Managing ADHD without Drugs

Drugs sales for the treatment of ADHD has skyrocketed over the last two decades.  Approximately 13 percent of children's prescription dollars are spent on this class of medications. Add to this the fact that sometimes, through over zealous evaluation and diagnosis, many children are being incorrectly diagnosed resulting in their taking medications that they don't need as well as being exposed to potential negative outcomes of medication side effects. Such facts are raising the eyebrows of concerned medical and educational professionals.

 Granted, some children need the medication which, along with counselling, may help them manage difficult behaviors.  However, a growing number of health care practitioners are voicing concerns about current treatment protocols and recommending as adjunct treatment some simple steps that could help manage  the disorder  resulting in a possible reduction or discontinuing of medication.  (Of course, the medical professional should make this decision along with the input of parents, teachers and the child study team).

This post will examine several treatments options for managing this disorder.

Minimize food additives

Additives such as food colorings and artificial flavors may trigger behavioral changes in sensitive, as well as trigger allergic reactions. Studies have shown that children given drinks containing artificial dye showed significantly higher hyperactive behavior within a few hours.  Try giving water and more natural fruit juices.

Consider an elimination diet

There are many children and adults who are sensitive to products such as wheat, MSG, soy, corn, gluten and dairy.  Studies have revealed that when these food items were removed from the diet for a period of approximately six weeks, the behaviors lessened.   Then, as the food items were reintroduced, the behaviors began again. It may be necessary to play detective, but many interesting changes may come as a result.

TV and ADHD

It is a known fact that  excessive TV and video games causes a worsening of ADHD.  It is a good idea to recommend outdoor physical activity for your youngster.

Organic Shopping

Try to buy produce in whole supermarkets. Hopefully this will eliminate some of the harmful chemicals and pesticides often found in conventional supermarkets.  Again, through studies, children who were found to have more pesticide residue found in the urine, were more likely to be diagosed with ADHD.

Iron Levels

Studies have shown that children diagnosed with ADHD were more likely to have lower iron levels.  Once supplementation was begun, the symptoms greatly improved to the point of adjusting or discontinuing medications.

Ask your doc to check serum iron and ferritin levels.

Sources:

Marshall, Lisa, Natural Approacfhes to ADHD"

Vitamin D: how the sunshine vitamin benefits your health

Vitamin D is one of the latest nutrients en vogue with researchers. The media is almost daily giving us updates regarding the disease fighting potential of this wonder vitamin. 

We already know that vitamin D is important in building strong bones and teeth but did you know that vitamin D protects the heart and is beneficial in maintaining healthy blood pressure? It also does so much more for us.

Let's take a look at some of the benefits.

Vitamin D-What is it?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that requires sunlight and skin oils to  be produced.  People on  low-fat diets are often at risk from not absorbing enough of the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D and E).  Fat is also needed for storage of these nutrients.  

Low fat diets also impact our nerves since they are up to 75 percent fat.  A low-fat diet with low levels of vitamin D can add to nerve damage and other neurological problems.

Vitamin D deficiency disease

Since so many of Americans have a sedentary lifestyle which consists of working in an office and coming home to indoor chores and responsibilities, we are at risk for deficiency of this very important vitamin.  Resarchers have found that people with low levels of vitamin D had a 57 percent higher risk of developing Typ II or adult onset diabetes as this nutrient has an important role in regulating blood sugar.

Vitamin D deficiency disease also can cause depresion and anxiety.  Scientist also speculate that vitamin D3 may stop skin cancer cells from turning malignant.  Vitamin D has also been cited as reducing the chances of a woman developing breast cancer.

Unfortuntely, many medical treatments and medication can contribute to deficiency states.  For example, chronic use of prescription antidepressants cause deficiency of vitamin D. 

Wholesome sources of Vitamin D

The sun is one of the best natural sources of vitamin D.  Try to avoid midday sun though.  Remember also that sunblock interferes with the body's production of this vitamin.  Antioxidant supplements a few days before sun exposure prove beneficial in protecting the skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Food sources of vitamin D include tuna, salmon and egg yolks.

Sources:

Freeman, Dian, "Kids, Go Out And Play!"  Natural Awakenings Magazine

What does Organic mean?

There has been so much advertisement and hype about organic foods that it really is important to understand what this term really means.  Many manufacturers are using this term indiscriminately to inrease profts by appealing to those seeking foods that are free from dangerous chemical contaminants.

What then is organic food and how will it impact the health of your family?

