ADD Is A Gift

 As a physician who treats ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders one always see such a variety of symptoms and severity of symptoms.  As ASD is thought to be multifactorial it is always important to get as specific as possible with the treatments so as not to waste the time and resources of both the doctor and family.  We use a sensory motor hemispheric approach but always try to eliminate any of the common scientificly established links to autism and the conditions associated with this spectrum of disorders.  As such, one of the supplements found to help children suffering with these conditions are Omega 3 fatty acids.  Let’s go to the literature.

              

 Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in children with autism: a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.                 

                1: Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Feb 15;61(4):551-3. Epub 2006 Aug 22.   

Amminger GP, Berger GE, Schafer MR, Klier C, Friedrich MH, Feucht M.

Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. paul.amminger@meduniwien.ac.at

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that fatty acid deficiencies or imbalances may contribute to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 6-week pilot trial investigating the effects of 1.5 g/d of omega-3 fatty acids (.84 g/d eicosapentaenoic acid, .7 g/d docosahexaenoic acid) supplementation in 13 children (aged 5 to 17 years) with autistic disorders accompanied by severe tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior. The outcome measure was the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) at 6 weeks. RESULTS: We observed an advantage of omega-3 fatty acids compared with placebo for hyperactivity and stereotypy, each with a large effect size. Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated a trend toward superiority of omega-3 fatty acids over placebo for hyperactivity. No clinically relevant adverse effects were elicited in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for children with autism.

Plasma fatty acid levels in autistic children.

1.      Prostaglandin Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2001 Jul;65(1):1-7.

Vancassel S, Durand G, Barthelemy C, Lejeune B, Martineau J, Guilloteau D, Andres C, Chalon S.

Laboratoire de Nutrition et Sécurité Alimentaire, INRA, domaine de Vilvert, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas cedex, France. vancasse@jouy.inra.fr

Phospholipid fatty acids are major structural components of neuronal cell membranes, which modulate membrane fluidity and hence function. Evidence from clinical and biochemical sources have indicated changes in the metabolism of fatty acids in several psychiatric disorders. We examined the phospholipid fatty acids in the plasma of a population of autistic subjects compared to mentally retarded controls. Our results showed a marked reduction in the levels of 22: 6n-3 (23%) in the autistic subjects, resulting in significantly lower levels of total (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (20%), without significant reduction in the (n-6) PUFA series, and consequently a significant increase in the (n-6)/(n-3) ratio (25%). These variations are discussed in terms of potential differences in PUFA dietary intake, metabolism, or incorporation into cellular membranes between the two groups of subjects. These results open up interesting perspectives for the investigation of new biological indices in autism. Moreover, this might have new therapeutic implications in terms of child nutrition. Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the management of Egyptian children with autism.

1.      Clin Biochem. 2008 Sep;41(13):1044-8. Epub 2008 Jun 12.    

Meguid NA, Atta HM, Gouda AS, Khalil RO.

Department of Research on Children with Special Needs, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.

OBJECTIVE: Estimation of free polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in blood and evaluation of behavior of autistic children before and after taking fish oil (Efalex) were performed. DESIGN AND METHODS: 30 autistic children (18 males and 12 females) aged 3-11 years and 30 healthy children as control group were included in this study. Tandem mass spectrometry and CARS were used to estimate the free PUFAs from dried blood spot and to evaluate the autistic behavior respectively. RESULTS: Before taking Efalex, linolenic acid showed a significant reduction (71%), followed by docosahexaenoic acid (65%) and arachidonic acid (45%), while linoleic acid was the least affected PUFA (32%). After taking Efalex, 66% of autistic children showed clinical and biochemical improvement, linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid showed the highest levels after Efalex supplementation. CONCLUSION: PUFA supplementation may play an important role in ameliorating the autistic behavior.

These studies support that children with ADHD Aspergers tourettes, OCD and Autism should consider Omega 3 supplementation as part of their treatment program and discuss these issues with their physician.

