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many studies suggesting that DHA contributes to FOOD SENSITIVITIES High levels
brain development and is essential for myelina- Allergies and sensitivities to specific foods,
tion of nervous tissue. 49 chemicals, or inhalants may be responsible for of copper
Choline is a precursor for the neurotransmit- emotional reactions classified as "neurotic" or can cause
ter acetylcholine, which is especially important "psychotic.” “Confusion, mental blocking, dull-
in memory and mood, and it is also the transmit- ness, lethargy, tenseness, irritability, dissociation extreme fear,
ter most often used by neurons that communicate and perceptual distortions are some of the more paranoia and
between the brain and the nerves controlling common CNS [central nervous system] allergic
skeletal muscles, heart rate, breathing, sweat- responses.” 57 hallucinations.
ing and salivation. The best dietary sources of William Philpott, MD, an orthomolecular
choline are egg yolks, organ meats, legumes and psychiatrist, believed that allergic reactions
breast milk. could result in schizophrenic behaviors: “My
50
As for ARA and DHA, multiple aspects of own practice as a psychiatrist has shown that for
brain metabolism, function and structure are two hundred fifty consecutive patients, there is
thought to depend on having adequate brain convincing evidence that the majority of them
concentrations of these fatty acids. Sources of developed major symptoms on exposure to foods
ARA include butter, egg yolks and animal fats. 51 and chemicals; 92 percent of those schizophren-
Deficiency in DHA strongly correlates with ics developed symptoms such as maladaptive
violent behavior. Subjects with low DHA tend reactions to food and chemicals; 64 percent
more towards violence and alcohol dependence. on exposure to wheat; 51 percent on exposure
52
DHA is found in breast milk but baby formulas to corn; 51 percent on exposure to pasteurized
were not supplemented with DHA until the late cow’s milk; 30 percent of schizophrenics develop
1980s in Europe, and 2002 in the U.S. DHA symptoms on exposure to petrochemical prod-
can be found in brains, cod liver oil and finfish. ucts, some so severe as to precipitate suicide.” 58
Brains from animals were a traditional weaning For many people gluten causes an immune
food. DHA and ARA formulation in formula, reaction. This condition is most often related to
53
however, are not identical to those found in breast celiac disease (CD); symptoms include indiges-
milk but are made from algae and extracted with tion, bloating, villous atrophy, leaky gut and mal-
hexane. 54 absorption of nutrients. Diagnosis is confirmed
by testing for antibodies.
COPPER EXCESS Gluten sensitivity (GS) has emerged as an
Sometimes an excess of a mineral can lead illness distinct from celiac disease with an esti-
to mental imbalance. An excess of copper, for ex- mated prevalence six times that of CD. Gluten-
ample, has been implicated in Wilson’s disease, sensitive people do not have villous atrophy or
a condition with psychiatric consequences. High the antibodies that are present in celiac disease,
levels of copper can cause extreme fear, paranoia but rather they can test positive for antibodies to
and hallucinations. Elevated levels of copper gliadin, part of the protein. 59
are found in many studies with schizophrenics, Both CD and GS result in a variety of neu-
manic depressives and epileptics. Drs. Venter rologic and psychiatric symptoms: changes in the
and Findlay found that pellagrins were also high cerebellum, visual disturbances, blurred vision,
in copper. Research has established that excess seeing colored dots, headache and encephalopa-
levels of copper can cause violent behavior in thy. Anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social
children and youth. 55 phobia are common. 60
Vitamin C deficiency results in copper in- Recent research found that schizophrenics
crease. Birth control pills increase copper, as do are twice as likely to have gluten antibodies as
some drinking water, copper pots and utensils, controls. Some schizophrenics have antibodies
as well as copper in the birth control IUDs. Soy to gluten that differ from those of CD patients,
products are extremely high in copper. Other and these people may be missed when tested for
sources include tea, shellfish, liver, miso, cereals, CD. The condition is treated with antipsychotic
cocoa and chocolate. 56 medication, but some of these patients improve
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