AMINO ACIDS-THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF LIFE
By Deborah Merlin
www.victoryoveradhd.com

Balanced Neurotransmitter Complex and Brain Function

It was breathtaking to see how quickly the positive changes occurred in my twins once their diet was supplemented with amino acids. I knew amino acids had something to do with protein; beyond that, I was clueless about their importance or purpose. I asked many of my friends and acquaintances what they knew about amino acids. To my surprise, they were no more knowledgeable than I was. Part of the problem is that there are so many different amino acids that it is almost too much to learn, unless you have a strong interest in nutrition. I read up on amino acids, and I was astounded by how important they are to our existence and our health.

Amino acid deficiencies are common. Amino acids control the mind, memory, and behavior. An unbalanced diet, anxiety, stress, and other factors can lead to disturbances in amino acid metabolism. The brain is the most undernourished organ in the body. To quote Dr. Billie J. Sahley, “Amino acids must be taken daily and in specific amounts for the brain to be chemically balanced.” A balanced neurotransmitter complex provides a balance of amino acids to help create needed neurotransmitters to keep the brain and body functioning at peak performance.

What follows in this article are disorders associated with amino acid imbalances, interesting facts about amino acids, food sources and laboratory resources for testing amino acid panels.

Disorders associated with amino acid imbalances:

ADD/ADHD

Alcoholism

Ammonia toxicity

Ataxia (defective muscular coordination)

Autism

Behavior disorders

Cardiovascular disease

Chemical intolerances

Chronic fatigue

Chronic gastrointestinal distress or bowel irregularity

Depression

Dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)

Detoxification impairments

Excessive inflammation

Failure to thrive (infancy)

Family history or early symptoms of degenerative disease

Frequent headaches

Frequent infections and persistent inflammatory responses

Hyperlipidemias (high blood lipid levels)

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Hypotonia (loss of muscle tone)

Inflammatory disorders

Impaired mental development

Insomnia

Intolerances (persistent) to foods and chemicals

Mental disperception

Mental retardation

Myopathies (muscular disease)

Neurological disorders

Neural tube defects (birth defects)

Ocular disorders (eye)

Osteoporosis

Oxidative stress

Poor immunity

Rheumatoid arthritis

Seizures

Short stature or chronically underweight, growth failure (children)

Weak skin and nails

Amino Acid Facts

* Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are vital to life.
* Amino acids control everything from neurotransmitters (chemical language of the brain) to the proteins of your body.
* Protein cannot exist without the proper combinations of amino acids.
* Next to water, protein makes up the greatest portion of your body weight.
*The central nervous system cannot function without amino acids.
* Protein substances make up the muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair, and body fluids (except for bile and urine). Proteins are essential for enzymes, hormones, genes, and body growth.
* There are twenty-nine commonly known amino acids.
* Our liver produces about eighty percent of the amino acids we need. The remaining twenty percent is obtained through our diet.
* Nonessential amino acids are made from our body, and essential amino acids are made up from our diet.
* A vitamin B6 supplement must be taken with amino acids, for it is the most important vitamin for amino acid metabolism. Riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3) are the next most important vitamins in amino acid metabolism.

It is extremely important to have an amino acid test to determine what deficiencies you or your child may have. Too much of any amino acid can have negative side effects. If you have an amino acid deficiency, your health care professional will advise you on what and how much of the amino acids you should take. Compound pharmacies can make up a custom amino acid compound to address your exact deficiency. After you start amino acid therapy normal response time is three to fourteen days. If you see no improvement after three to four weeks, consult your doctor or health care professional.

Caution: If your child is taking Ritalin or any other prescription drug, do not stop the medicine without the physician’s guidance. Some amino acids can cause an adverse reaction if a person is taking antidepressants, so it is imperative to check with your doctor before changing or discontinuing your medications or start taking amino acid supplements.

Amino Acids

L-Alanine: A nonessential amino acid
Aids in the metabolism of glucose and is essential for metabolism of tryptophan.
An inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Food sources: wheat germ, turkey, duck, cottage cheese, and sausage

L-Arginine: An essential amino acid for children, not adults
Causes retardation of tumors and cancer.
Aids in liver detoxification.
Stimulates muscle protein synthesis and modulates breakdown of muscle tissues.
Builds muscle and enhances metabolism.
Assists in the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.
Speeds wound healing and fights off infections.
A deficiency in arginine can result in rash, hair loss, hair breakage, poor wound healing, constipation, fatty liver, hepatic cirrhosis, coma, and hypoglycemia.

Caution: Schizophrenics should use arginine with caution, and do no use if you have active malignancy, severe infection, or diabetic retinopathy.

Food sources: poultry, meats, fish, beans, grains, nuts and seeds, gelatin, cereals, (especially buckwheat, oatmeal, and millet), milk, cheese, wheat germ, vegetables (especially green peas, asparagus, broccoli, Swiss chard, corn, potatoes, onions, spinach, avocados, chocolate)

L-Asparagine: A nonessential amino acid
Maintains balance in the central nervous system
Prevents one from being overly calm or overly nervous.

Food sources: pork, turkey, sausage, chicken, wheat germ, cottage and ricotta cheeses

L-Aspartic Acid: A nonessential amino acid
Increases energy.
It supports the liver.
Assists in cell function.
Is an ammonia detoxifier.
It supports RNA/DNA formation.
Helps the intestinal tract take in more minerals.
Benefits the immune system and thymus gland.

Caution: Elevated levels of aspartic acid may be seen in patients with depression, epilepsy, stroke, high branch chain amino acids, and low ornithine.

Food sources: pork, turkey, sausage, chicken, wheat germ, cottage and ricotta cheeses

L-Carnitine: A nonessential amino acid
Prevents fatty build up and helps in weight loss.
Decreases heart disease.
Improves athletic ability and muscle strength.
Lowers cholesterol and increases HDL levels.
Increases the effectiveness of vitamins C and E.
Deficiencies could result in loss of muscle tone, failure to thrive, swelling of the brain, recurrent infections, hypoglycemia, and heart disturbances in children.

Caution: Vegetarians are more likely to be deficient in carnitine.

Food sources: organ meats and dairy products

L-Citrulline: A nonessential amino acid
Promotes energy.
Stimulates the immune system.
Produces the amino acids arginine and ornithine.
Stimulates growth hormone production.
Detoxifies ammonia, which damages living cells.

Food sources: garlic and onions

L-Cysteine: An essential amino acid
Protects the liver and brain from damage from cigarette smoking and alcohol.
Breaks down mucus in the respiratory tract and is beneficial in treatment of bronchitis, emphysema, and tuberculosis.
Helps maintain flexibility and texture.
Strengthens the hair (more than ten percent of hair is cysteine).
Heavy metal chelator.
Helps prevent cataracts.
Useful in iron deficiency.
Helps with ADHD by calming the body.
Crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Food sources: meat, chicken, turkey, fish, grains, beans (especially soy), eggs, grains, nuts, seeds, cereals, potatoes

L-Glutamic Acid: A nonessential amino acid. A precursor to GABA
Metabolizes sugars and fats.
Regulates brain cell activity.
Helps correct personality disorders.
Fuels the brain.
Maintains the body’s nitrogen balance.
Helps with muscular dystrophy.

Food sources: sausage, ham, bacon, yogurt, chicken, duck, cottage cheese, wheat germ, and granola

L-Glutamine: An essential amino acid. It acts as a precursor to GABA
Helps in alcoholism and sugar cravings.
Helps the brain dispose of waste ammonia, which irritates the brain cells.
Assists with memory and concentration.
Aids the body in intestinal and ulcer healing.
Helpful with conditions such as impotence, epilepsy, fatigue, mental retardation
and schizophrenia.
Decreases food allergies.
Produces other nonessential amino acids.
Increases effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer and
reduces the toxicity and damage to the body.

Food sources: cooking or heating inactivates glutamine. The foods highest in glutamine include meat, chicken, and eggs, but only in raw form. It is best to take glutamine in supplement form.

