Posted by admin on March 19th, 2012
I recently had the pleasure of guest speaking on Neil Haley’s radio show, the Total Education Hour, on WRCT 88.3 FM in Pittsburgh. So many wonderful things have come from this:
- The opportunity to educate people about the wonders of Naturopathic Medicine
- The opportunity to educate people about a naturopathic approach to treating children with ADHD
- I have established a working relationship with Dr. Jennifer Little, my co-guest speaker on the radio roundtable and an educator of 40 years, and we are pooling our knowledge to provide parents with tools to help their children succeed in school. Download a flyer and come to one of our talks, give the flyer of the Library Talks with Dr. Little to a friend needing the information, or post it on your Facebook profile. The talks are free!
To listen to the radio shows, click on the following links:
Enjoy!
Blessings,
Julie Glass, ND
Posted by admin on February 29th, 2012
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 5 million children have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The incidence of children with ADHD has risen 22% from 2003 to 2007. 2.7 million of our children have been prescribed at least one medication for ADHD.
ADHD is characterized by difficulty focusing, paying attention, and controlling impulsive behavior. Hyperactivity exists in the Hyperactive subtype of ADHD. A child with ADHD may not complete his homework, or completes it and forgets to turn it in. He gets bored easily, is readily distractible, and seems only to excel in subjects he likes. He thrives with one on one attention, and may have difficulties functioning in groups.
While prescription medications help remove the symptoms of ADHD, they do not remove the cause(s). As a naturopath, I am interested in causation. Why is this child exhibiting these symptoms? Does he have high lead or iron levels, or a zinc deficiency? Is he reacting negatively to a specific food?
Children with ADHD are more sensitive to decreasing blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Thus, they need to consume high quality foods to maintain their cognitive functioning. A meal high in simple sugars, or a can of soda, will absorb into the bloodstream quickly, rapidly raising blood sugar levels, and then rapidly plummeting them. Conversely, foods high in quality protein are often known as “brain foods” because they boost cognitive functioning and performance. One of the best “brain food”s is wild salmon, which contains both quality protein and omega 3 fatty acids. Research is showing that children with ADHD have lower red blood cell and plasma levels of these important omega 3 fatty acids.
Additional beneficial foods for those with ADHD include fresh vegetables & fruits, and whole grains (those tolerated). I find either testing for food allergies or eliminating common allergens to be helpful when working with children with ADHD. I also work with the parents of the children I see, to help them understand their child’s specific nutritional needs, and to figure out how to incorporate new foods and/or eliminate reactive ones from the child’s diet. I see the best results when the parents and/or siblings of the child with ADHD improve their own diets as well!
Posted by admin on January 24th, 2012
Looking to enhance your health during the cold, wet winter months? Here are some quick, practical, and effective tips:
- Check your Vitamin D level: Since we get Vitamin D from sunlight, Portlanders are at increased risk for deficiency of Vitamin D, especially during the winter months. Sufficient Vitamin D levels are necessary for the immune and cardiovascular systems, as well as for bone health. Learn more about this important vitamin at the Vitamin D Council.
- Eat Breakfast: Eating breakfast helps boost your metabolism, and give your day a good start. According to the Mayo Clinic, children and adults who eat a breakfast with fiber, protein, and a little fat enjoy the benefits of increased focus and concentration and increased nutrient status.
- Go For A Walk: Walking increases circulation, allowing the immune components of the blood to be delivered to all parts of the body. It can also help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, improve your mood, and lose weight!
- Get Adequate Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for the body to replenish itself. Consequences of inadequate sleep include decreased cognitive and physical performance, decreased immunity, and an inability to lose weight. According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, an illness that can lead to disorders such as stroke and heart attack. (See here for a natural way to manage sleep apnea)
- Drink More Water: Approximately 60% of our body is water. Water is essential to bring nutrients to the cells, lubricate the joints, flush toxins from the body, and keep our skin an mucus membranes soft and pliable. By the time we feel thirst, we are most likely dehydrated. Many people eat when they are really thirsty, and some of us must drink although we feel no thirst. Although the amount of water we should drink depends upon many factors (weight, lifestyle, health status, etc.) for most adults 8 eight ounce glasses of water is the appropriate requirement. How do I track my daily water intake? I keep a glass jar of water with me at all times…in fact, I have several glass water bottles. One in the office, one in the car, and one at home. Why glass? It is environmentally friendly and I can see how much water I’ve consumed (or not consumed) simply by looking at it. Try it!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not a substitute for medical advise. Speak with your physician before making any of the changes listed in this blog.
Posted by admin on October 18th, 2011
Autumn is here, and with it our hours of prescious sunshine are diminishing, and temperatures are dropping. Consequently, many of us become ill during this time of year. A quick and easy way to boost your immune system during the cold months, or all year round, is to end your hot showers with cool water. That’s right, I said cool water. Science has known for many years that cold water therapy has multiple benefits. It enhances the immune system by increasing the levels of white blood cells and cytokines in the body, both of which are needed to help stave off infection and inflammation. Additionally, cold water redirects blood from the skin to the internal organs, bringing more oxygen to the tissues and enhancing circulation. I have begun to end with my morning hot showers with cool water, and am working my way to cold. Give it a try – you might be surprised that you like how the cooler water feels!
Disclaimer: This is not a substitute for medical advise. Speak to your physician before attempting this or any other medical treatment.