Organic foods

Organic foods are produced using:

1. Agricultural management practices that promote healthy ecosystems and prohibit the use of genetically engineered seeds or crops, sweage, sludge, long-lasting pestcdes, herbicides or fungicides.

2. Livestock management practices that promote healthy, humanely treated animals by providing organically-grown feed, fresh air and outdoor access while using no antibiotics or added growth hormones.

3.  Food processing practices that protect the integrity of the organic product and disallow irradiation, genetically modified ingredients or syntheic preservatives.

Are there standard that must be met?

In 1990 Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act, which established a set of national regulations to define organic agriculture.  Many groups and individuals worked closely with the USDA and the National Organic Standards Board to form the United States Department of Agriculture Organic Rule which went into effect on October 21, 2002.

Currently, the Organic Rule is working to create cedrtification standards for other products such as textiles, seafood and pet food.

Sources:

"Organics and You" http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Four Practical steps to Improve your Health

Americans are becoming an increasingly more health conscious society with more of us getting up off the couch and becoming more active with games such as the Wi, walking, running and going to the gym.  More and more of us are finding that quality of life can really be improved by taking some simple, easy steps. Plus, taking charge of their health gives a feeling of empowerment and this also can help with depression.  All this can be done without the use of prescriptions 

This article will look at four such steps to improve overall health.

Pump down the volume

Did you know that chronic noise pollution of 70 decibels-about the sound of normal street traffic-can raise your heart rate, blood pressure, stress level and risk of heart attack and stroke?  Surprisingly, in a Finnish study, it was found that 80% of women who suffered heart attacks described themselves as being sensitive to noise.  So, it makes sense to try to tone the noise down-where possible.

Take steps such as wearing earplugs or keeping the windows closed to help eliminate some of the sounds.

Take care of your teeth

Bacteria in the mouth such as P.gingivalis can grow in the mouth and can blood vessel damage and clots.  To lessen the likelihood of such bacteria brush at least twice a day, floss daily and eat a carrot after meals which helps eliminate plaque.

Don't take calcium alone

A recent  study (2010) discovered that taking calcium alone can promote calcification of the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack.

Instead, take up to 600 milligrams of calcium along with magnesium 400 milligrams and vitamin D 1,000 IU  for cardiovascular health.

Avoid BPA

BPA is awidely used compound used in food and beverage containers. Study results have shown that this chemical increases the chance of heart disease because they short circuit the cells in the heart which can lead to dangerous arrythmias.

Avoid plastic containers in the microwave and avoid #7 plastics.

Source:

Oz, Mehmet, "Keys to a Healthy Heart" "O" Magazine

Vitamin K and your Health

We all know how important vitamins and nutrients are to our health.  Familiar vitamins such as A, C, E, D and  the spectrum of B vitamins have long been known to play a part in helping maintain optimal body function and health. Scientists also now know that many chronic diseases that plague many may come about as a result of deficiencies of these vital substances.

Of late, there has been research into other vitamins that are also important in helping us to maintain health and vitality.  One such nutrient is vitamin K. 

 Let's learn about the role this vitamin plays in health.

Vitamin K

The "K" in vitamin K comes from Kongulation.  It received this name in the 1930s when European researchers found that this substance was needed for blood to clot properly.

Today, scientists have discovered that the term "vitamin K" actually referes to a family of chemically related molecules. There are three types: Vitamin K1, plant based; K2, bacteria based and Ksynthetically produced .  All types of vitamin K fall into chemical categories of substances called naphtoquinones.  Wtihin this type are two categories:

1. Phylloquinones - Plant based.

2. Menaquinones - Made by bacteria.  The bacteria in our intestines make this form of vitamin K

Most forms of vitamin K that humans take in are plant plased (phylloquinone).  This form of vitamin K is found in a number of foods, especially green leafy veggies such as kale and parsley.

Disease prevention

Researchers now believe that vitamin K provides circulatory benefits beyond clotting response. Inadequate vitamin K levels may make varicose vein development more likely. 

 Vitamin K has shown an ability to protect against diabetes in older men by reducing insulin resistance.  High doses of the vitamin have also been shown to reverse arterial calcification in rats.Other benefits include:

-Protection against liver and prostate cancer.

-Prevent menopausal bone loss.

-Prevention of calcification of arteries

-Prevention of bone fractures

Bone Health

Vitamin K is needed for the creation of proteins that help keep calcium in the bone.  This is essential in the fight against fractures associated with osteoporosis.

