ADHD Archives - Amazing Health Advances

UCLA Launches Trial of Wearable ADHD Therapy for Children Exposed to Alcohol in the Womb

The AHA! Team — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:07:59 +0000

University of California – Los Angeles Health Sciences via News-Medical – Researchers at UCLA Health are launching the first clinical trial to test whether a wearable device that delivers gentle nerve stimulation during sleep could ease ADHD symptoms in children with prenatal alcohol exposure. Children exposed to alcohol in the womb have a heightened risk of developing ADHD-like symptoms including hyperactivity, impulsivity and executive function deficits such as difficulty paying attention, remembering, and organizing their behavior. Prenatal alcohol exposure affects about 5% of children in the U.S. with the majority developing these symptoms. These children are frequently less responsive to conventional pharmaceutical treatments for ADHD, such as psychostimulants, which can make the symptoms more disabling. The two-year clinical trial, led by UCLA adjunct professor of child psychiatry Joseph O’Neill, will study whether a neurostimulation therapy may be an effective, at-home treatment option for these children. Known as trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS), the noninvasive therapy uses electrode patches attached to a small device that delivers gentle electric stimulation of the trigeminal nerve while the child sleeps. Parents place the electrode patches on the child’s forehead before bed, with the device left on overnight. This stimulation activates brain regions associated with attention and executive function. TNS device in 2019 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the first external TNS device in 2019 after studies showed it safely improved ADHD symptoms in children ages seven to 12. However, its effectiveness for treating ADHD symptoms specifically for children with prenatal alcohol exposure has not been studied. ADHD symptoms are highly disabling for children with prenatal alcohol exposure and difficult to manage for families. And these symptoms often fail to respond to standard treatment, such as drugs like methylphenidate, in children exposed to alcohol in the womb. There is a pressing need for expanded therapeutic options for these children. So, we are looking forward to testing this very safe novel therapy that has been effective in unexposed children with ADHD.” – Joseph O’Neill, UCLA adjunct professor of child psychiatry $350,000 grant from the National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Funded by a $350,000 grant from the National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the pilot clinical trial will involve 30 children ages eight to 12 with exposure to alcohol during gestation. Parents will be provided a Monarch eTNS device developed by the Los Angeles-based company NeuroSigma, Inc. to be used nightly for four weeks. The parents will keep track of the child’s executive function, sleep habits, negative side effects and any adverse events. Both parents and children will rate tolerability as well as their satisfaction with treatment. If the treatment is determined to be feasible and effective, the study would proceed to a randomized crossover clinical trial. The NIAAA is set to provide up to $2.1 million for the three-year trial. “I am thrilled to be a part of this innovative study that I hope will provide relief for both children and their families who suffer from the negative consequences associated with prenatal alcohol exposure because these children have so much to offer to society,” said study co-lead Mary O’Connor, professor emerita of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. The recruitment period for the trial is currently open. Interested families may contact the study by emailing ChildBrainStudy@mednet.ucla.edu, calling (310) 267-2710, or taking the online screener at https://bit.ly/TNS-PAE Source: University of California – Los Angeles Health Sciences To read the original article click here.

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Is Your Child Drinking Lead at School? Why No One Knows For Sure

The AHA! Team — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:24:22 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – It is no secret that ADHD is on the rise. However, the medical community has not yet identified a clear cause for the increase in ADHD prevalence. It has long been suspected that ADHD is tied to lead exposure, especially exposure at an early age. Lead exposure can also cause seizures, hearing loss, constipation, vomiting, and developmental delays. Instead of pushing Big Pharma pills (and shots) on our kids, schools should start testing lead levels. The details of such potential lead exposure were recently highlighted in a study published in Science of The Total Environment. Lead exposure is quickly becoming a public health crisis that weakens the adults of tomorrow Environmentalists and physicians often highlight how the Baby Boomer generation was exposed to lead during their formative years. Similarly, much attention has been given to Generation Z’s microplastic exposure. However, there’s less awareness about the potential lead exposure faced by Generation Z and Generation Alpha, especially in schools. Lead is a dangerous contaminant because it cannot be seen or smelled, making it an invisible threat. In children, even minimal exposure can cause a range of serious health issues. While lead-based paint was banned for residential use in the late 1970s, today’s students may still encounter lead through the water systems in older school buildings. Many schools in the United States were built before 1986, the year Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act to restrict the use of plumbing materials and pipes that leach lead. In these older schools, lead can contaminate water as it leaches from plumbing materials, fixtures, and pipes. A 2018 Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation revealed that nearly 40% of school districts tested showed elevated lead levels in their water systems. State-level studies have uncovered even more alarming statistics. Nearly 50% of schools tested in some states had lead contamination in water consumed by children. In Portland, 99% of public schools tested positive for lead in 2016. Similarly, a 2018 study in Detroit found lead in 16 out of 24 schools tested. The evidence is clear: lead exposure remains a significant risk, and no level of lead is safe for children. How to prevent your child from exposure to harmful lead at school and also at home A child who goes through the typical school system spends about 15,600 hours in school, often drinking water from fountains or sinks. If your child’s school water supply hasn’t been tested for lead, request testing to be conducted. Parents should also have their home water tested for lead. Internal plumbing materials in homes can sometimes contain lead, which can leach into the water. Lead is odorless and invisible once dissolved in water, making it difficult to detect without testing. By testing your home’s water, you can ensure your family’s water is safe. Lead is odorless and invisible once dissolved in water Once your home’s water has been tested and found safe, fill a stainless steel bottle for your child to bring to school. Consider providing an extra water bottle for their locker so they don’t have to rely on potentially lead-contaminated school water. Ideally, the water your child takes to school should be distilled or purified at home to eliminate impurities before consumption. Sources for this article include: Sciencedirect.com Nasbe.org EPA.gov To read the original article click here.

