Category: Autism

Understanding the Impact of Toxins on the Brain & Brain Development

12/11/2024

Cut paper, ink on paper

And, Why the Brain is a Good Barometer of "Oxidative Stress."

I recently came across a funny reel showing a man navigating his day while we hear his inner thoughts. He tries to prepare a healthy snack but keeps getting interrupted by his inner voice pointing out potential toxin exposures – from the packaging to the water to the fruit’s skin. In the end, he gives up and settles for a bag of chips.

Is it possible to reduce our exposure to toxins (and support detoxification) without becoming consumed by fear? I believe it is. We can approach this serious topic with balance, doing our best while accepting that perfection isn’t realistic.

Rachel Carson captured this sentiment well in her book Silent Spring (1962):
“If we are going to live so intimately with these chemicals, eating and drinking them, taking them into the very marrow of our bones – we had better know something about their nature and their power.”

In this post, I want to explore the nature and impact of the chemicals and heavy metals we encounter.
Specifically, I’ll cover:

The cumulative effects of toxin exposure
Common sources of toxins
Oxidative stress and its role
How toxins contribute to chronic health issues, including psychiatric disorders
Effects on the developing brain
Methods for measuring oxidative stress

Read the full article on Substack

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Undermethylation, MTHFR Myths & The Folate Debate

10/7/2023

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Common symptoms and traits associated with undermethylation. Having all of these is not necessary.

By Courtney Snyder, MD

Approximately 70% of individuals with a mental health condition have a methylation imbalance, with the majority being undermethylated rather than overmethylated.

For those unfamiliar with methylation, it is a crucial biochemical process in which a methyl group is added to specific molecules. This process significantly affects gene expression, detoxification capabilities, and susceptibility to inflammation. When methylation is out of balance, it can contribute to a range of chronic health problems, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and various psychiatric conditions.

Undermethylation is particularly prevalent among those with mental health conditions. Here's a breakdown of the incidence of undermethylation in different groups:

98% of those on the Autism Spectrum
95% of those with Antisocial Personality Disorder
90% of those with Schizoaffective Disorder
85% of those with Oppositional Defiant Disorder
82% of those with Anorexia
50% of those with Depression

Undermethylation is the most common biochemical imbalance found in individuals with depression, highlighting its significance in mental health.

Read the full article on Substack

Additional Resources
Nutrient Power - Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain by William Walsh, PhD
Walsh Research Institute - Walsh trained practioners
Lunch with Dr. William Walsh - His Story, Discoveries & the Future of Nutrient-Based Psychiatry
Epigenetics, Methylation, MTHFR & the Brain, Made Easy...er
Undermethylation & Strengthening the Right Brain in a Left Brain World

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The Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve in Brain Disorders & Complex Chronic Illness

10/7/2020

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Whirling Dervishes (Accessing Their Vagus Nerves) Cut paper, ink and acrylic on wood panel by Courtney Snyder

Courtney Snyder, MD

The proper functioning of the vagus is one of the most important determinants of physical and mental health, social communication, compassion and even creativity. If you have a psychiatric condition or a complex chronic illness (or your child does), understanding the vagus may help demystify what has likely been a confusing and demoralizing experience. In this post, I'll discuss the many roles of the vagus nerve, the many body systems it influences, and the many seemingly unrelated symptoms it can impact when it’s not working well. My hope is that the vagus will become as awe inspiring for you, as it has for me, and that you’ll want to help it help you.

There are many ways to improve vagal "tone" to access healing and well-being. Perhaps because they're fun and life affirming, they’re often not taken seriously. In my own journey, I spent years trying to dominate my biochemistry, improve my microbiome and avoid and remove toxins. This narrow attention held me (and my daughter) back. If this is where you’re at, then I write this for you.

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Undermethylation & Strengthening the Right Brain in a Left Brain World

7/30/2019

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“Mary Poppins Goes To the Beach” -Made by combining pieces from 3 collages in my Impermanent Art Series.

By Courtney Snyder, MD

Half of my work day is spent honing in on details. For each person I evaluate and treat, I’m considering multiple symptoms, lab data, contributing factors, and treatment interventions. Left unchecked, this amount of detail hurts my brain - figuratively and literally. This type of work might be considered “left brain“ and appealing to someone who is “undermethylated,” which I am.

The other half of my work day is involved with addressing how, from a spiritual perspective, we:

lower our stress by learning to let go and stop grasping for outcomes
learn to feel at home in our body
learn to connect with others
find peace in this world
find purpose and meaning in this life
live in the present
feel part of something larger than ourselves

By spiritual, I mean our inner life. My writing and teaching about the intersection between neuroplasticity and spirituality is essentially about how we exercise those parts of the brain that relate to that inner work. Instead of honing in on details, this is about pulling back and looking at the bigger picture of our lives and our humanity. This right brain work feels good.

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Lunch with Dr. William Walsh - His Story, Discoveries & the Future of Nutrient-Based Psychiatry

7/1/2016

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Courtney Snyder, MD

I first met Dr. Walsh in the fall of 2014, at his second physician training course here in the US. At the time, I was uncertain how useful nutrients would be in my psychiatric practice. What I learned seemed too good to be true. Upon returning home, I gradually began evaluating and treating specific nutrient imbalances in adults and children with depression, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism and other conditions. To my repeated surprise, most patients - children and adults alike improved… significantly - some dramatically, including those whose symptoms had failed to respond to other treatments.

26 Comments

Understanding the Impact of Toxins on the Brain & Brain Development

Undermethylation, MTHFR Myths & The Folate Debate

The Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve in Brain Disorders & Complex Chronic Illness

Undermethylation & Strengthening the Right Brain in a Left Brain World

Lunch with Dr. William Walsh - His Story, Discoveries & the Future of Nutrient-Based Psychiatry

Courtney Snyder, MD

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