Thimerosal in Vaccines and Autism

I finally explored the debate over childhood vaccines and autism. Thimerosal is a preservative used in vaccines to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth containing 49.6% Mercury. It has been used since the 1930s. In 1947 the first cases of Autism were noted. Reporting and Diagnosis of Autism has grown, especially in the 1990s. Today up to 1% of children have some signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The symptoms of Autism range from difficulties in verbal communication, a need for routines, and limited interest in play and relationships. The signs and symptoms of Autism were noted in the 1990s to appear around the same time as childhood vaccinations. Coincidence or Not? Other neurodevelopmental disorders have also been linked to Autism, such as ADHD and language/speech delay.

With the growing debate the FDA in 2001 required that Thimerosal be eliminated or only used in trace amounts in vaccines for children under the age of 6. Today Thimerosal has been eliminated from most vaccinations except it still exists in a concentration of 0.01% in: influenza, Diphtheria & Tetanus, Tetnus booster, and some Meningococcal Vaccines. In my research I tried to study the effects of Thimerosal on children since these changes were put in place.

I have discovered why this debate still exists. Most research in animal models is done with methylmercury. However, Thimerosal is degraded to ethylmercury which is chemically different from methylmercury - but yes still a type of mercury. Some argue that you can study methylmercury and apply the results to ethylmercury in Thimerosal. Others argue that the type of mercury in Thimerosal is eliminated faster and to a fuller extent compared to other forms of mercury. However, the question still exists: What does the small percentage of ethylmercury that remains in the body do to children? Hence, this debate is still not resolved. The research I found had arguments on both sides that were reputable and convincing. I'll try to present both sides of the debate below.

Some of the evidence that links Thimerosal to neurodevelopmental disorders:
-2007 New England Journal of Medicine: Association with Mercury exposure and detrimental behavior regulation, motor tics and phonic tics . Increased exposure to mercury during the neonatal period was related to poor speech articulation.
-2001 Molecular Psychiatry Journal: Clinicians noted elevated mercury levels in the urine of autistic patients. After chelation of mercury there was an improvement in Autism symptoms. Vaccines were the only mercury exposure in this study.
- 2003 CDC: 2003: CDC Analysis of HMO data showed increased mercury exposure was associated with language delay.
- Thimerosal in Rats caused increased activity of endogenous opioids. Autism is associated with the dysregulation of endogenous opioids.

Some of the evidence that finds no link between Thimerosal and neurodevelopmental disorders:
- Ethylmercury (Thimerosal) and methylmercury are chemically different.
- JAMA: Ethylmercury has a shorter half life than methylmercury and is eliminated rapidly in stools.
- Recent studies in animal models suggest that methylmercury may not be suitable to assess the risk of exposure to thimerosal.
- Permissible doses for ingestion of methylmercury by the Environmental Protection Agency is 0.1µg/kg per day.
Average 6 month year old: 7.5kg
Average Permissible dose: 0.75µg/day
Average Permissible dose in 6 months: 140µg
The maximum exposure from vaccines in the first 6 months of life is less than 3 micrograms of mercury.
- 2003 JAMA article: Risk of autism did not differ significantly between children vaccinated with thimerosal vaccines and non-thimerosal vaccines.
- 2004 The IOM Immunization Safety Review Committee: Considered new evidence and still concluded that there is NOT a causal relationship between Thimerosal and Autism.
- 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics: Data from Denmark and Sweden was evaluated.
Exposure to thimerosal in vaccines was eliminated in 1992 in these countries BUT autism rates continued to increase!

Again, I tried to focus on the current situation and studies since the new regulations in 2001. The conclusion from all these studies: There is evidence on both sides that is reputable. However, enough research has still not been done. This may always be the case because it would be unethical to sign a child up for such studies. Vaccines help prevent disease, very serious scary diseases and it is important to get your child vaccinated. Would I get my child vaccinated? yes. Would I pay more for Thimerosal FREE vaccines if available? yes. Thimerosal is still mercury and it's effects on children are not clear BUT the benefits of vaccinations have been proven.

Sweet Salsa

This Salsa has become my go to recipe for summer picnics and potlucks. I have received many requests for this recipe - so here it is! Soooo good! Some call it "Poor Man's Caviar" or "Where's the Tomatoes? Salsa" but it's just a really great healthy recipe.