L-Glutathione: An essential amino acid
A powerful antioxidant and contains cysteine, glycine, and glutamate.
Inhibits the formation of free radicals.
Provides protection against radiation therapy and smoking.
Works as a detoxifier of metals and drugs.
Helpful in the treatment of blood and liver disorders.
Helps bring other amino acids into the cell.

Food sources: meat, fresh fruit, and vegetables

Important to know -Tylenol (acetaminophen) -Tylenol shuts down the detoxification pathways in the liver, which rids the body of metals and poisons. Tylenol can affect production of glutathione. Tylenol is routinely given to infants and toddlers when vaccinated to reduce pain and fever.

L-Glycine: A nonessential amino acid and the simplest of the amino acids
Retards muscle degeneration.
Helps prevent epilepsy.
Helpful in the treatment of bipolar depression.
Inhibits transmissions.
Reduces anxiety, hyperactivity, and aggression.
Removes lead from the body.
Need for formation of DNA, collagen, and phospholipids.

Caution: Too much glycine can cause fatigue.

Food sources: meat, brewer’s yeast, eggs, legumes, whole grains, fish, seeds, gelatin, soy, whey and dairy products

L-Histidine: An essential amino acid for infants, not adults
Helps remove heavy metals from the body.
Reduces pain in rheumatoid arthritis.
Has a mild anti-inflammatory effect.
Helps in growth and repair of tissues, hyperacidity, digestion, and gastric juices.
Histamine is formed from histidine. It is needed for treatment of allergies,
anemia and for the production of red and white blood cells.

Caution: People who have high amounts of histamine will often have a history of psychiatric problems, and it is commonly seen in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression, and phobias. Those who suffer from chronic pain and fibromyalgia show low histamine levels. Low blood-histamine levels are often found in people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson’s disease.

Food sources: meats, chicken, turkey, fish, beans (especially soy), cheese, milk, eggs, grains, nuts, seeds, cereals, potatoes

L-Isoleucine: An essential amino acid. It must be taken with L-Leucine and L-Valine. It is a branch-chain amino acid.
Is needed for hemoglobin formation.
Stabilizes and regulates the blood sugar and energy levels.
Is metabolized in the muscle tissue.
An isoleucine deficiency can result in muscle tremors and lead to symptoms
similar to hypoglycemia.

Food sources: chicken; turkey; meats; fish; beans (especially soy); milk; cheese; eggs; grains; cereals (especially millet); nuts, seeds; vegetables including swiss chard, corn, green peas, potatoes, spinach, and avocado

L-Leucine: An essential amino acid. Is a branch-chain amino acid
Leucine, isoleucine, and valine should be taken together.
Lowers elevated blood-sugar levels.
Promotes healing of bones, skin, and muscle tissue.
It is an important supplement for recovery from surgery and sports injuries.
Can help those with Parkinson’s disease.
Helps reduce effects of stress.

Caution: This amino acid should be taken in moderation, or it could result in hypoglycemia.

Food sources: chicken, turkey, fish, beans, milk, cheese, eggs, grains, cereals (especially millet), nuts, seeds, gelatin, sweet potatoes, potatoes, spinach, corn, green peas, asparagus, broccoli, swiss chard, mushrooms, tomatoes, avocado, wheat germ

L-Lysine: An essential amino acid
Is needed for growth and bone development in children.
It is found in muscle connective tissues and collagen tissues.
Helps with calcium absorption.
Fights cold sores and herpes viruses.
Is important for those recovering from surgery and sports injuries.

Deficiencies could result in fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, bloodshot eyes, poor growth, hair loss, anemia, and reproductive
disorders.

Caution: Doses of 1,000 mg. can cause insomnia and should not be given to children, unless prescribed by your doctor

Food sources: chicken, turkey, meats, beans, dairy (including milk, cheese), eggs, grains, cereals (especially oatmeal), gelatin, potatoes, green peas, asparagus, broccoli, corn, mushrooms, spinach, avocado, wheat germ, and chocolate

L-Phenylalanine: An essential amino acid
Is commonly used to treat depression.
Aids in memory and learning.
Helps prevent obesity.
Decreases pain in migraines, menstruation, and arthritis.
Is a precursor to Tyrosine.

Caution:L-Phenalalanine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants. Women who are pregnant, or those who have high blood pressure, anxiety attacks, and preexisting pigmented melanoma should not take it.

Food sources: chicken, turkey, meats, fish, dairy (including milk), cheese, eggs beans, grains, cereals (especially couscous, millet, and oatmeal), nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, potatoes, spinach, corn, green peas, swiss chard, gelatin, avocado, and chocolate

Dl-Phenylalanine: (DLPA) is a form of phenylalanine
Is very effective in controlling pain, especially those who have arthritis.
Is the building blocks of all amino acids.
Increases mental alertness.
Suppresses the appetite.
Caution: Should not be used if pregnant, diabetic, or hypertension or if suffering from anxiety attacks

Food sources: cottage cheese, cheese, milk, chicken, turkey, duck, pecans, sesame seeds

L-Proline: An nonessential amino acid
Strengthens joints, tendons, and heart muscle.
Lowers blood pressure.
Improves skin texture and formation of collagen (vitamin C must be present).
Heals cartilage.

Food sources: cottage and ricotta cheeses, eggs, pork, luncheon meats, wheat germ, turkey, and duck

L-Serine: A nonessential amino acid
Needed for a healthy immune system.
Important for metabolism of fats, fatty acids, and muscle growth.

Food sources: cottage and ricotta cheeses, eggs, pork, luncheon meats, turkey, sausage, peanuts, and soy

L-Taurine: An essential amino acid in adults, not infants and children.
Protects the cell membranes.
Prevents retinal (eye) degeneration.
Is a building block for all amino acids.
Helps reduce seizures and epilepsy.
Aids in fat digestion, heart disorders, hypoglycemia, artherosclerosis and reduces hypertension and edema.
Decreases pain in chronic pain sufferers.
Removes toxins.
Helps with tics and other spastic conditions.
Helps reduce symptoms of stress.

Deficiencies can result in sudden death syndrome (SDS), seizures, epilepsy, anxiety, hyperactivity, poor brain function, tics, twitches, spastic conditions, and degeneration of the retina of the eye in humans and all animals.

Food sources: meats, organ meats, and fish

L-Threonine: An essential amino acid
Balances protein in the body.
Helps control epileptic seizures.
Reduces ALS symptoms.
Assists in formation of collagen and helps with elasticity.
Aids in digestive and intestinal function.
Helps prevent accumulation of fat in the liver.
Helps improve mental health.
Is a precursor to brain glycine.

Deficiency suppresses the immune system.

Food sources: chicken, turkey, meats, fish, beans, dairy (including milk and cheese), eggs, grains, nuts, seeds, cereals, gelatin, some vegetables (including corn, green peas, potatoes, and spinach)

L-Trytophan: An essential amino acid transmitter
Helps with insomnia.
Stabilizes the mood.
Controls hyperactivity in children.
Aids in weight control.
Helps release the growth hormone.
Is required for the formation of serotonin, which helps people feel relaxed, calm, and in control.
Decreases tremors in Parkinson’s patients.
Necessary for production of niacin.

Caution: Trytophan should not be taken with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, and Effexor

Food sources: turkey, chicken, pork, meats, fish, dairy (including milk, cheese), eggs, grains, cereals, nuts, and seeds

L-Tyrosine: A nonessential amino acid, for the body can make it from phenylalanine
Helps with anxiety, depression, allergies, and headaches.
Aids in the pigment of skin and hair.
Is important for the functions of the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands.
Acts as a mood elevator.
Suppresses the appetite and reduces body fat.
Is used for withdrawal from drugs.
Can be used as an antidepressant.
Helps people with Parkinson’s disease.

Caution: Tyrosine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors and tricyllic
antidepressants or when cancerous melanoma is present.

