The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder, known as ASD, continues to increase among young people in the United States. According to Autism Parenting Magazine, approximately 1 in 36 children are now diagnosed with ASD, representing a 241% increase from statistics in 2000.
In 2017, I had the opportunity to interview Martin Pall, Ph.D., a professor emeritus at Washington State University, about how electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can impact human health by stimulating voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). Pall has since conducted further research and recently published a comprehensive study exploring the role of EMFs in VGCCs and their connection to autism.
In his study published in Brain Sciences, Pall presents a model that explains the various causal mechanisms of ASDs, focusing on the dysfunction of synaptogenesis in children’s developing brains. This dysfunction is primarily triggered by the activation of VGCCs due to EMF exposure, leading to increased intracellular calcium levels and ultimately resulting in autism.
Synaptogenesis is the process of forming synapses in the brain, which are crucial for communication between neurons. Pall’s research distinguishes between manmade EMFs, which are coherent and emitted in specific directions, and natural EMFs, which are incoherent and pose minimal health risks.
Pall identifies six neuronal mechanisms affected by excessive intracellular calcium during the perinatal period, including neuronal migration, dendritic outgrowth, synapse formation, synapse maturation, synaptic pruning, and MeCP2 function. Impairment of these mechanisms can lead to synaptogenesis dysfunction and potentially contribute to autism.
Research has shown that abnormalities in these mechanisms are prevalent in individuals with autism, with excessive intracellular calcium being a common factor. Exposure to EMFs can disrupt VGCCs, leading to synaptic dysfunction and potentially autism.
Pall’s findings suggest that autism risk may begin before birth, with EMF exposure during pregnancy and infancy playing a significant role. Pregnant women are advised to minimize their exposure to EMFs by avoiding cell phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shielding materials and paints can help reduce exposure and protect the developing fetus and young children from potential harm. Pall also suggests investing in an EMF meter to pinpoint the hotspots in your residence.
NMDA-R and Toxic Chemicals — Another Possible Pathway to Autism
Pall’s research also underscores the impact of toxic chemical exposure on autism development. Specifically, these chemicals disrupt NMDA receptor (NMDA-R) function, leading to increased intracellular calcium levels. The NMDA-R is responsible for glutamate reception, the brain’s main excitatory neurotransmitter, and is crucial for synaptic plasticity. Chemicals mentioned in Pall’s review include mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, glyphosate, and others.
Each of these chemicals can stimulate NMDA-R activity, leading to elevated intracellular calcium levels. For example, BPA has been shown to lower dendritic spine density in animal models, which is in line with effects that cause synaptogenesis dysfunction. Pall suggests consuming an organic diet to minimize exposure to these chemicals.
Additionally, to protect your family from EMFs, you can follow these strategies:
– Identify major sources of EMFs in your home and limit their use.
– Avoid giving children cellphones or wireless devices.
– Use wired connections for internet access.
– Turn off Wi-Fi when not in use and consider hardwiring your house.
– Avoid wireless chargers and smart appliances.
– Use battery-powered alarm clocks and incandescent bulbs.
– Refrain from carrying cellphones on your body and limit use before bedtime.
– Ensure you are getting enough magnesium to reduce the effects of EMFs.
By implementing these strategies, you can reduce exposure to harmful EMFs and toxic chemicals in your environment. Según el estudio de Pall, “La deficiencia de magnesio a menudo se encuentra en pacientes con autismo y se ha encontrado que los suplementos de sales de magnesio son útiles en el tratamiento del autismo.”32
Aumentar Nrf2, que es un hormético biológico que regula al alza la superóxido dismutasa, la catalasa y todos los demás antioxidantes intercelulares beneficiosos, también es útil principalmente porque reduce la inflamación, mejora la función mitocondrial y estimula la biogénesis mitocondrial, entre otros beneficios.
Puedes activar Nrf2 consumiendo compuestos alimenticios que aumenten Nrf2 como el sulforafano de verduras crucíferas, alimentos ricos en antioxidantes fenólicos, los ácidos grasos omega-3 de cadena larga DHA y EPA, carotenoides (especialmente licopeno), compuestos de azufre de verduras del grupo de las allium, isotiocianatos del grupo de la col y alimentos ricos en terpenoides.
Se ha demostrado que el hidrógeno molecular se dirige a los radicales libres producidos en respuesta a la radiación.33