NUTRIENT POWER
NATURAL HEALING FOR MENTAL DISORDERS
APRIL 26, 2014
William J. Walsh, Ph.D.
Walsh Research Institute
Naperville, IL
Walsh Research Institute
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Nonprofit organization
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Expertise in behavior disorders, ADHD,
autism, depression, schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, and Alzheimers
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International physician training
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Research
Clinical Experience
William J. Walsh, Ph.D.
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10,000 Behavior
5,600 ADHD
3,500 Schizophrenia & Bipolar
3,200 Depression
6,500 Autism
Massive Chemistry Database
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Laboratory testing of 30,000 mental health
patients and controls.
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More than 3 million chemical test results for
patients diagnosed with schizophrenia,
depression, ADHD, depression, autism, etc.
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More than 2 million medical history factors
for these populations.
Database Findings
Striking blood/urine chemistry
differences between mental illness
populations and the rest of society.
Walsh WJ (2012). Nutrient Power. Skyhorse Publishing, New York, NY.
Crayton JW, Walsh WJ (2007). J Trace Elements Med Biol.21:17-21.
High-Incidence Imbalances in
Mental Disorders
Methylation Disorder
Zinc Deficiency
Copper Overload
Folate Deficiency or Overload
Pyrrole Disorder
Toxic-Metal Overload
EPA, DHA, and/or AA Deficiency
These factors have a powerful impact on synthesis of
neurotransmitters and regulation of receptor activity.
Frequent Questions From
Mainstream Medicine
1. How could vitamins & minerals possibly
help a patient with a serious mental
illness?
2. Don’t you really need a powerful drug
to get the job done?
The Power of Nutrients
1. Neurotransmitter synthesis
2. Epigenetic regulation of gene
expression
3. Reuptake processes at synapses
4. Antioxidant Protection
The Brain Is a Chemical Factory
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Serotonin, dopamine, and other NT’s are
synthesized in the brain.
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The raw materials for NT synthesis are nutrients:
vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
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A genetic or epigenetic imbalance in a nutrient
needed for NT synthesis or regulation can result
in serious mental problems.
Serotonin Synthesis
Norepinephrine Synthesis
Dopamine Synthesis
GABA Synthesis
Pyrrole Disorder
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Double deficiency of B-6 and Zinc
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Reduced Serotonin, Dopamine, GABA
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Depletion of GSH, MT, Cys, SOD, Catalase
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Supplements of B-6 and zinc can normalize
pyrrole levels, often resulting in elimination
of symptoms and the need for psychiatric
medication.
The Three Musketeers of
Antioxidant Protection in the Brain
Glutathione: First line of defense,
Metallothionein: Nature’s back-up system,
Selenium: Speeds up the process.
Methylation and Mental Health
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Methyl is a dominant factor in epigenetic
processes,
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The methyl/folate ratio has a powerful
impact on neurotransmitter activity at
synapses,
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More than 60% of anxiety, depression and
psychosis patients exhibit a serious
methylation imbalance.
Epigenetics
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>20,000 genes in every cell’s DNA, each capable of
producing a specific protein,
Liver, skin, brain, and other tissues require a
unique combination of proteins,
During gestation, methyl “bookmarks” attach to
DNA to regulate gene expression in each tissue,
Environmental insults at any age can alter gene
bookmarks and produce mental disorders and
other disease conditions.
Histones – Support Structures
for the Fragile DNA
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Composed of 8 linear proteins twisted
together like a ball of yarn,
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Originally believed to serve only as
structural support for DNA packaging,
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Later found to inhibit or promote gene
expression, depending on chemical
reactions at histone tails.
Gene Expression
Requires Uncoiling of DNA
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Gene expression involves direct interaction of RNA
polymerase and transcription factors with DNA. These
large molecules cannot gain access to DNA/histone
regions that are densely compacted,
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The gentle attachment of DNA to histones involves
electrostatic attraction – DNA is a weak acid and
histones are mild bases (pH above 7.0),
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Acetylation decreases histone pH, causing uncoiling
of DNA; methylation increases histone pH, increasing
DNA/Histone compaction.
