By: Cristina Martínez
M.B.A, M.S, BCBA, LBA
Coauthor: Ariadna Martin,
MS
The Nemecheck Protocol
By: Cristina Martínez
M.B.A, M.S, BCBA, LBA
Coauthor: Ariadna Martin,
MS
The Nemecheck Protocol
Certainly, as humanity advances and science attempts to answer the many questions that our restless nature raises, other new doubts rise... Some address abstract and philosophical issues, and others try to understand the causes of everyday challenges, in an effort to offer solutions that positively impact the quality of life of individuals and their families. Developmental disorders, such as ASD or ADHD, are some of the challenges that are becoming more and more common and frequent, while directly impacting the social group we love and defend the most: children.
One of these relentless researchers is located in Arizona and has developed a theory that connects with a medical line of research that we have already addressed in our blog: alterations in the gut microbiota are essential in the origin and evolution of both ASD and other developmental disorders. This is Dr. Patrick Nemechek, a specialist in internal medicine and an expert in the Autonomic Nervous System.
As he focuses on a wide range of conditions, Dr. Nemechek believes that everyone has the opportunity to experience remission of a disease they are suffering from or at least to significantly improve their health. He appeals in his speech to this statement: "I can explain the underlying cause of most diseases in just 13 words: the failure of our brain sets in motion the failure of our body.” True to this philosophy, he has developed a protocol - the Nemechek Protocol - that aims to rehabilitate the brain by acting on autonomic dysfunction[i]. The approach proposes that, by strengthening the immune system, the body can control the inflammation generated by the dysfunction of the gut microbiota.
According to Dr. Nemechek's research, autism (a disorder that has received special attention from the specialist) is correlated with an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, which leads to systemic inflammation in the body, which in turn, leads to altered immune cells in the brain. The altered immune cells lead to disordered neuronal pruning, which may yield developmental delays and brain damage.
The treatment consists of a process that aims to re-balance both intestinal bacteria and omega fatty acids, which in turn decreases brain inflammation and addresses inflammatory traumas. The basic principles of the method include cooking with extra virgin olive oil, as well as introducing inulin and omega-3 fatty acid supplements into the child's daily regimen. All the supplements proposed are natural, which guarantees safety and accessibility. In his book ¨The Nemecheck Protocol for Autism and Developmental Disorders: A How-To Guide for Restoring Neurological Function¨ the doctor outlines the exact steps and appropriate dosages, depending on variables such as age or other elements of the individual's environment. In addition, he offers consultations and personalized treatment plans both in person at his office in Buckeye, Arizona, and virtually via Skype.
Like ABA, this is another approach that attempts to impact the health of individuals diagnosed with ASD. Like other protocols, they approach the issue from a particular angle that can be complemented with behavioral (and other) therapies to ensure that those affected are able to develop functionally and adaptively. However, it is important to recognize that this protocol does not work for everyone, and positive results are not guaranteed.
And, although there is probably still a long way to go in this area, we share the information and its sources for caregivers to evaluate. On the other hand, if some of you already have some experience in implementing this protocol, we would love to hear about your experience.
Sources:
- Nemecheck Protocol official website: https://nemechekprotocol.com/
- Presentation of Protocol by Dr. Patrick Nemechek: https://youtu.be/4NoBVSrp57c
- Additional information: https://www.nemechekconsultativemedicine.com/blog/[i] Autonomic dysfunction is a medical term used to describe a condition that impairs the proper functioning of the body associated with the autonomic system. This system is composed of the brain and nerves, and is responsible for involuntary body movements such as: heartbeat, breathing control, temperature control and blood pressure.
