Ideas for Constipation

When Presley was born, she experienced episodes of low heart rate and apnea.  She went home on a low dose of caffeine and a apnea monitor.  We quickly weaned her from both and by 2 months she stopped taking the caffeine.  The day after we discontinued the caffeine though, she developed constipation.  This is fairly common in children with Down syndrome due to various issues such as low tone of the abdominal muscles, potential thyroid issues making everything in the body sluggish, and those requiring heart surgery may not have the ability and strength to take in sufficient liquids or to be physically active enough to maintain regular bowel movements.  In rare cases, Hirschsprung's disease must be ruled out, which is a disorder when the lower portion of the large bowel is missing the nerve cells so it does not function properly.  This blog entry is to show you some of the things we have had success with and some of the things we have read about that may possible help someone else in their struggles to keep their child healthy and regular. 

First of all, Miralax is not a good solution.   It was recommended by a GI doctor for Presley, however after researching it before I gave it, I noticed that it is NOT approved by the FDA for use in children and there are no studies to assess the side effects of long term use.  Read the infamous NYT article here that brought it to many parents attention.

This is what Dr Aviva Romm had to say about Miralax:

"In 2012 the Empire State Consumer Project, an environmental consumer action group in New York, petitioned the FDA to more aggressively investigate the use of Miralax in children. Should we be concerned about this medication?   I think so! The FDA admits to years of reports of tremors, tics and obsessive-compulsive behavior in children given laxatives containing PEG 3350, the active ingredient in Miralax. A 2014 FDA investigation into the safety of Miralax discovered that tiny amounts of ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG), the main ingredients in antifreeze, were found in all batches of the drug they tested.
Furthermore, an FDA spokesperson admitted that “many of the reported adverse events were classic symptoms of ethylene glycol ingestion.” Some children regularly using Miralax had blood acidity when tested, according to the FDA. This is another known effect of ethylene glycol poisoning.  In spite of this, small amounts of these toxic contaminants are actually considered acceptable in the final product, and are, according to FDA standards, and considered “safe.” However, this is when used in adults, and only for up to 7 days at a time.   There’s still no data on what happens in kids, whose nervous systems are developing well into their teens, when they chronically ingest these toxins.  While a new research group, funded by the FDA, is convening at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia to investigate the safely of these substances in children, it is disturbing that anyone would ever think it’s okay to consciously include antifreeze in a children’s medication – particularly one that is used daily over a long period of time."


So, what are you supposed to do?  Here is a list of ideas that you can discuss with your child's physician about what would be right for your family. 


Aloe Vera-  Outside of the United States, aloe is considered a fast and effective remedy for gastrointestinal complaints. Drs. Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray, naturopathic physicians and authors of the "Textbook of Natural Medicine," claim that aloe juice is a potent and effective stimulant laxative. Its fluid is drawn into your stool, making it softer. Additionally, small doses of aloe juice, contained inside the skin of the plant's leaf, help the digestion of protein and strengthen your body's intestinal musculature, easing constipation and irregularity. In comparison to other herbal stimulant laxatives, however, such as senna or cascara sagrada, larger doses of aloe juice draw less fluid into your large intestines, making it less likely to cause dehydration, diarrhea and cramping.
For more information and dosage check here.


Ginger - some people have used ginger tincture with success.  We use some regular ginger powder in the girls smoothies each morning.   (Please consult with your doctor for questions, concerns, and further advice)


Milk of Magnesium (magnesium hydroxide) - see Tricia's previous post about "surprising results about Magnesium" to learn how most people are actually deficient in Magnesium: http://www.3of21.com/2013/01/surprising-results-from-magnesium.html  We had Presley's constipation under control with the natural methods until we began using Iron supplement for her low blood levels.  After discussing with our Pediatrician, we gave the recommended dose of 1/2 tsp orally twice a day for 3 days, then 1/2 tsp orally once a day as needed.  This began to work immediately and we will continue to use this while we are using a higher dose of iron to replenish the iron stores.  At this time, Presley is 21 months and weighs approximately 25 lbs. Milk of mag is a slightly alkaline antacid also, which may help our children with other issues such as indigestion or heartburn.  Read more about Milk of Mag at: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/milk-of-magnesia-ingredients.html



Epsom salt baths -  Espom salt is comprised of Magnesium and is another great way to boost your child's magnesium intake as it is well absorbed through the skin.  Read about all the great benefits of epsom salts at: http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp  We use 1-2 cups each bath with at least 15-20 minutes of exposure time.



Yogurt, probiotics, and kefir - children with DS may not have a strong immune system, so replacing and encouraging the normal gut bacteria will assist the body in helping itself by strengthening the immune system.  The following was taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_gastrointestinal_tract

"The gastrointestinal tract is also a prominent part of the immune system.^[11] The surface area of the digestive tract is estimated to be the surface area of a football field. With such a large exposure, the immune system must work hard to prevent pathogens from entering into blood and lymph.^[12] The low pH (ranging from 1 to 4) of the stomach is fatal for many microorganisms that enter it. Similarly, mucus (containing IgA antibodies) neutralizes many of these microorganisms. Other factors in the GI tract help with immune function as well, including enzymes in saliva and bile. Enzymes such as Cyp3A4, along with the antiporter activities, also are instrumental in the intestine's role of detoxification of antigens and xenobiotics, such as drugs, involved in first pass metabolism.  Health-enhancing intestinal bacteria serve to prevent the overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria in the gut. These two types of bacteria compete for space and "food," as there are limited resources within the intestinal tract. A ratio of 80-85% beneficial to 15-20% potentially harmful bacteria generally is considered normal within the intestines. Microorganisms also are kept at bay by an extensive immune system comprising the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).



Fruit Lax - aka "fruit laxative",  there are a variety of different recipes called "Fruit lax" online, this is the one we use.  We mix it with almond butter and the thermos cereal.   Read more about it here from a previous post.

1 cup pitted prunes
1 cup raisins
1 cup pitted dates
.5 cup orange juice
.66 cup prune juice

For even more fiber add 1 cup of natural wheat bran to the fruit mixture.  Do not if avoiding gluten.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and soak overnight in the refrigerator.
Blend in blender until smooth and serve.



Coconut Oil - sometimes we mix 1/2 to 1 tsp of organic coconut oil in Presley's morning smoothie.  The following article was taken from:   http://www.poopdoc.com/articles/virgincoconutoil.html

"So how does virgin coconut oil provide relief from constipation? The reason why virgin coconut oil eases constipation is because it is fibrous and it cleanses the colon very effectively. It also increases your metabolism rate letting your system break down food faster and effectively which can lead to increased bowel movement and weight reduction.

Virgin coconut oil is also an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral agent. The fatty acids found in virgin coconut oil can also boost your immune system and equips it with the tools it needs to fight off bacteria, diseases and other infections.

Most people wouldn’t believe this just because virgin coconut oil is oil and as we all know oil is bad for the health for numerous reasons. The distinctive characteristic that sets virgin coconut oil apart from other harmful oils is that it doesn’t turn to fat. It is incredibly safe and it can actually lower your cholesterol."

