The Kirkman Roadmap of Underlying Conditions, Symptoms and Supporting Products to Discuss with your Physician Glossary

Glossary explanations are from Kirkman Labs' chemist Larry Newman and nutritionist Mika Bradford, CN

Please keep in mind that the following definitions are used as general references and that with any label of symptoms there is always variabilty with each individual.

Symptoms and Underlying Conditions

Aggression -- Acting forceful or hostile towards others, usually displayed as outbursts due to frustration. Individuals who act out and harm others are referred to as being aggressive. When a person harms himself or herself it is referred to as being self-injurious. Aggressive behaviors can be caused by many circumstances. A few of these are the disappointment in being unable to do a preferred activity, inability to express their needs or wants effectively, recalling or associating current circumstances with past events or can be caused by intrinsic (internal) circumstances not seen. These internal circumstances can be extremely frustrating for people who are unable to communicate effectively. Some things to consider when trying determining what may be causing the aggressive episodes are:

• Has there been a change in their schedule, diet, level of physical activity, supplements, and medication. Has this behavior existed for an extended period of time increasing and decreasing without a known cause or has it began recentlyIs there a possible deficiency of essential nutrients in the persons diet due to self-limitations of foods eaten or from restrictions placed on the foods that are eaten in order to adhere to a special diet? Vitamins and minerals are essential for many systems within the body. If one of these critical elements is missing it can negatively impact the metabolic system that can directly affect everything from digestion, proper absorption of food, sleep patterns and ultimately behaviorsIs there a history of a traumatic physical injury or illness?
• Has a comprehensive assessment been done by a health care or behavioral specialist? For individuals with limited communication skills a thorough physical and behavioral assessment may be needed to help in determining possible causes. Some specialist that may be helpful but not limited to are Physicians, Nutritionist, Dieticians, Gastroenterologist, Immunologist, Psychologist and Behavior Analyst.

Behavioral issues -- Occurrences of ongoing misconduct or inability to acquire appropriate behavioral responses. Behavioral issues can be assessed using information and assistance from professionals mentioned in the section above that discusses aggression.

Colitis -- Inflammation of the colon, as a result of a digestive disorder. Symptoms of colitis may include discomfort, sensitivity in the abdomen, bloating of the colon tissue, blood loss, erythema of the outside of the colon, rectal blood loss, and ulcerations of the colon. These symptoms can be detected by taking X-rays of the colon, examining stool for blood and pus, and a colonoscopy. Additional testing may include but is not limited to stool cultures and blood tests including complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation ratio, and blood chemistry.

Constipation/Diarrhea -- Having difficulty in producing bowel movements with ease/ unformed loose stools. This condition can alternate or exist in combination. Constipation is defined, as a condition in which bowel movements happen less frequently than what is normal for a specific individual; the stool is small, hard, and difficult or painful to pass. Diarrhea is defined as frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements.

Depression -- Feelings of lesser value, self worth or low in spirit. It is a mental state characterized by a pessimistic outlook on life towards specific circumstances accompanied with a despondent lack of activity. Depression ranges from normal feelings of the blues through dysthymia to major depression. It in many ways resembles the grief and mourning that follow the loss of a loved one. Physical symptoms such as eating and sleep disturbances can accompany the various degrees of depression. The exact mechanism that triggers depressive illness is not known. It is believed that several factors working together can lead to a person becoming depressed. The three most important of these are biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Depression can also be a result of a traumatic experience. Genetic susceptibly can predispose an individual to depressive illness directly and indirectly. Biologically chemical imbalances can alter a persons mood or mental and ability as well as environmental factors like toxins and pollutants.

Enzyme insufficiency -- Lack of or a decrease in the production of enzymes needed to digest food. This is when not enough of the digestive enzymes that are normally secreted by the pancreas into the intestine are produced or are non-existent. The pancreas makes pancreatic juices (enzymes) and hormones, including insulin. Enzymes and hormones are needed to help maintain the body’s natural balance, while supporting the digestive and immune system. There can be many causes for pancreatic dysfunction. Some of these include viral illness, infection, excessive alcohol ingestion, gallstones or gallbladder disease, trauma, reactions from specific drugs, high blood fats also called triglycerides, heredity and other unknown factors.