Food sources: chicken, turkey, pork, beef, fish, beans, dairy (including milk and cheese), cereals (especially oatmeal and couscous), corn, potatoes, spinach, nuts, seeds

L-Valine: An essential amino acid part of a branched-chain amino acid and should be used with leucine and isoleucine
Has a stimulant effect.
Is needed for the nitrogen balance in the brain.
Is important for muscle coordination, mental and neural function.
Helps reduce inflammation.

Food sources: chicken, turkey, pork, beef, fish, dairy (including milk, cheese), cereals (especially millet, buckwheat, groats, oatmeal; some vegetables (including potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, corn, green peas, spinach, swiss chard, avocado), and chocolate

Testing resources for amino acids:

The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc.
www.greatplainslaboratory.com
11813 W. 77th Street
Lenexa, KS 66214
913-341-8949

Tests and services: organic acid test for yeast and bacteria overgrowth; vitamin and mineral deficiencies; opiate peptides for gluten and casein sensitivity; toxic exposures to heavy metals; deficiencies in the immune system; abnormal amino acid; comprehensive stool testing; advanced cholesterol panel

Metametrix Clinical Laboratory
www.metametrix.com
3425 Corporate Way
Duluth, GA 30096
800-221-4640
Tests and services: fatty acids; amino acid profiles; IgE and IgG food antibodies; inhalant antibodies; organic acids test

Neurogistics, Inc.
Balance Your Child’s Brain
www.balanceyourchildsbrain.com
876 Loop 337, Suite 305
New Braunfels, TX 78130
888-257-9068

Tests and services: neurotransmitter testing; neurotransmitter counseling; psychoeducation programs and counseling; customized protocols; supplementation; follow-up program

Pain and Stress Center
www.painstresscenter.com
5282 Medical Drive #160
San Antonio, TX 78229-5379
800-669-2256

Tests and Services: nutritional counseling; amino acid testing; food allergy testing; orthomolecular programs; group lectures; educational programs; product research and development; amino acid supplements (call for catalog)

References:

Diagnostic Value of Amino Acid Analysis, Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory

James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. 1990. “ Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” Avery Publishing Group Inc.

Billie Jay Sahley, Ph.D. and Katherine M. Birkner, CRNA. 2001. “Heal with Amino Acids and Nutrients.” Pain and Stress Publications, 2001, Pain and Stress Publications.
Tylenol depletes Glutathione (necessary for removal of mercury)
www.whale.to/vaccine/tylenol_depletes_glutathione.html – CachedSimilar
“The danger is that there isn’t much difference between a safe, effective … production. Abel notes that metabolizing and excreting acetaminophen vaccines. Environmental methyl mercury has been shown to be highly…

Growing up with DDT, ADHD, and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Growing up as a young girl in New Jersey in the 1950s and 1960s, I spent a lot of time outside climbing trees. This is exactly when the pesticide DDT was commonly used to kill mosquitoes; I recall trucks spraying the trees on our street every summer.
By researching natural health issues, I learned that common symptoms of pesticide poisoning include an inability to think, poor concentration, hyperactivity, poor coordination, weakness, nervousness, breathing problems, muscle pains, and twitching—the symptoms we associate with a number of neurological disorders, including ADHD. When DDT gets into our bodies, it’s stored primarily in such fatty organs as the adrenals and thyroid.
I suspect that my exposure to DDT could be the underlying cause of my Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and attention deficit disorder. Under the guidance of a homeopath, I just started on a homeopathic remedy to help me detoxify from DDT. See my blog for progress and results on my website: http://www.victoryoveradhd.com

Disclaimer:The entire contents of the editorial are based upon opinions of Deborah Merlin and Sima Ash CHom, unless otherwise noted. The information in this editorial is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research conducted by Deborah Merlin and Sima Ash. Deborah Merlin and Sima Ash encourage you to make your own health care decisions upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

“A Better & Safer kind of treatment”
A recent development in treatment of Autism, ADHD and other chronic diseases is with CEASE therapy and the use of isopathy (Tautopathy), which is a dynamic form of homeopathy, allowing the body to detoxify and eliminate toxic substances that triggered the problem.
With the CEASE approach which utilizes Dr. Tinus Smits discovery, it is possible to treat every case of autism, ADHD and other chronic diseases successfully. The aim of CEASE treatment is a systematic detoxification of the causes, leading to step by step improvements and restoration of health in the individual at any age.
Neurological and behavioral disorders are due to the accumulation of toxins in the brain. This accumulation of toxic substances, such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, medications, pathogens, chemicals and contaminants used in our homes, on our foods, and in our vaccinations and medications, build up in the fatty tissues of our bodies, creating blockages and wrecking havoc with our metabolic pathways. No wonder our neurotransmitter production is so compromised.

CEASE treatment plan
With the use of isopathic treatment all diseases can be reversed. Through administering remedies that tackle head on the causative factors which have lead to this toxic build-up, we get to the root of the problem; to the reasons behind the disorders and start detoxifying systematically to promote health and well being. Isopathy actually triggers the body into releasing the harmful physical substances, and their energetic imprints, thus allowing for the restoration of the many normal functions that had been hindered.
In this treatment we see cure as a process that leads to an increase in balance and harmony on every level; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, which is more than the elimination of symptoms.
My goal is to assist everyone in their healing so that they will be well, and will no longer have to suffer with impairments, follow highly restrictive diets, or have to take medications in order to function in daily life.

Sima Ash, CHom
Classical Homeopath
Certified CEASE practitioner
Healing4soul
Homeopathic Wellness Center
Tel: (310) 738-8878- Los Angeles
(714) 939-9355- Orange County
email: info@healing4soul.com
www.healing4soul.com

Homeopathic Detoxification of DDT

Excerpt from Victory Over ADHD- a holistic approach for helping children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Reflecting on my childhood, I realize what likely caused my persistent illnesses and attention deficit disorder. The 15 amalgam fillings (containing mercury) were one contributing factor. I also believe my poor diet, which once included far too much sugar, further hampered my health.
I was born with an insane addiction to sugar. My mother kept few sweets in the house; unfortunately, that did not stop me from making sugar the staple of my diet. I recall walking one mile to the corner store, when I was as young as seven years old, because a quarter would buy me five candy bars. I made sure that I ate them all before I got home so my mother would not find out about my sweet secret. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about sugar—particularly how it can encourage Candida growth and how it negatively affects mood, attention, and behavior.
Beyond the fillings and the sugar, I’ve concluded that the exposure to pesticides during my childhood also impaired my health. In the 1950s and 1960s, when I was growing up, trucks drove down our streets and sprayed the insecticide DDT on the trees to kill mosquitoes. I spent a lot of time as a young girl outside, climbing trees and exploring nature. I remember seeing pesticide residue dripping from the trees I climbed.
In exploring natural health issues, I have learned that some of the common symptoms of pesticide poisoning include an inability to think, poor concentration, hyperactivity, poor coordination, weakness, nervousness, breathing problems, muscle pains, and twitching—the symptoms we associate with a number of neurological challenges, including ADHD. Fortunately, in the 1960s, people became alarmed over the amount of insecticides being used and their effect on animals and people, thanks in large part to Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring (Houghton Mifflin Company, 1962). The U.S. government began to gradually phase out all uses of DDT in 1972. In 1975, most uses of chlordane were banned.