Digestive support essential oils - we use essential oils for a lot of issues and love the results.  The wonderful smells are a bonus.  The owners of Hopewell essential oils have a child with Down Syndrome, so they have a vested interest in finding oils to help them with potential issues.    When you massage your child's abdomen/stomach, go in a clockwise circle which will follow the large intestine as it goes toward the end of the colon to push the gas/stool and stimulate the muscles to move.  I also follow up with a few downward strokes across the entire abdomen.

Digestive support Ingredients: Tarragon (Artemesia dracunculus), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Juniperberry (Juniperus communis), Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) .  These oils are blended to assist in relieving digestive problems such as upset stomach, belching, heartburn, bloating, and to abate the stomach virus, diarrhea, and constipation.

Thermos cereal - this was recommended to us by Dr Jullian Neil who is the nutritionist for the National Assocation of Child Development (NACD), the neurodevelopmental program we use.  http://nacd.org/health/thermos.php.    Check out Tricia's great post here for more information and pictures.

Fruits, vegetables, and water -  Adding fruits and vegetables is a good idea for the entire family.  Most of us have already tried the pear, prune, or apple juice as well as many pureed vegetables to help with constipation.  Sometimes combining items as in some of these recipes.  I put an entire apple without the peel into Presley's smoothie each morning.  We mix strawberries, lemons, oranges, blueberries or whatever type of fruit we have on hand into a gallon jug of water to make our own vitamin water also.  Water is re-absorbed as stool moves into the end of the large colon.  The longer it sits there, the more water is re-absorbed creating hard uncomfortable stools. So, you must stay hydrated to be able to go regularly.   More fluids, more fiber!


Fig water - this was also recommended by our nutritionist, Dr Jullian Neil (http://drjulianneil.com/), who has a child with Down syndrome.  While I did not see this on his website, he recommended soaking figs in purified/filtered water overnight and having Presley drink the water the following day.  We did not personally try this because the thermos cereal worked so well for us.


Digitally assist - yes, this means putting on a glove and stimulating the rectal area with your finger.  When you are a parent and your child is in pain, you do what you have to do.  I am a Physician Assistant, and previously a Registered Nurse before that, so I am actually "trained" to do this.  Please discuss this with your doctor and learn how to help your child.  I simply put on a glove with a lubrication such as coconut oil and insert my smallest finger into her bottom to loosen the grip of the sphincter.  Within minutes, the impacted stool is free and she gets instant relief.  We utilized this when Presley was an infant when she was breastfeeding and not taking in solids yet.



Chiropractor - aligning the spine properly has many benefits and encourages the body to function optimally.  I read the following from www.yourspine.com: "Chiropractic adjustments (particularly in the lower spine) may help relieve constipation in certain individuals. Muscles in the intestine push stool to the anus, where stool leaves the body. Special nerve cells in the intestine, called ganglion cells, make the muscles push. These nerves connect directly to the celiac ganglion, which also innervates the stomach, liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidney, small intestine, and the ascending and transverse colon. The celiac ganglion, in turn connects to the spinal cord (and the brain) through nerve roots that exit the spine in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar region. Pressure on these nerve roots caused by misalignment of the vertebrae in this area may interfere with the normal function of the bowel as well as other organs of the digestive system."  We are fortunate to have a pediatric chiropractor here in Little Rock and visit him every 3 weeks.  Initially though, we went twice a week.  Watch his video at : http://www.chenalchiropractic.com/ to learn exactly how much having the proper spinal alignment can help.  Presley's sphincter tone changed from a "death grip" to normal after the first week.


Glycerin suppository - we have use this only twice.  It had limited usefulness for us, but may help others.  They make these suppositories for infants to stimulate the distal bowels to move.


Goat's milk - also recommended by our nutritionist.  We switched from breastfeeding at 11 months old to goat's milk due to the smaller size of the proteins in comparison to other types of milk.  The smaller size allows for easier digestion.  Presley had 1-3 goat milk smoothie's with fruit and some spinach added in each day.


Exercise, physical activity - this is a simpler task when they begin crawling and walking. Here is what www.webmd.com has to say:  "Exercise helps constipation by decreasing the time it takes food to move through the large intestine, thus limiting the amount of water absorbed from the stool into your body. Hard, dry stools are harder to pass. In addition, aerobic exercise accelerates your breathing and heart rate. This helps to stimulate the natural contraction of intestinal muscles. Intestinal muscles that contract efficiently help move stools out quickly". 

Ask your therapist for some core strengthening ideas.  Here are some ideas specifically for children.   We spent some time on a large exercise ball and follwed some exercises from "How to Teach your Baby to be Physically Superb" by Glenn Doman.

 *  Vitamin C cleanse and maintenance dose as suggested by Dr Russell Jaffe.  Read the protocol here.

*  Elimination diet:  avoid dairy, gluten, processed foods.  Increase fiber.

*  Probiotics :  also consider prebiotics.  Some of the good probiotics that I personally have liked are Seeking Health Probiotia powder, Prescript Assist, Dr Mercola, and most recently is Visbiome.

*  Check the thyroid.  Constipation can be a side effect of a low functioning thyroid.

*  Potato peeling broth with frozen fruit to make smoothies.  Potato peeling broth recipe here.

*  Magnesium oxide- many moms within the DS community use this.  I have not used this yet.    It says to give with a full glass of water.  Please read more about it before giving.  

*  Magnesium citrate:  Per Dr Aviva Romm: 
"is an osmotic laxative — meaning it works the same way as Miralax, by pulling water into the intestines. It is safe in moderation for even young children. A typical dose range is as follows:

• 1–3 years 65 mg/day
• 4–8 years 110 mg/day
• 9–18 years 350 mg/day

I recommend taking it before bed, which will often lead to a soft BM in the morning. It can be purchased in powder form and mixed into a small amount of almond milk or water and taken in a cup with a straw, which is easy for young kids."

*  Fruit eze - I have not personally used this, but have seen others recommending it.  The website says this: "Fruit-Eze™ fruit blend is a safe, effective, all-natural alternative to laxatives made of prunes, raisins, dates, and prune juice."  Warrior Mom Melanie Duncan suggested it and had this to say "Fruit-eze has been wonderful for my son. It is like a jelly (all natural prunes, dates & raisins) and blends easily with his feeds. We started with one teaspoon twice daily, and now (he's 11) we give him one tablespoon in the AM & PM. His BMs are productive, and once or twice daily. With Down syndrome and a fundoplication, he has lower motility, too. Retching/gagging and "leaking" g-tube reduced GREATLY since using it. We now have family members and multiple people online that have also started using it, and everyone has had success with no side effects that has updated me. We blend it with my sons feedings, others blend it with smoothies, add it to yogurt, spend it on jelly, or my mom just eat a spoonful every morning.  In addition to Fruit Eze, vitamin C, a small amount of magnesium, my son also takes this probiotic (Klaire Labs Saccharomyces Boulardii Veggie Capsules) daily. Amazingly productive BMs after years of miralax and still having issues."


*  Castor oil packs - "A castor oil pack, when placed on the skin, is thought to enhance circulation and promote healing to the affected area and therefore, when placed on the stomach, can improve digestion and may relieve constipation symptoms. There has been one small study that looked at the effects of castor oil packs on elderly patients who suffered with constipation, some of whom had been affected for at least 10 years.  They monitored the results over a period of seven days and found that, in short, castor oil packs may be used for controlling symptoms of constipation such as reducing the need to strain and the feeling of complete evacuation after a bowel movement." as seen here in this article.