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White, Pink Noise Improve Focus for Children with ADHD

The AHA! Team — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:22:56 +0000

Oregon Health & Science University via EurekAlert! – In the United States and worldwide, cardiovascular disease is the leading avoidable cause of premature death and disability. Oregon Health & Science University researchers are uncovering the potential benefits of color noise exposure for young people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. A study published in this month’s issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found a small but statistically significant benefit of white and pink noise on task performance among children and college-age young adults with ADHD. Color noises represent a different combination of frequencies and volumes along the spectrum of sound, each with their own distinct characteristics and effect on the brain. Just as white light includes all the colors of the rainbow, white noise contains all frequencies of noise and sounds like static. Pink and brown noise are similar, but with a higher proportion of low frequencies; they may sound like rain or a waterfall. White noise contains all frequencies of noise and sounds like static As clinical understanding of ADHD continues to broaden, interest in identifying novel, low-cost supports for those diagnosed with the condition has grown. One such support that has recently sparked great interest is the potential use of color noise exposure — including white, pink and brown noise — to enhance focused performance during attention-demanding tasks. “Although outcomes are much improved with current treatments, ADHD still can dramatically increase the risk of serious and complex long-term health outcomes, because treatments are only partially effective, and adherence is difficult,” said Joel Nigg, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry in the OHSU School of Medicine, co-director of the OHSU Center for Mental Health Innovation and lead author of the study. “It is critical that we continue to investigate complementary and alternative supports for those living with ADHD. “Our priority is identifying new and improved tools to empower each individual to live their healthiest and most productive life, as well as providing evidence-based guidance on popular ideas in the public domain such as white or brown noise.” Exploring color noise The systematic review and meta-analysis included 13 studies with 335 participants. It found that either white or pink noise improved cognitive performance for children and young adults with ADHD or significant ADHD symptoms. In contrast, either white or pink noise slightly reduced cognitive performance for individuals without ADHD or with normal attention. Researchers say these results point to a possible low-cost, low-risk intervention that may benefit youths with ADHD. Leveraging white and pink noise is relatively safe, easy to implement and accessible, Nigg said. Additionally, color noise therapies can be used inexpensively at home and in concert with other interventions, like medications, with relatively low concern for side effects. At the same time, however, use of color noise to enhance attention is not without hazard, Nigg cautioned. Damage to hearing is a significant risk if noise volumes are not carefully monitored, and other studies have shown that youth tend to use headphones at excessive volumes for other activities. Effects of frequent use on children’s attention development are also unknown. Color noise therapies can be used inexpensively at home With these unknowns, creation of clinical guidelines would require additional data, Nigg said. Looking ahead, researchers will need to prioritize additional studies that compare white or pink noise with other environmental stimulation — such as brighter light or other kinds of noise — and test the range of effect across task types and with varying types and durations of auditory stimulation. Additionally, study populations should be expanded and diversified to ensure accurate data is collected on race, ethnicity, and other characteristics that may influence effects, Nigg said, noting that the lack of a large, diverse sample population was a major limitation of the study. “While additional research is needed to translate the findings to clinical practices, these initial results should be seen as encouraging,” Nigg said. “The results should stimulate further work to clarify who can benefit and what dosages and amounts are safe and appropriate. Supportive interventions continue to be needed for ADHD, which affects millions of kids and adolescents around the world.” Journal Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry DOI 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.12.014 To read the original article click here.

