Theories

Why Are We Seeing Dramatic Surges?

There are many theories as to why we are seeing the sudden, and in most cases dramatic, surges in individuals of all ages with autism, apraxia and other speech and language delays/impairments, TBI and global delays, sometimes within just days of starting NutriiVeda.

Is it one of the elements?  A combination?  Or, perhaps its’s the synergistic blend of botanicals which is, in essence, Ayurveda? 

The following provides thoughts and theories from doctors, President/Founder of The Cherub Foundation, Lisa Geng (also a parent of children with apraxia and ADHD), and every-day parents who have experienced these surges through their children.

LISA GENG, PRESIDENT/FOUNDER, THE CHERAB FOUNDATION

“My theories started with nutrition.  In the CHERAB Foundation we’ve known for over a decade now the importance of PUFAs (the fish oils) to help many with communication delays and disorders.  Due to it being a nutritional supplement being suggested to help a neurological condition, in the early days there was much skepticism, even criticism and ridicule asto how could fish oil help a child with apraxia or autism?!   This reaction of course is normal and due to ignorance.  I like to refer to the ignorance that surrounds… Read More nutritions importance on health, including neurological function, as the magic orange reaction. I’m referring to scurvy and the impact a simple orange had on sailors years ago. Of course the orange wasn’t magic but if one is ignorant in the aspect of or importance of the vitamin C in the orange they could look at the orange as magically keeping a sailor alive. Today we have much more knowledge about the importance of nutrition on health, including the importance of the PUFAs on neurological function. Our nonprofit is currently in the process of raising monies to validate the therapeutic effect of PUFAs on speech which is why we originally got involved with the company Zrii. As a fundraiser. Unbeknownst to me, or any of us, we had no idea that one of the products that Zrii was going to launch just 2 days later, NutriiVeda, was going to be another magic orange for us! After seeing almost immediate remarkable life changing surges in multiple areas in my own son Tanner, noticed by all around him including professionals at his school, I shared NutriiVeda with Robin Ketchum, Melanie’s mother for her to try. As you may be aware form Mel’s blog, like my son Tanner, Melanie too had remarkable and unexplainable surges within days after almost 25 years of no progress no matter what had been tried. It was a few weeks later until I shared NutriiVeda with our nonprofit group. Others started trying the NutriiVeda after sharing it with their child’s doctor and one after another the same dramatic surges were reported.      This is unexplainable and just incredible. I clearly could understand any and all skepticism from those that didn’t try it as nothing could possibly have a therapeutic effect on everyone. But that is what it appeared like as reports came in from parents of children of all ages from 2 to 26, with various conditions, autism, PDD, apraxia as well as undiagnosed speech delays, TBI and global delays as well as ADHD. The skepticism started to fade as the curiosity continued to grow within our own nonprofit….what can be creating the surges in our children with this product the NutriiVeda? I say this with all my heart that I believe it will be validated that something in the NutriiVeda will be found to be some sort of cure for what we are seeing today in these children with multifaceted neurologically based communication impairments. To me it’s clear there is some sort of neurological repair that is happening. But how is it happening so quickly? Why is it so dosage dependent? Why is hydration so important for this therapy to work? And also why does the NutriiVeda appear to support the metabolism of the PUFAs? I have never been able to lower Tanner’s fish oils prior without a regression but since on NutriiVeda I’ve experimented and cut his dosage in half and have witnessed the most incredible surges. I started to explore possible reasons based on the ingredients and shared some of them with our group, and others in the group have shared some theories as well.  In short Nutriiveda is a 100 percent natural, 100 percent whole food source all the essential amino acids, and nutrients per serving.  Nutriiveda is gluten, casein, fat, sodium and caffeine free and tested free of any  heavy metals, herbicides, or pesticides.  The fact that all the nutrients are from whole foods which is the purest form of supplementation and 100 percent water soluble makes this an easy way to get essential nutrients into our children and ourselves.  The fact we are seeing therapeutic results is  the over the moon cherry on top. Below we will include some of the research I have found that may answer some questions as to what we are seeing, as well as some theories from others in our group. WHEY ISOLATE PROTEIN: There are many reasons why this particular ingredient may be benefitting but I first want to share that the whey isolate protein in the NutriiVeda unlike the majority you would buy from the store it is gluten and casein free and is made in a 100 % natural and gentle way to protect the precious proteins and essential amino acids and virtually 100% whey. Whey isolate product in addition to it being the most easily digestible protein by the body contains all the essential amino acids which is just one of the ingredients in NutriiVeda linked in clinical research to neurological repair and support. For example, neurology researchers have shown that feeding amino acids to brain-injured animals restores their cognitive abilities and may set the stage for the first effective treatment for cognitive impairments suffered by people with traumatic brain injuries. (1) In addition the whey isolate protein plays a very important role of dramatically raising the antioxidant glutathione. The antioxidant glutathione, critical for the body to excrete metals, typically works by binding to heavy metals, which the body then knows to eliminate. In 2004, researcher Jill James, Ph.D., of the Arkansas School of Medicine, led a pioneering study that showed autistic kids had significantly less glutathione than typical kids,which put their bodies in a state of constant oxidative stress. In other words, autistic kids were genetically predisposed to have low glutathione levels, making them particularly susceptible to heavy metal toxicity.  (2)   As there is more and more knowledge learned from Proteomics (3), and the starting point for novel pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biomedical applications of for example whey, perhaps more light will be shed on the importance of balance in regards to proteins and essential amino acids combined with other nutrients and from whole food sources.  The Human Proteome Project will not only expand our understanding of the universe of cellular function and disease but also identify the foods that rebuild and regenerate the body. (4)   In regards to reduction and even elimination of seizures one study found Tryptophan (Trp) an essential amino acid found naturally in nutriiveda from a whole food source through the whey protein to be helpful as an antiepileptic therapy of drug-resistant epileptic patients. (5) Outside of the essential amino acids and protein, there is the ayurvedic component; rich in 5000 years of medicinal and healing usage, brought to NutriiVeda by leading medical and ayurvedic doctors including the Chopra Center for Wellbeing who formulated and endorse the NutriiVeda. What is of great interest to me is that the whole food nutrients from the ayurvedic vegetations in nutriiveda are all slow growing.  This is intriguing due to the 2004 published study done by Donald Davis, a biochemist at the University of Texas, who found 13 major nutrients in fruits and vegetables tracked by the Agriculture Department from 1950 to 1999, showed noticeable declines in nutritional value.  Davis said faster-growing plants aren’t able to acquire the nutrients that their slower-growing cousins can, either by synthesis or from the soil. (6)  Even though dramatically reduced nutrients protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin and vitamin C are familiar to all; what if there are also unknown trace but essential elements that are missing in today’s fruits and vegetables that are still found in slow growing vegetations?   But on their own each ayurvedic botanical has found praise in both eastern as well as western medicine. One ingredient for example to take notice of due to extensive clinical evidence of it’s great importance in neurological function and repair in the ayurvedic blend of NutriiVeda is turmeric which contains curcumin. There is a tremendous amount of research linking this ayurvedic botanical to the benefit and treatment of cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, cerebral ischemia, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors, neuropathic pain, schizophrenia, depression, epilepsy, Parkinson disease and even autism. Probably today the most note worthy research is on turmeric/curcumin’s apparent ability to prevent, slow, even reverse, the build up of neural plaque which is implicated in Alzheimer’s Disease (7) But again that is but two of the ingredients in the synergistic blend of NutriiVeda. I found that the haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is an antispasmodic phytochemicals Anti-spasmodics have proved useful in treating spinal-cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and Tourette syndrome amongst other neuro conditions -so how may that help this group? And on this same (one) ayurvedic element (Haritaki, Chebulic myrobalam): Terminalia chebula Retz. (Haritaki, Chebulic myrobalam) In Sanskrit, Haritaki means “carries away” (all diseases). Haritaki is a safe and effective purgative, expectorant and tonic. It is a component of the classic Ayurvedic combination called “Triphala” (three fruits). Tiphalpha is an important Ayurvedic medicine, which often promotes health through successive steps of purification and detoxification. It is known to have strong anti-mutagenic activity, because of its very rich content vitamin C (8) What research and time will one day answer is how one element may be further helping another work. For now we know that we are seeing remarkable surges across the board and hearing tremendous testimonies for NutriiVeda. So I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank whomever is involved in the creation of NutriiVeda. It has been a life changing product for my own family due to my son Tanner and one that I can’t imagine life without now. Thank you! Below are theories and explanations from members of the Cherab group that have come out since. If you have a theory or explanation about one or more of the ingredients in the NutriiVeda please do share! Sincerely, Lisa Geng
Founder, President Cherab Foundation
Co-Author “The Late Talker”, [St Martin's Press]
1. With Amino Acid Diet, Mice Improve After Brain Injury Monday, December 7, 2009 Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences http://www.sflorg.com/comm_center/medical/p974_99.html 2.  http://planetthrive.com/2010/01/unravelling-the-mystery-of-autism 3. The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimer’s disease: An overview Shrikant Mishra and Kalpana Palanivelu Department of Neurology, VA/USC 16111, Sepulveda, CA, USA Copyright © Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology Received November 4, 2007; Revised February 5, 2008; Accepted February 12, 2008.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781139 4.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2639691 5.  Potentiation of brain serotonin activity may inhibit seizures, especially in drug-resistant epilepsy http://www.medical-hypotheses.com/article/S0306-9877%2807%2900490-2/abstract 6.  http://www.drpasswater.com/nutrition_library/davis_1.html 7. The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimer’s disease: An overview Shrikant Mishra and Kalpana Palanivelu Department of Neurology, VA/USC 16111, Sepulveda, CA, USA Copyright © Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology Received November 4, 2007; Revised February 5, 2008; Accepted February 12, 2008. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781139 8.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2639691   

