Dr J.V. Nastasi
MBBS, B.Sc, Dip.AppliSci GSIM, Dip. Acu, Dip. BM.
Member of AIMA, ACNEM, IFM, RACGP
W: www.brunswickintegrativecare.com.au
E: info@brunswickintegrativecare.com.au
Dr Nastasi is a Holistic physician and General Practitioner who has been in medical practice for about 35 years. Over the last decade he has shown a great deal of interest in integrative medicine. He has completed courses in Acupuncture, Integrative and Environmental Medicine and Botanical and Herbal Medicine.
He has developed protocols of health screening assessments on a host of conditions. Investigation has encompassed both haematological, biochemical and microbiological assessment involving blood, urine, faecal and hair mineral analysis.
He has vast experience in conditions such as:
- Irritable bowel and Generalised Gastro Intestinal disorders.
- Food Intolerances & Sensitivity issues caused by additives, colourings, flavourings, food enhancers and preservatives.
- Generalised Auto Immune disorders of thyroid, pancreas, joints and skin also muscle and ligament disorders such as Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue.
- Metabolic disorders i.e. Fatty Liver, Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes, Thyroid disorders, Adrenal Dysfunction & Androgenic Disorders.
- Neuropsychological Disorders.
Dr Nastasi has a particular interest in Neuropsychological disorders like ADD, ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, Tourette's Syndrome, Learning & Speech Delays, and generalised ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders).
He is able to sort out symptoms of delayed milestones, particularly speech, impaired social skills, inappropriate behaviours and delayed gross and fine motor skills and mood disturbances.
Inflexibility of behaviour is also assessed together with oppositional defiance.
In cases with these disorders many other co-morbidities may be associated, for example:
- Skin conditions – Neurodermatitis, Eczema, Ammonia Dermatitis.
- Food Allergies and Sensitivities.
- GI tract problems, Intestinal Dysbiosis, Constipation, Diarrhea, Abdominal Distention.
- Opportunistic infections and Immunological down regulation, Yeast overgrowth.
- Heavy Metal Intoxication.
- Liver Toxicity and Methylation Issues.
- Sleep fragmentation issues which may reflect low neurotransmission.
Investigations - A number of methods are available and may be utilised to reveal:
- Heavy metal burden e.g. lead, mercury, arsenic, aluminium, cadmium, or pesticides.
- Extended Faecal Analysis e.g. Intestinal Dysbiosis where overgrowth of clandestine or opportunistic bacteria like Streptococcal or Enterococci, or parasites and yeast occur.
- Biochemical abnormalities at the level of cellular organelles (mitochondria) e.g. Mitochondrial Burn Out.
- Blood investigations reveal deficiencies of iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Calcium, Vitamin D or B group vitamins.
- Hair Mineral Analysis can reveal which mineral levels require modulation, or can reveal any heavy metal burden.
Treatment does not only involve the medical practitioner but there is a collaborative/multidisciplinary approach involving:
- Nutritionist.
- Dietitian.
- Psychologist.
- Speech Pathologist.
- Occupational therapist.
- ABA Therapist.
- Removing opportunistic organisms in the bowel, bolstering commensal organisms, and doing a gut and liver rehabilitation programme and well as hepatic detoxification.
- Treating deficiencies including Omega 3 – Fatty Acids, multiple minerals and vitamins, antioxidants, and methylation co-factors. This has the effect of refining biochemical pathways to run far more efficiently.
- Removing problematic foods (proteins and sugars e.g. lactose, fructose) which can impact rates of absorption, or increase malabsorption at the intestinal wall. Also possible introduction of digestive enzyme therapies to breakdown long chain molecules such as problematic proteins e.g. gluten and casein.
- Removing the heavy metal burden by chelation in order to reduce neurodegenerative deterioration, this can be achieved botanically and chemically as required.
Upon review of relevant medical literature with regards to the biomedical approach to treatment of neuropsychological disorders, there does not seem to be overwhelming evidence that this approach succeeds unfailingly. It is however apparent that such protocols may be of benefit to some children presenting with these conditions and not others.
Some, if not all of the strategies will affect a child in some way and can be modified by:
- Eliminating offending foods.
- Eliminating food allergies, preservatives, food enhancers, colourings and flavourings.
- Reducing refined sugars.
- Strengthening the gut and detoxifying the liver.
- Improving nutrition and immunity.