Wellness mama shows how to make castor oil packs here.

*  Senna:  (such as in Smooth Move herbal tea)  Dr Aviva Romm:
"Senna is approved by the FDA for children 2 years old and older. It is a strong stimulating laxative so I don’t recommend it for daily use, but it does come in handy in a pinch. To cut down on the belly cramping that sometimes comes along with using senna, use a tea bag combination that contains ginger and fennel seeds, or peppermint leaf. Smooth Move by Traditional Medicinals is a good example of a tea blend you can use. Gaia Herbs Natural Laxative Tea is another."



*  Flax seeds - per Dr Aviva Romm: 
"up to 1 tsp. ground twice daily for children aged 2-7, and up to 1 TBS ground twice daily in children over 7, is an effective bulk laxative that can be mixed into a smoothie, mixed into nut butter and spread on an apple of crackers, or mixed into a 4 oz. of water or juice." 

RECIPE: Fruit Balls
Rich in nutrients, fruit balls are a healthy treat for kids of all ages and a great laxative. They are really sticky, so get kids to brush their teeth after eating them to prevent cavities.

• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup prunes
• ½ cup almonds
• ½ cup shredded coconut or almond meal
• ¼ cup flaxseed

To prepare: Slowly grind all ingredients except the coconut or almond meal in a blender or food processor. Add a little water as needed to form a slightly sticky dough. Form into 2-inch balls and roll in the coconut or almond meal. Have fun creating your own variations. Kids love making these, too.
 Chia seed is also mildly laxative. There are some wonderful chia seed puddings online. Chia seed should be used in a ratio of 8 parts liquid to 1 part chia seeds, otherwise it can absorb water from the intestines and add to, not fix, the problem!

Psyllium or plantain seeds can be mixed into smoothies or a small amount of juice, similarly to ground flax seeds."
    

(Caution with bulking items like chia, flax, psyllium.  If you do not increase fluid intake then it can potentially cause blockage as stools will harden even more)


Additional advice from other websites:

Please read Dr Aviva Romm's entire article here.  She is a medical physician, mid wife, and herbalism.  She believes in trying natural ways in treating her patients first.   She has many excellent articles about women and children's health issues.

Andi Durkin has helpful information  found here on how serotonin levels in children with DS affect constipation and additional suggestions.

Down Syndrome and constipation: http://www.ds-health.com/constip.htm

Learn more from the Einstein Syndrome webpage about things like senna tea: http://einstein-syndrome.com/health_medical/constipation/

Super Down Syndrome: https://sites.google.com/site/superdownsyndrome/gastrointestinal-issues/constipation


Please feel free to add things that have worked for your family in the comment section below.  Remember this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical care from your physician.  Please discuss which option is best for your family with your physician.  


Many blessing to you,
Robin Tolliver

Surprising Results From Magnesium Research

Recently I started doing some research on teeth grinding.  I noticed Emmalin started to hold her jaw in a very tight position and move it back and forth, similar to teeth grinding but there was no teeth on teeth grinding.  There were similar concerns posted on D.A.D.S. so I decided to do some digging.  I thought it might be more common in DS but after further investigation it just seems to be common with everyone.

First thing I discovered is that most people will say the cause of teeth grinding is an uncommon bite, the teeth, the jaw, anxiety or stress.  Regarding Emma the first three are not an issue and there does not appear to be any stress or major anxiety issues...so what is next?  I quickly turned to Andi Durkin at  http://dsdaytoday.blogspot.com and this is what I found:

Studies show that children with T21 have lower levels of magnesium than a typical child. Unfortunately, problems common to individuals with DS such as oxidative stress and neurodegenerative processes as well as symptoms such as teeth grinding, sensitivity to sound, some forms of stimming and constipation often accompany a magnesium deficiency.

Hmmmm...okay so lets start there.  What I discovered was very interesting.  First things first, let's talk about Magnesium.

Magnesium (Mg) may be the most overlooked mineral. No one has yet popularized a simple way to remember it, in the way that we usually associate potassium with bananas, calcium with bone health, and sodium with blood pressure. But magnesium is an incredibly versatile and important nutrient that many doctors, nutritionists, and researchers believe is the single most important nutrient for human health.

It is essential for over 300 different chemical reactions in the body, including maintaining your energy level, helping you relax, and sustaining the health of your heart and blood vessels. Unfortunately, in most of the developed world, magnesium deficiency is probably the most common nutritional deficiency. Because it has so many crucial functions, and because it appears to protect us from serious conditions that are most prevalent in the developed world, magnesium really is the “miracle mineral.”

More Benifits of Magnesium

One of its most common uses is for alleviating constipation; you may recognize it as the active ingredient in well-known over-the-counter laxative medicines. It is also a natural calcium-channel blocker – many integrative medicine practitioners have used magnesium supplements to help lower blood pressure and maintain healthy blood pressure.

While we often hear about the importance of calcium for bones, magnesium is the other key mineral for healthy bones. And because so many people take calcium pills without magnesium, there may actually be a greater need for magnesium than for calcium in people who are most vulnerable to osteoporosis.

Magnesium is probably the most important nutrient for that energy powerhouse, the human heart; it helps the heart muscle itself function better. Magnesium also helps protect blood vessels, which is where most of what we call heart disease actually happens. Magnesium is also a natural blood thinner, much like aspirin, so many doctors and researchers believe that it may help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Perhaps the area where magnesium could have the biggest impact is in the prevention of diabetes: Scientists have proven that magnesium levels are low in people with diabetes; people with higher magnesium levels do not develop diabetes; and that supplementing with magnesium appears to help reverse pre-diabetes.

As with all minerals in foods, the mineral has to be present in the soil where the food is grown. The best food sources of magnesium are beans, especially soy; whole grains, including bran; nuts like almonds and brazil nuts; and seeds, including flaxseed, sesame, and sunflower. Dry cocoa powder, and thus dark chocolate, is also a great (and incredibly tasty!) source.

Magnesium for Pain Relief

Clinical experience, as well as research in nerve pain conditions such as pancreatic cancer, has shown that magnesium can be an effective treatment for pain. Although it is clear why magnesium can decrease muscle pain (it makes muscles relax), why it would help nerve pain was less clear. A new study on rats to be printed in The Journal of Physiology confirms our clinical experience that magnesium decreases nerve pain — while also pointing to how it works.

A major mechanism of pain is the excessive stimulation of a brain chemical called “NMDA.” The few medications that help decrease and balance this pain-carrying neurotransmitter have the downside of causing significant side effects. Magnesium seems to settle down NMDA without the toxicity. The upside of magnesium is that is very inexpensive (pennies a dose). The downside is that it hasn’t yet made it through the FDA approval process.

The good news is that you don't have to wait for the FDA. Magnesium can be found in supplement form at most health food stores. And magnesium oxide, though not as well absorbed, can also be found for about a nickel per 500 mg tablet.

For an especially powerful effect, the magnesium can be used intravenously, and is an important tool used by most holistic physicians (including those at the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers). Many holistic physicians use IV magnesium to eliminate an acute migraine headache. It has even been shown to ease the incredibly severe nerve pain that can sometimes be seen in pancreatic cancer. It is also very helpful for settling down fibromyalgia pain, which has a muscle and nerve component.

