Non-medical solutions for ADHD

http://www.wisechoiceeducationalservices.com/articles/article10.html By Suzanne Day Parents of children with learning or attention problems will often react negatively to the use of medications, which are recommended by the medical profession. However, what parents really need and want is guidance in their search for solutions. This article attempts only to guide parents to a better understanding of the different aspects of the biochemical components of learning difficulties and attention behavioural problems. I do not pretend to be an expert in the nutrition but an expert on the brain, which is fuelled by nutrition. Parents and professionals dealing with attention deficits in children observe the food-mood connection, which is more evident in some children than others. Behaviours are based on thoughts and memories processed in the brain. The neurons (brain cells) transmit information as electrical signals with the use of neurotransmitters. These transmissions constitute the biochemical basis for changes in behaviours. The brain, one of the most vital organs of the body, receives its nutrition directly from the blood stream. Therefore, balanced nutrients will enhance the biochemical and electrical functions of the brain, which in turn affect learning. Imbalance of nutrients, especially through a diet of junk food, snack and fast food, will have an adverse effect, aggravating or intensifing learning and behavioural problems. The efficient functioning of the brain requires at least the essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, essential monosaccharides (glyconutirents), vitamins, minerals, and water. Essential Amino Acids Proteins provide the needed amino acids to build healthy nerve cells. These nerve cells then provide new connections to increase retrieval (memory). Most children with learning and attention difficulties need to consume more proteins, rather than starch and sugar. However, Dr. Amen in his book Healing ADD, has found that children with obsessive-compulsive behaviours require a balanced diet of protein and starch. He also explains that these children may also benefit from additional specific amino acids which are precursors of the neurotransmitters that help with the neurotransmission of the electric influx into the brain. For example, tyrosine is a building block for dopamine (control of movements, pleasure centers, and motivation). Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid which is abundant in brown rice, leafy vegetables, and milk. Tyrosine is considered a “spark protein”. This amino acid as a supplement is known as L-tyrosine, and should be taken on an empty stomach. Tryptophan and 5-HTP are essential amino acids and are building blocks for the neurotransmitter serotonin, which controls our emotions and our sleeping patterns. Tryptophan is considered a “sedative-protein”. Most vegetables and nuts contain tryptophan. GABA, still another essential neurotransmitter, is an anti-anxiety agent. GABA is formed in the body by glutamic acid that can be synthesized from other amino acids. Phenylalanine is an amino acid precursor of norepinephrine (arousal and attention) coming in the form of DLAP as a nutritional supplement. Proteins are essential because they contain the necessary amino acids to build healthy nerve cells. Whether supplemented or taken in the diet, amino acids must be present for children to be able to overcome with learning difficulties or those with behavioural issues. Essential Fatty Acids Dr. Michael Lyon has done extensive research to better understand some of the main nutritional root causes of attention difficulties. The essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, are required by every cell in the human body and especially in the brain which is 60% fat. These essential fatty acids seems to be greatly involved in the ability to stay focused and complete tasks. The most commonly available omega-3 fatty acids is known as alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and can be found in large quantity in flax seed oil. The omega-6 fatty acid is known as linoleic acid (LA) and can be found in pumkin , sunflower, or sesame seeds. We recommend that you use a coffee grinder and grind your seeds as you need them because they start loosing the value as soon as the seed is broken. Only if the right enzymes are present in the body, will these acids be converted to incorporate them in the brain and the immune system. However, too often the body is inefficient in converting them. The best sources of essential fatty acids are the fish oils: tuna, salmon, and