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Gut Flora Disruption in Infancy Linked to Autism & ADHD

The AHA! Team — Thu, 09 May 2024 20:05:19 +0000

Linköping University via News-Medical – Disturbed gut flora during the first years of life is associated with diagnoses such as autism and ADHD later in life. This is according to a study led by researchers at the University of Florida and Linköping University and published in the journal Cell. The study is the first forward-looking, or prospective, study to examine gut flora composition and a large variety of other factors in infants, in relation to the development of the children’s nervous system. The researchers have found many biological markers that seem to be associated with future neurological development disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, communication disorder and intellectual disability. “The remarkable aspect of the work is that these biomarkers are found at birth in cord blood or in the child’s stool at one year of age over a decade prior to the diagnosis,” says Eric W Triplett, professor at the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida, USA, one of the researchers who led the study. 16,000 children born in 1997-1999, representing the general population, have been followed from birth into their twenties The study is part of the ABIS (All Babies in Southeast Sweden) study led by Johnny Ludvigsson at Linköping University. More than 16,000 children born in 1997-1999, representing the general population, have been followed from birth into their twenties. Of these, 1,197 children, corresponding to 7.3 percent, have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, communication disorder or intellectual disability. A large number of lifestyle and environmental factors have been identified through surveys conducted on several occasions during the children’s upbringing. For some of the children, the researchers have analysed substances in umbilical cord blood and bacteria in their stool at the age of one. “We can see in the study that there are clear differences in the intestinal flora already during the first year of life between those who develop autism or ADHD and those who don’t. We’ve found associations with some factors that affect gut bacteria, such as antibiotic treatment during the child’s first year, which is linked to an increased risk of these diseases,” says Johnny Ludvigsson, senior professor at the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at Linköping University, who led the study together with Eric W. Triplett. Children who had repeated ear infections during their first year of life had an increased risk of being diagnosed with a developmental neurological disorder later in life. It is probably not the infection itself that is the culprit, but the researchers suspect a link to antibiotic treatment. They found that the presence of Citrobacter bacteria or the absence of Coprococcus bacteria increased the risk of future diagnosis. One possible explanation may be that antibiotic treatment has disturbed the composition of the gut flora One possible explanation may be that antibiotic treatment has disturbed the composition of the gut flora in a way that contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders. The risk of antibiotic treatment damaging the gut flora and increasing the risk of diseases linked to the immune system, such as type 1 diabetes and childhood rheumatism, has been shown in previous studies. “Coprococcus and Akkermansia muciniphila have potential protective effects. These bacteria were correlated with important substances in the stool, such as vitamin B and precursors to neurotransmitters which play vital roles orchestrating signaling in the brain. Overall, we saw deficits in these bacteria in children who later received a developmental neurological diagnosis.” -Angelica Ahrens, Assistant Scientist in Eric Triplett’s research group at the University of Florida and first author of the study The present study also confirms that the risk of developmental neurological diagnosis in the child increases if the parents smoke. Conversely, breastfeeding has a protective effect, according to the study. In cord blood taken at the birth of children, the researchers analysed the amounts of various substances from the body’s metabolism, such as fatty acids and amino acids. They also measured some harmful substances that come from outside, such as nicotine and environmental toxins. They compared substances in the umbilical cord blood of 27 children diagnosed with autism with the same number of children without a diagnosis. Children who were later diagnosed had low levels of several important fats in the umbilical cord blood It turned out that children who were later diagnosed had low levels of several important fats in the umbilical cord blood. One of these was linolenic acid, which is needed for the formation of omega 3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory and have several other effects in the brain. The same group also had higher levels than the control group of a PFAS substance, a group of substances used as flame retardants and shown to negatively affect the immune system in several different ways. PFAS substances can enter the body via drinking water, food and the air we breathe. It is not certain that the relationships that the research team found in the Swedish children can be generalised to other populations, but these issues need to be studied in other groups as well. Another question is whether gut flora imbalance is a triggering factor or whether it has occurred as a result of underlying factors, such as diet or antibiotics. However, even when the researchers accounted for risk factors that might affect the gut flora, they found that the link between future diagnosis remained for many of the bacteria. This indicates that some of the differences in gut flora between children with and without future diagnosis are not explained by such risk factors. The research is at an early stage and more studies are needed, but the discovery that many biomarkers for future developmental neurological disorders can be observed at an early age opens up the possibility of developing screening protocols and preventive measures in the long term. The study has been funded with support from, among others, JDRF, Horizon Europe, Barndiabetesfonden (the Swedish Child Diabetes Foundation), Forte and the Swedish Research Council. Source: Linköping University Journal reference: Ahrens, A. P., et al. (2024). Infant microbes and metabolites point to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Cell. doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.035. To read the original article click here.

