus activity. Food-based supplements are a much safer way to increase iron naturally.
• Zinc – Important for taste, smell, and immune function.
• Magnesium – Needed for neurological and muscular function.
• Calcium – Can influence cravings for chalk or dirt.
• Vitamin D and B12 – Deficiencies can affect mood, energy, and neurological health.

Children with autism may be more susceptible to these deficiencies due to selective eating, inflammation, or gut dysbiosis.

Pica can also be a self-soothing or sensory-seeking behavior. Children with autism may have heightened or lowered sensory sensitivities and may find certain textures, smells, or even the act of chewing or swallowing non-food items calming or stimulating.

Other emotional and psychological factors that may drive pica include:

• Stress or anxiety – Non-food chewing may become a coping mechanism.
• Communication challenges – Inability to express discomfort or emotional needs might manifest as pica.
• Obsessive-compulsive tendencies – Some children may develop ritualistic eating of non-foods.

Providing alternative sensory activities and emotional regulation tools can help reduce the compulsion.

PANS is a neuroimmune condition characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, eating restrictions, tics, or emotional disturbances following infection or inflammation. Interestingly, pica has been observed in children experiencing flare-ups of PANS, particularly when inflammation in the brain affects areas related to impulse control and appetite.

In these cases, pica may appear suddenly and be accompanied by other neuropsychiatric symptoms. If this is suspected, seeking a qualified PANS/PANDAS specialist is critical, as treatment often involves addressing underlying infections and modulating the immune response...

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Fluoride has long been promoted as a critical ingredient in the fight against tooth decay. It’s added to public water supplies, found in most commercial toothpastes, and endorsed by many dental organizations. But growing research raises valid concerns about fluoride toxicity—and many health-conscious individuals are choosing to go fluoride-free.

In this episode, we’ll break down what the science really says about fluoride, why some experts are calling for caution, and the potential health benefits of switching to fluoride-free products and water.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral known for strengthening enamel and helping prevent cavities. Since the mid-20th century, it’s been added to drinking water and oral care products as a public health measure to reduce tooth decay.

But here’s the thing: more fluoride isn’t always better—and studies suggest that long-term exposure can come with unintended health risks.

Most of us grew up being told how important and beneficial fluoride is.We were told that it was important for strong teeth. Because of this, it is much harder for most people to accept its downfall.

There are over 25 human studies and 100 animal studies connecting fluoride to brain damage and lowered IQ. Several peer-reviewed studies have shown fluoridation to weaken bones. Dental fluorosis is when tooth enamel becomes discolored and is due to fluoride disrupting the enamel during development. However, dentists will often tell us it’s because of poor hygiene.

Please recognize that the dangers of fluoride are real. What they did not tell us is that fluoride damages a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which has no blood-brain barrier to protect it. The hippocampus is responsible for emotions, behavior, learning, memory, and spatial awareness. It is the primary part of the brain affected by those with Alzheimer’s.

We absorb fluoride from dental treatments, brushing or rinsing with fluoride, and drinking water with added fluoride. When aluminum and fluoride are combined, as in fluoridated water in an aluminum pan or using fluoride toothpaste from an aluminum container, the toxic effects are heightened.

There are two factors of fluoride toxicity that are of greatest concern.The first is genetic damage. Damage to DNA repair enzymes affects the reproductive cells and is inherited by our children...

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Learn the benefits of regenerative farming and Eating Organic Regenerative Foods!

Proper nutrition can create defenses against toxic impact, including those from heavy metals such as mercury, and assisting in its excretion. Nutrition also protects the nervous system in many ways by keeping cell membranes strong or strengthening weak ones, protecting DNA, improving the production of energy within the cells, and reducing inflammation. Proper nutrition also protects the enzyme systems that detoxify the cells and the liver.

What the average person, and the average professional, thinks good nutrition is are often vastly incorrect. Many Americans still think the french fry is a valid, nutritious vegetable and we eat from boxes and cans. A compromised digestive tract does not allow the nutrients from fresh foods to absorb into our cells and fulfill our body’s needs.