cod. Hydrogenation and Trans-fatty Acids Dr Lyon as well as many other experts on this topic, warns about the use of hydrogenated fats and trans-fatty acids ( the margarine, shortening, and cooking oils) which contain almost no essential fatty acids. Hydrogenation, the most common way of drastically changing natural oils, heats oils at high temperatures. The heat alters the molecule structure, which in turn interferes with the biochemical processes, “clogging” our physiological systems, our brains included. Udo Erasmus explains that “the molecule has its “head on backwards.” Not only does the heated oil looses its nutrients, but a catalyst (heavy metals like aluminium) is added, leaving remnants in these oils that are eaten by people. Udo Erasmus concludes “The 60 grams (2 ounces) of margarine and shortening we consume each day contain more than twice as many “food additives” than are found in the other 2640 grams of food that men consume each day (1740grams by women).” “Leaky Gut” and Debris in the Blood Dr. Lyon states, "Optimal digestion, good nutrient absorption and a leak proof gut are essential for good health." Based on his experience, brain health and gut health are vitally linked. In his book, Is Your Child's Brain Starving, he explains that most children with attention deficit and hyperactivity present a “leaky gut”. As well, they lack friendly bacteria in the gut, and have different types of intestinal parasites. Let’s explain briefly the term “leaky gut”. Normally the lining of the small intestine protects us from undigested food getting into the blood stream. Unfortunately, due to different factors including the excessive consumption of starchy or sugary foods, which ADD children crave, the tight junctions between cells of the intestinal lining detach and gaps form between the cells. This leaky gut allows molecular debris to circulate throughout the entire body, interfering with organ functions. The brain is one of our vital organs and these irritants adversely affect it. Milk and its Molecule Modification One of the most common types of molecular debris is milk protein. Milk has always been recognized as an essential nutrient for building healthy bodies. However, new research has shown that milk can create allergies and seems to be the cause of many ear infections. What is happening? The problem is not the milk, but what happens when milk is homogenized and radiated. Homogenizing milk breaks down the fat molecules into minute particles, which can cross the gut barrier and be absorbed into the blood stream. This causes many problems including allergic reactions and ear infections. These “foreign” protein molecules weaken the immune system because the body recognizes the milk protein as an enemy. Organs, like the brain, are often attacked. Although, soya milk is often used to replace cows’ milk, it appears to be difficult to digest for some children, who lack the necessary enzymes. See the article “Why you should avoid Soy”, by Sally Fallon (www.mercola.com/article/soy/avoid_soy.) Healing the “Leaky Gut” Research has confirmed what Dr. Lyon found with ADD: behaviour problems, including attention problems, autism, and schizophrenia, are often linked to intestinal problems. Elaine Gottschall has brought relief to thousands with her research and her diet. In her book, Breaking the Vicious Cycle, she explains the importance of a healthy intestinal tract. According to her, inefficiency in digesting double sugars, disaccharides like table sugar and polysaccharides, leads to mal-absorption and inflammatory bowel disease. Her diet, the ‘Specific Carbohydrate Diet’, is based on a monosaccharide diet (one molecule of sugar) like glucose. Interestingly, neurobiologists have discovered that more than 90% of all the serotonin (a neurotransmitter) made and then stored, is in the gut. The lack of serotonin is blamed for depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Poor digestion, absorption and elimination may lead to mental, emotional and physical sickness. White Sugar and Hypoglycemia In my work with children with learning and attention problems, I regularly witness the fact that these children often crave sugar and starch (starch becomes sugar after it is metabolized.) Parents and educators often observe, that these children are hyperactive for a short period and then a few hours later, they become lethargic. A high sugar food made with white sugar like a chocolate bar, a soda pop, or candies, stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin which triggers cells throughout the body to pull the excess glucose out of the bloodstream and store it