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7 Pine Bark Extract Benefits, Including for Skin, Hearing & Diabetes

The AHA! Team — Mon, 06 May 2024 18:04:27 +0000

Kyra Oliver via Dr. Axe – We all know the power of antioxidants to improve health and the high-antioxidant foods we should eat regularly. But did you know that pine bark extract, like pine oil, is one of nature’s super antioxidants? It’s true. What gives pine bark extract its notoriety as a powerful ingredient and super antioxidant is that it’s loaded with oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds — OPCs for short. The same ingredient can be found in grapeseed oil, the skin of peanuts and witch hazel bark. While OPCs found in this extract are mostly known for their antioxidant-producing benefits, these amazing compounds exude antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. As such, pine bark extract can help reduce muscle soreness and may help improve conditions relating to: poor circulation high blood pressure osteoarthritis diabetes ADHD female reproductive issues skin erectile dysfunction eye disease sports stamina It addition, the OPCs in this extract may “inhibit lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, capillary permeability and fragility, and to affect enzyme systems,” which basically means it may be a natural treatment for many serious health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease. What Is Pine Bark Extract? Pine bark extract comes from the inner bark of the Pinus pinaster tree, most commonly found in Europe. A popular variety is the pinus maritime or the maritime pine that grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France. In 1534, a French ship led by the famous explorer Jacques Cartier became stranded in ice near Quebec, Canada. The crew fell extremely ill from scurvy, an extreme lack of vitamin C. Cartier’s crew crossed paths with a Quebec Indian who encouraged them to drink a tea made from pine bark and needles. Four hundred years later, a French researcher named Jacques Masquelier did some studies to understand why this natural remedy was so effective. He learned about the seemingly omnipotent antioxidant within it and how those antioxidants increase the absorption of vitamin C. Continued research showed that the pine bark contained flavonols and bioflavonoids, which hold tissue-repairing properties. Masquelier was easily able to create a pine bark extract from materials that were otherwise known as waste. Health Benefits 1. Lowers Glucose Levels, Improving Diabetic Symptoms Pine bark extract has been studied in regard to its ability to help diabetic patients. A study was conducted by the Guang An Men Hospital of Chinese Medical Science Research Institute with 77 diabetes type II patients to determine if the extract of the French Maritime pine bark provided anti-diabetic effects. Patients were given 100 milligrams of Pycnogenol®, a branded version of pine bark extract, for 12 weeks, with continued anti-diabetic treatment. The effects of the pine bark extract showed significantly lower levels of blood glucose and improved endothelial function when compared to placebo, concluding that supplementation of Pycnogenol for treating conventional diabetes may be beneficial. 2. Helps Prevent Hearing Loss and Balance Ototoxicity is ear poisoning and can occur when exposed to certain drugs or chemicals, such as cisplatin, that damage the inner ear or the vestibulocochlear nerve. This nerve affects our balance and hearing by sending signals to the brain. This condition can be temporary or permanent — however, some studies have indicated that pine bark extract may help alleviate these symptoms due to its high presence of antioxidants. Thus, this powerful extract may work as a natural ear infection remedy while improving balance and preventing hearing loss. 3. Staves Off Infections Studies have been conducted to review the effects of pine bark extract on pseudomonas infectious wounds. These wounds occur most frequently in hospitals or in those with weakened immune systems, such as after surgery. However, healthy people are not immune and can also develop mild infections, in particular after being in improperly chlorinated hot tubs or swimming pools. In one particular study published in Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, researchers investigated the antibacterial activity of pine bark extract essential oil on staph infections, E. coli and pseudomonas infections. The antibacterial activity was assessed indicating that the essential oil of pine bark, specifically the proanthocyanidins, were effective against P. aeruginosa, significantly inhibiting its growth. Additionally, the results showed that the extract has significant “anti-pseudomonas activity,” making it a potential natural remedy and possible preventive measure for infections. 4. Protects the Skin from Ultraviolet Exposure Who doesn’t want amazing skin? Pine bark extract may be the perfect treatment since it’s an antioxidant dynamo. There is a seemingly growing problem with skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation and the confusion of how to get vitamin D from the sun while avoiding these skin-damaging rays. A review was conducted of French maritime pine bark extract, specifically using the nutritional supplement Pycnogenol. The study provided clear evidence that Pycnogenol does, indeed, offer photoprotection — however, it came out even better than expected, showing that it may be used to reduce hyperpigmentation of human skin while improving the “skin barrier function and extracellular matrix homeostasis.” 5. Decreases Erectile Dysfunction If you knew you could resolve your erectile dysfunction and, therefore, naturally remedy impotence issues, wouldn’t you? Erectile dysfunction has increased over the past decade or two, creating a pathway for various medications to land on the shelves of numerous medicine cabinets, but as you know, going for the natural approach can make a huge difference in overall health. According to a Japanese study, the combination of Pycnogenolt and L-arginine may produce the results you’re looking for, making the bedroom a much happier place. Forty-seven Japanese men with mild erectile dysfunction were given supplements with L-arginine and French maritime pine bark extract over four months. The research revealed that the sperm concentration greatly increased after about eight to 16 weeks of treatment, to include improved orgasmic function. No side effects were noted, unlike its synthetic counterpart. 6. Reduces Inflammation Pine bark extract’s antioxidants scavenge damaging free radicals in an effort to eliminate them, ultimately preventing disease. Studies were conducted in Turkey on subjects who underwent abdominal surgery to determine if the pine bark extract could help reduce the inflammation. They were given Pycnogenol for a period of 10 days. The outcome showed significant healing compared to those subjects who were not given any drug or remedy, concluding that Pycnogenol may be an effective remedy for healing of surgery-related lesions. 7. Helps Increase Athletic Performance Pine bark extract has been studied regarding its relationship to exercise performance, oxidative stress and inflammation to body that has been imposed by exercise. Research indicates that Pycnogenol provides an increase in endurance performance of trained athletes. It does this by improving the time it takes the body to reach a fatigued state through increased serum NAD+ levels. Additionally, athletes have endured less cramping and muscle pain when using the extract. It’s likely that muscle recovery time improved as well due to the high antioxidants pine bark extract contains. Risks and Side Effects While most studies do not indicate major side effects, pine bark extract may cause irritability and fatigue, and could interact with other drugs. Make sure to seek out the advice of your physician prior to using pine bark extract or the branded name, Pycnogenol. If you are taking blood thinners, do not take pine bark extract or Pycnogenol unless approved by your doctor. It’s been noted that taking OPCs and vitamin C supplements at the same time could increase blood pressure if you have hypertension. How to Use Pine bark extract can be found in liquid, tablet or capsule form containing 85 percent to 90 percent OPCs. It can also be found as creams, lotions or ointments, typically containing 0.5 percent to 2 percent pine bark extract. If you choose to use Pycnogenol, follow the dosage instructions on the label. It’s best to check with your doctor about the dosage, based on the symptoms you have and other possible conditions, prior to taking either pine bark extract or Pycnogenol. Final Thoughts Pine bark extract offers some amazing benefits since it’s so high in powerful antioxidants. From diabetes and sexual function to sports performance and beautiful skin, pine bark extract may be worth exploring to provide results you’re looking to achieve. Consider pine bark extract by having a conversation with your physician or a functional medicine doctor. You may want to start slow, taking smaller amounts, to ensure that your body works well with the OPCs found in pine bark extract. Once you’re sure that you don’t have any negative reactions, you may be able to increase your dosage according to the label. To read the original article click here.