The authors of the study suggest that magnesium deficiency can be a major amplifier of pain. Because of food processing, most people are magnesium deficient. If you have pain, taking magnesium each day can start to decrease these deficiencies as well as the pain, after just several weeks — while also leaving you feeling more energetic. (If you have kidney problems, do not use without your physician's OK.)


Magnesium and Teeth Grinding

Magnesium's vital role in nerve and muscle function led at least two researchers to the suspicion that bruxism may be traceable to insufficient consumption, or inefficient utilization, of this metal. A magnesium-deficient diet is said to cause frequent teeth grinding in both sleeping and awake pigs (cf. Lehvila, 1994, p. 219). In humans, the suggested treatment involves magnesium supplements. According to Ploceniak (1990), for instance, prolonged magnesium administration nearly always provides a cure for bruxism. This confirms the earlier report of Lehvila (1974), which claimed remarkable reductions in the frequency and duration of grinding episodes (and at times, their complete cessation) in six patients who took, once a day, a tablet of assorted vitamins and minerals (which included 25 mg {in children} or 100 mg {in adults} of magnesium), for at least five weeks. When the intake of supplements stopped, the symptoms returned.

The proverb “you are what you eat” is very true. Simple diet changes can help your teeth grinding problems. A powerful natural item to be included in your Teeth Grinding Diet for immediate relief is magnesium. A deficiency in magnesium levels is suspected to be one of the causes of many health problems, inducing teeth grinding, migraines, headaches and diabetes.

An important factor in magnesium deficiencies is alcohol intake. The difference between a hangover and a magnesium deficiency can be hard to distinguish. The sensitivity to light and noise and headache are characteristic of both.

Teeth grinding is one medical condition that is associated with vitamin deficiencies, in particular calcium and magnesium. A person who is deficient in their magnesium level will find that their bodies regulate and metabolize calcium in a much less beneficial way, leading to a lower level of bone density.

Deficiencies

A magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in this country.  Processing and refining of foods removes most of the magnesium, which is not replaced during the enrichment process.  Also, cooking, freezing, and canning destroys magnesium, so eat the foods listed below.  Chemical fertilization, our most common farming method, depletes the soil of magnesium, whereas organic gardening does not.  Soft-water, which is typical of drinking supplies in many areas of this country, lacks the magnesium content of hard water.  Feel lucky if your soap doesn't lather well, that's a sign of hard water and high magnesium content.  Don't use a water softener for the water you drink. 

More than half of the human body's magnesium is found in bone, the rest is in cells, soft tissues, muscle, and blood.  If magnesium is lacking in the diet, it is taken from bone to insure an adequate amount exists in blood.  Calcium and magnesium are closely related in their body functions and must be in proper proportion.  One part magnesium should be accompanied by approximately two parts calcium.  (Note that the RDA's are not in that proportion.  They are way off-=1 to 10 instead of 1 to 2.)  There is a reciprocal relationship between calcium and magnesium in muscle functioning, calcium stimulates muscles and magnesium relaxes muscles.  Remeber that the heart is a muscle and needs calcium to stay healthy.  Excess calcium may cause a magnesium deficiency.

A deficiency of manganese may lead to atherosclerosis, confusion, convulsions, eye problems, hearing problems, heart disorders, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, irritability, memory loss muscle conpulse, teeth grinding, tremors, and a tendency toward breast ailments.

Functions In The Human Body

Necessary in formation of bones and teeth.  Activates enzymes which help the body use energy from food.  Controls blood pressure.  Regulates body temperature.  Regulates acid-alkaline balance in the body.  Helps in the manufacture of protein, RNA, and DNA.  Used in muscle contraction and relaxation and in nerve functioning.  Helps with constipation by acting as a laxative and flushing out intestines.  Neutralizes stomach acid.  Helps stiff joints. 


Deficiency Symptoms

Magnesium deficiency is sometimes hard to recognize because the symptoms may be linked to other problems or deficiencies.  Severe defiency symptoms include weak muscles, muscle spasms, poor coordination, tremors or convulsions, hypertension, loss of appetite, depression, apprehensiveness, change in personality, a desire to commit suicide, confusion, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, hair loss, swollen gums, irregular heartbeat, calcium deposits in the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels.  Long term magnesium defiency can cause heart and cardiovascular problems.  All of these can cause magnesium deficiency: stress, alcohol, diuretics, highly refined processed foods, lack of protein in the diet, a high carbohydrate diet, too much calcium in the diet, vomiting, diarrhea, and taking too many diuretics.  Magnesium deficiency can cause painful uterine contractions in women in the later stages of pregnancy. 

Toxicity Symptoms

Toxicity is unlikely, being that the kidneys excrete excess magnesium.  If kidneys are not functioning properly, as in the aged and in those with kidney problems, magnesium toxicity may result.  People with kidney problems should not take magnesium supplements unless their doctors approve.  Symptoms include weakness, lethargy, drowsiness, and difficulty breathing.

Supplements

Life Extension Neuro-Mag L-Threonate $28 w/free shipping
Jarrow MindMag $22.17, buy two and get free shipping
Vitacost has the same Life Extension brand for $30 and a Vitacost brand for $27.

 

Through Skin

A recent paper by Rosemary Waring from Birmingham has been very helpful. She did experiments with people looking at the absorption of Epsom Salts in the bath. A 15 minute bath at 50ºC with a 1% solution of Epsom Salts caused significant rises in plasma magnesium and sulphate levels together with an increase in magnesium excretion in the urine. To achieve a 1% solution, a standard UK bath of 15 gallons requires 600grams, (just over a 1lb) of Epson Salts. The water should feel slightly soapy. In this experiment there were no adverse effects, indeed 2 of the volunteers who were over 60 years of age commented without prompting that their rheumatic pains had disappeared.

RDA in mg:

Age (months)	Males and Females (mg/day)
0 to 6	30
7 to 12	75

Age (years)	Males (mg/day)	Females (mg/day)	Pregnancy (mg/day)	Lactation (mg/day)
1–3	80	80	N/A	N/A
4–8	130	130	N/A	N/A
9–13	240	240	N/A	N/A
14–18	410	360	400	360
19–30	400	310	350	310
31+	420	320	360	320

Sources of Magnesium

The largest quanitities of manganese are found in avocadoes, nuts and seeds, seaweed, and whole grains. This mineral may also be found in blueberries, egg yolks, legumes, dried peas, pineapples, and green leafy vegetables. Herbs that contain manganese include alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginseng, jops, lemongrass, mullein, parsley, peppermint, rasberry, red clover, rose hips, wild yam, yarrow, and yellow dock.