for later use. Soon, the glucose available to the brain has dropped. Neurons, unable to store glucose, experience an energy crisis. The ability to focus and think suffers. This glucose deficiency is called hypoglycemia, and it can even lead to unconsciousness. The Very “Bad” Sugar: Aspartame Much research has been done on Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, used in such brands as Equal and Nutrasweet. It is about 200 times sweeter than the refined sugar. Dr. Mercola reports that “Aspartame complaints represent 80-85% of food complaints registered with the FDA. In 1991, the National Institutes of Health listed 167 symptoms and reasons to avoid the use of aspartame, but today it remains a multi-million dollar business. Known to erode intelligence and affect short-term memory, the components of this toxic sweetener may lead to a wide variety of ailments…” (the list is included in his article from his web site). He recommends an helpful documentary on this subject Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World. The “Good Sugars”: the Glyconutrients A team from the University of Arkansas, directed by Dr. Dykman has conducted special studies evaluating the effects of different types of sugars (glyconutrients) upon brain function. The term glyconutrient refers to sugars that are absolutely essential for proper cellular survival and function, especially for the immune system cells. Most people know about glucose (from sucrose or white sugar) and galactose (from milk). However, little is known about the other six essential sugars, which are not readily available through a regular diet and need to be metabolized. Abundant research studies have identified the eight essential sugars (monosaccharides) needed for cells to communicate. This fact is noted in the latest Harper Biochemistry Dictionary, a medical desk reference. Dr. Dykman‘s study, found that certain single-cell sugars or monosaccharides enhanced brainwave frequencies associated with attention and alertness, increased reaction time, and concentration. Studies clearly show the important benefits children receive from ingesting these eight essential sugars as a nutritional supplement. “Breakfast Eaters” have Better Attention Span than “Breakfast Skippers” There are many components in a child’s diet, which will have a direct affect on brain function, behaviour and academic performance. William Sears, M.D. and Lynda Thompson, PhD in their A.D.D. Book, consecrated one chapter to the subject of feeding a child's brain. According to them, "it is not only the type of food but when and how you eat it that affects brain function." Their studies show that breakfast eaters, especially those that eat a breakfast rich in protein and calcium, generally have higher grades. Breakfast skippers, on the other hand, are more likely to be sluggish and overeat throughout the rest of the day. This is observed in the change of the brain waves patterns of children training with neurofeedback at our office. We frequently observe an increase in the theta wave (the slow waves (corresponding to a tune-out mental set) after a child has eaten sugary cereals or worst after eating pancakes with maple syrup for breakfast! Neurofeedback uses a quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) (see article on neurofeedback training for attention span). Obviously, if a child has an increase in slow brain waves, he/she will be sluggish at school and this will have an adverse impact on behaviour and grades. The Need of Supplements in our Diet It is well recognized even by the American Medical Association that we now need to add to our diets vitamin and mineral supplements because of our depleted soils. Adding to the pesticides and other chemicals polluting added to our food chain, fruits and vegetables are lacking the essential nutrients, called “phytonutrients” because they are often picked before they ripen. These “phytonutrients” strengthen our immune systems and work like enzymes aiding digestion and absorption. Supplementing the diet with enzymes will often help people with learning and attention difficulties because the lack of digestion and absorption is often one of their physiological weaknesses. Heavy Metals and Brain Function Unfortunately, heavy metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum found in our drinking water, water pipes, some vaccines, some junk food, and the air we breathe (are just some of the source of heavy metals ingestion) interfere with the absorption of necessary minerals, like zinc. Research has shown that high intercellular copper levels and low zinc levels cause many