The Salsa:
2 different colored sweet peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
1 green pepper
1 bunch of green onions/scallions
1 can pinto beans, rinsed
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 can shopeg corn, drained

The Dressing
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup olive oil
sea salt to taste

Mince and chop the peppers and onions into finely diced squares (as small as you can). Combine all the peppers, onions, beans and corn in a medium size bowl. Heat the dressing ingredients over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Take the dressing off the heat and pour over everything in the bowl. Stir it all up into the yummy colorful goodness. Salt to taste. Letting it marinate for a few hours in the fridge to soak up the dressing is better but not necessary.

Serve with tortilla chips. Yum - Love them vegetables!!

Shining some light on Sunscreen

I recently returned from a camping trip with a sunburn. I should have followed my own advice on sunscreen.....Hope this helps you prevent a sunburn on that next adventure!

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
UVA Rays = Aging Rays. UVB Rays = Burning Rays.
UVA Rays are more harmful than UVB rays because the penetrate deeper into the skin and damage cells and proteins to cause Aging. These are the rays that are associated with skin cancer.
UVB rays cause sunburn. These rays are most intense from 10am-4pm. Their only benefit is that they are needed to help the body produce Vitamin D3.

What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It indicates how much UVB rays are blocked by the sunscreen. The higher the SPF the greater the protection against UVB rays.

What SPF should I use?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the use of sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15 per day.
It is very important to use a broad spectrum sunscreen that provide both UVA and UVB protection.
This is what I tell my patients:
Light Skin that burns easily should use at least an SPF of 45+
Skin that burns easily but tans nicely should start out with SPF 30+ and than decrease to SPF15 as you tan.
Skin that doesn't burn and just tans should start out using a 30+ and then decrease as you tan to a SPF15 as you tan.
Skin that is deep in pigment can use SPF 2-12.

When should I apply sunscreen
You should apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure that is going to be at least 20 minutes long.

Peanut Chicken with Citrus Ginger Sauce

This dish is great for dinner!! It is a great alternative to fried chicken dishes because it is made in the oven with no oil!! Oh - and it tastes great, especially with the sauce. MMmmmmm


Ingredients:
16 Crackers (Wheat or Saltines)
1/2 cup peanuts
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 egg whites
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds of chicken, tenderized, and cut into 1" wide strips
1/4 cup flour (regular white flour or King Arthur white whole wheat flour)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425
2. Use a food processor to pulse the crackers and peanuts into a fine mixture
3. Stir the paprika, salt, and pepper into the cracker and peanut mixture
4. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl
5. Put flour in separate bowl as well
6. Dredge chicken in flour, then egg whites, and then cracker/peanut mixture
7. Place chicken on a wire rack that has been sprayed with Pam and placed on a cookie sheet
8. Bake for about 20 minutes, turn around 13 minutes.

While the Chicken is baking make the Citrus Ginger Sauce:
1 inch or 2 Tbsp of grated fresh ginger, squeeze out juice and discard solids
1/3 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 Tbsp peanut butter
1 Tbsp. soy sauce (reduced sodium better)
2 tsp lime juice

Pulse all ingredients a few times together to make the sauce

Hope you like this healthy recipe!!!

Shaklee - My choice for nutritional supplements

Shaklee Independent Distributor

In my own personal search for a healthier life I have found Shaklee. Their products not only provide amazing health benefits through nutrition but they also have a great line of natural home cleaning and beauty solutions. I have felt a difference in my life and health. Feeling this change has led me to want to share not only Shaklee but any other news, research, or fun facts about health with others. Everyone has the right to feel this good.

So why make my first post about Shaklee? At least once a day when I'm working in the pharmacy I get asked about nutritional supplements. I use my pharmacy school knowledge and recommendations in research to pick out a nutritional supplement that "seems" to be a good choice. The thing is nutritional companies aren't regulated by the FDA!!! There is nothing forcing them to research their ingredients, conduct clinical trials, or to ensure that the nutrition promised is actually being delivered. Shaklee conducts intensive research on every ingredient and product before it is even released. Shaklee also conducts clinical trials on every single product - not only to monitor the health benefits but to ensure their delivery system is perfect. I found this company through the extensive published scientific studies. Besides those I love that they don't test on animals and that every ingredient and product is tested for toxins and stability.

Their Vita Lea line is a great multi-vitamin to start with. From there other supplements exist for certain health conditions and needs. I use the vitalizer line because I like having anti-oxidants and pro-biotics on top of the multi-vitamin.