World's Healthiest Foods ranked as quality sources of magnesium
Food	Serving Size	Cals	Amount (mg)	DV (%)	Nutrient Density	World's Healthiest Foods Rating
Swiss Chard	1 cup cooked	35.0	150.50	37.6	19.4	excellent
Spinach	1 cup cooked	41.4	156.60	39.1	17.0	excellent
Sea Vegetables	0.25 cup	8.6	24.20	6.0	12.7	very good
Basil	2 tsp	7.0	11.82	3.0	7.6	good
Turnip Greens	1 cup cooked	28.8	31.68	7.9	4.9	very good
Summer Squash	1 cup raw	18.1	19.21	4.8	4.8	good
Pumpkin Seeds	0.25 cup	180.3	190.92	47.7	4.8	very good
Mustard Greens	1 cup cooked	21.0	21.00	5.2	4.5	very good
Cumin	1 tsp	15.8	15.37	3.8	4.4	good
Blackstrap Molasses	2 tsp	32.1	29.39	7.3	4.1	very good
Cucumber	1 cup	15.6	13.52	3.4	3.9	good
Dill	2 tsp	12.8	10.75	2.7	3.8	good
Romaine Lettuce	2 cups	16.0	13.16	3.3	3.7	good
Cloves	2 tsp	13.6	11.09	2.8	3.7	good
Green Beans	1 cup raw	31.0	25.00	6.2	3.6	very good
Collard Greens	1 cup cooked	49.4	38.00	9.5	3.5	very good
Halibut	4 oz-wt	158.8	121.34	30.3	3.4	very good
Flax Seeds	2 tbs	74.8	54.88	13.7	3.3	good
Mustard Seeds	2 tsp	20.3	14.80	3.7	3.3	good
Asparagus	1 cup raw	26.8	18.76	4.7	3.2	good
Celery	1 cup	16.2	11.11	2.8	3.1	good
Kale	1 cup cooked	36.4	23.40	5.8	2.9	good
Broccoli	1 cup raw	30.9	19.11	4.8	2.8	good
Sesame Seeds	0.25 cup	206.3	126.36	31.6	2.8	good
Tomatoes	1 cup raw	32.4	19.80	5.0	2.8	good
Cauliflower	1 cup raw	26.8	16.05	4.0	2.7	good
Mushrooms, Shiitake	87 g	29.6	17.40	4.3	2.6	good
Eggplant	1 cup raw	19.7	11.48	2.9	2.6	good
Sunflower Seeds	0.25 cup	204.4	113.75	28.4	2.5	good
Buckwheat	1 cup	154.6	85.68	21.4	2.5	good
Fennel	1 cup raw	27.0	14.79	3.7	2.5	good
Quinoa	42.50 g	156.4	83.72	20.9	2.4	good
Beets	1 cup raw	58.5	31.28	7.8	2.4	good
Brussels Sprouts	1 cup raw	37.8	20.24	5.1	2.4	good
Black Beans	1 cup cooked	227.0	120.40	30.1	2.4	good
Cashews	0.25 cup	189.5	100.04	25.0	2.4	good
Soybeans	1 cup cooked	297.6	147.92	37.0	2.2	good
Scallops	4 oz-wt	127.0	62.37	15.6	2.2	good
Almonds	0.25 cup	206.0	98.67	24.7	2.2	good
Green Peas	1 cup raw	115.7	53.72	13.4	2.1	good
Tuna	4 oz-wt	157.6	72.57	18.1	2.1	good
Leeks	1 cup raw	54.3	24.92	6.2	2.1	good
Raspberries	1 cup	64.0	27.06	6.8	1.9	good
Strawberries	1 cup	46.1	18.72	4.7	1.8	good
Tofu	4 oz-wt	86.2	34.02	8.5	1.8	good
Tempeh	4 oz-wt cooked	222.3	87.32	21.8	1.8	good
Brown Rice	1 cup	216.4	83.85	21.0	1.7	good
Bell Peppers	1 cup raw	28.5	11.04	2.8	1.7	good
Spelt	4 oz-wt	246.4	95.06	23.8	1.7	good
Wheat	1 cup cooked	151.1	58.24	14.6	1.7	good
Oats	1 cup cooked	166.1	63.18	15.8	1.7	good
Navy Beans	1 cup cooked	254.8	96.46	24.1	1.7	good
Lima Beans	1 cup cooked	216.2	80.84	20.2	1.7	good
Millet	1 cup cooked	207.1	76.56	19.1	1.7	good
Cantaloupe	1 cup	54.4	19.20	4.8	1.6	good
Winter Squash	1 cup baked	75.8	26.65	6.7	1.6	good
Pinto Beans	1 cup cooked	244.5	85.50	21.4	1.6	good
Shrimp	4 oz-wt	112.3	38.56	9.6	1.5	good
Watermelon	1 cup	45.6	15.20	3.8	1.5	good
Kidney Beans	1 cup cooked	224.8	74.34	18.6	1.5	good
Rye	0.33 cup	188.5	61.35	15.3	1.5	good

 
Additional Articles:

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/magnesium-lowers-colorectal-cancer-risk?utm_source=www.GreenMedInfo.com&utm_campaign=3f4ea404af-Greenmedinfo&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_193c8492fb-3f4ea404af-86920253


Sources:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=75

http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/daniel-heller-nd/magnesium-miracle-mineral

http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/jacob-teitelbaum-md/magnesium-pain-relief

http://www.stopteethgrindingnow.net/

http://www.is.wayne.edu/mnissani/bruxnet/advice.htm

http://dsdaytoday.blogspot.com/2011/11/importance-of-magnesium.html

Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron

Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Healthy child: Where do I start?

Nutrition and Your Child’s Health

Recently, I was asked to speak to a group of special needs parents.  This pushed me to complete this post that I had been working on for awhile.  While it took many hours to compile, if it inspires even one family, it was time well spent.

My goals are to encourage your interest and education in the following areas:

-          Optimize nutritional intake

-          Improve gut health

-          Increase the immune system

-          Support detoxification pathways

-          Reduce toxic burden

Nutrition supports the body overall and in each of these categories. I have been in the medical field for 30 years now, but only began to dig deeper after Presley was born with Down syndrome.   I have been researching  each of these areas repeatedly over the past 7 years and would like to share with you some of the highlights.   This information has proven very beneficial for our family.   Remember, we started out on this journey with one change at a time and over time, it has added up.   It’s a marathon, not a sprint race.   The overall goal is better health for your child.    Better health decreases the chances of illnesses, promotes proper elimination, expedites healing from an illness, decreases brain inflammation which leads to better cognition and learning.   This could possibly lead to decreasing or eliminating the need for certain medications.  

Nutritional support is even more important if you have or know a child on a stimulant medication, such as for ADHD, since a common side effect is delayed growth.  They eat less, so what they do consume should be nutrient dense. 

Did you know there are diets proven to not only prevent and treat but reverse our #1 killer, heart disease, along with other deadly diseases such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure?   (Ornish, Esselstyn) Yet doctors get little if any formal nutrition training in medical school, graduating without some of the most powerful tools available to stop the chronic diseases that remain our leading causes of death and disability.  As parents of children with different needs, we can experience more stress and less sleep than average, and we are not exempt from our own health issues.  We need to live healthier longer.  We have all heard about applying the oxygen to yourself first before you can help others.  Therefore, this should really be a family commitment.  This lifestyle can take a little more time and more money, but it will increase the quality of your child’s life.   Your entire family will be healthier from a few changes.

1.  Optimize Nutritional Intake.

What does a real food diet look like? 