For more information about Dr. Mane’s approach in treating children suffering Autism and ADD/ADHD visit our website at http://www.manecenter.com/ADHD.htm.

Dr. Mane offers one on one consultation as well as Group Seminars.  If you are interested in scheduling a consultation or to attend a seminar please call 813-935-4744. 

Nelson Mane
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/tampa-dr-nelson-mane-states-autism-treatment-essential-fatty-acids-681576.html

Many people suffer from tragic food allergies and some don’t even have an idea that it exists in them. The allergy is a result of the body’s reaction on introducing the kind of foods which cannot or are difficult to get digested by the system. As soon as this food get digested and penetrates to the bloodstream, few food nutrients or other components of food are eliminated by the body. The antibodies and many other elements have the tendency to fight back. From then, the symptom of allergy becomes apparent.

Major symptoms of this allergy caused by food are swollen and itchy eyes, swollen hands, closing of throat and larynx, burning sensation of lungs as a result due to thinning of the body’s tissue lining.

When dealing with the allergy, whatsoever the conditions may be, be it severe or moderate, it should be learned. This includes learning about the suitable options for fighting and preventing food allergies and finding out the causes for the allergic reactions. There is a book entitled to food allergy survival guide which could answer all your problems.

The book shares the kinds of food consumed by the people and gives you detailed sections on how to precede with main allergens like diary, eggs, gluten, wheat, peanuts, corn, fish, yeast and shellfish. Every section includes explanations regarding the variety of foods that should be avoided by people who suffer from allergy dealing with restaurants, reading labels correctly in relation with dangerous types of foods, preparing variety of foods and practicing healthy and easy alternatives.

This guide is highly and technically sound. It is comprehensive and readable. People who suffer from the allergy will never feel left out because it helps them to widen their horizons and maximize their hopes of eating the food they truly love. This happens when they follow cautions properly. This is indeed a great and an informative book where you could get common answers to general questions, how to take advantage of learning food issues and health, advice from experts, delicious recipes and complete nutrition guides.

Food allergy survival guide tackles few very important health problems that includes effective ways of proceeding with skin tests for determining allergy and sensitivity, food triggers, how allergies caused by food are related with chronic illness like asthma, arthritis, ADHD, diabetes, kinds of food which affects the baby’s health while breastfeeding, changes in emotions and behaviors as allergic reaction takes place, how to distinguish sensitivity of food, queries which should be asked to an allergist, food intolerance, practicing processed kinds of food, food allergy, how to maintain eating health foods by way of non allergic substitutes and how hypersensitivity of food is connected to immunological process.

Most interestingly the best part in this book is recipe area having recipes completely free from main allergens. It is simple to learn baking and cooking healthy foods by retaining texture, richness and flavor. These foods need not be tasteless or boring just because you have an allergy. Mouth watering and nourishing recipes are good like divine macaroons, ultra fudge brownies, banana bread, pound cake and chocolate cake. One hundred or more recipes eliminating cheese have been provided by Jo Stepaniak. Never worry because every recipe is provided with nutritional comprehensive analysis.

When compared to the rest of the books on dietary health, this guide on food allergy is leading the race. So, if you belong to those people affected with food allergy you must consider buying it. Medications, practice and knowledge are at your hands. One can easily deal with this allergy with a positive and a bold attitude.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/food-allergy-survival-guide-food-allergies-ruining-your-appetite-no-more-708839.html