Read your labels. Know what to look for. Our foods today are poisoned routinely by large manufacturing companies that choose to add ingredients that are chemical in nature. Many of these foods actually make us crave more food.They also contain sugars and toxins that will invade the central nervous system—this means your child’s brain!

How we grow, feed, and prepare our food is another issue altogether. Conventional food is grown in soil that is so depleted of nutrients to feed the growing crops that when the crop is mature enough to eat, it lacks sufficient quantities of nutrients. We eat food thinking it is giving us the nutrition we need. Most grains, fruits, and vegetables are genetically modified and are grown in toxic pesticides. Our livestock are fed grains grown in these same pesticides, and they are fed antibiotics and hormones that remain in the meat we eat. This means more toxic overload.

Children with autism, ADD, food intolerances, or an improperly working digestive system are already deficient in vital nutrients that their growing brains need. It is never a deficiency of just one nutrient—when one vitamin or mineral is lacking, additional deficiencies develop. These children are usually not absorbing the nutrients from the good foods they eat, and they have a breakdown in the metabolism of nutrients as well. We all need supplementation along with good nutrition, but these children especially do.

Another very important aspect is that our food sources are severely depleted of nutrition due to over-use of soils, therefore limiting them of vital nutrients. Seeds for grain are mutated, often to the point that our bodies do not even know how to digest them. These same grains, also laden with chemicals, are given to the animals that we eat, along with hormones that have been ingested and injected.

When we put this into our bodies, we not only lack what we need for good nutrition, but we ingest so many chemicals ourselves that we need supplementation to combat the toxicity.

The main reason our food today has fewer minerals is that modern farming practices have depleted the soil. Here’s why:..

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When it comes to hydration and performance, electrolytes are often mentioned—but not always understood. Many people believe they’re just for athletes or that any sports drink provides them. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. In this episode, we’ll clear up common misconceptions, explain the real benefits of electrolytes, and guide you to the best sources for proper hydration.

What Are Electrolytes and Why Are They Important?

First, let’s go over just a little bit of science:

There are 94 Natural Elements of the periodic table that consist of foundational solid, liquid and gaseous substances referred to as ‘elements’.

From a nutritional perspective, the solid and liquid elements can be divided into “Minerals” and “Trace Elements”.

Those elements that chemically dissolve in water become ELECTROLYTES because the water makes them electrically charged (positive and negative).

During Evolution the animal species (including humans) inherited their body fluids and electrolytes from the ocean. The oceans contain nearly all 78 minerals and trace elements of the Periodic Table of the Elements as electrolytes. A small number of elements do not dissolve in water so they do not form charged electrolytes.

So, the proportions of electrolytes in the body fluids are the same as they are in the ocean. They’re just diluted.

Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electric charge and help maintain various bodily functions.

The primary electrolytes include:

• Sodium – Regulates fluid balance and nerve function
• Potassium – Supports muscle contractions and heart health
• Magnesium – Aids muscle relaxation, nerve signaling, and energy production
• Calcium – Important for bone strength, muscle movement, and nerve function
• Chloride – Helps with fluid balance and stomach acid production
• Phosphate – Plays a role in energy storage and bone health

These minerals are vital for maintaining hydration, muscle function, nerve signaling, blood pressure, and overall cellular processes. Without the right balance of electrolytes, you may experience muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, and even severe health complications...

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In this episode, we’ll explore why hydration is key during detox and share creative ways to help you and your kids drink more water.

Water plays a critical role in detoxification, helping the body flush out toxins, support organ function, and maintain overall health. Whether you’re undergoing a cleanse, recovering from illness, or simply trying to rid your body of built-up toxins, proper hydration is essential. But getting enough water isn’t just important for adults—children also need to stay hydrated, and sometimes, getting them to drink enough can be a challenge.

Remember, we’re talking about water, not juice or sugary, chemical laden, food dye filled drinks that pretend to be healthy and are often labeled as ‘sports’ drinks, nor are most effectively offering quality electrolytes.

When your body is in detox mode—whether naturally or as part of a structured cleanse—it needs extra water to:

1. Flush Out Toxins

Your liver and kidneys are the primary detox organs, filtering out harmful substances from your body. Drinking enough water ensures these organs function properly and that toxins are effectively removed through sweat, urine, and bowel movements.