Methyl-Acetyl Competition
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Competition between acetyl and methyl groups often
determines whether genes are expressed or silenced,
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Acetyl bookmarks promote gene expression,
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Methyl bookmarks inhibit expression,
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Nutrient therapy can change methyl/acetyl ratios and
adjust production of enzymes that control serotonin
and dopamine neurotransmission rates.
Reuptake Transport Proteins
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Primary determinant of neurotransmitter activity at
serotonin & dopamine receptors – concentrations of
serotonin and dopamine are less important,
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Transmembrane proteins that remove neurotransmitters
from the synapse (reuptake) like a vacuum cleaner
inhaling dust particles,
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Formed by gene expression: the number depends on
methyl/acetyl competition at specific DNA regions.
Enzymes Dominate the
Methyl-Acetyl Competition
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Acetyl-Coenzyme A and SAMe are the donors of acetyl
and methyl, respectively – but their concentrations in
brain cells are relatively unimportant.
Acetylases, deacetylases, methylases and demethylases
dominate attachment or removal of acetyl or methyl
groups.
Epigenetic nutrient therapy for adjustment of serotonin or
dopamine activity concentrates on the enzymes.
Example: B-3 inhibits a major deacetylase inhibitor, thus
increasing expression of SERT, DAT transporters and
reducing serotonin and dopamine neurotransmission.
Epigenetic Insights Into
Nutrient Therapy
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Niacin, niacinamide, and SAH act as
dopamine reuptake promoters,
Methionine and SAMe are serotonin reuptake
inhibitors,
Folates reduce synaptic activity at serotonin,
dopamine, and norepinephrine receptors,
Zinc and glutathione increase NMDA activity,
Many nutrients influence neurotransmitter
activity and brain function.
Folate Considerations
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Folic Acid, folinic acid, and/or L-methylfolate
elevate SAMe/SAH in undermethylated persons.
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However, folates also increase gene expression
of SERT transport proteins, resulting in reduced
serotonin neurotransmission.
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Most undermethylated depressives with lowserotonin activity are intolerant to folates.
Epigenetic Disorders Triggered
by an Environmental Insult
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Abnormal methylation and oxidative overload
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Environmental insult
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Cases of sudden onset after normalcy
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Persistence of condition after onset
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A multitude of characteristic symptoms
Epigenetic Model of Autism
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In-utero undermethylation results in weak
protection against oxidative stress.
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Autism Onset: Environmental insults cause
collapse of oxidative protection, resulting in
deviant gene regulation marks (epigenetics).
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After onset, autism can persist a lifetime
since DNA bookmarks survive cell division.
Walsh Theory of Schizophrenia
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Methyl imbalances or oxidative stress produce
deviant bookmarks during gestation, resulting in
weakened protection against oxidative insults,
Mental Breakdown – Triggered by emotional or
physical stresses that overwhelm oxidative
protectors & produce deviant DNA bookmarks,
SZ disorder doesn’t “go away” since the deviant
marks survive cell divisions.
Mounting Evidence of an Epigenetic
Gene-Regulation Disorder
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Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Paraphilias
Autism
OCD
WRI Bipolar Research
W. Walsh and R. DeVito
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Manic phase involves excessive neuron firing
throughout the brain,
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Assumption: High neuron firing caused by
reduced ion gradients and threshold voltages
throughout the brain,
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Leading suspects: (a) Low ATP production at
mitochondria; (b) poor glial cell regulation of
ion gradients and cell voltages.
Mainstream Psychiatry
Misconceptions
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Depression regarded as a single entity with
variations along a central theme. Treatment of
choice -- SSRI antidepressants to elevate
serotonin activity at synapses.
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Schizophrenia regarded as a single entity, with
variations along a central theme. Treatment of
choice -- Atypical antipsychotic medications.
Chemical Classification of
Depression
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My large depression database has identified
five high-incidence biotypes,
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The biotypes represent very different disorders,
each with unique neurotransmitter imbalances
and symptoms,
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Separate treatment approach needed for each
biotype.
SSRI Antidepressants
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Increase serotonin activity in brain -- Generally
effective for undermethylated and pyrroledisorder depressives (53%),
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Can cause suicidal & homicidal ideation in lowfolate depressives, especially young males.
