Archives for November 2014

If you have ever experienced an anxiety attack, you’re probably familiar with the fear of not having control over your mind or body. During an attack, it can be difficult to stay focused long enough to calm yourself. In order to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety attacks, it may help to understand and anticipate the changes in the body during an episode.

How Does an Attack Begin?
Everyone experiences these types of attacks differently, but there are some common signs to look out for. Panic is often triggered by specific situations, so it may be helpful to analyze your day-to-day stress points. Attacks of anxiety don’t necessarily have to stem from circumstances, and many people experience moments of panic abruptly and unexpectedly. Read More

Most children experience some type of disconnect with the world around them due to lack of interest, forgetfulness or a short attention span. In some cases, these emotional disruptions are caused by attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity. As a parent, it can be difficult determining the difference between a child with ADHD and one who is just a fidgety daydreamer.

What is ADHD?
ADD and ADHD are disorders that emerge during early childhood. The signs of each disorder vary from child to child, but the main characteristics to watch out for are hyperactivity, impulsivity and the inability to remain focused. These issues can adversely affect a child’s learning capabilities, mental health and social skills. This is why it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible.

There aren’t any clear-cut tests regarding ADHD. However, a physician can provide a valid assessment based on the child’s behavioral patterns. If your son or daughter seems to channel the energy of a kitten on catnip at the most inopportune moments, your physician may want to take a closer look at the cause by interviewing the child as well as teachers and caregivers.

How can you Determine if it’s ADHD or Something Else?
Certain medical issues mimic the signs of attention deficit disorder. Your physician should rule out other possibilities to offer an accurate diagnosis. One of the main conditions often mistaken as ADHD is bipolar mood disorder. The two share similar symptoms such as restlessness, mood shifts, emotional outbursts and impatience. However, bipolar disorder is typically intermittent and based on moods, while ADHD is chronic and based on behavior and attention span.

Other issues that may be to blame for your squirmy, distracted or impetuous little one include:

• hearing loss
• overactive or underactive thyroid
• dyslexia or other learning problems
• autism spectrum disorder
• sensory processing disorder

What Lifestyle Factors Produce ADHD Symptoms?
Your son or daughter may not have any medical condition triggering his or her symptoms. A poor diet or blood sugar issues often cause hyperactivity or concentrations problems. If sugarcoated marshmallow cereal, carb-loaded salty snacks and caffeinated soda are your child’s main sources of nutrition, you can expect some drastic changes in behavior.

Depression, anxiety, stress and lack of sleep can also affect focus, mood and conduct. The key is to decide whether or not any negative behavior is long lasting, recurring or on a higher level compared to other children. A child with ADHD usually displays the associated characteristics in a variety of situations as well. Simply exhibiting excessive energy on the playground or daydreaming in class aren’t necessarily red flags.

Rather than assuming your child has an attention disorder, it’s more advantageous to eliminate other possibilities first. There may be a simple fix to the problem that would otherwise go unrealized with an inaccurate diagnosis. You can learn more about obtaining a proper evaluation for your child by visiting our homepage or contacting us directly.

Autism and related disorders can be difficult to manage, particularly in children or young adults. Although there are no definitive cures or causes for the disorder, nutrition may play a considerable role when it comes to autism symptoms. Virtually all autistic children experience some type of food sensitivity, which can generate or intensify the symptoms.

Establishing a Proper Diet to Manage Symptoms
If your child’s symptoms are aggravated at certain times of the day, his or her diet may be the culprit. Artificial flavorings, colorings, sweeteners and preservatives may cause mood changes, poor concentration, headaches, sleep disorders, hyperactivity, respiratory issues or learning problems. Eliminating these types of additives may be the first step toward controlling the autism.

Your child may also simply be intolerant to digesting or absorbing certain food substances, such as casein and gluten. Removing these from the diet may improve social function, cognitive skills and general behavior. Blood sugar imbalances and the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup can contribute to the symptoms of autism as well, so it’s a good idea to monitor intake of natural and artificial sugars.

Using Supplements to Improve Emotional and Physical Health
Some vitamins and minerals are essential for enhancing the health of autistic children. Increasing your child’s intake of vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin D, zinc and vitamin C may positively affect his or her sleep patterns, social interaction, educational abilities, speech or temperament. When starting your child on any supplements, add one at a time for a few weeks so that you can properly evaluate any changes.

You may also want to increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your little one’s diet. Doing so may lessen anxiety, impulsivity, aggression and hyperactivity. To alleviate any digestion complications associated with autism, consider introducing probiotics, antifungals or digestive enzymes to his or her nutritional routine. It may take some trial and error before you notice positive results.

Food sensitivities affect autism symptoms in a variety of ways, and every child’s system reacts differently. The best way to decode any dietary difficulties is to begin with basic alterations. Offer plenty of natural, whole food options. As the nutritional schedule becomes more balanced, your child’s health and brain function will likely improve. If you need help getting started, check out our homepage. You can also contact one of our experts for tips on developing a wholesome diet.