Eye contact -- Ability to look directly at another persons eyes, maintain gaze appropriate to the context of the situation. Some individuals have difficulty with maintaining direct eye contact due to variations in visual perception, increased sensory stimuli that causes anxiety as well as the inability to focus and maintain attention.

Food allergies -- Immune system response by which the body creates antibodies as a reaction to certain foods. This response is greatly exaggerated. Each individual can present with a different number of food allergies as well as a varied level of severity in response to the food items.

Frequent illness/infection -- Repeated occurrences of being ill. Seems to be sick, gets well only to become ill again within a short period of time. Frequent infections would be those that happen often but are not necessarily the same in location or symptoms.

Inadequate detoxification -- Lack of or decreased ability to excrete toxins from the body that are produced by normal bodily functions or environmental elements. Decreased ability to excrete toxins can be due to metabolic dysfunction that is caused from chemicals in the environment or a deficiency of specific enzymes or hormones that aid in the removal of toxins from the body.

Inflammation -- Redness or swelling from irritation or infection. Can be observed externally (outside the body) as in regards to skin irritation or internally (inside the body) as with inflammation of the internal organ and organ systems.

Insomnia -- Inability to fall asleep or remain asleep. The lack of restful sleep can impair a person's ability to carry out daily responsibilities because they are too tired or they have trouble concentrating. Prescription sedatives do not produce a natural, restful sleep. It is possible to develop tolerance or dependence on these drugs. In this case, the same dose of the drug no longer produces sleep, which may lead you to try a higher dose. Higher doses increase the chance of dependencey, tolerance, and side effects. Stopping these medications abruptly can cause a rebound in insomnia.

Lab test results -- Results given by a lab about a specific person from tests preformed on their hair, blood, urine or stool. Some test may require a physicians prescription while other may be able to be purchased over the counter at health food stores. Some tests that require a physicians prescription are blood , urine, hair analysis and stool. These tests can be ordered by nurses, physician's assistants, dieticians and nutritionist who are under the supervision of a physician.

Lack of social skills -- Having deficiencies in age appropriate behaviors and responses when relating to others. The lack of social skills can make establishing and maintaining friendships difficult. A person with deficits in social skills may have difficulty in the following activities.

• Being sympathetic/showing compassion or empathy for others
• Initiating conversations with others
• Working with others in groups
• Following subtle social cues like body language, and the use of sarcasms
• Resolving conflict and managing frustration

Leaky gut -- Increased ability of molecules to pass through the gut wall lining that would not typically be allowed. In other words, large spaces develop between the cells of the gut wall, and bacteria, toxins and food leak in. Leaky gut can be due to inflammation as well as viral and bacterial infections.

Learning disabilities -- Difficulty or unusual way of acquiring new skills or information.

Lethargy -- Sluggish, listless, not having motivation to begin or complete a task. This is described as when a particular person shows an unusual lack of energy compared to their peers.

Low glutathione levels -- Lack of or non-existent amounts of the chemical glutathione. Lack of or diminished production of glutathione may be a result of missing nutrients or excessive toxins that prevent glutathione from being produced. Functions of glutathione include having antioxidant activity that protects against degenerative diseases like cancer. This may be achieved by its ability to increase T-cell mediated responsiveness. Glutathione may also have some antiviral properties.

Malabsorption -- The occurrence of abnormal absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract. This can include the increased absorption of non preferred elements and a decrease in the absorption of preferred nutrients. Malabsorption can result in the abnormal fecal excretion of fats, fat-soluble vitamins, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and water. This can been seen in some cases as undigested food particles in the stool. An increase in certain nutrients specific to the individual may be necessary to ensure adequate availability of nutrients to support metabolic functions.

Methylation -- The process of methyl groups pairing with toxins to then be excreted or neutralized by the body. Methylation is dependant on many factors some of which are the direct availability of nutritional cofactors like vitamin B6, B12 and folate. Low levels of these cofactors along with other nutrients can inhibit methylation affecting many other metabolic cycles.

Night waking -- Unexplained waking at night. Can be occasional or ongoing.

Nightmares -- Dreams that are fearful and create anxiety for the individual who has experienced them.

Oxidative stress -- An imbalance of pro-oxidant (damaging) /antioxidant (protective) chemicals in the body. This imbalance can be the result of inadequate dietary intake of antioxidants or chronic health conditions. Oxidative stress can be combated by supplying nutrients that aid in the methylation process.

