Issue Number 2, November 5, 1998

Welcome to the second issue of the White Raven Autism Newsletter. We are slowly beginning to put together some very thought provoking information, and the first article speaks to one of the most insidious and pervasive addictive substances in American culture - Sugar. As you will read, sugar has many negative side effects when ingested in excessive doses. For autistic people, these side effects are greatly compounded.

The paradigm shift which is inherent in this look at sugar is that there is more that we can do to help our autistic friends and family members than to simply focus on behavior modifications and medications. As always, our goal is to make this an interactive process--we are hoping that many different people will share their experiences via this website. All e-mail directed to me will find a place in this newsletter.

Sugar Detoxification:

Sugar is the most commonly addictive food/drug worldwide. Althoug sugar addiction is common, autistic individuals usually have strong cravings because of their chemistry imbalance. This makes them more sensitive to sugar, and for those who are more sensitive to refined sugar, or for those who comsume it in large amounts, many symptoms of abuse and withdrawal may occur.

When I speak of sugar, I not only refer to refined sugar, but include soda pop, honey, and fruit juices. Sugar often replaces other, more nutritious foods, and it weakens our tissue health and body resistance. Microorganisms love sweet, simple foods, and a sweet diet allows greater infestation with bacteria, fungi, and parasites, and then will support their growth, which may weaken out immunity. Reducing our entire dietary sugar load is important.

Sugar Abuse And Withdrawal Symptoms:

Many people who abuse sugar do not eat a wholesome diet and have nutritional deficiencies, hypoglycemia, and other problems, both physical and psychological.

There are many other more nutritious nibbles to replace sugary foods. These include popcorn, rice cakes, vegetable sticks, fruits, nuts, seeds, and unsweetened granola. Once sugar has slowly been removed from the diet, it is still possible to use it again, as occasional treats, because it is not as readdicting as many stronger drugs. Many people who have kicked the sugar habit find they no longer tolerate sugar very well.

Avoid Sugar Foods: candy white sugar cake pop fructose cookies ice cream wine maple syrup doughnuts artificial juices honey liqueurs chewing gum

Nutrients that can help reduce the sugar craving and help in sugar withdrawal are the B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, the trace mineral chromium, and amino acid L-glutamine. Chromium is the central molecule of glucose tolerance factor, which helps insulin work more efficiently at removing sugar from the blood and nourishing the cells. The amino acid L-glutamine, which can be used directly by the brain, has also been helpful in reducing sugar cravings. A diet that is rich in whole grains and other complex carbohydrates, vegetables, and protien foods can also help stabilize the blood sugar and minimize the desire for sugar.

All these measures can be used to assist the autistic person in reclaiming balance in their body

I hope that this article has offered you some new ideas and alternatives which you may not have considered before. Every little step we can take toward more balanced health in each of our lives is a step closer to the happiness that we all deserve.

Sincerely,

Marty Adams, Editor

Issue Number 1, September 5, 1998

Welcome to the first issue of the White Raven Autism Newsletter. As you can see it is still under heavy construction but will be up and running soon, so be sure to check back with us in the next few days and weeks!

Our goal with this newsletter is to provide observations and information that is applicable to austistic people and their families, as well as caregivers, social workers, interested friends, and the world at large.

We will explore changing paradigms, information from many sources (including medical professionals and journals, but focusing primarily on more experimental and/or personal experiences). This will be an interactive process--we are hoping that many different people will share their experiences via this website. All e-mail directed to me will find a place on this website.

I am the mother of an autistic daughter. My daughter Mary, is the source of my energy and inspiration to put together this newsletter. She will be contributing her thoughts and observations. We are doing this together to try and explore the ways in which the distance that separates people with autism from the rest of society can be minimized. Our goal is to bridge that gap in a way that brings about global understanding between our two different worlds.

We look forward to sharing this wonderful journey with you.

Sincerely,

Marty Adams, Editor