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Inexpensive blood tests can identify persons who
must avoid SSRI antidepressants.
Nutrient Therapy Outcomes
- Separate nutrient therapies developed
for each depression biotype,
- Outcome studies reveal 80% of patients
report treatment effectiveness & ability
to reduce or eliminate medication.
Other Forms of Schizophrenia
Thyroid
Deficiency
Porphyria
Homocysteinuria
Cerebral Allergy
Drug Induced Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Biotypes
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Overmethyation: Classic paranoid schizophrenia; Auditory
hallucinations, paranoia, high anxiety.
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Undermethylation: Delusional beliefs, catatonic
tendencies, OCD behaviors.
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Pyrrole Disorder: Combination of hallucinations and
delusions; severe anxiety and mood swings.
NOTE: All biotypes involve oxidative overload.
Biochemical Treatment
of Schizophrenia
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Therapy using vitamins, minerals, amino
acids, and other chemicals that are natural to
the body (drug-free),
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Separate treatment approach for each biotype.
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85% of families report major improvements,
reduced dependence on medication, and
lessened side effects.
Advanced Treatments for
Addictions and OCD
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Focus on increasing glutamate activity at
NMDA receptors, without increasing glutamate
activity at other receptors:
 D-Serine
 D-Cycloserine
 N-Methylglycine
 Glycine
(Sarcosine)
Biochemical Individuality
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Humans exhibit great diversity in blood
and brain chemistry.
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Because of genetics and epigenetics,
most people are deficient in several
nutrients and overloaded in others.
Nutrient Deficiencies
that Impair Brain Function
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Zinc
Methionine
Folic Acid
Vitamins B-6 and B-12
Niacin/Niacinamide
DHA, EPA, AA (essential fatty acids)
Antioxidants: Se, GSH, Vitamins C & E, etc.
Magnesium
Nutrient Overloads
that Impair Brain Function
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Copper
Folic Acid
Iron
Methionine, SAMe
Toxics: Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, etc.
NOTE: Multiple vitamin-mineral supplements are
usually ineffective and can cause harm.
Individualized Nutrient Therapy
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Medical history and review of symptoms,
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Special blood/urine lab tests,
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Diagnosis of chemical imbalances,
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Prescribed nutrient program aimed at
normalizing brain chemistry.
Key Laboratory Tests for
Mental Health Populations
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Plasma Zinc
Serum Copper
Serum Ceruloplasmin
Whole-Blood Histamine
Serum Folate
Urine Pyrroles
Serum Homocysteine
Vitamin D
SAMe/SAH Ratio
Nutrient Therapy Examples
Undermethylation: SAMe, methionine, zinc, calcium, inositol,
serine, magnesium, vitamins A, B-6, C, D, and E.
Excess Dopamine Activity: Folic acid, B-12, niacinamide,
zinc, manganese, DMAE, vitamins A, C, and E.
Copper Overload: Zinc, molybdenum, vitamins B-6, C and E,
MT-Promotion formulation.
Pyrrole Disorder: Vitamin B-6, zinc, biotin
Treatment Outcomes:
Compliant Assaultive Subjects
70%
58%
60%
50%
33%
40%
30%
20%
8%
10%
1%
0%
Symptom-Free
Partial
Improvement
No Change
Worse
High-Incidence Chemical
Imbalances in ADHD
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Elevated Cu (68%)
Insufficient ceruloplasmin (92%)
Zinc depletion (96%)
Methylation disorder (55%)
Pyrrole Disorder (30%)
Malabsorption (11%)
Summary
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Biochemical imbalances are exhibited by most
persons with a mental disorder.
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These imbalances can adversely impact
neurotransmitter synthesis & regulation.
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Most families report improvement, following
nutrient therapy to normalize chemistry.
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The emerging science of epigenetics is leading
to vastly improved natural therapies.
Pfeiffer’s Law
“For every drug that benefits a patient, there
are natural substances that can produce
the same effect”.
Carl C. Pfeiffer, MD, PhD
THANK YOU!
Bill Walsh, PhD
Walsh Research Institute
www.walshinstitute.org