Mitochondria give cells over 90% of their energy. Without proper energy cells cannot carry out their functions. Mitochondrial Dysfunction vs Mitochondrial Disease Mitochondrial dysfunction simply means that the mitochondria are not working correctly. Mitochondrial disease is the term used when the primary cause of mitochondrial dysfunction resides in the mitochondria. Mitochondrial disease is generally genetic. It can be inherited from either or both parents. A special type of mitochondrial dise...
Jun 25, 2025•10 min•Ep. 223
Podcast Interview on Natural Allergy Elimination with Paula Vetter Your child may have obvious allergies to certain pollen’s or foods, but there are many other unknown possibilities, as well. Natural allergy elimination can desensitize the body from all kinds of issues that are affecting his immune system, his brain, and much more. These compounds are in foods and chemicals found in everyday life. By getting rid of allergies the immune system is freed up to work where it is needed. During a sess...
Jun 11, 2025•29 min•Ep. 222
While intermittent fasting may have beneficial effects on various autoimmune diseases, fasting is not right for everyone. Intermittent fasting can be detrimental for people with autoimmune issues because it can potentially exacerbate their condition by putting additional stress on the immune system, which is already dysregulated in autoimmune diseases, potentially leading to increased inflammation and flare-ups due to the body’s tendency to attack its own tissues during fasting periods. Why inte...
May 28, 2025•18 min•Ep. 221
What Is Elopement in Autism? Elopement—also known as wandering—is a common behavior among children with autism. It refers to when a child leaves a safe environment without permission, often placing themselves in potentially dangerous situations. According to the National Autism Association, 49% of autistic children have attempted to elope, and the behavior typically peaks between ages 4 and 7. Understanding the causes of elopement is the first step toward reducing its frequency and improving saf...
May 14, 2025•15 min•Ep. 220
Pica in children with autism, touching on its link to PANS, nutritional deficiencies, emotional factors, and gut health. Pica is a complex and often misunderstood condition that can be particularly concerning when observed in children with autism. It involves the persistent eating of non-food items such as dirt, paper, chalk, hair, or even small objects like coins or toys. While pica can occur in children of all backgrounds, it is significantly more common in individuals with autism spectrum dis...
Apr 30, 2025•19 min•Ep. 219
Fluoride has long been promoted as a critical ingredient in the fight against tooth decay. It’s added to public water supplies, found in most commercial toothpastes, and endorsed by many dental organizations. But growing research raises valid concerns about fluoride toxicity—and many health-conscious individuals are choosing to go fluoride-free. In this episode, we’ll break down what the science really says about fluoride, why some experts are calling for caution, and the potential health benefi...
Apr 16, 2025•15 min•Ep. 218
Learn the benefits of regenerative farming and Eating Organic Regenerative Foods! Proper nutrition can create defenses against toxic impact, including those from heavy metals such as mercury, and assisting in its excretion. Nutrition also protects the nervous system in many ways by keeping cell membranes strong or strengthening weak ones, protecting DNA, improving the production of energy within the cells, and reducing inflammation. Proper nutrition also protects the enzyme systems that detoxify...
Apr 02, 2025•18 min•Ep. 217
When it comes to hydration and performance, electrolytes are often mentioned—but not always understood. Many people believe they’re just for athletes or that any sports drink provides them. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. In this episode, we’ll clear up common misconceptions, explain the real benefits of electrolytes, and guide you to the best sources for proper hydration. What Are Electrolytes and Why Are They Important? First, let’s go over just a little bit of scienc...
Mar 19, 2025•14 min•Ep. 216
In this episode, we’ll explore why hydration is key during detox and share creative ways to help you and your kids drink more water. Water plays a critical role in detoxification, helping the body flush out toxins, support organ function, and maintain overall health. Whether you’re undergoing a cleanse, recovering from illness, or simply trying to rid your body of built-up toxins, proper hydration is essential. But getting enough water isn’t just important for adults—children also need to stay h...
Mar 05, 2025•16 min•Ep. 215
Renowned cardiologist and epidemiologist, Dr. Peter McCullough, known for his groundbreaking post COVID protocol sits down with Karen Thomas, a leading expert in natural autism recovery for an insightful discussion on autism causes, triggers, and solutions. In this exclusive podcast episode, #214, I have the honor of being joined by world-renowned cardiologist, Dr. Peter McCullough. Together, we explore the many factors that contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and share practical soluti...