-          No gluten - gluten is a family of proteins found in wheat, barley, rye.  Makes dough elastic and causes bread to rise.    Some people have gluten intolerance (like Celiac) or gluten sensitivity.   Children with ASD show significantly higher levels of IgG gliadin antibody, the class of proteins present in wheat, and produce an immune response in sensitive individuals.    Biological testing also confirmed people with ASD  tend to have higher levels of gluten proteins in their urine.   (D. Amen).   According to the National Institute of Health/US National Library of Medicine, Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity has been related to autism, schizophrenia, and depression.   Symptoms of NCGS can include:  abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, or systemic symptoms such as brain fog, headaches, fatigue, leg/arm numbness and more.  You must remain entirely GF for 30 days minimum to see if your child will benefit from this. Remember, a gluten free cookie, is still a cookie though.  Gluten free does not necessarily mean healthy.   

-          No or limited dairy  (casein) -  some debate whether casein harms the brain or the dairy causes gastrointestinal problems, which cause distress and worsen behavioral issues.   On the elimination diet, you eliminate common food offenders, such as dairy, and after 30 days or more, you could introduce a small dairy product  and see if it creates concerns.    Children with ASD have been shown to have lower levels of Calcium, so consider an alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk.   Observe for nut allergy or sensitivity to oxylates. 

-          No processed foods –  chemically processed foods are made of refined ingredients and artificial substances.  Highly processed foods often contain:  preservatives, colorants, artificial flavors, and items to give texture.   They are typically low in nutrients and fiber. 

-          No artificial dyes -  associated with hyperactivity and behavioral disorders  (check labels, you will see it in pickles, ketchup, candy, cereals and much more.  These are banned in many European countries due to the neurological effects.

-          No sugar - amount recommended for a day 100 – 150 calories a day for adult from sugar, which means one can of soda would put you over the limit.  Too much sugar can lead to insulin resistance, elevated triglyerides and cholesterol, and increased fat accumulation in the liver and abdominal cavity and more. Strongly associated with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer.   Sugar causes inflammation throughout the body.  

-          No high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – sugar’s evil twin

-          No MSG - watch the video:  Unblind my mind – TEDTalk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL4SD5f2toQ .  She discusses how she solved the mystery of why her daughter would have meltdowns that would last hours when she asked her a simple question.  MSG is an excitotoxin, which means it can overexcite your cells to the point of damage or death, causing brain damage to varying degrees, and potentially worsening learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and more.  Can be hidden by labeling it:  autolyzed yeast, yeast extract, hydrolyzed protein, glutamate, textured proteins and more.   My previous post can be read here:  http://www.3of21.com/2015/12/removing-msg-could-help-your-family.html

-          No refined oils or trans fats –  usually contain cheap fats with excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, which can increase oxidation and inflammation in the body.   Choose unrefined oils, meaning they haven’t been filtered, heated, treated with chemicals.    Coconut oil is a good alternative.

-          Fewer& real ingredients:  small amount of ingredients that you can recognize  (5 ingredient rule).

-          Fresh foods as often as possible, organic  and non GMO when possible.   At a minimum, avoid the dirty dozen (most pesticides) as reported by the Environmental Working Group   (https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/ )  Real foods are grown and packed with nutrition.  Find a good printable of "eat the rainbow" and put on the refrigerator.  For example, cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower contain an important ingredient  called sulforophane.  It up regulates heat shock proteins in the brain and can improve synaptic transmissions and connectivity in the brain, which is typically decreased with ASD.    It is also a natural inducer o f N12, known as the “master regulator of the body’s response to environmental stressors.   It also triggers antioxidative response elements and increases mitochondria function.  Mitochondria are the “powerhouse” of all the cells and is known to be dysfunctional in children with ASD and DS.   There was a study that gave 1 TBSP of broccoli sprouts (=1 cup broccoli) to children < 100lbs and it was shown to decrease abnormal behavior.   Supplements provided no change.   Broccoli sprouts can contain up to 100 times more sulpherophane than a mature broccoli plant.

     

See here:  https://www.pinterest.com/produceforkids/eat-a-rainbow/

-    Check out thrive market, amazon, daily harvest for examples of online ordering and delivery right to your home.   Look into azure standard to local delivery of fresh foods.   There are so many options to find healthy options.

Where do I start?  What can I feed my family?

-          Here is a mom that challenged her family a few years ago to 100 days of eating real food.  It was such a success, they kept going and she has dedicated her life to showing others how easy it can be:  https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/

-          There are many websites and apps for assist in meal planning for your family.  Some examples are wellness mama and forks over knives.

-          Make small changes, maybe this week, you find a brand of chips that contain only three ingredients:  potatoes, salt, oil.  Stay with that brand.  Next week, add a couple of bites of broccoli.   Try a smoothie at Tropical Smoothie Café (ask for no sugar and to substitute with honey instead) and then tell your child you can try making it at home next time.  Include them in choices and allow them to help make it by choosing and adding ingredients. .  

-          Remember to see what your child is getting at school and even in Sunday school.    I have seen Goldfish crackers handed out many times.  They contain artificial dyes, sugar, wheat, refined vegetable oils, high sodium content, and non-fat milk, so basically everything we just talked about. 

-          Things we use at home:

o   Apples with sunbutter, applesauce

-   Fruit and veggie pouches.  Maybe you can't find organic, but you are still giving them good nutrition.   Keep things like these on hand for a quick snack.

o   Veggie fries/tots, Dr Praeger’s potatoes, broccoli fries

o   Sweet potatoes

o   Mashed potatoes/cauliflower mix

o   Chips with only 3 ingredients:  potatoes, salt, oil; add some salsa or hummus

o   Lots of fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, bananas, apples each morning

o   Get the bowls instead of wraps when eating out, decrease fast foods

o   Dilled Brussel sprouts (need to like pickles to like these)

o   Fermented carrots with hummus - fermented foods are a great source of natural probiotics

o   Oatmeal with sunbutter, honey, and fruit

o   Kale chips – oil, salt, pepper and bake  (stems can be bitter, so we don't usually eat them)

o   Roasted broccoli and Brussel sprouts – oil, salt, pepper, garlic

o   Komboucha tea

o   Beans - avoid BPA lined cans,   we make them often with our instant pot in 25 minutes

o   Quinoa

o   Spaghetti squash – place entire squash in oven, bake then cut open to bake last 10 minutes

o   Roasted garlic – oil, salt, must cut open, roast 15 minutes

o   Zucchini noodles – sold in freezer area also

o   Avocados or guacamole

o   Potato peeling broth – see here http://www.3of21.com/2014/07/potato-peel-broth.html

o   Avocado ice cream - http://www.3of21.com/2017/09/avocado-ice-cream.html

o   We only consume grass fed beef.

o   Our biggest nutrient dense option is our green smoothies each morning.   I use almond milk or komboucha tea.   It contains their vitamins for the day, along with spinach, kale, or spring mix greens (we rotate greens each week), a small carrot, frozen and fresh berries and fruit.   I add a few spices known to be anti inflammatory and healing such as turmeric, ginger, flax meal, and amla also.   If needed, I use local, raw honey (not recommended for children less than 1 year old)  You can look up kids smoothie recipes for tasty options to introduce them to smoothies and slowly add another healthy ingredient each week.   See previous breakfast post here:   http://www.3of21.com/2016/03/whats-for-breakfast-smoothies.html 

What about a picky eater?  Check out Melissa Matecki with Healthy Kids the Easy Way on her Facebook page or website: https://healthykidstheeasyway.com/ for tips and strategies.
                -  Talk with your child about why health is important.  Get them to talk and ask questions.
                -  Ask them what they can do get healthy and embrace all of their ideas such as eating the
                    rainbow for superpowers, going to bed early or on time, exercising...
                -   Let them choose what new vegetable they will try that week, then let them on the
                    help pick out a recipe. 
                -   Ask them afterwards what they liked, what was challenging for them.  Talk about it.
                -   Repeated exposures works over time with a little planning and a positive attitude.