I’ve been on Vyvanse for almost 3 months now, 50 mg a day. It’s my first time on ADHD medicine, but I’ve been on Wellbutrin XL 300mg for 18 months. When I began taking the Wellbutrin I weighed about 155 lbs, in Dec of 07. Since then I got down to about 137-140 consistently, but since I started taking Vyvanse my appetite is completely dead. I can’t force myself to eat, because if I do then I get so sick that I have to go to the bathroom and try to throw up. I am NOT bulimic or anorexic. It’s just miserable being at work every day and feeling so nauseated, so sometimes I just sit in the bathroom and hope that I can throw up - I don’t make myself by gagging or anything.
For the first time in my life I feel 110% confident in my body and am loving the way I look, but I know that if I continue not eating I’m not going to be healthy. When I started Vyvanse I was average 137-140 lbs.
Today I weighed in at 122.8 lbs. Those 14 lbs were all lost within the last month, and it seems to be coming off even faster now. I’ve lost 7 pounds since last week. I’m 5′7" and 23 years old, and now my family (they don’t know I’m on anything) is telling me that I look skinny, but I love how I look now.
My point is - sorry I took so long to get there - that I want to know what I can consume each day to keep my nutrition from crashing, but without eating whole meals? I take vitamins, but is there something that I can put in my stomach so that at least I know I’m getting some sort of healthy substance? Like any specific sources of protein or something? Even when I did have an appetite I rarely ate meat, so lack of that is nothing new. I just need to find something to put me at ease about my body and make me feel like I’m not deteriorating. When I say "something I can eat without eating whole meals", I really do mean that I can’t eat meals. An example of what I eat per day is a latte in the morning, and sometimes - if I act as soon as I feel the hunger - something such as a bowl of cereal for dinner. That is how my health is now, and I know the obvious answer would be "eat multiple small meals a day" etc etc, but I can’t force myself to do that. That’s why I’m asking if there’s something small but has lots of nutrients?
Please help with any suggestions…
Thanks!

If you want nutrient dense, I would suggest hard boiled (or raw or softboiled whatever you prefer) egg yolks. You can survive without vegetables, fruits, grains and stuff, but you got to have protein and fat. Eggs really are a perfect food and just eating the yolks gives you a better fat ratio without adding fat. If you have lil appetite, I’d rather see you eat 2-3 egg yolks (or whatever you can get down) than one whole egg (the white of an egg is not perfect but it’s dense) Try to eat as many yolks as you possibly can before taking a multi vitamin.

You will lose more body fat eating protein and fat (don’t eat protein alone) than not eating AT ALL. To lose weight fast eat all you want but nothing but meat, eggs, healthy oils, mayo, butter and half an avocado a day (you’ll need added potassium). Keep your fat percentage high. Adding in green vegetables & some cheese will continue weight loss but at a slower pace.

If you starve yourself, your body will freak out and will want to store every ounce in case it doesn’t get nourished again. You need to give it adequate nourishment so it doesn’t slow your metabolism down to adjust for lower calories.

Simple carbohydrates (sugar, flour, bread, cereal, pasta, potatoes, rice) triggers insulin which can store the calories you eat into fat. The more protein you eat the more the fat burning hormone glucagon is released. The more carbohydrate you eat the more the fat storage hormone insulin is released.

High insulin levels unbalance other hormones. Controlling your insulin level will balance out other hormones & allow human growth hormone (HGH) to be produced naturally so you will gain lean muscle even without exercise. Any exercise will greatly increase your muscle mass with high HGH levels.

Reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass will have you in awesome shape in no time. Good luck!

I have done research and want to know about visual spatial hyperlexia. I am a male in college and considered in an adult stage. I understand there is very little information on the disorder. Most people just get diagnosed with adhd( which I have). I became interested in understanding what it is after a teacher thought i may have it.

I have worked hard in a class and do fine in others , and its true we draw diagrams alot on the board. I have not done well in the class and maybe do not pick up on it well from all of the visuals. Again , I identified truth as evidence that i work hard but have not achieved results in just one class.Does that mean i have visual spatial hyperlexia…? I have indentified this truth that I have had adhd before (still do) but it is to my understanding associated with hyperlexia…

How do you treat it? can you help it through nutrition or exercise..?

You need to be tested and diagnosed by a neurologist (a medical doctor that specializes in the brain) or a neuropsychologist (a psychologist that specializes in the brain and its functions). Ask your college counseling center or department of disabilities (which would help students with learning disabilities) to refer you to a neuropsychologist. A neuropsychologist is a psychologist with expertise in brain functions and how they affect learning.