Feb 19, 2025•58 min•Ep. 214
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s both alarming and essential to understand because we are all affected by it. This is the presence of microplastics in the human body, including in newborns’ cord blood, and the potential health implications. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size. They’ve been detected in various environments including our oceans, the air we breathe, the water we drink and even the food we eat. But the most concerning is their presence ...
Feb 05, 2025•8 min•Ep. 213
While soy has its place in the diets of many cultures, modern soy consumption, particularly in the West, may come with a host of concerns that are worth understanding. From genetic modification to hormonal disruption, let’s dive into why eating soy might not be as healthy as you’ve been led to believe. When it comes to healthy eating, soy is often marketed as a superfood—a plant-based protein alternative that’s good for your body and the planet. But beneath this lies a more complicated truth. Th...
Jan 22, 2025•13 min•Ep. 214
People ask if genetics are the cause of autism, and if it’s genetic, then it makes sense to them. They think that it couldn’t be recovered from. So let’s talk about genetics. What are Genes and How Can They Be Affected? First, we all have genes, but genes are simply a blueprint. We’re basically born with it just like an architectural blueprint. This blueprint is actually given to us at conception before we were ever born. So then this blueprint is affected by different things such as environment...
Jan 08, 2025•29 min•Ep. 213
What is the difference between a bad carb, that feeds candida and causes blood sugar imbalance, and the healthy ones? When removing the inflammatory foods from the diet we are simultaneously taking away the sugars the candida and other pathogens use to thrive. As this happens we are likely to see some triggering symptoms such as heightened behaviors, worsened sleep, lethargy, headaches, and more. We need to remove the bad carbohydrates that feed candida so we can get it under control, but the br...
Dec 25, 2024•23 min•Ep. 210
Recent studies from Harvard Medical School have suggested that inflammation may play a role in the development of autism. A study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that children with autism had higher levels of inflammatory markers in their blood than typically developing children. Inflammation is a crucial process for our health, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a host of health problems. Cytokines signal the immune system to protect the body from threats like bacte...
Dec 11, 2024•24 min•Ep. 209
We live in a world filled with electromagnetic field radiation from cell phones to wifi and satellites, so how can we protect ourselves in today’s world of high technology and convenience? This is what I share with you today. I’m always about offering you education and solutions to help protect your family and live a healthier life! In order to help your child’s body recover from toxic insult, pathogens, inflammation, and more, we must simultaneously harmonize electromagnetic field radiation, ot...
Nov 27, 2024•33 min•Ep. 212
The Center for Disease Control has determined that tooth decay is the #1 chronic childhood disease in America with children ages 2-5 being the most prevalent. Today I’m introducing the subject of preventing as many incidents of tooth decay as possible. This topic arises for two reasons: First, for years I have seen and heard about so many traumatic events caused by dental cavities and the difficulty of treating autism spectrum patients; and second because I know that oral health is an important ...
Nov 13, 2024•39 min•Ep. 207
Have you ever been told that your child cannot recover from autism? Yeah, me too. Yet today, my son is no longer diagnosable with the symptoms of autism he once had. Sometimes, instead of getting excited when they hear this, a parent will get defensive, as though someone is trying to change ‘who’ their child is. Autism is not a ‘who’. It’s a ‘what’. WHAT IS AUTISM? The correct term is “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD). It refers to a range of neurodevelopmental conditions collectively characteriz...
Oct 30, 2024•53 min•Ep. 206
Keep track of the lunar cycle each month and observe whether your child’s symptoms, or your own, intensify in the days leading up to and following the full moon. [This is podcast episode #205]. The full moon has long been associated with a range of mysterious phenomena, from sleep disturbances to heightened emotions. But one of the more intriguing aspects is that full moons can increase parasite activity in humans. Is there any truth to this claim, or is it just another lunar myth? Let’s explore...
Oct 16, 2024•29 min•Ep. 205
Over 300 Chemicals Found in Babies’ Cord Blood [Podcast Episode #204]. The birth of a baby is a miraculous moment, yet recent research has shed light on a startling concern—more than 300 chemicals have been detected in babies’ cord blood and placenta at birth. This discovery highlights the fact that exposure to harmful chemicals begins much earlier than we previously thought. From conception through pregnancy, toxins can pass from the mother to the fetus, raising concerns about their potential l...