2.   Improve gut health:

-          70-80% of the immune system is located within the gut (GALT)

-          Numerous studies supporting the gut-brain connection, known as the “second brain”

-          Father of medicine, Hippocrates said, “all disease begins in the gut”

-          Intestinal permeability aka “leaky gut” – secondary to poor diet choices, chronic stress, toxic overload, bacterial imbalance.   The intestines are protected by a single layer of specialized epithelial cells that are linked together by tight junction proteins which control what is allowed to pass directly into the bloodstream from your digestive system.   Leaky gut symptoms are a results of the tight junctions malfunctioning and allowing toxins, antigens, bacteria and more to enter the bloodstream.   This causes inflammation and sometimes autoimmune reactions .  

o   Symptoms:  gastric ulcers, diarrhea, IBS, SIBO, allergies, respiratory infections, acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity, and more.   They may experience food sensitivities, vitamin deficiencies, skin conditions such psoriasis or eczema,

o   What can you do?  

§  Remove damaging foods.   Try the elimination diet. Remember it takes about 2 weeks for your taste buds to adjust.

§  Support the gut with an anti-inflammatory diet.   The Wahl’s protocol by Dr Terry Wahl’s is very informative.

§  Some say repair the gut with supplements recommended by a functional medicine doctor.

§  Others say probiotics and pre-biotics.   Pre-biotics are food for gut bacteria.  Do not use a cheap brand of probiotics.   We have had good results using Seeking Health Probiotia and Visbiome. 

§  Dr Nemecheck is popular within the ASD community.  Informative website, Facebook pages, and numerous youtube videos.  He recommends taking inulin, olive oil, fish oil to decrease inflammation and allow the gut to heal.  No probiotics are used during his protocol, so you do not feed the bad bacteria.   Some parents of children with ASD reported increased behavior issues initially.  

§  The GAPs diet is another popular protocol to heal the gut.

-          Tests:   we have done multiple stool samples through companies such as Ubiome and Viome.  They give their recommendations based on their analysis.  Viome gives a detailed list of foods to add, limit, or eliminate based on their results.   They also tell you the species of good and bad gut bacteria, as well as the diversity of bacteria.     You want a diverse gut microbiome.   It also gave us valuable information as to whether our probiotics were effective.    It is also helpful to know if you will be using a gut healing method called the Nemecheck Protocol (see below).

Constipation – this was a concerning issue for us for first few years due to hypotonia (low muscle tone) associated with Down syndrome, less mobile/less active, potential thyroid issues, and lower volume intake during feedings.  This is not normal though, it is a symptom.  Better gut function means better bowel movements too.   See my previous post about constipation here:  http://www.3of21.com/search?q=constipation

-          Miralax -  initially was recommended by the GI doctor, but after researching, I discovered it has never been approved by the FDA for use in children and there are no studies to assess the side effects of long term use.   The FDA admits to years of reports of tremors, tick, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors in laxatives containing PEG 3350, the active ingredient in Miralax.     Perhaps save it for a "rescue" or to "clean them out" while you figure out the cause and get their gut moving.    We were fortunate to never use it.

-          Treatment modalities to discuss with your doctor:

o   Aloe vera

o   Ginger

o   Milk of Mag (magnesium hydroxide)

o   Epsom salt baths (comprised of magnesium)

o   Yogurt, probiotics, kefir, fermented foods

o   Fruit lax (spread made of prunes, raisins, dates, orange juice, and prune juice)

o   Coconut oil

o   Increase fruits and vegetables

o   Increase water   (fig water:  soak figs in filtered water overnight, drink the following morning)

o   Increase fiber – oatmeal, beans, green leafy vegetables, prunes, and flax or chia  seeds.  Caution:  when adding bulk like fiber, you must also ensure the fluid intake is adequate or it could become stagnant and cause more issues, such as "making a brick". 

o   Chiropractor

o    Increase physical activity

o   Elimination diet:  dairy, gluten, processed foods

o   Vitamin C cleanse and maintenance dose– read more by Dr Russell Jaffe.

o   Check the thyroid (labs needed: TSH, free T3, free T4, thyroid antibodies, and reverse T3)

o   Potato peeling broth with frozen fruit - we like to make these into smoothies

o   Magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate

3.  Increase and support the immune system.

 

       - This will improve by healing and supporting the gut

-  The goal is to decrease inflammation throughout the body and allow the body to recover itself - Antibiotics are a wonderful resource, but not always necessary.  They are not without their side effects too.   

-           You can assist the immune system easily by lessening exposures to known sick people, good    hand hygiene by washing hands frequently, teaching children to cough or sneeze into their elbows,  use foot/back/or sleeve to open doors, using hand sanitizer when soap  is not available, avoid touching your face, and trimming fingernails where bacteria could be hiding.

                -  Managing stress – yoga class, teach meditation/mindfulness

                -  Routine sleep schedule

                -  Routine physical activity/exercise - see previous post about getting kids to exercise: 

                   http://www.3of21.com/2016/02/exercise-ds-how-to-get-moving.html

                -  Outdoor time each day – 15-20 minutes needed each day or supplement with Vitamin D.                      Low levels associated with increased illnesses and certain types of cancer.   Blood       

                    levels should be close to 50-60.  

-           Labs:  vitamin panel or individually request – B12, A, D, copper/zinc, selenium, RBC Magnesium, folate,  CoQ10, and amino acid panel.   Organic acids is a urine test and is great for testing mitochondrial function, how you process carbs,  B vitamins and more.    DNA oxidative stress (8-OHdg) should be less than 25, preferably in the lower half of this range.  It shows the amount of DNA damage that is occurring.   C-reactive protein (CRP) shows the amount of chronic inflammation occurring.  