Ok… Here’s my dillema.

I’ve been out of school for a while and while I was in high school math never really sunk in, I guess — or I didn’t learn as much as I needed to of value to employers.

I can test into College Algebra just fine, and I am a pretty quick learner. Is it possible for me within 2 years to complete the mathematics requirements of a Computer Science Degree if I take a course every semester?

The main problem I had in my high school years was ADHD/Depression, and I have that pretty much under control with meds and nutrition now.

I do want to get working again and do it right this time — I want to do web application dev.

thanks

I don’t see why not. What you need generally is 2 courses of calculus and 2 courses of discrete mathematics. These 4 courses are about 14 semester hours. You will need algebra, geometry and pre-calculus as prerequisite math courses. 9 hours more. Total is 21 hours is not easy unless you go summers to accomplish in 2 years.

Just what the doctor ordered! Very often parents think that ADHD medicine will be the solution in dealing with a hyperactive child suffering from ADHD. That is just the tip of the iceberg because the harassed parent is often unaware that nutrition and certain behavioural therapy can work in tandem with medicine for ADHD to help the child through this difficult period.

A Drugged Nation?

We certainly live in a strange era - the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is recommending that in certain cases of obesity in children (as young as 8 years old!) statins can be prescribed for lowering their cholesterol. That is an alarming reflection on the failure of nutrition programs at home and at school. Adults have jumped on the psychostimulant drug wagon and we now know that academics, managers and high flyers are taking ADHD medicine (eg. Ritalin) to allow them to power build their memory, concentrate and focus better so that they can outsmart all the competition! This was reported recently in Nature magazine and nobody seems to be too worried about the ethics. In one survey one in every five adults were using such psychostimulants to give them the winning edge.

Does TV Cause ADHD?

Somebody has remarked that TV does more parenting than the actual parents. We have

allowed children too much exposure to media and many of the programs are violent and/or contain explicit sex scenes. While it would be too simplistic to say that TV causes ADHD, there remains the fact that children need ‘green’ activities, support, love and attention and a PC screen cannot do that.

And The Good News?

That’s enough bad news! The good news is that more and more children are being treated with alternative therapies although that is a very broad term and can cover a multitude of different types of treatments from homeopathy to yoga! According to the New York Times, one in 9 children will have some kind of alternative treatment. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that almost 3 million young people are taking supplements - these can range from fish oils to ginseng or homeopathy.

More Good News!

There is more good news in that ADHD alternative therapies exist and that they can help a child to concentrate better and calm down hyperactivity. Parents have been scared about the FDA warnings on the boxes of ADHD medicine and now want to help their children to meet the ADHD challenge without having to go through all the nasty side effects caused by the drugs like Risperdal, Adderall, Concerta and Ritalin. The link below will give you all the information you need about ADHD natural cures - eg., what they are, how they are manufactured and what guarantees are offered.

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/adhd-medicine-just-what-the-doctor-ordered-692969.html

Do you know what the ‘Dirty Six’ are ? Read on. They are nasty colourings and additives in kids’ sweets. Did you know that, in spite of the UK Food Standards Agency decision to ban dangerous colourings and preservatives in children’s sweets (candy), they are still being used by food companies? All you have to do is read the small print on the packets and the horrible truth is there for all to see. The role of diet and nutrition and especially additives in kids’ sweets have come under much scrutiny as parents and carers try to decide what is the best ADHD alternative treatment . ADHD medication is now regarded with much suspicion by parents and an effective ADHD alternative treatment is now being widely discussed.

The UK government failed to bite the bullet with the food companies and rather cowardly opted for a ‘voluntary phasing out’ of the harmful additives in sweets which have definitely been shown to have a detrimental effect on children’s behaviour causing hyperactivity and exacerbating ADHD symptoms. The main culprits are mainly colours which are extracted from coal tar - they can hardly be described as healthy food. !