1. Prevent Dehydration & Fatigue

During detox, your body works hard to eliminate waste, which can lead to fluid loss. If you’re not drinking enough water, you may feel tired, sluggish, or experience headaches. Proper hydration keeps your energy levels up and reduces the risk of detox-related fatigue.

1. Support Digestion & Bowel Movements

Many detox symptoms include bloating, constipation, or digestive discomfort. Water helps move waste through the intestines, preventing toxin buildup and improving digestion.

1. Maintain Electrolyte Balance...

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Renowned cardiologist and epidemiologist, Dr. Peter McCullough, known for his groundbreaking post COVID protocol sits down with Karen Thomas, a leading expert in natural autism recovery for an insightful discussion on autism causes, triggers, and solutions.

In this exclusive podcast episode, #214, I have the honor of being joined by world-renowned cardiologist, Dr. Peter McCullough.

Together, we explore the many factors that contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and share practical solutions for parents and caregivers seeking to improve the lives of their children.

First answering the question: What is autism?

Then, what are the multifaceted causes of autism?

Autism is a condition that has seen a dramatic rise in diagnoses over the past few decades. With 1 in 33 children diagnosed today…the question we ask, and answer, is why?

While genetics play a role, research increasingly points to environmental factors as key contributors. Dr. McCullough and Karen Thomas discuss several underlying causes and triggers, including:..

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Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s both alarming and essential to understand because we are all affected by it. This is the presence of microplastics in the human body, including in newborns’ cord blood, and the potential health implications.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size. They’ve been detected in various environments including our oceans, the air we breathe, the water we drink and even the food we eat. But the most concerning is their presence within our own bodies.

A recent study published in ‘Environmental International’ examined six human placentas from healthy pregnancies. Researchers found microplastic fragments in four of these placentas.

These particles likely entered the mothers’ bodies through ingestion or inhalation and subsequently reached the placenta. While all the babies were healthy at birth, the study’s lead author expressed concerns that these microplastics could potentially disrupt immune mechanisms in developing infants.

Further research has detected microplastics in umbilical cord blood, indicating that these particles can cross the placental barrier and reach the fetus. This discovery is alarming, as it suggests that exposure begins even before birth.

Animal studies have provided additional insights. For instance, pregnant mice exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics showed that these particles could cross the placental barrier, leading to brain abnormalities in their offspring.

This raises concerns about potential developmental issues in humans, though more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions, we know these are dangerous.

The health implications of microplastics are still being studied, but evidence suggests they can cause inflammation, disrupt hormone function, and lead to other adverse effects.

Hull York Medical School found that these microplastics cause cell death, allergies, and cell wall damage to human tissues.

Given their pervasive presence, it’s crucial to understand how they impact human health, especially during critical developmental periods like pregnancy.

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While soy has its place in the diets of many cultures, modern soy consumption, particularly in the West, may come with a host of concerns that are worth understanding. From genetic modification to hormonal disruption, let’s dive into why eating soy might not be as healthy as you’ve been led to believe.

When it comes to healthy eating, soy is often marketed as a superfood—a plant-based protein alternative that’s good for your body and the planet. But beneath this lies a more complicated truth.

One of the biggest issues with soy today is that the majority of crops are genetically modified (GM). In fact, around 90-95% of soybeans grown in the United States are genetically engineered.

These modifications are designed to make soy crops resistant to herbicides like glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. While this might seem like a win for agricultural efficiency, it has some troubling implications for your health and the environment.

Glyphosate exposure has been linked to a variety of health concerns, including endocrine disruption, cancer, and gut microbiome imbalances.

When you consume products made from genetically modified soy, you’re also potentially ingesting residual glyphosate. Over time, this can accumulate in your body, contributing to chronic health problems.

Additionally, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are often associated with monoculture farming practices, which deplete soil nutrients, harm biodiversity, and contribute to ecological imbalances.

By consuming genetically modified soy, you’re indirectly supporting an agricultural system that may be unsustainable in the long term...

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/212