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Environmental Toxins Linked to Rise in Chronic Health Issues Among Children

AHA Publisher — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Since when did it become normal for kids to have chronic illnesses? More and more children are diagnosed with chronic health issues like asthma, ADHD, type 1 diabetes, autoimmunity, allergies, obesity, and more. There was a time when a diagnosis like this would be a cause for concern, but today it barely registers as a blip on most healthcare professionals’ and even many parents’ radars. “It is what it is” seems to be the mantra. But it isn’t normal and shouldn’t be viewed as such. These health issues are not normal, especially for children. It’s time for Western medicine to take a step back, stop treating the symptoms, and get to the root of the problem. Therein lies the dilemma. Just how did we get here? Could environmental toxins be to blame? 43 Percent of Children Live With at Least One Chronic Health Condition Children are not only being diagnosed with chronic illnesses that were once exclusive to adults – some of these children are born with them. Tragically, children battling chronic health issues make up more than 70% of all pediatric intensive care admissions in hospitals across the country. An estimated 43% of children have at least one chronic health condition, according to one study that listed 20 common conditions. When they added obesity and being at high risk for developmental/behavioral issues to the mix, that number rose to 54%. These conditions included asthma, autism, diabetes, learning disabilities, and depression. Perhaps most alarming is that most of these conditions are carried on into adulthood, making them lifelong illnesses. Environmental Toxins – a Culprit for the Increase in Children’s Chronic Health Issues Environmental toxins are cited as one of the primary contributing factors in the dramatic uptick of chronic illness in children. Unfortunately, the U.S. (and most of the Western world) has a long history of harmful environmental chemicals. For example, lead has long been a culprit for a number of health issues and learning disabilities, and while it has been banned, it is still found in some places, such as lead paint that was painted over instead of being removed first. The same goes for asbestos. The pesticide DDT is another toxin that was widely accepted for a long time. While it has been outlawed, other harmful chemicals are cropping up to take its place. Each year, more and more toxic household products and harmful substances released into our environment are being identified. These toxic substances are in our homes, schools, workplaces, and even our drinking water. It can be difficult to avoid, especially if you aren’t certain exactly who your enemy is. Of course, we can’t disregard the dangers of glyphosate, indoor air pollution and the many toxins inside childhood shots. How to Reduce Environmental Toxin Exposure? It might seem like a losing battle, trying to fight a toxic environment around us. But there are steps you can take to minimize exposure. Read the labels. Read the labels on everything and avoid the more dangerous chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls, per-, and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and glyphosate. Filter your drinking water. Use a water filter at home that removes PCBs and PFAs from your water. Choose fresh, whole, organic foods. Organic foods have strict requirements for pesticide use so choosing these foods decreases your pesticide exposure. Avoid highly processed foods. Opt for natural, whole foods instead of overly processed foods laden with chemicals and additives. Use an air purifier. An air purifier can help filter volatile organic compounds from the air, so you are less likely to be exposed to chemicals in gas form that are released in your home from the products you use. Make your own natural household cleaning products. Vinegar, baking soda, and other natural substances can clean and sanitize your home just as well as store-bought products but without the harmful chemicals released into the air and left as residue on surfaces. The health of our children should be a top priority. They depend on us to make the world a safer place for them. We need to work harder to live up to that. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org NIH.gov ScienceDirect.com EnvironHealthPrevMed.BiomedCentral.com To read the original article click here.