Maybe you have heard them being called by different names or even numbers. Take your pick. They are all very colourful - for example, sunset yellow (E 110) carmoisine (E122) and the well known tartrazine (E102) just to mention three of the ‘Dirty Six’. The most dangerous one has a very pretty name - it is called ‘brilliant blue’ and that causes hyperactivity in children as well as skin rashes and other nasty ailments. Needless to say it is banned in many European countries but NOT in the UK. It is not even on the so-called ‘voluntary phasing out list ‘!

Diet and nutrition are only one part of the puzzle in the ADHD alternative treatment mosaic. Still, in the UK, Ritalin is now being prescribed much less as parents are advised to opt for behaviour therapy for themselves and their children. That may be time-consuming and expensive and for busy parents it is a big investment. There has been a storm of protest in the UK where special schools have come under the axe and all children - including those suffering from Autism and ADHD are to be ‘included’ and taught together with all the other children. This is a fine idea but the sad truth is that no money has been set aside to train the teachers so that they deal effectively with ADHD children in the class.

The best ADHD alternative treatment is probably a combination of therapy, diet, exercise and counselling. In order to avoid dangerous ADHD drugs, parents are looking at alternatives and they have found that natural and/or homeopathic remedies are the safest and most effective. The link below will provide the answers to any questions or doubts you may have.

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/adhd-alternative-treatments-have-you-heard-of-the-dirty-six-712996.html

Do you know what the ‘Dirty Six’ are ? Read on. They are nasty colourings and additives in kids’ sweets. Did you know that, in spite of the UK Food Standards Agency decision to ban dangerous colourings and preservatives in children’s sweets (candy), they are still being used by food companies? All you have to do is read the small print on the packets and the horrible truth is there for all to see. The role of diet and nutrition and especially additives in kids’ sweets have come under much scrutiny as parents and carers try to decide what is the best ADHD alternative treatment . ADHD medication is now regarded with much suspicion by parents and an effective ADHD alternative treatment is now being widely discussed.

The UK government failed to bite the bullet with the food companies and rather cowardly opted for a ‘voluntary phasing out’ of the harmful additives in sweets which have definitely been shown to have a detrimental effect on children’s behaviour causing hyperactivity and exacerbating ADHD symptoms. The main culprits are mainly colours which are extracted from coal tar - they can hardly be described as healthy food. !

Maybe you have heard them being called by different names or even numbers. Take your pick. They are all very colourful - for example, sunset yellow (E 110) carmoisine (E122) and the well known tartrazine (E102) just to mention three of the ‘Dirty Six’. The most dangerous one has a very pretty name - it is called ‘brilliant blue’ and that causes hyperactivity in children as well as skin rashes and other nasty ailments. Needless to say it is banned in many European countries but NOT in the UK. It is not even on the so-called ‘voluntary phasing out list ‘!

Diet and nutrition are only one part of the puzzle in the ADHD alternative treatment mosaic. Still, in the UK, Ritalin is now being prescribed much less as parents are advised to opt for behaviour therapy for themselves and their children. That may be time-consuming and expensive and for busy parents it is a big investment. There has been a storm of protest in the UK where special schools have come under the axe and all children - including those suffering from Autism and ADHD are to be ‘included’ and taught together with all the other children. This is a fine idea but the sad truth is that no money has been set aside to train the teachers so that they deal effectively with ADHD children in the class.

The best ADHD alternative treatment is probably a combination of therapy, diet, exercise and counselling. In order to avoid dangerous ADHD drugs, parents are looking at alternatives and they have found that natural and/or homeopathic remedies are the safest and most effective. The link below will provide the answers to any questions or doubts you may have.

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/adhd-alternative-treatments-have-you-heard-of-the-dirty-six-712996.html

Just what the doctor ordered! Very often parents think that ADHD medicine will be the solution in dealing with a hyperactive child suffering from ADHD. That is just the tip of the iceberg because the harassed parent is often unaware that nutrition and certain behavioural therapy can work in tandem with medicine for ADHD to help the child through this difficult period.