DR. SUHAS G. KSHIRSAGAR, BAMS, MD

Aloha,

NutriiVeda is an ideal herbal food supplement. It takes care of some vital nutrients absolutely needed for the optimum functioning of neuro-physiology but also the herbs like Amalaki-Turmeric-Guggul- Gymnema work on opening the micro circulatory channels.They also regulate the various…  Read More endocrine pathways. It is very likely that there is better oxygenation to the brain and harmonious functioning of the right and left hemispheres because of reduced inflammation.  Serotonin- It does not increase or decrease anything but it regulates these subtle molecules by improved Lymphatic Return in the circulation. According to Ayurveda Serotonin and Melatonin are Sun/Moon, Male/Female, Silence/Dynamism, Yin/Yang like principles, which are effectively regulated by these intelligent herbs. Great testimonial, we do expect many more in many diverse areas. Suhas Dr. Suhas G.Kshirsagar BAMS, MD(Ayurveda,India)
Head of US Operations, Kerala Ayurveda Academy & Clinics
California Center for Integrative Medicine
9099 Soquel Drive, Cottage 7 & 9
Aptos, CA 95003 (Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar BAMS, MD Ayurveda is an accomplished ayurvedic doctor with over 10 generations of actual ayurvedic healing practice in his family heritage. Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar has conducted research for Ayuveda Rasashala and has been Medical Director of Maharshi University of Management. He has extensive clinical experience in treating patients in ayurvedic therapies and Panchakarma which promotes gentle body cleansing, body balancing and rejuvenation for an inner sense of well-being. Suhas has received Gold Medal recognition from Pune University. )

DR THOMAS YAREMA 

Thanks for the inspiring testimonial. The results, although dramatic, are not surprising. The amino acid profile of NutriiVeda would undoubtedly assist and support the healing of any neurotransmitter deficiency, whether seizures, depression, anxiety disorder, insomnia. Parkinson’s disease, due to its unique nature would be less likely to show significant; however, we did have an unexpected and dramatic improvement in an individual…  Read More with Parkinsons using Zrii.  To answer the question/concern regarding serotonin level monitoring during the consumption of NutriiVeda: it is not necessary. However, if an individual does have any of the neurotransmitter deficiency disorders listed above and DOES wish to monitor their neurotransmitter levels, I would be most supportive of this documentation. The most extensive neurotransmitter testing available is done at home, rather than at a lab, on a morning urine, and is covered by most insurances including Medicare and HMOs. Many physicians, including Neurologists and Psychiatrists, are unaware of this home-based test, its insurance coverage, or how to interpret the results. Any IE or consumer wishing to obtain such neurotransmitter testing may contact Lisa Geng who will contact me directly. Email Lisa at lisa@cherab.org as she will pass on to me and I will have the lab test kit drop shipped to them. I will serve as the ordering physician and ensure their primary care physician receive a carbon copy of results. Regards,
Dr. Tom (Thomas Yarema M.D. is director of Clinical Medicine for Kerala Ayurveda, with medical clinics and Ayurvedic academies in Aptos, California and Seattle. Dr. Yarema is a pioneer in the field of Integrative Medicine and remains committed to bridging the best of all systems of medicine. His professional tools consist of Allopathy, including 12 years of full-time practice in Emergency Medicine, Ayurveda, and Traditional Oriental Medicine. His is also author of the book Eat, Taste, Heal An Ayuvedic Guidebook and Cookbook for Modern Living)

