In general, I do not see any significant positive or negative effects beyond the natural physiological changes when an autistic child passes into puberty.
Regardless of diagnosis, I expect treatment is going to be for the next many years at least, and here’s why: The bacterial overgrowth in the intestine leads to the production of propionic acid (causes autistic behaviors- loss of eye contact, strange behaviors, suppression of cognition) and the leakage of LPS (a fragment of the ‘fish’ bacteria from the colon).nnLPS migrates to the brain and triggers a priming effect in microglia (white blood cells) within the brain. The primed microglia cause a permanent and long-lasting inflammatory response that prevents proper pruning (causes developmental delay) and brain repair (causes cumulative brain injury).nnStopping inulin or rifaximin will allow bacterial overgrowth to relapse and trigger a renewed increase in inflammation and the potential production of propionic acid. The reduction of olive oil and fish oil intake may lead to an increased inflammatory response within the brain from the primed microglia.
Persistent hunger, thirst as well as cravings for sugar and salt are common signs of low brain blood pressure from underlying autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The low blood pressure results in low brain oxygen levels which the brain does not like. The brain “learns” that sugar, salt and liquids will boost blood pressure and oxygen delivery to the brain, and increases the child’s cravings for these items.
Reversing bacterial overgrowth will lessen the sedating effects of propionic acid and inflammation and can sometimes cause a temporary (1-2 month) increase in hyperactivity. Generally, awareness, cognition, and focus tend to improve within a week or 2 of starting the protocol.
It really depends on what prompted the increase in inulin.nnIf you increased inulin because you have just started the protocol and the recommended starting dose did not kickstart recovery, it is likely that the increase has now triggered awakening. Which means you should remain at this dose.nnIf you increased inulin after you experienced an awakening because you felt it was no longer working, then it is likely that you are seeing the impact of a dose that is too high. In the event that inulin stops working the recommendation is to move on to Rifaximin.
Suppose a child is improving on the protocol, but a single aspect of their behaviors is not improving like other behaviors. In that case, I recommend adding 5 minutes of vagus nerve stimulation per day to lower inflammation a little bit more. Doing so will help any remaining issues to start improving as well.
If hyperactivity, anxiety, aggression, or agitation seem to start to increase inexplicably, there are a few thoughts one needs to entertain. If all aspects of recovery have stopped or are worsening, it suggests the protocol is not working, and attention should be directed at balancing the intestinal track more effectively. But other aspects of recovery are stable or continuing to improve. The increase in these negative behaviors is either from a recent trauma (physical, emotional, inflammatory), from an infection (sinus or dental issues?), or pain (teeth, abdominal cramping). An evaluation of these issues will lead you to the problem which needs resolving.
Many issues can trigger a worsening of behaviors, such as hyperactivity, that will need to be addressed to get recovery back on track. Often these issues go undetected by parents simply because the child cannot communicate that they may be experiencing pain or discomfort. Things like dental, sinus, bladder, ear infections, or severe allergies can derail the recovery and significantly impact behaviors. nnThe increase in hyperactivity is not related to a relapse or a regression. When this occurs, it is often due to a drop in blood pressure to the child’s head from either pain (teeth?), emotional stress, or an infection (sinuses or middle ear). Please see the included checklist for common triggers.
Although HBOT has a potential place in treating adults with brain injuries and combat PTSD, I discourage its use in my pediatric patients for a few reasons. First, the primary four components of The Nemechek Protocol (balance intestine bacteria + fish oil + olive oil + vagus nerve stimulation) are usually all that is needed to help children recover. Secondly, it can be expensive, requires a significant time commitment every day, is not portable, and without it, subjects usually will begin to relapse. And finally, I’ve had many parents report their child seemed to do well during the first few weeks of HBOT, only to be followed by severe deterioration in their child’s behavior over the second and third months.
No, it does not.