A Drugged Nation?

We certainly live in a strange era - the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is recommending that in certain cases of obesity in children (as young as 8 years old!) statins can be prescribed for lowering their cholesterol. That is an alarming reflection on the failure of nutrition programs at home and at school. Adults have jumped on the psychostimulant drug wagon and we now know that academics, managers and high flyers are taking ADHD medicine (eg. Ritalin) to allow them to power build their memory, concentrate and focus better so that they can outsmart all the competition! This was reported recently in Nature magazine and nobody seems to be too worried about the ethics. In one survey one in every five adults were using such psychostimulants to give them the winning edge.

Does TV Cause ADHD?

Somebody has remarked that TV does more parenting than the actual parents. We have

allowed children too much exposure to media and many of the programs are violent and/or contain explicit sex scenes. While it would be too simplistic to say that TV causes ADHD, there remains the fact that children need ‘green’ activities, support, love and attention and a PC screen cannot do that.

And The Good News?

That’s enough bad news! The good news is that more and more children are being treated with alternative therapies although that is a very broad term and can cover a multitude of different types of treatments from homeopathy to yoga! According to the New York Times, one in 9 children will have some kind of alternative treatment. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that almost 3 million young people are taking supplements - these can range from fish oils to ginseng or homeopathy.

More Good News!

There is more good news in that ADHD alternative therapies exist and that they can help a child to concentrate better and calm down hyperactivity. Parents have been scared about the FDA warnings on the boxes of ADHD medicine and now want to help their children to meet the ADHD challenge without having to go through all the nasty side effects caused by the drugs like Risperdal, Adderall, Concerta and Ritalin. The link below will give you all the information you need about ADHD natural cures - eg., what they are, how they are manufactured and what guarantees are offered.

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/adhd-medicine-just-what-the-doctor-ordered-692969.html

Just what the doctor ordered! Very often parents think that ADHD medicine will be the solution in dealing with a hyperactive child suffering from ADHD. That is just the tip of the iceberg because the harassed parent is often unaware that nutrition and certain behavioural therapy can work in tandem with medicine for ADHD to help the child through this difficult period.

A Drugged Nation?

We certainly live in a strange era - the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is recommending that in certain cases of obesity in children (as young as 8 years old!) statins can be prescribed for lowering their cholesterol. That is an alarming reflection on the failure of nutrition programs at home and at school. Adults have jumped on the psychostimulant drug wagon and we now know that academics, managers and high flyers are taking ADHD medicine (eg. Ritalin) to allow them to power build their memory, concentrate and focus better so that they can outsmart all the competition! This was reported recently in Nature magazine and nobody seems to be too worried about the ethics. In one survey one in every five adults were using such psychostimulants to give them the winning edge.

Does TV Cause ADHD?

Somebody has remarked that TV does more parenting than the actual parents. We have

allowed children too much exposure to media and many of the programs are violent and/or contain explicit sex scenes. While it would be too simplistic to say that TV causes ADHD, there remains the fact that children need ‘green’ activities, support, love and attention and a PC screen cannot do that.

And The Good News?

That’s enough bad news! The good news is that more and more children are being treated with alternative therapies although that is a very broad term and can cover a multitude of different types of treatments from homeopathy to yoga! According to the New York Times, one in 9 children will have some kind of alternative treatment. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that almost 3 million young people are taking supplements - these can range from fish oils to ginseng or homeopathy.

More Good News!

There is more good news in that ADHD alternative therapies exist and that they can help a child to concentrate better and calm down hyperactivity. Parents have been scared about the FDA warnings on the boxes of ADHD medicine and now want to help their children to meet the ADHD challenge without having to go through all the nasty side effects caused by the drugs like Risperdal, Adderall, Concerta and Ritalin. The link below will give you all the information you need about ADHD natural cures - eg., what they are, how they are manufactured and what guarantees are offered.

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/adhd-medicine-just-what-the-doctor-ordered-692969.html