GRETCHEN WALSH, RESEARCH SCIENTIST/MEMBER OF THE CHERAB FOUNDATION

I want to present another side to this story. Please, don’t assume that science or medicine has all the answers. I am trained scientist with 12 + years of training after high school. The more we find out we know, the more we find out we don’t know. Medicine and science have much to offer. But, I am also fully aware of how much medicine does not know about helping our apraxic/autistic/otherwise neuroatypical children. I have a son with a microdeletion… Read More apraxic/autistic/otherwise neuroatypical children. I have a son with a microdeletion syndrome (and by the way, many autistic children also have a microdeletion syndrome), and will not do anything to hurt him. I research my options fully. You are absolutely correct: as parents we have a responsibility to protect our children and our pocketbooks.  I want to present another side to this story. Please, don’t assume that science or medicine has all the answers. I am trained scientist with 12 + years of training after high school. The more we find out we know, the more we find out we don’t know. Medicine and science have much to offer. But, I am also fully aware of how much medicine does not know about helping our apraxic/autistic/otherwise neuroatypical children. I have a son with a microdeletion syndrome (and by the way, many autistic children also have a microdeletion syndrome), and will not do anything to hurt him. I research my options fully. You are absolutely correct: as parents we have a responsibility to protect our children and our pocketbooks.  Unfortunately, in autism and other neurological disorders, there aren’t many answers available yet. Because of the limitations of science and medicine, I have chosen to research my options and give my son every REASONABLE chance to reach his maximum potential. Because there are no answers, I am left to find them on my own. In this area, in fact, Western Medicine may actually mislead us. I have been aware of cases of autism cured since the 1980′s. Do you know it is not until the last year or so that Scientists have acknowledged that some people have been cured of autism, even thirty years ago? So, although they have helped keep parents from spending oodles of money or causing other harm from therapies that don’t work, if all parents had listened to scientists some parents would never have cured their children of autism. It is the parents of autistic children who are the originators of much of the research currently being done on treating autism. Scientists have spent a lot of time and money on figuring out what autism is and what causes it. That is very important. There are many different causes and that contributes to confusion and difficulty performing treatment studies. But, I have decided I am not going to wait 20 years for the studies to come out and find that I have damaged my son by NOT making a simple/harmless intervention that would have benefitted him when his young brain was still forming. If there is a chance that I might try something that will benefit him and won’t hurt him, and will only cost me $80 to try it (contrast that with many other alternative and complementary medicine approaches that are either known to be harmful or that cost thousands of dollars.)You better believe I am going to try it. In fact, I do not sell Nutriiveda and never will, it’s not my thing. However, I have bought it as a gift for other people with medical issues and have seen it help. It has helped my son some, not as dramatically as many others. He does not have autism. I want to keep him on it for several months because there are studies that turmeric has helped prevent damage to nerves in some inherited neuropathies. It will probably take time to see if there is more benefit than the small surges I have seen in speech, behavior, maturity, impulse control and frustration tolerance. At some point, probably one year, I will have to decide if it is worth $80 or $160/month. It might not be. Then I will discontinue it. Or it might be worth it. However, until then, because I have seen small surges in many areas, I will continue it and give it a chance to work. If you look, there is a ton of science behind whey protein isolates and the other contents of the Nutriiveda. There is a ton of research on how our typical American diet creates high levels of inflammation in our system, causing many chronic health problems. Good nutrition that is easily absorbed is good science and good medicine and good sense. No, there is not a specific research study out on Nutriiveda yet, because it is a recent and serendipitous finding that it helped our kids. Research takes time.  Do you know Joseph Lister was laughed at for years by his fellow surgeons because he believed that germs could cause surgical infections, and that they should wash their hands before operating?  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Lister,_1st_Baron_Lister There are thousands of examples like this in medicine/science. So, what I am saying is, as a parent of a special needs child it is our responsibility to decided what to try to help them. We should not try every whim that comes around. We should not make ourselves poor trying things that have little research or support. And we should be careful about doing things that aren’t proven safe. But, because the research isn’t done yet, We have to do our own research, whether we like it or not. Every parent has to make decisions based on what they believe is best. But do it with knowledge, and gut instincts about your child. Or you can depend on your doctor to research this, but I can guarantee you have more time and energy for researching things that will help your child or yourself than your physician has.  If your gut reaction tells you NV is not right for your son, trust your instincts. However, if your reason not to try NV is that there is no research, I would suggest you research whey protein and turmeric (curcumin) for starters. Then you could do your own research on each ingredient in NV. You could research the effects of the typical American diet on inflammation and chronic disease. Then your decision would be based on science, and I believe you might reconsider your decision……based on science. Good luck with your son. It’s clear that you care very much about your son, and are very careful in making good decisions for him and for your family. Gretchen, mother Joey 6, microdeletion syndrome, and triplet girls, age 8