children to be hyperactive. Antioxidants are essentials in neutralizing free radicals oxidative stress (like rust produced on metal ) that heavy metals create. Chelation can be used to remove heavy metals from the body, preventing any interference in vitamin and mineral absorption and allowing the body to replenish the cells with the healthy metals. Water and the brain health Drinking several glasses of water per day is essential, but few do it. Dr. F. Batmanghelidj's book, Your Body's Many Cries for Water (you are not sick, you are thirsty) will motivate its readers to drink water. Here is an excerpt from his book: "The human body is composed of 25% solid matter and 75% water. Brain tissue is said to consist of 85% water. Every function of the body is monitored and pegged to the efficient flow of water. “Water distribution” is the only way of making sure that not only an adequate amount of water, but its transported elements (hormones, chemical messengers, and nutrients) first reach the more vital organs.” With the use of the QEEG , I have regularly observed children, gaining more control over their slow brain waves, after drinking a glass of water. Water is necessary for the body, but not all water is equal. Chlorine, which is present in city tap water, will prevent the absorption of tyrosine, an important amino acid. Our water can also be contaminated with heavy metals. City tap water needs to be purified. Osmosis water filtering systems and distilled water filtering systems are not the best filtration methods for long-term consumption. Water from these types of filtration systems not only remove essential minerals, but this water will leach the body of its minerals. It is also interesting to know that the osmosis water has a “low pH” which means that the water is acidic and may interfere with the alkaline state of the body. Efficient water filtration systems are available and are able to remove harmful substances and yet retain the important minerals. Therefore, before children start consuming more water to transport nutrients to the body organs, attention needs to be paid to the type of water these children are ingesting. Genetically Engineered Food Our children’s health in the form of undiagnosed food allergies or intolerance to food (such as celiac disease) may be linked to genetically engineered food It is since 1997 that we have had a wide variety of unlabelled genetically-engineered foods enter our supermarket shelves. Genetic engineering has to do with implanting conglomerations of genes from viruses, bacteria, insects, and animals onto our fruits, grains, nuts, and vegetables. Would it be possible that one explanation of these allergies to nuts, unheard few years ago, could be linked with the modified structure of the nuts? For example, in tests conducted at the University of Nebraska and reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that soybeans modified with genes from Brazil nuts produced proteins that resulted in extreme, potentially deadly allergic reactions in people sensitive to the nuts. The human body is amazingly designed. Scientist consider that we have approximately 70 trillions of cells in our body. These cells continually multiply and die resulting in having a brand new body every seven or eight years. The health of the body depends on the health of the cells which produce energy. This article enumerate some facts about the reasons why our brain can be weakened. The good news is that if we limit the ingestion of the “bad stuff” and feed the body with the nutrients it needs to function efficiently, the body can regenerate itself. To summarize, children and adults with behavioural, learning and attention problems Firstly, they should AVOID (as much as possible): * JUNK FOOD, snack food, and fast food * the genetically modified organisms * trans-fatty acids (hydrogenated oil), * food containing pesticides (www.ewg.org) * white sugar (pop, cereal, candy…) * white flour (pasta, pizza…) * food dyes (especially the red and yellow ones) * Aspartame (sugar substitute in candy and gum) and MSG (flavor enhancer) * caffeine and chocolate * homogenized milk and be careful with soya milk which is often difficult to digest * preservatives * carbonated drinks Secondly, they NEED: * vitamins (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) * minerals * phytochemical supplements * proteins (amino acids) * essential fatty acids * glyconutrients, eight essential monosaccharides (sugars) * drink daily more purified water (one quart of water for every fifty pounds of weight.) * probiotics, which are the good bacteria needed in the intestines * get rid of toxins through exercise and antioxidants (Vitamin C is excellent) * get rid of parasites * sleep well The intention of this article is to not create more problems, but to summarize the main nutritional issues related to learning and attention behaviours in order better understand some of the physical root problems of learning and attention behaviours. Pursue your research, and pray for wisdom that you may glean what you need to help your children and yourselves. Make the changes step by step. Ask God for wisdom to know what you cannot change and wisdom to know what you can and need to do. A professional assessment of your child’s balance of nutrients in relation to his/her learning and attention inefficiencies may helpful. If you need help in assessing the learning and attention inefficiencies of your child I would love to help you. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or needs. “Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy: to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33: 18-19 Resources To know more about glyconutrients (the good sugars): (phone David: 705-726-5971 or www.mannapages.com/davidday (the Canadian one)) Books Is Your Child's Brain Starving? Michael R. Lyon, M.D. Healing the Hyper Active Brain, Michael R. Lyon, M.D. (www.functionalmedecine.ca) Your Body's Many Cries for Water, F.Batmanghelidj, M.D. (www.watercure.com) The ADD Book, by William Sears, M.D. and Lynda Thompson, Ph.D. Breaking the Vicious Cycle, by . Elaine Gottschall (www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info) and (www.pecanbread.com) Fat that Heal, Fats that Kill, Udo Erasmus Miracle Sugars, Rita Elkins, M.H. The Second Brain, Your gut has a mind of its own, Michael D. Gershon, M.D. Healing ADD, Daniel G. Amen, M.D. (www.amenclinic.com) How to Survive on a Toxic Planet, Dr. Steve Nugent The Safe Shopper’s Bible. By Dr. Samuel Epstein, MD & David Steinman Nutrition and Mental Illness, by Carl C. Pfeiffer,Ph.D,M.D. Web sites: Dr Joseph Mercola (www.mercola.com) (look for the article "Why you should avoid Soy" by Sally Fallon and for the DVD "Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World") Environmental Causes of Learning Disabilities (www.chem-tox.com/pregnancy/learning_disabilities.htm) The Truth about Soy (www.soyonlineservice.co.nz) To know more about glyconutrients (the good sugars): (phone David: 705-726-5971 or www.mannapages.com/davidday (the Canadian one)) Copyright 2005 Suzanne Day, Neuropsychologist member of l’Ordre des psychologues du Québec

Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance

Is Subclinical Gluten Intolerance/Celiac Disease Sabotaging Your Health? The Celiac Disease/Autoimmune/Thyroid Connection

Gluten intolerance -- also known as celiac disease, celiac sprue, and sprue -- is a genetic autoimmune condition that makes it difficult for the body to properly absorb nutrients from foods. It affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans. What happens in gluten intolerance is: The body lacks a particular digestive enzyme, intestinal glutaminase, that can digest gluten products Gliadin antibodies are produced as the body's reaction to the presence of the gluten the villi in the bowels become flattened, making them less able to sweep along waste products and filter out toxins The bowel, in a state of irritation, becomes more permeable, allowing larger proteins to pass through, which further aggravates the "allergic" response The body responds by producing more histamine, seratonin, kinins, prostaglandins, and interleukins -- which can trigger or aggravate autoimmune and inflammatory conditions The incidence of full-scale gluten intolerance has been found to be substantially higher in people with autoimmune thyroid disease. A study reported on in the February 2000 issue of Digestive Diseases and Sciences found that undiagnosed celiac disease may be part of the process that triggers an underlying autoimmune disease. In their findings they wrote: ""We believe that undiagnosed celiac disease can cause other disorders by switching on some as yet unknown immunological mechanism. Untreated celiac patients produce organ-specific autoantibodies." Of perhaps greatest importance to thyroid patients, those researchers found that the various antibodies that indicate celiac disease - organ-specific autoantibodies (i.e., thyroid antibodies) -- disappear after 3 to 6 months of a gluten-free diet. The researchers suggested that patients with autoimmune thyroiditis "may benefit from a screening for celiac disease so as to eliminate symptoms and limit the risk of developing other autoimmune