Hasamoto’s thyroiditis:
I have never experience a high energy level. On the scale of one to ten with ten being the highest I would rate my average energy level a four. Besides having a low energy level I have always felt weak and throughout my childhood had a difficult time concentrating and was uncoordinated. I am sure I would have been labeled Attention Deficit Disorder if the label had existed at the time.
In my senior year in high school, I began feeling exceptionally weak and had no energy. My doctor ordered a general blood chemical panel. The test results indicated low thyroidal activity. Though a CAT scan was ordered, I never saw the results—the hospital lost my records, and I moved away to college without seeking additional medical attention for my thyroid.
In my early twenties, I was being treated for bronchitis when my doctor noticed a large goiter in my neck. A CAT scan indicated that I had hypothyroidism—an underactive thyroid. I was prescribed Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium), which I took until I was thirty years old. A new doctor took me off the medicine to retest my thyroid; the test results showed it to be functioning within normal ranges.
In my early forties my energy level hit a new low and I had my thyroid retested and again I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an underactive thyroid disorder. I began taking Synthroid and eventually switch to a raw thyroid glandular supplement.
Until now, I never thought about the pesticide DDT being the underline cause of my hypothyroid until reading about the effects of DDT. I was astonished by how many symptoms I had such as inability to think, poor concentration, poor coordination, weakness, nervousness, and endocrine disruption which can lead to Hasamoto’s thyroiditis. In the Lancet article it concluded that DDT can cause neurological problems, diabetes, and risk factors for women who were exposed to DDT early in life found a strong association to breast cancer later in life. After reading this report I decided to look into ways to rid my body of DDT.
To learn more about the affects of DDT link below:
DDT – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to Effects on human health?: Potential mechanisms of DDT on humans are genotoxicity and endocrine disruption. DDT may have direct genotoxicity, …
Properties and chemistry – History – Environmental impact
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDT – Cached – Similar

Why I chose homeopathy to detoxify from my DDT exposure
Homeopathy has been used for over 200 years. Homeopathy is an energetic treatment based on the fact that matter and energy are the same and works on a deep level and is effective in treating the whole person and not the disease. Homeopathic remedies are also affordable, nontoxic and have no side effects.
If you decide to use homeopathy to treat your condition it is strongly advised that you seek out a qualified homeopath or health care professional who is educated in homeopathy and is familiar with the proper detoxification protocol.

First week (May 10-16, 2010)
Sima Ash my homeopath instructed me to take a low dosage of the DDT remedy every Monday and Thursday before bed. I did not have any symptoms or notice any changes after the first dosage. Thursday I took my second dosage and felt fine on Friday. Saturday morning I woke up tired even though I had a good night sleep. I went to the gym and had a good work out and after I return home I felt a little faint. I lay down for twenty minutes and continued to feel tired the rest of the day.
Sunday I felt better and walked two miles with my dog.

Second week (May 17-23, 2010)
I continued with the same low dosage of the DDT remedy on Monday night. I woke up a few times during the night with itchy skin. I experience itchy skin Tuesday night during my sleep as well. I did not notice any other symptoms of detoxification.
Wednesday I woke up tired and had a headache in the afternoon. I also felt slightly nauseated. I felt a little faint while preparing dinner. The headache and nausea persisted into Thursday morning but not bad enough to stop me from meeting a friend for lunch. Thursday night I took my second remedy for the week. Friday morning I felt a little spacey but the headache was gone. Overall I felt weak on Friday.
Saturday I feel a little tired but am able to walk my dog two miles and go on to do chores but felt my energy dragging all day. Saturday night I felt nauseas.
Overall the first two weeks of starting the low dosage of the DDT remedy went well and the detoxification was tolerable.

Feedback from homeopath
Sima Ash, CHom
Classical Homeopath
Certified CEASE practitioner

The experiences you have had after starting the detoxification are merely reactions that are part of the “HEALING” process. I will keep you on the same potency until you see no more reactions; good or bad. The reason for keeping you on the same potency is because since you have had reactions on the 30c potency, we want to completely erase the disturbance at this energetic level before we move to the next potency. The energetic imprints can be located at different energetic levels, depending on how deeply the disturbance entered the energetic field of the patient. That is the reason why some patients react strongly to a lower potency and hardly at all on the higher potencies, or vice versa.

Third week (May 24-30, 2010)
Sima instructed me to stay at the same potency until I felt no more reactions; good or bad. The reason for keeping me on the same potency is because I have had reactions on the 30c potency and we want to completely erase the disturbance at this energetic level before we move to the next potency. The energetic imprints can be located at different energetic levels, depending on how deeply the disturbance entered the energetic field of the patient.
In the third week of taking the DDT remedy I was no longer experiencing physical symptoms but was feeling more emotional than usual. I found myself distracted by thoughts of my childhood. My greatest fear is that I wouldn’t pass to the next grade level. Teachers frequently caught me daydreaming. In elementary school, although I did well on spelling tests and loved drawing, I was a slow reader, and math was challenging. I was also uncoordinated; in P.E., I was often the last kid picked to play on a team. I had a speech impediment, which the other kids teased me about, I was immature for my age, and my friendships never lasted long. I became a loner and suffered from low self-esteem.
As an adult I have been able to look back on my childhood and be objective without feeling the emotional drama and feeling inadequate. This past week I have been unusually moody and irritable.
I am glad I chose homeopathy to rid my body of DDT. Homeopathy treats the whole person on a deep level. It makes sense to me that our emotions have a direct relationship with our physical body.

Sima’s feedback for this week:
It will probably be hard for readers to believe or assimilate this powerful healing method of homeopathy until they actually experience it themselves. What happened to you the last week is a great example of healing process on the emotional level. For this week, you will be taking the next potency since the first potency finished its healing action. This way we are clearing the whole range of different energetic level as disease (energetic disturbance) can occur within a narrow energetic range or over a broad range.

Fourth week (May 31- June 6, 2010)
I took the next DDT remedy at a higher potency on Monday as Sima instructed. As with the first DDT remedy at a lower dosage, I did not feel anything for the first few days. In the middle of the week my son came down with bronchitis. I took the second DDT remedy on Thursday night and felt quite “spacey” on Friday and Saturday. Perhaps I was catching my son’s infection since my head felt so foggy and I thought the fogginess was coming from the congestion. Over the weekend I had developed a few itchy bumps on the trunk of my body.

Fifth week (June 7-14, 2010)
By Monday I had several itchy hives from the top of my head to behind my knees. I took the same DDT potency Monday night and woke up Tuesday morning with more hives. I spoke with Sima Tuesday night and she was thrilled to hear of my symptoms as hives are a good sign that the remedy is working. The DDT remedy is pushing the DDT out of my body. Sima also advised me not to use cortisone for the itching for it will push the DDT back into the body. I have been taking warm baths with Epsom salt which seem to be helping with the intense itching.

I did come down with my son’s bronchitis and have been taking elderberry syrup and Chestal, a homeopathic cough medicine.
I coughed throughout Wednesday night. By Thursday morning I had over 40 hives on my trunk and back. I took another Epsom salt bath and emailed Sima with all of my complaints. She advised me to take one pellet of the DDT remedy and dissolve it in a glass of water and take one teaspoon of the water every hour until bedtime and then take my second remedy for the week.

The bronchitis continued to get worse and I coughed all Thursday and Friday night. I also noticed I had some wheezing while I slept. The itching from the hives became so intense that I started to use an Aloe vera gel that helped enormously. Sima also prescribed an activated charcoal supplement to assist in pulling out the DDT faster. But she also said not to take any supplements within two hours since the activated charcoal will pull out the good with the bad.
Sima said I cannot take any medication for my bronchitis and headache for it will suppress the detoxification. She suggested that I put a teaspoon of salt water in the palm of my hand and snort it to clear my head and my headache was gone instantly.
Overall, the last few weeks were challenging not so much from the detoxification but from coming down with bronchitis. Sima will keep me at the same dosage of the DDT remedy until my physical symptoms clear.

Sima’s feedback for the past two weeks:
I advised Deborah not to use any medication for her bronchitis as it is not a good idea. The more medication anyone uses, the more diseases you will end of with, in the long run.
Again, what you are experiencing with your skin symptoms is a good reaction of detoxifying DDT from your body. With your bronchitis, I look at it in two ways. It could either be a coincidence with your son having the cold or it could be related to your detoxification. You may have had bronchitis in the past during the time you were exposed to DDT and now it’s pushing it all out. The best way to deal with what is happening to you at this moment is to try to sooth your skin with aloe vera gel and keep using salt water to clear any congestion that you have and not to use any medications to suppress your symptoms. They need to clear out of your body and they will.
The activated charcoal I recommended binds to toxins as well as supplements and it is best to take them a few hours apart, but it does help tremendously with the effects of detoxification.

