Odd days

There is a certain odd, but regular phenomena that I suffer from. maybe one of you can relate. Even if you cannot relate, maybe you will be amused.

Sometimes I wake up with a crushing headache. no, not a headache. It doesn't so much hurt as it feels stufed with cotton. It actually does feel a bit bruised.

Some days, eating a small amount of protein will clear this up. Somedays it lingers. Always, I am incredibly thirsty, though when I first drink water, I get really nauseous. All day I will drink huge amounts of water. It feels as though there is something nasty getting churned up. Occasionally, like today, there is a metallic taste in my mouth. Or acidic. hard to describe, but lets just say it would make a lousy condiment. It leaks from my gums, around the teeth. Maybe an iron taste?

I take the MTP promoter. The MT it is promoting is metallothionine.

Metallothioneins (MTs) are ubiquitous low molecular weight proteins and polypeptides of extremely high metal and sulfur content. They are thought to play roles both in the intracellular fixation of the essential trace elements zinc and copper, in controlling the concentrations of the free ions of these elements, in regulating their flow to their cellular destinations, in neutralising the harmful influences of exposure to toxic elements such as cadmium and mercury and in the protection from of a variety of stress conditions (Kägi & Schäffer 1988).

You can see what this was meant to address.

Interesting...there is a great page on its use:

The Health Research Institute - HRI Pharmacy has patented various MT-promotion formulations in order to ensure that they will be widely available at low cost. Because of risks associated with improper use, these formulations will be available by prescription to medical professionals, but not to the general public.

The various MT-promotion formulations are available only from the HRI Pharmacy. The original prescription written by your physician must be mailed to the HRI Pharmacy directly. It cannot be called or faxed into the pharmacy.

Clinical Testing Procedures

MT-promotion therapy is recommended only for patients with disturbed metal metabolism. Key laboratory tests include serum copper, plasma zinc, and serum ceruloplasmin. In healthy individuals, the Cu/Zn ratio usually ranges between 0.8 and 1.2, and the amount of free copper (unbound by ceruloplasmin) ranges from 5 to 25 mcg/dL. In addition, the presence or absence of symptoms of copper overload and zinc deficiency can also aid diagnosis. Meaningful assays require acid-etched trace-metal-free sample tubes and avoidance of trace mineral supplements for 24 hours before sampling.

Other essential tests required for full evaluation include blood counts, tests of liver and kidney functions, along with an evaluation of thyroid function. Testing plasma ammonia is highly recommended prior to treatment because of the high prevalence of elevated ammonia levels in patients with autism/PDD and related disorders.

Also, a full evaluation of intestinal microflora, including both stool comprehensive parasitology (aerobic bacteria, yeast, and parasites) and urine organic acid test is recommended prior to the initiation of any therapy.

Other tests that may be useful include plasma sulfate and plasma reduced glutathione levels prior to the initiation of therapy.

Treatment for Patients Found to Have Metallothionein Dysfunction

A good trial of the gluten-free, casein-free diet (at least 6 months) is highly recommended. The best source of information about this diet is the book written by Lisa Lewis, Ph.D., Special Diets for Special Kids.

• Step 1
  
  
  1. Gut Clean-up - restore good levels of friendly bacteria and reduce overgrowths of unfriendly organisms such as Clostridia and yeast
     
     
  2. Supporting Nutrients - exact nutrients determined by testing
     
     
  3. Reduction of elevated plasma ammonia (if necessary)
     
     
  4. Aggressive zinc pre-loading
     
     
  5. DMSA alone until very little mercury, lead or tin is excreted in urine (if necessary)

• Step 2 - MT Promotion Protocol
  
  
  1. Phase 1: Zinc Loading: Aggressive supplementation with Zn and augmenting nutrients for 4 to 8 weeks is recommended. Sensitive patients may require gradual build-up of Zn dosage. Plasma zinc levels should be greater than 100 mcg/dL prior to Phase 2 to minimize irritability side effects. Zinc dosages vary with body weight. A helpful rule of thumb for small patients is to provide a daily mg dosage of Zn equal to weight (lbs) plus 15-20 mg. For example, a 40 lb child would receive 55-60 mg/day during Phase 1. In addition, we recommend the following augmenting nutrients be given with the Zn: Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, Manganese Gluconate, and Vitamins C and E. Also, Taurine may be used for patients with seizure tendencies. We have developed a compounded supplement for Phase 1, which we call the "Metabolic Primer".
     
     
  2. Phase 2: After Phase 1 is completed, GSH, Se, and the 14 amino-acid constituents of MT are introduced gradually, as tolerated. These nutrients are available in a compounded blend called the MTP supplement. Continuation of casein/gluten-free diets, probiotics, the Metabolic Primer, and other ongoing therapies is recommended.

Objectives of MT-Promotion Therapy

Promotion of the MT protein system is expected to provide many benefits to autism-spectrum patients, including:

1. elimination of toxic metals
   
   
2. protection against future toxic exposures
   
   
3. normalization of the G.I. tract
   
   
4. improved behavior control
   
   
5. improved immune function
   
   
6. enhanced development of brain neurons and synaptic connections

The first 5 benefits may be attainable in the first year of treatment, regardless of the patient's age. However, the rate of formation of new synaptic connections declines rapidly with age, and early intervention is critically important for development of speech, cognitive advancement, etc. Great patience is needed in treatment of older children who can be expected to progress at a relatively slow rate. For example, it may require years for a 10 year old to achieve the same cognitive progress achieved by a 2 year old in a few weeks. Behavioral therapies, which shower the brain with impulses and promote neuronal development are especially recommended in conjunction with Metallothionein Promotion therapy.

Amy S. Holmes, M.D.

March 5, 2002

http://www.healing-arts.org/children/mtpromotion.htm#nutrient