What is Glutamate?
Glutamate is simple terms, is an excitatory neurotransmitter that is meant to stay in balance with GABA (a calming neurotransmitter), in a see-saw like fashion within the body. Imbalances in this seesaw in favour of glutamate, due to excess glutamate in the system - this can be via foods, microbial imbalances etc, can play havoc with health. This imbalance in favour of glutamate is common in children with autism. And really is a HUGE piece of the healing puzzle that isn't really on many people's radar - including biomed doctors. It has helped us hugely in understanding how to help Rose too. Glutamate is considered an 'excitotoxin'. Excitotoxins are compounds that have the ability to overexcite nerves/ brain cells to death.
For your convenience, I have linked specific pages that I think you will find useful below.....
'One way to visualise the impact of excess glutamate in the body is like a car whose gas pedal is stuck, pressed to the floor. Speeding through life, without the ability to put on the brakes, virtually ensures that you will either experience a major crash due to excessive speed or eventually run out of gas. Think of glutamate as the gas and GABA as the brake pedal. While you need the gas pedal to move forward in life, you also require the ability to use the brake as needed to be certain that you are able to moderate your speed.'
What are we eating?
This video describes what glutamate is, where it can be found and how it impacts human health.
Glutamate and autism / sensory processing disorder research
Where can glutamate be found?
Glutamate can be found under many different ingredient names. Also, check supplements! At one point, your child may have been prescribed a cocktail of supplements under a biomed doctor. These might contain several additives containing glutamate. Rose was extremely reactive to many supplements for this reason.
Your ecosystem on MSG: Katherine L. Reid
In this video, PHD Biochemist Katherine Reid discusses the importance of diet and recognising MSG in relation to the body's ecosystems...