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Virtual Reality Boosts Brain Rhythms Crucial for Neuroplasticity, Learning and Memory

AHA Publisher — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 00:50:23 +0000

University of California – Los Angeles Health Sciences via EurekAlert – A new discovery in rats shows that the brain responds differently in immersive virtual reality environments versus the real world. The finding could help scientists understand how the brain brings together sensory information from different sources to create a cohesive picture of the world around us. It could also pave the way for “virtual reality therapy” for learning and memory-related disorders ranging including ADHD, Autism, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and depression. Mayank Mehta, PhD, is the head of W. M. Keck Center for Neurophysics and a professor in the departments of physics, neurology, and electrical and computer engineering at UCLA. His laboratory studies a brain region called the hippocampus, which is a primary driver of learning and memory, including spatial navigation. To understand its role in learning and memory, the hippocampus has been extensively studied in rats as they perform spatial navigation tasks. When rats walk around, neurons in this part of the brain synchronize their electrical activity at a rate of 8 pulses per second, or 8 Hz. This is a type of brain wave known as the “theta rhythm,” and it was discovered more than six decades ago. Disruptions to the theta rhythm also impair the rat’s learning and memory, including the ability to learn and remember a route through a maze. Conversely, a stronger theta rhythm seems to improve the brain’s ability to learn and retain sensory information. Therefore, researchers have speculated that boosting theta waves could improve or restore learning and memory functions. But until now, nobody has been able to strengthen these brain waves. “If that rhythm is so important, can we use a novel approach to make it stronger?” asks Dr. Mehta. “Can we retune it?” Damage to neurons in the hippocampus can interfere with people’s perception of space – “why Alzheimer’s disease patients tend to get lost,” says Dr. Mehta. He says he suspected that the theta rhythm might play a role in this perception. To test that hypothesis, Dr. Mehta and his colleagues invented an immersive virtual reality environment for the rats that was far more immersive than commercially available VR for humans. The VR allows the rats to see their own limbs and shadows, and eliminates certain unsettling sensations such as the delays between head movement and scene changes that can make people dizzy. “Our VR is so compelling,” Dr. Mehta says, “that the rats love to jump in and happily play games.” To measure the rats’ brain rhythms, the researchers placed tiny electrodes, thinner than a human hair, into the brain among the neurons. “It turns out that amazing things happen when the rat is in virtual reality,” says Dr. Mehta. “He goes to the virtual fountain and drinks water, takes a nap there, looks around and explores the space as if it is real.” Remarkably, Dr. Mehta says, the theta rhythm becomes considerably stronger when the rats run in the virtual space in comparison to their natural environment “We were blown away when we saw this huge effect of VR experience on theta rhythm enhancement,” he says. This discovery suggests that the unique rhythm is an indicator of how the brain discerns whether an experience is real or simulated. For instance, as you walk toward a doorway, the input from your eyes will show the doorway getting larger. “How do I know I took a step and it’s not the wall coming at me?” Dr. Mehta says. Answer: The brain uses other information, such as the shift of balance from one foot to the other, the acceleration of your head through space, the relative changes in the positions of other stationary objects around you, and even the feeling of air moving against your face to decide that you are moving, not the wall. On the other hand, a person “moving” through a virtual reality world would experience a very different set of stimuli. “Our brain is constantly doing this, it’s checking all kinds of things,” Dr. Mehta says. The different theta rhythms, he says, may represent different ways that brain regions communicate with each other in the process of gathering all this information. When they looked closer, Dr. Mehta’s team also discovered something else surprising. Neurons consist of a compact cell body and long tendrils, called dendrites, that snake out and form connections with other neurons. When the researchers measured activity in the cell body of a rat brain experiencing virtual reality, they found a different electrical rhythm compared with the rhythm in the dendrites. “That was really mind blowing,” Dr. Mehta said. “Two different parts of the neuron are going in their own rhythm.” The researchers dubbed this never-before-seen rhythm “eta.” It turned out this rhythm was not limited to the virtual reality environment: with extremely precise electrode placement, the researchers were then able to detect the new rhythm in rats walking around a real environment. Being in VR, however, strengthened the eta rhythm – something no other study in the past sixty years has been able to do so strongly, either using pharmacological tools or otherwise, according to Dr. Mehta. Previous studies have shown that the precise frequency of the rhythm makes a big difference to neuroplasticity, he says, just as the precise pitch of a musical instrument is critical for creating the right melody. This opens up an unprecedented opportunity to design VR therapy that can retune and boost brain rhythms and as a way to treat learning and memory disorders. “This is a new technology that has tremendous potential,” he says. “We have entered a new territory.” To read the original article click here.