Sixth week (June 15-21, 2010)
On Monday I continued to be quite sick with bronchitis and now have over 100 hives. I was experiencing a lot of congestion and had a bad sinus headache. I saw my medical doctor, Dr. David Allen, for acupuncture. He prescribed Chinese herbs for me and I went to a homeopathic pharmacy where I purchased a product Nasaline, which is a nasal rinsing system that works effectively in clearing out the nostrils.
I still have some congestion but coughing less. I am on the mend. Apparently this cold is going around town and lasts between two and three weeks. Unfortunately, my husband now has my infection.
One positive note is that I have lost 4 pounds in the past two weeks.
Some of the hives itch intensely while others don’t bother me at all. My energy level is still dragging. It is difficult to gauge how much of the low energy is coming from the detox and how much is from the bronchitis.
Even though the last two weeks have been the most challenging so far, I am more determined than ever to complete this DDT detox. I know it is working and understand, like any detoxification program, there will be some unpleasant detox symptoms. Sima has been wonderfully supportive throughout my detox which enables me to get through this. I am sure Sima will keep my DDT potency at the same level until all my physical symptoms clear.

Sima’s feedback:
You are absolutely right. We will repeat the same potency until we see no more reactions. At that time we will increase the potency to the next level. During the detox, you can also continue taking activated charcoal to help with pushing toxins out of your body faster.

Seventh week (June 22-29, 2010)
The last week went well. All the hives have vanished from my trunk and back. I only have a few hives on my shoulder. I also have a boil on the tip of my nose. Sima said this is related to my detox.
My bronchitis is slowly going away. Others who have this infection say that it last for a while.
I am starting to feel better and Sima said it is time to take the next higher DDT potency. I may or may not experience the same symptoms of detoxing at the next level.

Sima’s feedback:
What you experienced in your last potency of 200c with the skin eruptions is all related to the healing process. In his book about CEASE therapy, Autism Beyond Despair, Dr. Tinus Smits mentions numerous times about these healing processes during the course of detoxification.
All eruptions during such a healing process have to be seen as an indication that the body needs to detoxify and find a better balance.This also means that the disease is healing from a more important organ to a lesser important organ which is the skin from inside out. Suppressing these eruptions from outside with ointments just sabotages the body’s effort to heal and will only push it back to a deeper level again.
With the next higher potency of 1M, you may experience other detox symptoms or your body may still experience the same symptoms.
Please keep in mind that these eruptions are a wonderful way of getting rid of toxins that have been accumulated in your body for many years.

Eighth week (June 30-July 6, 2010)
I took the next higher dosage of the DDT remedy Monday night and felt a tiny bit of itching but no hives. Thursday night I took the second dosage for the week. I had plenty of sleep Friday night, but woke up exhausted Saturday morning. I was too tired to walk the dog and went back to sleep for an hour. Saturday afternoon I felt like I was heavily sedated and took a two hour nap. I felt somewhat better Sunday and by Monday I was feeling fine.
I continued with the same dosage the following Monday night and almost immediately could see and feel the hives reappearing on my trunk and back. Knowing the hives are a good thing, I was elated to see them as my body is going into the next, deeper level of healing. I find it interesting that as the hives are coming out my energy level improves.

Sima’s feedback:
I am so delighted to hear that your energy level improves as you take the next higher potency in spite of reappearing hives.
Here are my recommendations to take care of hives should they reappear.
To stop the itching get 1/2 a tub filled with warm water, add 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup baking soda. Soaking yourself at least once a day can make a lot of difference.
Applying aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil to the affected area at least twice a day can also be beneficial.
Calming our nerves is one of the important things to do, as stress makes the matter worse. Drinking chamomile, valerian and catnip tea soothes the nerves.
Consume cayenne pepper capsules to help the healing procedure. You can also take vitamin C, vitamin E or zinc for quick relief.
Use of Acupressure: By massaging the trapezius points, you can find some relief. The trapezius muscle is found between the neck and the shoulder. By giving the vital pressure it may help you clear the red and white ringed patches of your body.
It is interesting to know that the hives are a direct correlation of thyroid problems (Hashimoto thyroiditis). Chronic hives last longer than the usual cases of hives, and recur more frequently. Since you are going through detoxification, it is a natural reaction of the body’s defense mechanism to get rid of toxins which in your case is in the form of hives.
I will let you know by the end of the week, depending on your progress and how you feel.

Ninth week (July 5-11, 2010)
Sima had me stay on the same level of the homeopathic remedy DDT and I took the same dosage on the following Thursday night. The hives I started to get on Monday did not amount to much and the itching was minimal. My energy level remained fair.
Since my detox symptoms were minimal, Sima decided to increase the DDT potency to the next and highest level for the following week.

Tenth week (July 12-18, 2010)
On the first night of taking the highest DDT potency, I felt some more minor itching but the one symptom that caught my attention was that my skin had an odd sensation. It was tolerable and not nearly as uncomfortable as with the lower potencies. My energy level has been pretty good over the last week. The itching is hardly noticeable and Sima has instructed me to stay at the highest potency for a second week.

Sima’s feedback:
Since you are still having hives, though less than compared to before, I would like for you to continue with another week of 10m potency as your body is still getting rid of DDT which show up as hives. One thing which is worth mentioning is that the SKIN forms the second largest surface of our body, after the mucosa, and is in constant contact with the outside world. Apart from functioning as a barrier, skin is a major detoxifying organ. Many people may not be aware that the skin can absorb many substances foreign to our body, like pesticides and many of the chemicals found in products used by millions of people worldwide. The skin has to be able to detoxify these chemicals. Hives is only one way that the body is attempting to rid itself of these substances.
Due to the wide distribution of toxins and our fast lifestyle with modern malnutrition and toxic food, as well as the increase in psychological stress, there is even more need for detoxification and drainage for individuals. For those who are unfamiliar with the process of detoxification protocol, it is a different experience for different people. The aim of detoxification is to eradicate and clear these toxins and to SUPPORT the organs for healthier body, mind and soul.

Eleventh week (July 19- July 25, 2010)
In the second week of taking the 10m DDT remedy, I continued to have more hives and itching but not nearly as many hives as at the 200c level.
Since I was up a little late and ate late I decided to take the second dosage for the week at one o’clock in the morning, after I had been a sleep for two hours. I woke up to use the restroom and to take the remedy. To my surprise I could barely walk and felt very weak. I had to grab the dresser and lean up against the wall to make it to the bathroom. I felt severely sedated and I do not drink alcohol or take prescription medication other than natural thyroid and bio-identical hormones. After I went to the bathroom I took my DDT remedy and staggered back to bed.
I lay in bed worrying that I may be having a stroke while I was having heart palpitations. After 45 minutes I decided to go to the bathroom again to see if I was still having the same symptoms. I was still quite weak and had a hard time balancing myself to walk fifteen feet to the bathroom. I got back to bed as quickly as I could and did a quick test on myself to see if I were in fact having a stroke. I successfully lifted my arms above my head, smiled and said a sentence, which is a quick test to see if you are having a stroke. Since I passed the test I figured it must be vertigo.
The last time I had a vertigo attack was when my twins were young and I was unaware I had a dairy allergy. Once I removed dairy from my diet the vertigo stopped. Periodically I will tempt fate and eat some dairy and be okay. I did have some dairy in the past week and thought that it may be the cause of the vertigo returning. I eventually fell back to sleep and was okay when I woke up in the morning. I walked my dog and felt a little congested. The following Monday I had a minor sore throat and some sneezing. Since I was still having detox symptoms, Sima instructed me to continue the 10m remedy for another week.