Phenol sensitivity -- Sensitivity to phenol chemicals found in some foods and food additives. These items can include food dyes and preservatives, tomatoes, apples, peanuts, bananas, oranges, cocoa, red grapes, colored fruits, and milk to name just a few.

Restlessness -- Not able to sit and attend for a specific period of time, constantly needing to be up and moving. The label is given when an individual cannot be settled.

Skin conditions -- An abnormal appearance, texture or coloring of skin. Skin conditions can result from food allergies, food intolerances, autoimmune disorder or as the symptom an inflammatory response.

Social skills -- Skills used to navigate through social situations such as greetings, relationship building opportunities and common interactions we participate in that allows us to collaborate engage with others.

Speech issues -- Inability to speak or the inability to create/pronounce sounds and structure sentences appropriately. This can also include difficulties in the ability to use functional language. Language delays can be the result of a developmental delay , acquired injury, cognitive impairment and metabolic disorder.

Sulfation -- The process of a sulfur-containing compound being paired with toxins, residuals of prescription drugs, food additives, bacteria and chemicals from the environment. These compounds are then removed from the body.

Tiredness/lack of energy -- Not motivated, unable to get up and get going.

Ulceration -- The process or fact of being eroded away, the removal of the top layers of tissue as in a stomach ulcer.

Yeast/bacterial overgrowth -- Increase or imbalance of yeast or bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract. Both can produce infections that can have a systemic effect on the central nervous system.

Product Structures and Functions

Alpha Lipoic Acid -- A disulfide compound also known as thioctic acid. A powerful antioxidant which also possesses strong detoxification properties. May stimulate yeast growth in the body because of its sulfur content, so use with caution.

Anti-Fungals -- Prescription drugs for controlling yeast overgrowth. Nystatin, Diflucan, Nizoral, Flagyl, Sporonox, and Vancomycin are the common anti-fungal drugs.

Antioxidants -- A family of nutrients and chemicals which help guard against oxidation in the body. Oxidation in the body has a damaging effect on cellular makeup and is responsible for many disease conditions and poor immune response.

B6/Magnesium -- Two nutrients often difficult to adequately obtain from the diet. Well documented studies exist in supporting improvements of cognitive skills and social behaviors.

Beta Glucan -- A powerful immune enhance derived from the cell wall of the Sacchromyces ceravisiae organism. Supports the white blood cells known as macrophages which encounter and destroy foreign invading antigens in the body.

Carnosine -- A dipeptide known to have antioxidant qualities and neuroprotective activity.

CF/GF Diets -- A casein, gluten free diet along with the dietary control of other allergens present in foods may substantially improve gastrointestinal disorders in select individuals.

Chemet -- The prescription drug form of DMSA (meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid). A powerful detoxifier of heavy metals including lead, mercury, cadmium and antimony. Approved for use in children.

Cod Liver Oil -- Supplies Omega 3 fatty acids as well as natural vitamins A and D. Supports vision, immunity, and cellular response.

Colostrum -- Supports immune response and also contains growth factors which aid the healing process.

CoEnzyme Q10 -- Also known as ubiquinone, this antioxidant substance is an essential component of mitochondria, the energy producing unit of our body cells. Every body process requires CoQ10 including detoxification. Also important in cardiovascular health.

Cranberry Extract -- May support control of yeast overgrowth.

Creatine -- An amino acid which is involved in energy transfer in brain and muscle tissue both intra- and inter-cellularly. Biochemical pathway issues involving folate chemistry and methylation can lead to inadequate creatine levels.

Digestive Enzymes -- Enzymes which support normal digestion in the body. Effective in pancreatic insufficiency, malabsorption, and other related digestive disorders.

DMG/TMG -- Methyl donors which are important in folate metabolism and in the methylation cycle which affects serotonin levels and B-12 pathways.

DMSA -- The generic form of meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid. A powerful detoxifier of heavy metals including lead, mercury, cadmium and antimony.

DMPS -- 2,3-dimercapto-propane-sulfonate. A very powerful detoxifier of heavy metals mostly used for adults. Not actually proven clinically to be safe in children, though most doctors feel it is extremely safe and use it successfully.

EDTA -- Edetate calcium disodium. An intravenous chelator particularly effective for lead. Not effective for mercury. Use only when a physician is present and use with caution as indicated in the Physician’s Desk Reference.

