Hair Trace Mineral Analysis (HTMA) for Autism and ADHD

Hair Trace Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is an increasingly popular tool used to evaluate the mineral content of hair. By analyzing hair samples, practitioners can gain insights into an individual’s metabolic processes and nutritional status. This method has shown promise, particularly in managing conditions such as autism and ADHD, where underlying nutritional imbalances may play a significant role. In this article, we will explore the principles of HTMA, its application in autism and ADHD, and the benefits and challenges associated with this approach.

What is the Biomedical Approach to Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals worldwide. Research suggests that a multidimensional approach focusing on biomedical and epigenetic factors can offer valuable insights and potential therapeutic interventions. A few of the key elements of the biomedical and epigenetic approach to autism, include the roles of MTHFR, nutrition and nutrient deficiencies (particularly vitamin D and B12), gut dysbiosis, and the brain-gut connection.

The Importance of Choosing Organic Foods

There is a growing concern regarding the use of pesticides in our food production systems. Pesticides, chemicals designed to kill pests and protect crops, have become a pervasive part of modern agriculture. However, their potential toxicity poses a significant risk, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children.

Wellness SpeaksJuly 3, 2023children's health, organic, nutrition, autism biomedical

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) and Its Rising Prevalence in Children

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder that affects the esophagus, causing inflammation and the buildup of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. EoE has been increasingly recognized in recent years, particularly among children.

Nurturing the Gut: Unveiling the Link Between Nutrients, Gut Microbiome, and Childhood Conditions

The intricate connection between our gut and overall health has been the subject of much scientific investigation in recent years. The gut microbiome, a vast ecosystem of microorganisms residing in our digestive tract, plays a pivotal role in various aspects of our well-being. Emerging research suggests that the health of the gut microbiome and its interaction with nutrients can have a profound impact on childhood conditions such as autism, allergies, asthma, and ADHD.

Wellness SpeaksJune 19, 2023autism biomedical, autism, autism functional medicine, children's health

Nutrigenomics and its Potential Role in Childhood Disorders: Autism, Eczema, and Autoimmune Conditions

Nutrigenomics explores how specific nutrients or dietary components can influence gene expression and metabolism, leading to personalized dietary recommendations for optimal health outcomes. This emerging field has shown promise in addressing various childhood disorders, including autism, eczema, and autoimmune conditions.

Unraveling the Puzzle: Potential Causes of Anxiety in Children

Anxiety is a complex condition that affects people of all ages, including children and is a common comorbid condition that affects children with autism and ADHD. It can manifest in various ways and may be triggered by a combination of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. As I have mentioned in several other articles, the root of many of these factors begins in the gut. When our digestive health is out of whack, the rest of our bodies will be too. If we are not able to digest properly, we will not be able to absorb nutrients and many functions in the body will not work optimally. Also, if there are food sensitivities then those can lead to improper digestion, improper absorption and create inflammation leading to many symptoms.

Impact of Diet on Gut Microbiome and How it Affects Autism & ADHD

The human microbiome, consisting of trillions of microorganisms inhabiting our bodies, plays a crucial role in most aspects of our health. Recent research has shown that the microbiome's composition can be influenced by diet, leading to both positive and negative effects. In children, an imbalanced microbiome has been associated with conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dairy-Free Calcium-Rich Foods for your Child

Calcium is a vital nutrient for growing children, as it is essential for healthy bone development. While dairy products are a common source of calcium, they are not suitable for children with lactose intolerance, allergies, or those following a dairy-free lifestyle. Fortunately, numerous dairy-free calcium-rich foods are available to ensure children receive the necessary amount of this essential mineral.

Addressing Picky Eating in Your Child

Picky eating is a common challenge many parents face when it comes to feeding their children. Dealing with a limited range of food preferences can lead to concerns about nutrient deficiencies and overall health. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to address picky eating effectively.

Healing Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects millions of children worldwide. It is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin that can be uncomfortable and even painful for children. There are many strategies that parents can use to help manage their child's symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Let’s look at five strategies to help with eczema in children: elimination diet, anti-inflammatory foods, exercise, coconut oil, and red light therapy.

One important nutrient that can help with constipation relief and promote restful sleep

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation and irregular bowel movements, and sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep and waking up frequently during the night. Magnesium supplementation can be a useful tool for parents to alleviate these symptoms and improve their child's quality of life.

Two Gut Healing Additions to Start Today!

As we discuss quite often, gut health is crucial to brain health.

The connection between the gut and the brain is a sensitive balance of interdependence. Healthy brain function is dependent on the neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced in the GI tract.

If there is inflammation and imbalance in the gut, it will contribute to digestion problems, anxiety, aggression, mood swings, lack of focus and attention and interrupted sleep.

However, there are some easy additions you can do daily to start healing the gut now!

Improve Your Child's Sleep

Sleep is vital to health. Sleep deprivation has been linked to inability to focus, irritability, increased anxiety, lowered immune function, and even depression and anger. Sleep is a time for restoration, growth and healing.

Unfortunately, many kids are not getting enough adequate sleep. This is especially true for children with autism and ADHD. Kids 5 to 12 years old need 9 to 12 hours each night. Lack of sleep can lead to impaired motor coordination, loss of good judgment, slower reaction time and poor memory.

Below are some tips to optimize the best sleep for your child.

How to Get Children with Autism to Eat their Greens

For many parents, getting their children to eat vegetables can be a challenging task. But for the millions of parents raising children with autism, the challenge can be significantly harder due to sensory and health issues associated with the disorder. Eating nutritious meals is key for proper growth development, but experts say that it can take children on the spectrum longer to learn how to accept new foods and flavors. Read on for some tips and suggestions on how to encourage better nutrition in these young ones despite the difficulty they may face when it comes to mealtime.

5 Tips To Help Your Picky Eater

Picky eating is an umbrella term used for a spectrum of food refusal behaviors and is something that many families struggle with at some point in their child’s life, even with our non-fussy eaters. Helping picky eaters find confidence and comfort with trying new foods is challenging, and sometimes frustrating. Read further for 5 tips to help your picky eater be more comfortable at mealtime.

Tips for traveling with a sensory sensitive child

As an adult traveling alone, anticipating the unexpected makes for less stress when the unexpected indeed happens. When traveling with sensory sensitive children this is even more important.

The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Neuroinflammation in Autism

The neuroprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids are multifocal: they provide structural integrity to the membrane of brain cells, promote neuronal plasticity and healthy cell signaling, counter neuroinflammation, support blood brain barrier integrity, increase cell membrane fluidity, and play a role in modulating neurotransmitter activity.

Sulforaphane: The Natural Compound Being Studied For Autism

Sulforaphane is an organosulfur compound, found in cruciferous vegetables, that has been associated with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. In addition to the health benefits provided, research has shown that sulforaphane can be a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms associated with autism.

The Gut-Brain Axis and ADHD

The connection between the gut and the brain is a sensitive balance of interdependence. Healthy brain function is dependent on the neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced in the GI tract. Conversely, the GI tract, and the microbiome that inhabits it, are sensitive to changes in the brain, such as stress.