Friday, August 6, 2010

Attention Deficit Epidemic

Human beings are grasp learners – considered one of our definitive traits. The brain is made of specialized nerve cells, referred to as neurones, that communicate with each other to form the process of thought itself. The brain is constantly restructuring itself and studying by forming new nerve pathways. A healthy new-born baby will form over half its studying pathways between ages one and 5 years. The variety of nerve cells don’t increase after age two, however the number of connections do. At birth a child can connect with 2500 other neurones. By age 2-3 years a baby can hook up with 15000 neurones.

Learning is one of the greatest and most exciting potentials we have to fulfil. But sadly our capability to learn is being threatened. This is evident within the ever-increasing incidence of childhood learning disabilities seen today, from consideration deficit hyperactivity disorder to autism. Statistics from the UK show that one in three youngsters in each classroom is recognized with attention deficit dysfunction (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Lancet estimate that eight to 10 percent of youngsters suffer from this condition. Boys are more susceptible to ADHD than girls, with a ratio of 10:1 boy to woman sufferers.

ADHD does not often affect IQ or intelligence and individuals will be highly creative and can sit for lengthy periods finishing projects which can be of interest to them. Onset is normally by the age of 3, though diagnosis is often later when the child is in school. ADHD can occur in maturity as well.

Symptoms of ADHD (one or more could also be present):

Hyperactivity
Risk-taking behaviour
Restlessness
Reduced concentration & distractibility
Short consideration span
Aggressiveness
Impulsivity (action earlier than thought, abrupt adjustments in activities, leaping up in class)
Reduced coordination and accident susceptible behaviour
Self-destructive behaviour
Temper tantrums and impatience
Low stress tolerance & emotional instability
Disruptiveness in the classroom
Excessive talking
Problems adapting to change/new things
Memory and thought issues – often losing things.

Causes

Although the trigger or causes of ADHD have not been fully established, many theories have been postulated. Recent research has recognized that ADHD is attributable to chemical imbalances within the brain’s neurotransmitters, with dopamine being low in ADHD sufferers. The causes for this chemical imbalance are varied.

Conventional Treatment

Conventional treatment doesn’t address the underlying explanation for ADHD but merely masks the signs by prescribing brain-stimulating drugs. Ritalin, an amphetamine-type drug, is essentially the most commonly prescribed anti hyperactivity drug. It has been categorised as a class II drug (alongside cocaine and methadone) by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. Ritalin works by stimulating the production of the brain neurotransmitter, dopamine. Dopamine helps to focus consideration and concentration. The long-term effects of Ritalin have not yet been established. Numerous side-effects have been identified with Ritalin. It should not be stopped suddenly, since severe withdrawal reactions can happen (e.g. depression). Supervision during withdrawal can be needed. Ritalin shouldn’t be administered to kids less than six years of age.

The function of nutrients in mental health

The nutritional method to ADHD works on the idea that dietary changes influence brain chemistry. Certain vitamins are required to make and maintain the brain itself. Deficiencies of these nutrients at any time can have repercussions on intelligence, learning potential and behaviour.

The key vitamins required to feed the brain are:

Essential fatty acids present in oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines), nuts and seeds, are vital for brain function. These important fats form part of the myelin sheath, a layer surrounding all neurones, and enable one neurone to communicate with another.

Protein (found in for instance salmon, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils, eggs, tofu, quinoa, yoghurt) is vital for the formation of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the brain.

Vitamins and minerals function to preserve the brain in tune. The B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and zinc are some of important vitamins and minerals wanted by the brain.
Phospholipids from eggs and lecithin granules help with brain memory.

The predominant brain pollutants that hinder brain operate are:

Heavy metals akin to mercury, lead, cadmium, copper and aluminium.
Trans and hydrogenated fats found in fried meals and meals containing margarine or shortening.
Preservatives and components from processed foods.
Food and chemical sensitivities (milk and wheat being essentially the most common)
Blood sugar imbalances – hyperactivity is often the results of a sudden burst of sugar. The brain feeds on sugar and low blood sugar can also end in lack of concentration.

There is a robust connection between poor gastro-intestinal perform and adverse brain symptoms. Gastro-intestinal tract conditions, resembling intestinal permeability, meals intolerance, undigested food particles and chemicals, imbalances in gut bacteria and yeast infection, can have a profound negative impact on brain function. The time period GAP (gut and psychology) syndrome, has been used to explain this link. Assessing gastro-intestinal function is an important aspect of treating ADHD nutritionally.

Functional Tests

Various assessments are useful tools in identifying doable causes and contributing components to ADHD. The nutritionist might use a number of of the following:

Hair Mineral Analysis – for figuring out heavy metal toxicity and nutrient imbalances.
Food Allergy or Food Intolerance Testing.
CDSA – Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis – for figuring out if there are any pathogenic bacteria/fungus or organisms are present.

Nutritional remedy has proven very helpful for a lot of children with ADD or ADHD. It has few, if any, unwanted effects and is due to this fact worth pursuing earlier than considering other more harmful interventions.

brain supplements a place where you can relax, referesh your mind and body.If you are looking to pamper yourself, you can visit brain supplements and surely you can see the satisfaction you are looking for. Come and visit brain supplements.

No comments:

Post a Comment