Oct 03, 2024•22 min•Ep. 211
This episode is designed to resonate with parents by addressing common barriers to action, such as fear, confusion, and overwhelm, while also offering solutions that empower them to take action for their child’s recovery. As a parent of a child with autism, you’re no stranger to the challenges of daily routines, therapy sessions, and creating an environment where your child can thrive. However, even with the best intentions, procrastination can creep in, especially when implementing critical ste...
Sep 18, 2024•12 min•Ep. 203
Statistics show the rate of autism recovery is significantly higher with a parent’s intervention. As a parent of a child with autism, navigating the journey can be overwhelming. From understanding the diagnosis to exploring various treatments, the path can seem unclear and daunting. However, by taking control of your child’s biomedical path, you can make informed decisions that lead to meaningful improvements in their health and quality of life. This episode provides guidance on how to empower y...
Sep 04, 2024•25 min•Ep. 202
We’re told a child cannot recover from autism, Right? Wrong! When parents first receive an autism diagnosis for our child, we often hear statements like, “Your child will never fully recover,” or “Your child will never speak,” or “There’s no cure for autism.” While for some an autism diagnosis will remain along with some of their symptoms, We also know that these statements are not true. Children all over the world are recovering from their symptoms of autism in all levels of recovery. My own so...
Aug 21, 2024•22 min•Ep. 201
What is low vagal tone and why have studies linked it to people with autism spectrum disorders? Learn 5 ways you can easily stimulate the vagus nerve at home, and how it can help both you and your child to improve Digestion, Calming, and Overall Better Health. The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body branching out from the brain to different areas of the body. It not only regulates gut physiology, but is also involved in controlling the cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, digest...
Aug 07, 2024•25 min•Ep. 200
Overcoming Confusion and Misinformation in Meeting the Needs of Children on the Spectrum While I’m used to guiding health-minded audiences deep down the Rabbit-Hole of water topics, today’s discussion with Karen will be light on science and heavy on practicality. It aims to explain the challenging path for families who are intent on providing the safest and healthiest water for children on the Autism Spectrum and other Special Needs. Choosing water for consumption (drinking, beverages and food p...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 199
What’s easier to follow and get results faster, a zig zag or a straight line? Of course, it’s a straight line. In our autism recovery journeys, we parents often zig zag around looking for answers from various practitioners and therapists, internet searches, and purchasing random supplements we’ve heard about, but don’t know how to use properly. Detoxification, while essential for health and recovery, can be challenging. Here are strategies to stabilize during this process for a smoother journey ...
Jul 11, 2024•31 min•Ep. 198
Karen Thomas of Naturally Recovering Autism interviews Zen Honeycutt from Moms Across America on Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury Found in Baby Formula. Catalyzed by the FDA’s failure to regulate heavy metals in baby formula, a coalition of consumer advocacy groups commissions testing of 20 different brands. Groups urge the FDA and legislators to protect infants from toxic exposure. Severe health risks posed by these toxic metals include developmental delays, cancer, kidney damage, ...
Jun 19, 2024•38 min•Ep. 197
It’s common in children, and adults, with autism to have speech issues. This can be a difficulty speaking clearly all the way to completely non-verbal, at any age. Many symptoms come from various toxins, pathogens and coinfections. We begin with healing the gut and diet, but there is so much more involved. In my last podcast episode We discussed the toxicity of aluminum. In studies it has been noted that speech is one of the symptoms associated with speech issues of all kinds. It’s never just on...
Jun 05, 2024•31 min•Ep. 210
How Do We Get Aluminum Exposure? Aluminum is prevalent in our society in the air, soil/food, water, cookware, and in the health care products most people use daily such as deodorants, fragrances, lotions, make-up, and so much more. It is contained in antacids, over the counter supplements, and medications. Aluminum-based adjuvants are also used in the immunotherapy of allergic conditions. Almost 75% of all adjuvant-based treatments include aluminum salts. Aluminum Poisoning with Emphasis on Its ...
May 22, 2024•24 min•Ep. 195
Nanti’s son was diagnosed with autism at twenty-eight months. For almost a decade, she searched for answers to help give him a future with more independence, peacefulness, and a better way of life. After trying various practitioners, one after the other, that did not give her any real help or hope for his future, she persevered to find the education, guidance, and support she needed and found it at Naturally Recovering Autism. Today, due to her efforts, Nanti’s eleven year old son has greater in...
May 01, 2024•52 min•Ep. 194