-          Real food diet – stop creating inflammation, stop overstimulating the immune response, elimination diet

-          Vitamin C – antioxidant  (there are more, but this is a good starting point)

-          Decrease EMF’s – turn off Wifi at night, limit screen time, especially before bedtime

-          Reduce allergens – get allergy testing, elimination diet

-          Reflex integration – body works more efficiently when properly integrated.    Read the book Symphony of Reflexes.   Also Play, Move, Thrive website was the first place I learned about reflext integration..  QRI low level laser has been helpful in our journey for integrating reflexes, decreasing inflammation, and increasing ATP production. See here for my previous post with detailed information about what the laser can do for your family:   http://www.3of21.com/2016/10/information-about-cold-laser-low-level.html 

-          Stimulate the lymphatic system:  massage, percussion vibration, vibration platform

-          Elderberry syrup -  you can give daily or at the first sign of a cold.  It can be expensive to purchase, but is super easy and cheap to make yourself.   See recipe and instructions here:

        http://www.3of21.com/2014/01/homemade-elderberry-syrup.html

-          Consider natural ways to treat congestion in lieu of immediately treating with antibiotics if not necessary.  See post here:  http://www.3of21.com/2015/03/natural-ways-to-treat-congestion.html

4.  Support detox pathways.

                -  MTHFR –  (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is an enzyme that converts folic acid into usable form that our bodies need.  It is a key enzyme in an important detoxification reaction in the body-one that converts homocysteine (toxic) to methionine (benign).  Folate or B9 is also necessary for almost all body functions, making red blood cells, and helps to prevent birth defects among other things.  If this enzyme is impaired, this detoxification reaction is impaired, leading to high homocysteine blood levels.  homocysteine is abrasive to blood vessels, essentially scratching them, leaving damage that causes heart attacks, stroke, dementia and a host of other problems.

Additionally, when the enzyme MTHFR is impaired, other methylation reactions are compromised.  Some of these methylation reactions affect neurotransmitters, which is why impaired MTHFR activity is linked with depression.  Inefficiency of the MTHFR enzyme is also linked to migraines, autism, fertility, cancer and birth defects, all of which depend on proper methylation. There is a gene called the MTHFR gene that basically controls how well this enzyme works.  A simple blood test can tell you if you have variant copies of this gene.

There are over 50 known MTHFR variants, but the two prime variants are called 677 and 1298, the numbers refer to their location on the gene.  The routine lab test for MTHFR variant only reports on 677 and 1298 as these are the most studied.

The 677 variant is associated  with early heart disease and stroke and the 1298 variant with a variety chronic illnesses.  The MTHFR is reported out as heterozygous or homozygous.  If you are heterozygous you have one affected gene and one normal gene (could have come from either parent).    The MTHFR enzyme will run at about 55% to 70% efficiency compared to a normal MTHFR enzyme.  If you are homozygous then enzyme efficiency drops down to 7% to 10% of normal.

MTHFR can make you susceptible to illness because the pathway is the primary source of glutathione production in the body.  Glutathione is the body's primary antioxidant and detoxifier.  People with MTHFR anomalies usually have low glutathione, which makes them more susceptible to stress and less tolerant to toxins.

If the MTHFR enzyme is inefficient, you can compensate for your body's inability to methylate efficiently since this biological process is dependent on several B vitamins.  You may simply need more B vitamins than someone without a variant copy of this gene, such as vitamin B6, B12 (methylcobalamin) and the active form of folate (5-methyl tetrahydrofolate).  Other methyl donors such as SAMe and trimethylglycine may also provide benefits.  If you have a defective copy of the MTHFR gene, it is important for you to monitor your homocysteine level as well. 

-          Methylated B12 – we use a methylcobalamin sublingual spray, but also adenosylcobalamin and hydroxycobalamin

-          Some use glutathione supplements or creams

-          Infared sauna – raises core temperature by heating several inches of your tissues.  Caution: dehydration.

-          Ionic footbath  (AMD, QRI)

-          Dry brushing – stimulates lymphatic drainage and increases circulation

-          Routine bowel movements to support elimination of toxins – daily is optimal

-          Hydration to support elimination through the kidneys

-           Exercise that includes sweating

-       Cook with cilantro - a natural detox

-        After your receive your test results, read more at www.mthfr.net

       

5.    Reduce toxic burden. 

-  Must decrease the burden/stress on the body.

-  4 billion pounds of toxic chemicals pour into the environment each year

                -  approximately 2,000 new chemical are introduced each year

-  Many of these toxins are fat soluble and are stored in fatty tissues.  They are not easily

    eliminated.   A build up of these contaminants have been associated with disruption of the

    endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems, as well as impaired neurobehaviorlal

    development, and cancer.

-          Read labels.   Women put on an average of 168 chemicals each day.   Think in terms of

                  cosmetics, deodorants, lotions, hand sanitizers, detergents, and fragrances from perfumes

                  to air fresheners.    Always choose scent and dye free.  For example, choose a shea butter

                  soap instead of Irish Spring.

                - Check out the website https://www.ewg.org/ to learn what potentially dangerous       

                  chemicals are in your current products.  They will also give you a list of safer alternatives

                   by brand name.

                -  coconut oil is a great alternative to most lotions and over the counter creams.

                -  essential oils in lieu of air fresheners.   

                -  green up your household cleaners  (vinegar, baking soda), and your kitchen (no 

                   aluminum, tefon, BPA, plastic...)

                -  air purifying plants, open windows to air out your home,

                -  check out this website to see what is polluting your neighborhood, by zip code: 

                    http://scorecard.goodguide.com/

-             Water filtration system  (Pelican, Berkey)

-          See here to learn why we do not use a microwave: 

           http://www.3of21.com/2015/08/should-you-use-microwave.html

-             Check a provoked (typically using DMSA) urinary heavy metal screen to see current status

           of toxins.  A blood test only shows what is in the blood at that moment.   Heavy metals can

           stored in the tissues.   Many parents also choose to do hair analysis also.   Discuss with

          your provider.

Misc:  

-          Additional basic labs that can be done on routine evaluations:  

o   Complete blood count (CBC)

o    Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP – glucose, sodium, potassium, liver function….)

o    Cholesterol panel (has been known to be low in ASD, can be elevated with hypothyroid)

o   Celiac screen (for gluten allergy, but does rule out gluten sensitivity)

-          Recommend working with a functional medicine physician.  They will search for the cause of the problem instead of just treating the symptoms.

-          Additional information:

o   Dr Michael Gregor – nutritionfacts.org – most informative website about research based information to support a whole food plant based diet

o   Dr Mercola – wealth of in depth information about numerous topics      

o   Dr Daniel Amen – psychiatrist who studies the brain inflammation and injury and how to best reverse damage

o   Dr Aviva Romm – MD and herbalist, teaches you how to utilize natural remedies in treatment and prevention for women and children

o   www.3of21.com – website dedicated to Down syndrome and contains information for increasing the health of your family

o   Dr Caldwell Esselstyn – MD known for completely reversing heart disease through diet

o   Dr Dean Ornish – began a program to reverse heart disease, proven through radiographic imagery, so effective it is now paid for by various insurances

o   Food Revolution Network – informative website dedicated to nutrition

o   Max Lugavere – expert in Alzheimer’s and feeding the brain      

o   Dr Bob Sears - pediatrician

o   Dr Mark Hyman – functional medicine doctor who treats chronic conditions

o   Dr David Perlmutter – expert on brain and gut microbiome

o   Dr Ben Lynch   (MTHFR.net) – expert on MTHFR

o   Forks Over Knives – good website for teaching plant based nutrition with recipes

Here is a cheat sheet  I made from Dr Gregor's recommended daily dozen.  He also has an app that you can check off what you have already consumed that day.

As with any information we post here, do your own research, pray about it, discuss it with your medical provider and your family, and then make the best choices you can.   We are all on this journey, but many times, we are take different paths. 

Blessings,

Robin

PS.  Links in this post were intentionally left as an entire address to allow it to be printed and given to caregivers, grandparents, and more to help explain what you are trying to accomplish as you make positive lifestyle changes. :-)