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When 25-year-old Zain first came to Brainstorm Health, he faced complex health challenges following a severe regression two years previously. He would be stuck in rigid, catatonic postures for long periods of time. His speech, communication and cognitive function had dramatically declined and he was displaying aggressive and impulsive behaviours which meant that he could no longer access education, therapies and activities that he had previously enjoyed. Through a tailored and holistic protocol, guided by Brainstorm Health practitioner Jo, and thanks to the loving support of his wonderful family, Zain has made an incredible recovery and is now once again living a happy and fulfilling life.
Hi Jo. Tell me a bit about your patient and the symptoms they first came to you with
Zain is 25 years old. He was diagnosed with autism as well as type 1 diabetes. In recent years, he had also been diagnosed with ADHD and catatonia, following a severe decline in his health. He takes insulin daily to manage his diabetes, and when we met, he was also taking Lorazepam, a psychiatric medication.
As a young child, Zain’s presentation had been severe, but he had made excellent progress with biomedical and nutritional interventions. Since the first Covid lockdown, Zain had undergone a severe regression, initially becoming depressed and withdrawn when he could no longer attend college or access therapies.
Behaviours that his family had not seen since his early childhood returned - loud and frequent vocalisations, intense stimming and complete social withdrawal. Communication deteriorated and he lost awareness of his surroundings: on occasion, Zain would urinate in his bedroom.
He lost interest in eating and began to lose weight. In 2022, he was diagnosed with catatonia: he would get stuck in rigid postures for long periods of time. Aggressive behaviours started, towards family as well as other students and teachers at college. Zain had to be withdrawn from his education. At his lowest, Zain barely spoke. He was impulsive and unpredictable and needed 2:1 carers as well as family members to support him when he left the house. Sometimes, Zain would be awake for most of the night, vocalising and stuck in repeated catatonic postures. His gastric health was also poor - he had frequent loose stools and often vomited after meals.
How were Zain’s symptoms impacting the family’s lives?
Zain’s family, particularly Mum Sara, were under a huge amount of pressure. Where Zain had previously been able to dress himself, self-medicate with insulin and see to his personal care needs independently, now he needed support with all of these tasks. Zain’s Mum and his sisters were not able to be in a room with him alone in case he attacked them. It was heartbreaking for the family to see Zain in such physical and emotional torment when he had been such a happy, calm, fun-loving and independent young man.
What were your initial steps in helping Zain?
Zain was already following a very good diet, thanks to the hard work of his Mum. We worked on optimising his diet with anti-inflammatory foods, and nutrient-dense foods like organ meats. Blood sugar balance was key, not just to support his diabetes, but also to help stabilise cortisol levels and calm inflammation. Zain started having regular Epsom salts foot baths (which he loved!). From a supplements point of view, adrenal support was a number one priority as Zain had been in such a prolonged, highly stressed state. Natural anti-inflammatories - PEA and resveratrol were also added in to calm systemic and neuro-inflammation.
What lab tests did you do? What did the tests reveal and how did that shape your therapeutic approach?
For Zain, we ordered a comprehensive stool analysis to assess gut health, a urine organic acid test, a hair mineral analysis and a food intolerance test. We also tested for pyrolluria. The hair test indicated elevated levels of several heavy metals, as well as evidence of blood sugar regulation issues (this made sense in the context of his diabetes) and adrenal depletion. The organic acid test revealed moderate impairment of mitochondrial function as well as methylation imbalance, with depleted B vitamins and minerals. Urinary output of amino acids was unusually high, which can point to protein malabsorption in the gut. This was corroborated by Zain’s stool test which showed low digestive enzymes, as well as a depleted gut microbiome, the presence of some pathogenic organisms, and evidence of gastrointestinal inflammation.
I recommended that Zain eat more probiotic foods. I added digestive enzymes and castor oil packs to his protocol to stimulate digestive function. I also recommended liver support supplements and a high-quality probiotic.
How long did it take before seeing positive changes to symptoms?
I saw Zain’s Mum again for a follow-up in February after three months of work and the progress that Zain had made was nothing short of remarkable. Zain had become more responsive towards and tolerant of other people, and aggression had completely stopped. Sara was able to chat to, hug and laugh with her son again which was incredible. The catatonic posturing had stopped, and impulsive behaviours were much reduced.
Importantly, Zain was able to go out and socialise - he was going to the gym and cafes and going for walks again. He was calmer, happier and more relaxed than he had been for 18 months, and showing interest and joy in work and activities once more.
Zain’s psychiatrist described the difference in him as ‘day and night', and he had even been able to come off Lorazepam. Physically, Zain was doing much better as well. Sleep was more restful, he was eating well and gaining weight and digestive symptoms had reduced.
How long have you been working together now?
I have been working with Zain’s family for seven months.
What has been the biggest ‘breakthrough’ moment on Zain’s journey?
The early interventions which were targeted at replenishing Zain’s adrenal function, regulating the stress response and calming inflammation were game changers for him. When Sara told me that the aggression had stopped, that she felt safe to be in a room again with her son, and he had been able to come off medication, I could not have been happier for them.
How is Zain doing now? What will you focus on next if you continue working together?
Zain is going from strength to strength. I saw Mum, Sara again a few weeks ago and she told me that Zain has returned to outdoor voluntary work and therapies, as well as expressing an interest in academic work again. Cognitive function and communication continue to improve. He is socialising and going out with carers, unaccompanied by other family members which had not been possible previously. Zain’s enjoyment of life has been restored.
We will continue to work on Zain’s gut health and detoxification pathways, as well as supporting his cognitive function. I would love to see him return to the level of independence that he had a few years ago.
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