We interviewed Katie Reid PhD, Executive Director of Unblind My Mind, about glutamates and autism. You can watch the replay below. Please note that you will be asked to provide your email address at the 30-minute mark to continue viewing the replay.

What Is Glutamate?

Glutamate is an amino acid that is also a neurotransmitter. It regulates norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine, which are other neurotransmitters that are also responsible for mood and behavior. It becomes more damaging when it is “free”, as is the case in processed foods. In excess amounts, glutamate can be destructive to brain cells, as it is an excitotoxin, a term that was brought to fame by Russell Blaylock’s book, Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills.

High amounts of free glutamates can be a confounding factor in conditions such as:

• Insomnia
• Bedwetting
• OCD
• Bipolar disorders
• Anxiety disorders

In This Webinar

In this webinar, Dr. Reid talked about why symptoms of these disorders may disappear when eating a low-glutamate diet. She guided us through what foods glutamates are hiding in and what symptoms they can produce. She also talked about the effects of excess calcium and EMFs with respect to glutamate.

Key Discussions

Glutamate and Its Role in the Diet

Glutamate is an amino acid prevalent in various foods, both naturally occurring and as an added flavor enhancer in processed foods. It is responsible for the umami flavor and is commonly found in items like soy sauce, processed meats, and certain vegetables.

Impact of Glutamate on Neurological Health

Glutamate has an outsized impcacton the brain, especially concerning neuroinflammation and its potential association with conditions such as autism, Alzheimer’s and seizures. There is a delicate balance in the brain between excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate and inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA. An excess of glutamate in the diet can lead to overstimulation and neuroinflammation, contributing to various symptoms and conditions.

Dietary Interventions for Autism

Dr. Reid shared her profound personal journey and how implenting a low-glutamate diet dramatically improved her daughter’s autism symptoms and behaviors.

Role of Processed Foods

Processed foods are typically high in glutamates due to various manufacturing methods. Dr. Reid advised caution with processed foods because they usually contain additives or processed proteins that are hidden sources of glutamate.

Managing a Low-Glutamate Diet

Key strategies for a low-glutamate diet include simmering bone broth for shorter durations, seeking out natural food sources that are low in glutamates, and being mindful of the balance in a whole food diet to mitigate glutamate-related issues.

The Role of Testing and Supplements

We examined the validity and reliability of testing methods for vitamin and mineral deficiencies and how they are essential in guiding supplemental support for children with dietary restrictions. The use of probiotics and supplements like magnesium was also discussed, with an emphasis on careful selection and introduction into a dietary routine.

EMFs and Other Environmental Factors

We explored the potential dangers of EMFs (electromagnetic fields) on health, particularly its activation of glutamate receptors. Solutions for shielding or mitigating exposure to EMFs were also discussed as part of managing environmental triggers that may exacerbate health conditions.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Offering funds, study progress, and knowledge sharing.
08:17 Interest in glutamates sparked by daughter’s autism.
15:37 Eliminated foods, saw incredible change within a week.
24:21 Removed MSG helped Alzheimer’s; focused on empowerment.
30:08 Gastrointestinal issues common in children with autism and is related to neuronal firing.
36:51 Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and food sensitivities.
42:46 Working with parents to develop diet strategies.
48:15 Food journaling helps identify effective supplements.
49:48 Speech delay in autism linked to inflammation.
58:24 Optimizing glucose metabolism with a ketogenic diet.
01:09:58 Testing for nutrients, microbiome, and metabolites explained.
01:11:30 Complexity of health issues and microbiome explanation.
01:18:46 Probiotics and their impact.
01:25:47 Parent struggles with child’s early behavioral issues.
01:26:57 Some teenagers are rebellious, others want health.

About Katie Reid PhD

In graduate school, she studied biochemistry and was a teaching assistant for Chemistry of Nutrition. From a scientific perspective, she appreciated the link between nutrition and vital biochemical functions. Her career has focused on protein chemistry mainly as it applies to developing protein therapeutics.

She has conducted her own scientific investigation, researching manufacturing processes used in foods, supplements, body products, and many over-the-counter medications. She unveiled that certain ingredients and additives in these products are associated with many chronic illnesses. UMM is dedicated to raising awareness of how these ingredients, abundant in our environment, impact our health. UMM’s vision is to create a community with greater understanding and heightened awareness of the foods we eat and their impact on our health.

UMM, guided by Dr. Reid, helps individuals, families, and groups implement healthy food choices, providing unique educational programs to this end. Many have told Dr. Reid that despite their training in the medical or nutrition field, they were never taught the information that she shared. You can find out more about her and her work at her website: https://unblindmymind.org/

Disclaimer

This webinar is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Epidemic Answers has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this webinar.

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