Sima’s feedback:
When you detox any toxic matter out of your body, many symptoms will arise. Vertigo, headaches, skin hives, sleeplessness, fever and others. These are all good indicators that the body is trying to push out these invaders and put itself in a state of equilibrium. These are signs of cure as the disease is pushed outwards (exteriorization). So, never suppress these symptoms as you will work against the good work of the remedy and nature!
As stated above, during detoxification these remedies will strengthen your vital force and your immune system, so much that it will begin a healing process that will take you back in time. Symptoms such as skin rashes, fevers, colds, vertigo and discharges are the body’s natural way of healing and are to be encouraged. Do not panic as these can be good signs.
Since you have taken suppressive measures in the past such as numerous antibiotics or prescription medication to suppress pain, the symptoms that you are experiencing will sometimes get worse or reappear temporarily before they get better.
Keep in mind the good news is that you are finally getting to the cause and root of your symptoms rather than just pushing them deeper in the body, and your health in many areas will benefit as a result. Sometimes patience and perseverance will be needed in the case of long standing symptoms, suppressed rashes, discharges, vertigo, etc.
These isopathic remedies have an amazing capability to restore health to the human body and changes start to occur through shifts in the mind and body that are very natural.
I also strongly recommend use of gemmotherapy products as an adjunct during detoxification for drainage of toxic load from different organs in the body that has been affected the most. For the most part, draining these toxic substances as they are being detoxified with the use of isotherapy would greatly benefit the patient. The most common gemmotherapy products that I recommend for liver/kidney drainage are Juniperus communis (kidney drainage) and Rosmarinus officinalis ( Liver cleanser) and Betula verrucosa (Liver & Kidney drainer). These come in liquid form and can be taken separately or in combination.

Twelfth week (July 26-August 1, 2010)
The third week of being on the 10m DDT remedy turned out to be a breeze. The sore throat disappeared by the middle of the week. My energy level was the best it has been since I started the DDT detox. The only detox symptom I had was some mild itching.
When I began the homeopathic DDT detox Sima told me that once the detox is completed that she would like me to repeat the detox twice, two days apart for each remedy. This way we can make sure we have removed the energetic imprint of residual DDT from each level.

Thirteenth week (August 2- 8, 2010)
I began the DDT detox control course by taking the lowest potency 30c on Monday and Wednesday night. The only detox symptom was usual mild itching. Friday and Sunday night I took the second remedy at 200c. I felt slightly more itching at this level but it was very tolerable.
Next I will move to last two higher DDT potencies. I have eight more days to go. I will blog about the last part of the detox and any follow-up information after it is completed.

Sima’s feedback:
Everything in life is vibration and every disturbance has its own frequency. Every pathogenic organism, every heavy metal and every toxin or disease makes imprints in the energetic system of the organism. One of the reasons that after completing a full course of detox, I continue with a shorter course of the detox (15 days) is to verify whether a given detox has completely been removed from your energy field. If during this shorter detox course, there are still reactions taking place, this is a clear indication that the toxic substance has not completely been eradicated from your energy field and the whole course must be repeated after a two week pause.
In other words isotherapy allows us to determine whether certain suspected chemical toxins have played a role in someone’s life. If there is no reaction to the detoxification, we can conclude that the substance had nothing to do with the patient. If on the contrary, there are clear reactions to the homeopathic preparation of the suspected substance followed by clear improvements, as in your case, we can conclude that the original substance was harmful.
Please also keep in mind that physical reactions during detox such as runny nose, sore throat, sweating, skin eruptions and fever as well as emotional reactions such as being more sleepy and irritability for few days are good indications of toxins clearing from the body.

Fourteenth week (August 9-16, 2010)
The last eight days of the DDT detox control course were uneventful. I hardly noticed any itching or other symptoms of detoxing. August 16th was the last time I took the homeopathic DDT remedy and I feel fine.

Overview and final thoughts on the homeopathic DDT detox:

Overall the DDT detox was tolerable. I did have some challenging times during the fourth, fifth and sixth week when I was sick with bronchitis and had over 100 hives on my back and trunk. It was amazing to see how all of a sudden the hives disappeared in the seventh week. I was still able to function during the hardest part of the detox when I felt ill and had low energy. It was necessary to take it easy and not push myself when my energy or mood was low. In fact I made it a point to do things that I love such as painting. I created some of my best art ever. I continued to walk about two miles daily but did put off going to the gym until my detox was completed. I found afternoon naps to be helpful.
Thirteen years ago, one of the most important things I ever have ever done for my health was to have my fifteen amalgam fillings (containing mercury) removed from my teeth and had the fillings replaced with composite fillings. I had no idea my chronic headaches and frequent respiratory infections were being caused by my amalgam fillings.

Like mercury, DDT is harmful to the body and since I have been exhibiting illnesses associated with DDT exposure my whole life, it made sense to remove the DDT to reverse and prevent further damage to my immune system. I will be having my thyroid tested in about six months to see if the DDT detox made a difference. I will report the findings on this blog at that time.

As I stressed in the beginning of this blog, it is critical to work with a health care professional who is educated in detoxing. Sima Ash, my homeopath, was there every step of the way and her knowledge, caring and support made a significant difference in how I was able to manage the detox and its outcome. Thank you Sima! You are a gifted healer.

Sima’s feedback:
I had you repeat the DDT for two (2) weeks only (control course), after you ended your last dose of 10M DDT. One of the reasons the control course follows the course of detoxification is to make sure that all energetic imprints of DDT have been completely eradicated from the system.
I would also like to add that you have been a great patient and a friend throughout the detoxification course. Great results and cure are found when homeopathic recommendations are carried out by the patient as homeopathy is a partnership between patient and the practitioner.

Sima Ash, CHom
Classical Homeopath
Certified CEASE practitioner
Healing4soul
Tel: (310) 738-8878
email: info@healing4soul.com
www.healing4soul.com

Toe-walking and Autism

Another common behavior for which Reflexology can provide some clues is toe-walking, frequently observed in individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Two conventional western medical approaches to this behavior are to encourage stretching the Achilles tendon, or in some cases paralyzing the muscles that pull on the tendon. More recently, some behavioral optometrists have theorized that the individual may have a problem with depth perception so that he walks on his toes to protect himself from falling backwards on what his visual perception sees as an incline.

I have found it more frequently relates to digestive disorders, from stomach aches to constipation to irritable bowel syndrome, since the part of the foot on which the person is avoiding placing pressure relates to the reflexology points for the intestinal tract. When HANDLE Practitioners employ this theory and work on the tactile and auditory sensitivities that may prevent someone from properly chewing her food, thus improving digestion (which begins in the mouth and involves the noisy processes of chewing and swallowing), not only does digestion improve, stomach aches diminish, and attention perk up, but toe-walking also disappears.

Judith Bluestone
www.handle.org

Sunburn Prevention: Are Sunscreens Safe?

by Jane Sheppard
www.healthychild.com
See our recommendation for Natural, Safe, Non-Toxic Sunscreen at the end of this article.

Summer is almost here, along with warm, sunny days and the possibility of sunburn. With fair skin and freckles, my daughter and I have to be vigilant about preventing sunburn.

While too much sun can cause sunburn and skin damage, moderate sunshine is necessary and beneficial to health. We all need adequate amounts of daily sunlight to stay healthy. Sunshine is the source of vitamin D, which is absolutely necessary for proper brain development, to prevent colds and flu and reduce the risk of certain cancers and other diseases. The light from the sun is very healing.

Try to get moderate sun exposure every day. Vitamin D levels should be optimal if you get out in the sun every day without sunscreen, exposing as much skin as possible for about 30 minutes or for the time it takes for the skin to begin to turn slightly pink. Sun exposure should occur when the sun is high enough up in the sky so your shadow is shorter than you. The trick is not to burn. How much is too much depends on the individual. Some children, in the beginning of the season, can only take about 10 to 15 minutes at a time before starting to turn pink. Others can safely get 20-30 minutes or more. Providing your children with this limited daily sun exposure can be as important as providing your children with good nutrition. It’s critical to good health.

See articles about vitamin D

If your child will be in the sun for a long period of time that will cause them to burn, they need to be protected. The least toxic form of protection is wearing a wide-brimmed hat and natural fiber clothing that covers the skin.

Parents are now in the habit of generously applying sunscreen to their kids on a daily basis in the summer months. This is not a good idea since sunscreen can be very toxic and certainly not something you want to rub into your child’s body every day if not necessary. It’s very important to know that suncscreen blocks vitamin D production in the skin.