disorders." Celiac antibodies blood testing can help diagnose the full-scale version of the condition, but formal diagnosis requires biopsy. Because the full-scale diagnosis of the condition is not that common, many doctors and patients do not realize that a milder version of the condition -- subclinical gluten intolerance/celiac disease -- may be the cause of chronic symptoms in millions more thyroid patients. Diagnosing the subclinical, reversible version requires newer "intestinal permeability" or "mucosal barrier" tests, along with clinical observation of symptoms made by an experienced practitioner. What are the symptoms of subclinical gluten intolerance and celiac disease? Recurring abdominal pain and bloating Gas, intestinal difficulties Aggravated allergies Difficulty losing weight Muscle aching Joint stiffness and pain, especially in hands, with swelling Fatigue Burning sensations in the arms and legs Numbness and tingling in hands, arms and legs Brain fog, memory problems, disorganized thinking Sores inside the mouth Painful skin rash on elbows, knees, and buttocks Hives Once diagnosed, the next step is a gluten-free diet. The Gluten Free Diet (Featuring information from the federal government's NIDKK site) The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet--that is, to avoid all foods that contain gluten. For most people, following this diet will stop symptoms, heal existing intestinal damage, and prevent further damage. Improvements begin within days of starting the diet, and the small intestine is usually completely healed--meaning the villi are intact and working--in 3 to 6 months. (It may take up to 2 years for older adults.) The gluten-free diet is a lifetime requirement. Eating any gluten, no matter how small an amount, can damage the intestine. This is true for anyone with the disease, including people who do not have noticeable symptoms. Depending on a person's age at diagnosis, some problems, such as delayed growth and tooth discoloration, may not improve. A small percentage of people with celiac disease do not improve on the gluten-free diet. These people often have severely damaged intestines that cannot heal even after they eliminate gluten from their diets. Because their intestines are not absorbing enough nutrients, they may need to receive intravenous nutrition supplements. Drug treatments are being evaluated for unresponsive celiac disease. These patients may need to be evaluated for complications of the disease. If a person responds to the gluten-free diet, the physician will know for certain that the diagnosis of celiac disease is correct. A gluten-free diet means avoiding all foods that contain wheat (including spelt, triticale, and kamut), rye, barley, and possibly oats--in other words, most grain, pasta, cereal, and many processed foods. Despite these restrictions, people with celiac disease can eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods, including bread and pasta. For example, instead of wheat flour, people can use potato, rice, soy, or bean flour. Or, they can buy gluten-free bread, pasta, and other products from special food companies. Whether people with celiac disease should avoid oats is controversial because some people have been able to eat oats without having a reaction. Scientists are doing studies to find out whether people with celiac disease can tolerate oats. Until the studies are complete, people with celiac disease should follow their physician or dietitian's advice about eating oats. Plain meat, fish, rice, fruits, and vegetables do not contain gluten, so people with celiac disease can eat as much of these foods as they like. Examples of foods that are safe to eat and those that are not are provided below. The gluten-free diet is complicated. It requires a completely new approach to eating that affects a person's entire life. People with celiac disease have to be extremely careful about what they buy for lunch at school or work, eat at cocktail parties, or grab from the refrigerator for a midnight snack. Eating out can be a challenge as the person with celiac disease learns to scrutinize the menu for foods with gluten and question the waiter or chef about possible hidden sources of gluten. However, with practice, screening for gluten becomes second nature and people learn to recognize which foods are safe and which are off limits. A dietitian, a health care professional who specializes in food and nutrition, can help people learn about their new diet. Also, support groups are particularly helpful for newly diagnosed people and their families as they learn to adjust to a new way of life.