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Studies Link THESE 3 Mineral Imbalances to ADHD in Children

AHA Publisher — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 08:00:50 +0000

Sima Ash via NaturalHealth365 – You’re told your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While some might say, “Well, he’s a boy. Boys are more rambunctious,” others may suggest medication or blame lack of discipline for your child’s behavior. Still, some may suggest changing diet, taking omega 3’s, and cutting back on artificial food coloring – which I think is good advice. However, studies suggest that certain mineral imbalances could potentially be linked to learning disorders. Keep an Eye on Your Child’s Ferritin Levels, Studies Advise Psychostimulant medications such as Ritalin are often prescribed by physicians to treat a child’s ADHD symptoms. Why are psychostimulants prescribed? Because they affect dopamine levels (a neurotransmitter in the brain that is associated with addiction), and many people diagnosed with ADHD are suspected of having lower dopamine levels. A study published in 2013 states that brain iron is required to synthesize dopamine and that checking iron levels should be considered. In the study, the iron measurements were done by MRI and deemed less invasive. However, checking blood levels of ferritin (a protein found inside cells that store iron) is also a good option. Another study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that 84% of kids with ADHD had significantly lower iron levels compared to only 18% of control group children. Lower levels of ferritin were associated with worse ADHD symptoms. Iron is not something you want to add to your supplement routine without consulting your healthcare practitioner, as excess iron can block the absorption of zinc, copper, and manganese. Getting iron through food is a safer option. Grass-fed beef can be a good source of protein, but if you add a piece of cheese on top, the dairy can interfere with iron absorption. Vegans or vegetarians may want to consider spirulina and other non-animal sources of protein. ALARMING: 95% of Children with ADHD Are Magnesium Deficient, Study Finds A magnesium deficiency can cause irritability, mental confusion, and a decreased attention span. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some experts state that children with ADHD may actually have a mild magnesium deficiency. One study included 75 magnesium-deficient children who were diagnosed with ADHD. Those given magnesium supplements showed improvement in their behavior compared to those who did not receive magnesium. A study out of Poland found magnesium deficiency in 95% of the ADHD children they examined. If Zinc Levels Are Low, Supplementing Can Help A 2004 study found that supplementing with zinc helped reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and impaired socialization symptoms. Zinc sulfate is usually well tolerated. A 2009 meta-analysis discussed the role of zinc and its essential role in more than 100 enzymes. Also noted was that dopamine is one of the most important factors in the pathophysiology of ADHD. Since melatonin helps regulate dopamine and zinc is necessary to metabolize melatonin, zinc is an important factor in treating ADHD. It’s also important to investigate the possible cause of zinc deficiency. Is your child a picky eater and not getting enough of the mineral? Or could your child have elevated lead levels that are causing their zinc levels to become depleted? It is critical not only to supplement but to try and discover the cause of the problem. Supplementing can help, but if your child is a picky eater, it is also important to introduce new foods that will help get more minerals into the diet. Also, if the culprit is lead, then adding vitamin C and considering chelation would be called for. What’s in Your environment? Toxic Chemicals Can Alter Mineral Levels Children are exposed to chemicals, metals, and other environmental factors that can alter their mineral levels. For instance, fluoride in water can increase lead absorption, so it’s important to detoxify if necessary. Working with a qualified healthcare practitioner is recommended to get to the bottom of mineral deficiencies. Sometimes working with multiple practitioners is needed. Sources for this article include: RSNA.org Europepmc.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements May Benefit Some Children with ADHD