Japanese researchers have found that vitamin K supplements strengthened the top of the thighbone-where fractures are most likely to occur in the elderly.

Cooking and daily intake recommendations

Vitamin K is available in bone-support supplements along with calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.

Good food sources of vitamin K include: spinach, brussel sprouts, swiss chard, green beans, peas, asparagus, broccoli and carrots.

Vitamin K is said to be a resilient nutrient and is fairly resitant to loss through cooking and freezing.  Of course, to obtain the most nutrients in foods, cook as little as possible, or serve raw for optimal nutrition.  Also, don't allow the food to sit around since nutrients are lost through aging fruits and vegetables.

Sources:

James, Lis "The Forgotten Nutrient" "Energy Times"

Natural Foods that battle Inflammation

Image by malloreigh via FlickrSprained ankle, root canal, sports activity, what do you reach for? Advil, Naproxen or Ibuprofen?  That's what many of us do, even though they have the ability to cause other serious problems such as gastric ulcers, upset stomachs and bleeding.

What natural options exist that cut down the swelling and pain of an injury?  Lo and behold, several nutrients can safely battle pain and discomfort without the worries of serious gastrointestinal issues.

This post will examine some of the natural foods that can do the trick.

Bromelain

Bromelain is  an enzyme found in the fruit and stem of the pineapple, which has been found to reduce swelling, bruising and pain.  It does the job best when taken on an empty stomach.  The recommended amount is 500 milligrams in divided doses four time a day.  Just make sure that you advise your PMD that you will be taking alternative anti-inflammatories as this can increase absorption of medications such as antibiotics.

Curcumin

This is another powerful anti-inflammatory.  Curcuminoids are the natural ingredients that helps inflammation so, look for curcumin supplements that are high in them. According to Mary Shackelton, MPH, ND, a practicing naturopath in Boulder, Colorado, in the article "Eating to Heal," " There should be a 70% improvement in swelling and pain within 48 hours, depending on the injury."

Omega-3 fatty acids

Salmon is a great and tasteful anti-inflammatory.  This is because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega-3s can be found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel as well as in dark leafy greens, flax seed and certain vegetable oils.

Other helpful nutrients

Make sure you get enough zinc and vitamin D which are both very, about 220 mg of zinc.  If you don't want to take a supplement, just increase the food intake of zinc.  Foods such as oysters (highest amount), red meat and chicken are starters.  Vitamin D is found is mackerel, tuna,  salmon and fish. Also, get plenty of sunshine.

Cut down on a high meta diet as this can contribute to the inflammatory process.

When cooking replace the pro-inflammatory omega-6 vegetable oils such as peanut oil and replace with flax seed oil.  Limit alcohol, sugar, white flour and caffeine which also contribute to inflammation.

Lean proteins are okay when healing from an injury but don't overdo since too much protein can also exacerbate the problems associated with inflammation.

If you have cartilage or ligament damage Dr. Amy Day, ND of San Francisco, in the  "Eating to Heal" article, " Use the bones fro a chicken and simmer it for eight hours to pull out the nutrients."

Sounds like good old tried and true remedies.  Get well soon!

Sources:

"Eating to Heal"  Linda Malone, "Energy Times" Magazine

Choline and anxiety disorders

Many people suffer from anxiety and other psychological disorders that seem to defy treatment.    According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America,  40 million adults in the US suffer from anxiety disorders, which include generalized anxiety, panic attacks,  and post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Researchers have found that low levels of choline, a B vitamin, have been linked to increased rates of anxiety.

 Choline is a nutrient in the B vitamin family which has been shown to be quite important. Choline plays a role in the transport of fats and fat metabolism.  Choline is also good for the brain.  It has been established that choline is necessary for optimal cognigitive function.  It is also a basic nutrient needed in the production of acetylcholine, a neruotransmitter and important in nerve function.

Norwegian scientists looked at the health records of nearly six thousand men and women who feel into two age groups, 46 to 49 and 7- to 74.  The particvipants' blood choline levels were noted and checked for associated levels of anxiety and depression.  The lowest choline levels were found to be associated with the highest anxiety levels. 

In summary

The findings are very interesting.  It might  be worthile to take a nutritional approach in the treatment of anxiety in stead of a purely drug approach.  By addressing the nutritional deficiencies, it might even be possible to reduce the amount of medication needed to treat anxiety.

Source:

"Choline linked with lower Anxiety Levels" Energy Times