Leaky Gut Syndrome - also known as Intestinal Permeability

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome? Leaky Gut Syndrome (intestinal permeability) is not a disease but rather an intestinal dysfunction that underlies many different illnesses and symptoms. However, Leaky gut syndrome is actually poorly recognized but yet an extremely common problem. What causes Leaky Gut Syndrome? Leaky gut syndrome results in an increase in the so-called permeability of the mucosal intestinal lining to luminal macro molecules. In other words, large spaces develop between the cells of the gut wall and this allows bacteria, toxins and food to leak in. What happens next with Leaky Gut Syndrome? Once the lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed or damaged it disrupts the way the digestive system functions. The spaces that open up allow large food antigens to be absorbed into the body, which are regarded as 'foreign' to the body's defense system. This results in the production of antibodies against what was once harmless and innocuous foods. This is how food allergies are created as well as new symptoms with target organs. e.g. arthritis and fibromyalgia. Symptoms of the Inflamed Gut associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome * It does not absorb nutrients and foods properly so it may result in fatigue and bloating. * When the detoxification pathways that line the gut are compromised, chemical sensitivity may also occur. * The leaking of toxins also burdens the liver so that the body is less able to handle everyday chemicals. * Carrier proteins are also damaged so nutrient deficiencies occur which cause a variety of symptoms: o Magnesium deficiency causes muscle spasms and fibromyalgia o Copper deficiency leads to high cholesterol and Osteoarthritis o Zinc deficiency leads to malabsorption which causes hair loss and some eye disorders (macular degeneration) Inflamed Gut Lining because of Leaky Gut Syndrome When the gut lining is inflamed the protective coating of lgA (immunoglobulin A) is negatively affected. The body is unable to ward off bacteria, viruses and parasites as well as fungus and yeasts like Candida. These pathogenic bad organisms then pass from the gut cavity into the bloodstream and set up infection anywhere else in the body. Formation of Antibodies with Leaky Gut Syndrome Formation of antibodies may occur. They leak across and look similar to antigens on our own tissues. So when an antibody is made to attack it, it also attacks the tissue. This is possibly how auto-immune and chronic disease like Crohn's Disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, and Thyroiditis start. Formation of Toxins with Leaky Gut Syndrome Together these conditions encourage the formation of toxins. These toxins can also cause leaks. When food particles escape through the leaks into the blood stream, the immune system senses them as a threat (an antigen), and results in food sensitivities. Avoid Unhealthy Food if you have Leaky Gut Syndrome Poor food choices not only cause Leaky Gut Syndrome but may lead to food sensitivities as well. Processed foods are low in nutrients and fiber and often contain lots of food additives, unhealthy fats and sugar. This creates an alkaline intestinal pH and a slow waste transit time. Leaky Gut Syndrome may cause confusion, memory loss, and 'brain fog' In addition to the creation of food allergies, the bloodstream is flooded by bacteria, fungi and parasites that, in the healthy state, would not be able to penetrate the protective barrier of the gut. These microbes and their toxins, if present in large enough amounts, can overwhelm the liver's ability to detoxify. This results in symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, and 'brain fog'. The following may lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome (Intestinal Permeability): * Antibiotics - because they lead to the overgrowth of abnormal flora in the gastrointestinal tract (bacteria, parasites, candida, fungi) * Alcohol and caffeine (strong gut irritants) * Foods and beverages contaminated by parasites like Giardia lamblia, cryptosporidium, blastocystis hominis and others * Foods and beverages contaminated by bacteria like helicobacter pylori, klebsiella, citrobacter, pseudomonas and others * Chemicals in fermented and processed food (dyes, preservatives, peroxidized fats) * Enzyme deficiencies (e.g. celiac disease, lactase deficiency causing lactose intolerance) * NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ASA, ibuprofen, indomethacin, etc. * Prescription corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone, hydrocortisone, DepoMedrol, etc.) * High refined carbohydrate diet (e.g. candy bars, cookies, cake, soft drinks, white bread) * Prescription hormones like the birth control pill * Mold and fungal mycotoxins in stored grains, fruit and refined carbohydrates * Dysbiosis and gastrointestinal Disease * Chemo-therapy and radiation therapy causing immune overload Suggestions for Leaky Gut Syndrome Great Smokies Intestinal Permeability Test will assist in making an accurate evaluation of leaky gut syndrome. Microbiology evaluation will test for overgrowth of fungus, bacteria and parasites. Digestive aids like probiotics, digestive enzymes, natural herbal anti inflammatories and anti candida supplements assist in restoring the integrity of the mucosal lining of the digestive tract. Read more on Leaky Gut Syndrome (Intestinal Permeability) here.

USDA Guidelines for Kids with Special Dietary Needs in Schools

USDA Document Fifty-nine pages, very complete. Includes IDEA and ADA information about who qualifies under "disability" and what documents are needed by the schools.