Epsom Salts Baths and Creams -- Epsom Salt (also known as magnesium sulfate) improves the sulfation pathway which is adversely affected in the body by phenolic compounds.

Folinic Acid -- A natural form of folic acid, which contains four hydrogen atoms and one methyl group. This chemical structure allows the body to “shortcut” several biochemical pathways and utilize the folate immediately for methylation, cellular response and enzymatic reactions.

GABA -- An amino acid classified as a neurotransmitter. Can deliver a calming effect on the body, often resulting in improving restful sleep.

Gastrointestinal Support Products -- Groups of products containing ingredients which support gastrointestinal health by virtue of their mucosal protection, soothing properties, secretory properties or immune enhancing qualities.

L-glutamine -- An essential amino acid which supports the immune system and helps maintain a healthy gastrointestinal mucosa

Glutathione -- A tripeptide composed of three amino acids, glycine, glutamic acid, and cysteine. Also known as GSH, glutathione is an important component of the body’s natural detoxification system.

HBOT -- Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is effective in delivering more oxygen to the cellular level of the brain and the gut.

Immune Boosters and Supporters -- Nutrients which stimulate and support a healthy immune system and promote immune response.

Inositol -- Also known as myoinositol, this nutrient can act as a messenger inside of cells. Inositol is also involved in detoxification.

Magnesium -- Magnesium relaxes nerve impulses and muscle contractions. By promoting relaxation, may aid in restful sleep.

Melatonin -- A hormone secreted by the human body just before bedtime by the pineal gland. Melatonin is manufactured from serotonin and low melatonin levels are considered a common cause of sleeplessness.

Methyl B-12 -- The active form of vitamin B-12 which supports methylation in the body by methylating homocysteine to synthesize methionine. Dr. James Neubrander has pioneered methycobalamin injections with great success. Sub-lingual forms can also be effective.

N-Acetyl Cysteine -- Known as NAC, this compound is a precursor to glutathione in the body, supports immune response, and increases antioxidant status. Start slowly with this nutrient.

N-Acetyl Glucosamine -- An ingredient which supports a healthy gut mucosa.

Natural Chelators -- Selenium, zinc, selenium and alpha lipoic acid are all considered natural chelators because they are present in the foods we eat.

Omega 3 Products -- Essential fatty acids which our bodies can’t produce making supplementation “essential”. They support many critical body functions including reflexes, healing, and healthy cellular response.

Over-The-Counter Pharmaceuticals -- Over the counter drugs commonly used for gastrointestinal symptoms. Popular ones used by prominent gastroenterologists are mineral oil, Colace, Milk of Magnesia, Senna, Cascara, Bisacodyl. Physicians are also using some prescription drugs for treating gut issues including Miralax, Cytotec, Singulair and Pepcid.

Phenol Reducers -- Enzyme products containing the specific enzymes which breakdown cell structures of plants, glucan structures in fruits and grains, and the starches and sugars present in plants. This breakdown of plant structures activates the phenolase enzyme in the plants themselves, which begins the digestion of the phenols.

Probiotics -- Healthy flora introduced into the gastrointestinal tract to support good digestion, to help control pathogenic organisms, and to aid in numerous gastrointestinal disturbances. Probiotics also help promote healthy bowel activity.

Selenium -- A trace mineral which supports a healthy immune system and is antagonistic to heavy metals such a mercury, aluminum, cadmium and lead and may provide protection from these contaminants from the environment.

Taurine -- A sulfur containing amino acid which acts as a neurotransmitter and an antioxidant as well as a catalyst for proper bilary function. Abundant in the tissues of the central nervous system in which it plays a calming role.

TMG -- Trimethyl Glycine is a methyl donor which is important in folate metabolism and in the methylation cycle which affects serotonin levels and B-12 pathways.

Vitamin C -- Powerful antioxidant and immune supporter with free radical activity. Works synergistically with vitamins A and E plus selenium in stimulating immune response.

Vitamin E -- A powerful antioxidant which protects against cell damage. Works together with other antioxidants such as vitamins A and C, selenium and beta carotene in supporting immune function and natural body detoxifying processes. May also play a role in allergic response.

Vitamin & Mineral Supplements -- Insurance against nutritional deficiencies which may affect skin conditions and energy levels as well as behavior, learning, and social skills.

Zinc -- Involved in all aspects of immunity and wound and tissue healing. Essential in brain development and in most of the body’s enzymatic reactions.