Common sunscreen ingredients are suspected or known carcinogens and/or hormone disrupters, including diethanolamine, triethanolamine (DEA, TEA), padimate-o, octyl dimethyl PABA, benzophenone, oxybenzone, homosalate, octyl-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate), salicylates, and parabens.

The results of numerous studies suggest that many of the popular sunscreens could contribute to cancer due to their mutagenic and free radical generating properties. And perhaps a more disturbing finding is that many commonly used sunscreen chemicals have strong estrogenic actions that may interfere with normal sexual development and cause reproductive problems. Chemicals in sunscreens can also cause skin irritation and rashes.

Many popular sunscreens contain the chemical ingredient Benzophenone (or its derivatives Benzophenone-3 or Oxybenzone) since it is one of the best of the chemical sunscreens in protecting against both UVA and UVB rays. However, sunscreens containing these chemicals are NOT a good choice. Here is an instance in which the protection may create more harm than good and actually cause the disease it’s trying to prevent. Benzophenone is a powerful free radical generator activated by ultraviolet light. These free radicals could initiate a reaction that may ultimately lead to melanoma and other skin cancers.

Studies show that some of the chemicals in sunscreens are absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts. The longer sunscreen chemicals are left on the skin, the greater the absorption into the body. One study notes “it would be prudent not to apply oxybenzone to large surface areas of skin for extended and repeated periods of time, unless no alternative protection is available. There may be an additional concern for young children who have less well-developed processes of elimination, and have a larger surface area per body weight than adults.”

Many sunscreen products contain triethanolamine (TEA). This ingredient may combine with nitrite (used as a preservative or may be present as an environmental contaminant) to cause formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines. Nitrites are not disclosed on cosmetic labels so there’s no way of telling which products are contaminated with nitrosamines. Particularly disturbing is that up to 35 percent of TEA applied to the skin can enter the bloodstream.

Physical barrier-type sunscreens such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are assumed to be safer products. However, research now shows that though titanium dioxide sunscreens are safer than products containing chemicals such as benzophenone, they are not something we should be putting on our children’s bodies on a regular basis. Titanium dioxide has the ability to cause DNA damage in human cells and there is concern that it may be carcinogenic.

Zinc oxide is a mineral that provides complete UVB/UVA protection, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is considered a safe sunscreen ingredient. Zinc oxide is the only FDA approved sunscreen for use on children under 6 months of age. However, the regular form of zinc oxide leaves a strong white residue on the skin. To create a clear skin product rather than one that leaves a white residue, zinc oxide is now made in the form of nano-size particles. There is growing concern about the toxicity of nanoparticles, which has initiated a world-wide effort to study the skin absorption and phototoxicity of nanoparticles of preparations used in sunscreens and cosmetics. Recent research shows that nanoparticles can cross the human placenta, possibly exposing the developing fetus to the tiny materials. At this time, the safety of nanoparticles has not been proven, so caution is prudent, especially when pregnant or using these products on children.
So then what do we do?

Here is what I have decided to do for myself and my daughter. We try to get about 30 minutes of sun exposure without sunscreen every day. If we will be out in the sun for long periods of time, we know we will burn, so we use a zinc oxide sunscreen that is not made in the form of nanoparticles (see recommendation below).

Moderate sunshine every day is critical to good health. But when our children’s skin will be exposed to longer periods of sun, we need to protect them with the least toxic means possible.

Recommended Healthy and Safe Sunscreen

I’m happy to say I finally found a great zinc oxide sunscreen that is micronized with a larger particle size and contains no nanoparticles. It is made by Kabana Skin Care and the ingredients are excellent. Kabana’s petrochemical-free, organic and natural skin care and sunscreen formulas are created by Erik Kreider MS MBA, a pharmaceutical scientist who became dissatisfied with companies that mislead their customers and ‘market’ natural but don’t ’sell’ natural ingredients in their mass-marketed skin care products.

In order for an ingredient to be deemed natural by Kabana’s rigorous standards it must either be directly derived from a living organism via a sustainable process and free of petrochemicals, or is a mineral that has a proven safety record for use on and in the human body. Kabana’s ingredients are of the highest quality, chosen specifically to ensure good health and environmental sustainability.

We use their Green Screen® Organic SPF 22 – Skin Tone Tinted Sunscreen and it feels great on my skin, non-greasy, and doesn’t make it look white. They have a whole line of other natural products, including moisturizers, shower gel, diaper rash cream, lip balm, and gift sets.

Click on this graphic to learn more and to purchase these products. This link will take you outside of the Healthy Child website. We are an affiliate of Kabana Skin Care and we do receive a small commission when you purchase something from their site. Rest assured that we will never recommend companies and their products unless we are absolutely sure about their quality, safety, effectiveness, and value to you as concerned parents. Thanks for your support!

Kabana Skin Care Products

Environmental Toxins, ADHD and Autism Update
We face an epidemic of neurological and learning disorders that cannot be explained away by simple genetics. The Centers for Disease Control report that one out of six children has a neurological disorder. In the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), 82,533 students receive special-education services. Students with symptoms of ADHD fall under the “Other Health Impairment” category where a total of 6,463 were enrolled in 2009.
The increase of autistic students enrolled in LAUSD between 2003 and 2009 is truly alarming, especially since the overall student population decreased during those years.

Year Number of autistic students
2003 3,497

2004 5,155

2005 6,250

2006 6,769

2007 7,542

2008 8,516
2009 9,332

In other words, in 2003, one out of 211 children was autistic; in 2009 the number of autistic students increased to one out of 73. If this trend continues, next year there will be 10,000 autistic students in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Autism was one of the main health topics discussed during the presidential debates. Autism has increased twelve-fold in California, and many others states are experiencing similar increases. This is an urgent crisis, and we must immediately address the root causes of these neurological disorders.
Environmental toxicity — particularly heavy-metal toxicity — causes a range of serious neurological and degenerative disorders. Heavy metals and other environmental toxins saturate our world. Our children come into frequent contact with mercury, lead, aluminum, pesticides and other toxins like the fire retardants found in cars and electronic equipment.
These toxins accumulate in the body’s vital organs and tissues, including the brain, liver, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas. They disrupt normal function, giving way to learning disabilities, hyperactivity, impaired IQ, poor concentration, depression, anxiety, violent behavior, headaches, and other obstacles to a child’s education and general well-being.
How prevalent is environmental toxicity? We don’t have the answers — yet. But, as the Environmental Protection Agency reports, we do know that one out of six women carries unsafe levels of mercury in her blood, putting 630,000 American infants per year at risk for cognitive and developmental damage. Fetuses in particular have the odds stacked against them if they mature in a cesspool of toxins
No level of lead exposure can be considered safe. The U.S. Public Health Service guidelines for “acceptable” blood level exposures (in micrograms per deciliter) have dropped dramatically over the years: Until 1969, 60 micrograms had been deemed safe; now, any exposure over 3 micrograms is considered a contributing factor to lower IQ and various behavior problems.
What can be done? All men and women should get tested for heavy metal toxicity before they start having children. But that aside, with such a large population of children struggling against learning disabilities, why not evaluate all children for environmental toxins before they enter the school system? A simple hair clipping, for instance, can be inexpensively tested for heavy metals. If test results indicate toxicity, there are several safe, scientifically-proven ways to remove toxins from the body; many families find success with chelation therapy.
Another inconvenient truth regards the food our children consume. Two characteristics of toxins in our food are artificial food coloring and aspartame. Most artificial food coloring contains mercury, lead and arsenic at microdose levels, but there is no safe level of these destructive toxins. Aspartame is a known neurotoxin. These additives have no business in children’s cereal or commercial vitamins. Even though thimerosal (mercury) has been removed from childhood vaccines with the exception of the flu vaccine, aluminum is still in most vaccines which is known to be a neurotoxin. Regrettably, not one school district in the United States has established a policy to measure environmental toxicity in students with learning disabilities or behavior disorders.
Systematic testing and detoxification of heavy metals and other environmental toxins could help reverse neurological disorders and over time, help reign in school district budgets by spending less money on special education services and better serve students. And the potential value for your child’s education and well-being — well, who could put a dollar figure on that?
Mother/author
www.victoryoveradhd.com
References:
* Wolcott William and Trish Fahey. The Metabolic Diet. New York: Broadway Books, 2000.
* “Twice as Many Newborns Are at Risk for Developmental, Learning Problems — EPA ,” Greenwire, February 5, 2004, viewed at http://www.ewg.org/news/story.php?id=2234
* Marla Cone, “Cause for Alarm Over Chemicals,” Los Angeles Times, April 20, 2004.
Thomas H. Maugh II, “Safe Lead Levels Lowers IQ in Children, study finds,” Los Angeles Times, April 17, 2003.
Los Angeles Unified School District Planning, Assessment and Research Student Information Systems Branch Special Education Support Services, CASEMIS Reports Special Education by Category, 2003,2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
* Dr. Joseph Mercola “The Dangers of Electro Magnetic Radiation” www.mercola.com
Janet Starr Hull, PhD www.sweetpoison.com
* Page Remick Food to dye for www.purezing.com
Debbie Lindgren www.Bluedominoes.com

