The Walsh Protocols

Dr. C. Shaffia Laue has been extensively trained in the Walsh Protocols developed by William Walsh, PhD, pioneer in the development of advanced nutrient therapies. He was in charge of the medical laboratory for the pioneer in this field, Dr. Carl Pfeiffer; together they assembled a large biochemical data base, with more that 10,000 patients with mental health problems. As they reviewed the data they saw that most of these persons had significant excesses or deficiencies in nutrients specifically required for neurotransmitter production. The most common biochemical abnormalities included: 

Pyrrole Disorder

Pyrrole Disorder (or pyroluria) is detected by the presence of elevated kryptopyrroles in the urine. This urine test provides markers for functional deficiencies of Vitamin B-6 and zinc, and elevated oxidative stress. Symptoms include: poor tolerance of physical and emotional stress, poor anger control, frequent mood swings, poor short-term memory, reading disorder, morning nausea, absence of dream recall, frequent anger and rages, depression and high anxiety. Supplements should be adjusted to the individual’s age, body weight, lab results, severity of symptoms and ability to metabolize supplements. After the initial diagnosis, a follow-up test is recommended to fine-tune dosages.

Histamine 

Whole Blood Histamine is a blood test that can be used as a marker for methylation status. The methylation cycle is receiving more attention now, as it includes the synthesis of neurotransmitters and detoxification pathways in the liver. When histamine is elevated, clinical features include depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), perfectionism, seasonal allergies, competitiveness, and internal anxiety. When histamine is too low, there is a tendency for high anxiety, panic disorder, depression, chemical and food sensitivities, yet there is often enhanced music / artistic ability, and empathy for others.

Copper

Copper is an essential trace element, but excessive levels are toxic to the body. Copper overloads tend to lower dopamine levels and increase norepinephrine in the brain. Imbalances in these important neurotransmitters have been associated with anxiety, postpartum depression, ADHD, autism, violent behavior, paranoid schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace metal associated to all forms of life. It enhances resistance to stress and helps maintain intellectual function, memory, and mood levels. More than 90% of persons diagnosed with depression, behavior disorder, ADHD, autism and schizophrenia exhibit depleted zinc levels. Zinc deficiency has been associated with delayed growth, temper control problems, poor immune function, depression, poor wound healing, epilepsy, anxiety, neurodegenerative disorders, hormone imbalances and learning problems.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency has now been strongly correlated with cases of long-standing depression as well as many other physiological and biochemical conditions. Research has shown that a blood level over 50 can be preventative for 15 different forms of cancer! Checking Vitamin D levels is important to your overall health because if your level is satisfactory then there is no need to supplement; however, if it is low then there are great benefits to be derived from supplementation. (Unfortunately many insurance companies do not want to pay for this test in spite of the importance to mental and physical well being.)

Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid dysfunction (whether over- or under-active) can mimic many of the symptoms associated with biochemical imbalances, such as mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, hyperactivity, depression, and poor mental processing. It is important to test for this, but sometimes it is more important to go on the clinical picture. (This is because the results we get from a blood test may not reflect what is really happening in the tissues.)

GLYCEMIC DYSREGULATION

Many people are aware that Diabetes Type I and Type II are becoming a national epidemic. And the persons who are “pre-diabetic” and in the beginning stages of glycemic (sugar) dysregulation (lack of control of the sugar metabolism), are also at risk for mental health consequences of this “lack of control.” Although in most cases, the hypo- or hyperglycemia is not the cause of the behavioral problems or depression, it can contribute as a trigger to striking symptoms. One patient, whose family called in for police support because she was suicidal and refusing help, had a blood glucose level around 350 when she finally got to the hospital, (normal range is from 70 to 130 mg/dL). Once the patient’s blood sugar stabilized she was no longer suicidal and did not know why she had refused help! Low blood glucose levels can contribute to anxiety, trembling, and poor concentration and focus.

TOXIC OVERLOAD

Although less prevalent some people have been exposed to heavy metals or in some cases toxic molds, both of which can disrupt mental and emotional functioning. With the increase in the use of agricultural chemicals more people are reacting to the foods they eat because — unbeknownst to them — they are sensitive and unable to detoxify their body after this exposure. Dr. Walsh’s data base indicates that people with a metallothionein disorder are more likely than the average person to react to toxic chemicals.

MALABSORPTION

Again looking at the data base, only 10% of the people involved had serious malabsorption issues; however 90% of people with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) had malabsorption issues. In addition, the microbiome (the good bugs in your gut) is receiving more attention these days as a bellwether of mental well being! Dr. Laue has made treating the gut part of the treatment plan since the early 1990s.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

There are many studies that show Omega 3 fatty acids (especially DHA and EPA) are important to mental functioning. More recently there is strong evidence that some Omega 6 oils, (especially DGLA and AA) are also important in depression, anxiety, ADHD and schizophrenia. The average American diet is deficient in Omega 3 FAs and has excessive Omega 6. But it is important to note individual differences and that some people benefit from supplementation with Omega 6 FAs.