AHA Publisher — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 08:00:52 +0000

Dr. Ananya Mandal, MD via News Medical-Net – Experts have said that deficiency of omega 3 in blood is associated with more than one disorder in children and adults. It can lead to symptoms of scaly eczematous skin, dry eyes and other features. A team of researchers from King’s College London collaborated with colleagues from China Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan to find that omega-3 fish oil supplements could benefit children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Their work was published in the latest issue of the journal Translational Psychiatry. The experts have found that omega 3 fish oil supplements may not be effective in all children with ADHD. They improve attention span of only the children with ADHD who have low levels of omega-3 in their blood. The authors called this “personalized medicine” meaning the benefit of the drug in only select patients. These researchers had earlier found and reported that children with low levels of omega 3 in their blood have more severe symptoms of ADHD. The team wrote about existing treatments for ADHD saying, “Although meta-analysis report that stimulants are tolerated and effective treatments for youth with ADHD, these drugs have side effects that need monitoring, such as insomnia, risk of abuse, and changes in blood pressure, heart rate and body weight.” “N-3 PUFAs have a very good tolerability and safety profile, and thus may be a preferable treatment option for youth with ADHD,” they added. For this study they included 92 children between ages 6 and 18 years, who were diagnosed with ADHD. They were divided into two groups randomly and one group was given supplements of omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) while the other group received placebo pills. The treatment for both arms was continued for 12 weeks. Results showed that children who had low levels of EPA in their blood showed improvements in their attention scores when they were given omega 3 supplements, They had more attention and focussed vigilance. Children who had normal or high levels of EPA in their blood did not show benefits of the supplementation. In fact in the children who had high levels of EPA in their blood, there was a negative effect of omega 3 supplementation on the impulsivity scores. This latter finding shows that parents need to administer these supplements to their children with ADHD only after consultation with medical professionals. Experts have said that deficiency of omega 3 in blood is associated with more than one disorder in children and adults. It can lead to symptoms of scaly eczematous skin, dry eyes and other features. Levels of blood EPA can be measured using blood tests, the team wrote. This blood test however is available only for research and is not accessible to all. Thus supplementing children with ADHD with omega 3 fish oil pills without the test could be harmful, they warned. According to Dr Jane Chang, co-lead researcher from Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College, “’Our results suggest that fish oil supplements are at least as effective for attention as conventional pharmacological treatments among those children with ADHD who have omega-3 deficiency. On the other hand, it is possible to have too much of a good thing, and parents should always consult with their children’s psychiatrists since our study suggests there could be negative effects for some children.” Senior author Professor Carmine Pariante, from the same institute added explaining, “’The omega-3 supplements only worked in children that had lower levels of EPA in their blood, as if the intervention was replenishing a lack of this important nutrient. For those children with omega-3 deficiency, fish oil supplements could be a preferable option to standard stimulant treatments. Our study sets an important precedent for other nutritional interventions, and we can start bringing the benefits of ‘personalised psychiatry’ to children with ADHD.” The researchers explained that they conducted this study in Taiwan as opposed to the west because of the diet preferences in the region. In Taiwan the main diet of the population is rice based that contains plenty of fish providing natural Omega 3 to the consumers. The team wrote that studies in Europe and United States involve children who have naturally low or average EPA in their blood. When these results are analyzed, often the true picture does not emerge they wrote. Taiwanese populations revealed the inefficacy of these supplements among children with ADHD who had normal or higher levels of EPA in their blood due to their diet preferences. Professor Kuan-Pin Su, one of the researchers from China Medical University in Taichung explained, “’High blood-levels of EPA without using supplements can be achieved through a good diet with plenty of fish, which is common in some Asian countries like Taiwan and Japan. It is possible that EPA deficiency is more common among children with ADHD in countries with less fish consumption, such as in North America and many countries in Europe, and that fish oil supplementation could therefore have more widespread benefits for treating the condition than in our study.” The team wrote concluding from their observations, “In conclusion, our study shows some benefits of EPA monotherapy on cognitive symptoms of ADHD…However, we additionally recommend that this strategy should be even more strongly advocated for children with evidence of low endogenous PUFAs levels, as indicated by direct measurement, dietary habits or symptoms of EFA deficiency. Conversely, in the cases where high endogenous levels of PUFAs might already be present because of a dedicated diet or previous supplements, PUFAs levels should be investigated before trialling this strategy, to limit any potential negative effects.” To read the original article click here.

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