Premature birth tied to later behavioral problems

Last Updated: 2009-12-16 13:01:11 -0400 (Reuters Health)

By Amy Norton

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Children who were born prematurely and at a very low weight may have an increased risk of certain behavior problems and symptoms of depression and anxiety, research suggests.

As the survival rates of very preterm newborns have improved in recent years, studies have uncovered some of the potential long-term challenges these infants will face — including lower IQ and higher rates of behavioral problems compared with their peers born at term.

In the new study, researchers found that among 104 7- to 16-year-olds they assessed, the 49 who were born very prematurely had higher rates of hyperactivity and attention problems, as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The higher risk was not explained by lower IQ scores, however. Nor was families’ socioeconomic status an important factor in children’s odds of behavioral or emotional issues.

Instead, birth weight itself was the strongest factor, the researchers report in the journal Pediatrics.

The finding “suggests that in children born prematurely, behavioral issues might be more biologically based and not easily compensated for by improvements in the environment,” explained lead researcher Dr. Amy L. Conrad, of the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City.

“It does not mean that environment can’t help,” she told Reuters Health in an email, “just that it might not have as strong of an impact as for children born at term and of average birth weight.”

In addition, while the study found that parents of premature children reported more behavioral and emotional symptoms than other parents did, most kids did not have significant problems.

According to Conrad, 18 percent of preterm children had hyperactivity/inattention problems that were in the “clinical range” — or significant enough to warrant therapy — while 14 percent had depression or anxiety symptoms in that range.

For the study, Conrad’s team had 104 children and teenagers take standard intelligence tests, while their parents and teachers completed a standard questionnaire on behavioral issues. Forty-nine of the kids had been born significantly preterm — between the 24th and 33rd week of pregnancy. A normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks.

Their birth weights ranged from “extremely low” — less than 2.2 pounds — to “very low,” or between 2.2 and 3.3 pounds.

In general, parents of preterm children reported more behavioral issues than parents of children born full-term, with the highest rates among children with extremely low birth weights. The link between birth weight and behavior did not fade after the researchers factored in children’s age, gender, IQ and socioeconomic status.

It’s possible that very low birth weight affected some children’s brain development in a way that made them more vulnerable to behavioral problems. Conrad said that the aim of her team’s future research is to help answer that question.

For now, she said, parents of premature children should be aware of the higher risk of behavioral issues and be on the lookout for potential signs of problems.

“If parents notice issues of inattention, hyperactivity, depression or anxiety that are not age-appropriate and interfere with everyday life,” she said, “they would want to consult their doctor or seek referral to a local psychologist.”

SOURCE: Pediatrics, January 2010.

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The following tips come from Los Angeles mother, Deborah Merlin, author of Victory over AD/HD; A holistic approach for helping children with Attention Hyperactivity Disorder.

Holidays with young twin boys presented challenges and stressful situations for my family, both physically and emotionally. Both of my boys were diagnosed with ADHD, and both were picky eaters. To complicate matters, the holidays never failed to bring them ear and respiratory infections.

Parenting under these conditions taught me patience and understanding. I learned some valuable lessons in parenting my young boys. I kept stress under control by keeping them involved, bringing out their creative side and being sure their diets kept them healthy.

Allow picky eaters to have their favorites and offer the opportunity to slowly become familiar with traditional holiday fare.
Since I had to choose my battles wisely, I prepared my boys’ favorite meals the day before. Then, I’d just heat these meals before serving our traditional Thanksgiving dinner. This avoided disappointed boys and frustrated guests and relatives. As my kids matured, they were willing to try new foods, and holiday meals became easier to prepare. I’m glad I allowed them to find their comfort level in trying new foods on their own timeline.

Be alert to food sensitivities and allergies.
Food allergies are often common with people who have ADHD. Dairy allergies caused my boys countless ear infections and visits to the doctor’s office. Not one of our doctors ever suspected that dairy products were the cause of my twins’, or my own, persistent ear infections. They continued to prescribe antibiotics. By the time my sons were six years old they were prescribed at least thirty-five rounds of antibiotics, and had begun to develop allergies to the antibiotics themselves!

Their health improved dramatically once dairy was removed from their diets. Rice milk and almond milk were well-received alternatives. If your child develops frequent ear infections talk to your pediatrician about testing your child for food sensitivities.

Use the family gathering as an opportunity to build strong family ties as well as children’s self-esteem.
ADHD children are often told everything they do wrong, and tend to have low self-esteem. An effective way to remove negative feelings from a family dinner is to have everyone take a turn listing either a positive comment or something they’re grateful for about each person at the table. Hearing constructive comments elevates a person’s spirit, and among other things, a happy mood aids with healthy digestion!

Keep youngsters active!
I knew my boys would burn off excess energy by playing outdoors, so I planned activities to keep them active. One of their particular favorites was hide and seek! They alternated quiet activities with active ones so their interest never waned.

Bring out your child’s helpful side.
My boys loved being in our active, bustling kitchen, so I always found ways to involve them in the holiday preparations. They liked to help with tasks such as stirring the food or piling vegetables into the serving bowl.

Allow your child to select at least one of the special foods for the meal.
Everyone feels more connected to the meal when they get to make choices. Each of my boys was allowed the select a food for the meal as long as it was a food that followed their diet.

Encourage your child’s creativity!
I helped my twins get in touch with their creative side by making sure we had plenty of construction paper, crayons and patterns for turkeys and pumpkins so they could make place cards and decorations. I suggested that my boys put their heads together and make a place card for each person that reflected their personality and complimented one of their positive qualities! They always came up with unique ways to celebrate the family members who came for dinner.

Please let us know what you think about these ideas. If you have other suggestions for keeping stress in check during Thanksgiving, please let us know below!

Deborah Merlin is the author of Victory over AD/HD; A holistic approach for helping children with Attention Hyperactivity Disorder.

For fifteen years, Deborah Merlin has made it her mission to advocate for her twins’ special needs. As a new mother of very premature twins with challenging health problems, she found that doctors and other professionals offered drugs as the only solution.

In her search for alternative treatments, she has become a leading advocate for holistic therapies, encouraging parents and doctors to try new, alternative techniques for overcoming AD/HD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

She is a frequent guest speaker on radio shows through out the United States and Canada. Deborah is also a consultant to parents who need support and provides resources regarding their children’s individual needs. Email Deborah Merlin.

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A Halloween Trick and Treat for ADHD Children

Most candy contains artificial food coloring, wheat, sugar, dairy and sometimes aspartame. These ingredients are a guaranteed recipe to cause ear infections, respiratory illness, and exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

I knew there was no way I could discourage my twins from trick-or-treating when they were seven years old. So I used the oldest trick in the world: bribery. I let them go trick or treating, and at the end of the evening I bought the candy back. They were happy enough about it; with their money, they’d buy a new toy.