Heavy Metal Poisoning and Allergies to Blame for Aaron’s Many Problems

Heavy Metal Poisoning and Allergies to Blame for Aaron’s Many Problems

From Alternatives Newsletter Summer 2009

Aaron’s problems had started when he was a baby and by kindergarten, his mother was at the end of her rope.  “As a baby, Aaron had colic, constipation and acid reflux,” the Omaha mother said.  “When he was five, behavioral problems surfaced at school; the teacher brought it to our attention.  At home, Aaron’s behavior was irrational.”

Aaron’s mother took her son to every doctor imaginable and, eventually, he needed to be taken out of school, she said.  “Everyone had turned on him and I didn’t know what to do.  One day I grabbed him tight and said, ‘I love you and, no matter what happens, I’m not going to give up.’  I asked him, ‘If there’s one thing I could help you with, what would it be?’  And he said, ‘Just make my head stop hurting.’”

Other unusual symptoms were emerging such as stabbing pains in the legs, stomach problems, migraines and hyperactivity, so his mother started to journal these varied symptoms and pursue additional testing.  A biopsy of the GI tract and MRI of the head revealed nothing.

By then Aaron’s parents had found their way to the Alternatives clinic.  When Dr. Patricia Ryan said she could help, they were skeptical.  “We told Dr. Ryan everything and she said, ‘I’m so glad you’re here.  I can help your son.  I’ve seen this before.’”

Allergy tests revealed a milk and egg allergy, and a hair analysis showed that Aaron’s calcium was low.  His stomach was void of good bacteria.  He had an impacted colon, a leaky gut and heavy metal poisoning.  His mother soon learned that she had mercury poisoning, which she suspects she may have passed on to her son.

Dr. Ryan said that heavy metals are some of the most toxic of environmental substances.  “Anything organic such as wood, coal, paper, petroleum fuels, etc., which are combustible, release heavy metals into the atmosphere.  These settle in the soil, lakes, rivers and streams, and are integrated into the water supply and crops as well.  Humans then ingest these through the food we eat and the water we drink,” she said. “It is in the very air we breathe.”

“There are many toxins in the environment, but heavy metals are particularly toxic to the nervous system,” Dr. Ryan added.

In the case of Aaron’s mom, mercury from the fillings in her teeth was poisoning her.  “Mercury, in particular, causes numerous metabolic changes that are detrimental,” Dr. Ryan said.  “It increases free-radical damages, interferes with enzymes all over the body and damages DNA.  It is also quite common to see a genetic pre-disposal to heavy metal toxicity in many kids with this range of symptoms.  Some people have a genetic predisposition to make less of a protective mercury binding protein than others.  These kids are ‘impaired detoxifiers’ and literally hang on to more mercury than other kids.”

As part of his treatment, Aaron had chelation therapy, which is one recommended method to remove heavy metal poisoning.  “Chelation is the process of removing heavy metals with a chelating agent that I prescribe,” Dr. Ryan said.  “I would also recommend certain supplements to support this removal process.  An initial test is done to determine a child’s level of heavy metals.  Then treatment is discussed in a follow-up visit.” 

“By day three after the chelation, I had this little angel who was being so helpful and kind and sweet,” Aaron’s mother said.  Other changes have come as well, and the physical pain and problems he was experiencing are under control.  “Aaron, now 8, is still strong-willed, but he is at the top of his class and a very charismatic extrovert,” his mom said.  “He takes all the vitamins and supplements prescribed by Dr. Ryan.  He knows what he can and can’t eat, and is an advocate for himself.  He’s just a wonderful kid.  I tell people – and this is the truth – that Dr. Ryan saved Aaron’s life, period.  Without her, it’s frightening to think where we might be.”

To learn more about heavy metal poisoning, contact Alternatives at 827-9450.  “Detoxification from heavy metals can make a big difference in behavior, personality and mood in both adults and children,” Dr. Ryan said.