autism

Autism, ADHD, Learning Disorders & Anxiety in KIDS: The Role of Neuro-Inflammation

Autism, ADHD, Learning Disorders & Anxiety in KIDS:  The Role of Neuro-Inflammation

We are in the midst of a childhood epidemic of autism, ADHD, learning disorders and mood disorders.

Here is the reality:

  • The National Autism Spectrum Disorder Surveillance System (NASS) Report of 2018 estimates autism's prevalence in Canada as 1 in 66 children. A gender breakdown looks like 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls.

  • The Ontario Child Health Study found 6.1% of 4-16 year olds have ADHD, with the Quebec Child Mental Health Survey found slightly lower rates at 5.4%. ADHD can exist with or without hyperactivity (troubles sitting still, fidgeting), and with or without attention deficit (problems in school or at home).

  • Statistics Canada states that 3.2% of Canadian children have a learning disability.

  • Mental health issues such as anxiety impact children as well. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association 3% of children and youth experience anxiety.

    When you start to put all of those things together, it’s easy to see that our kids brains are suffering.

    The ABC’s of Kid’s Brains

    A: autism, attention problems, anxiety
    B: behavioural issues, brain dysfunction
    C: children can’t cope

Here is a discussion on neuro-inflammation in your child’s brain, and what you can do about it.

KETO DIET FUNDAMENTALS guest blog by Brady Holmer originally published on HVMN

KETO DIET FUNDAMENTALS guest blog by Brady Holmer originally published on HVMN

Keto has been trending now for a while. While we have some great research on the benefits of a ketogenic diet for diabetes, neurological conditions and cancer (read the full article below for research links), my concern is the impact this type of diet has on the microbiome. What is a ketogenic diet doing to our gut microbiome?

COFFEE ENEMAS FOR CONSTIPATION

COFFEE ENEMAS FOR CONSTIPATION

Do you have to add bran, flax seed, psyllium or take a supplement to help you poop? Do you have to strain to initiate a bowel movement? Do you have less than one bowel movement a day? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you are amongst the many people who suffer from constipation. Many people don't think too much about their regularity unless it gets to the stage where it becomes uncomfortable to pass stool or unless hemorrhoids develop from straining. Coffee enemas can help.

CREATINE - A BRAIN BUILDING SUPPLEMENT

CREATINE - A BRAIN BUILDING SUPPLEMENT

Did you know that creatine can help your brain? Creatine is best known as a body building supplement, but taking this amino acid can also have huge implications for brain health.  Creatine is used in the body for energy production, and the highest concentrations are found in muscles and the brain.

The Unexpected Power of Donating Poop: Why Fecal Transplants Matter

 The Unexpected Power of Donating Poop: Why Fecal Transplants Matter

You are likely aware of organ donation, and may have even signed up on a registry, or if you are like me, and live in Alberta, you may have checked off the organ donor boxes on the back of your provincial health care card.

Or maybe you donate blood, because there is a need for blood and you know you are helping someone by donating.

But have you ever thought of donating your poop?

DIETARY INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM, ADHD, DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS AND LEARNING DISORDERS - The Gut-Brain Connection

DIETARY INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM, ADHD, DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS AND LEARNING DISORDERS - The Gut-Brain Connection

Chances are you know someone with a child who has been diagnosed with some sort of brain disorder, or you may be parenting one or more children with a diagnosis that falls into the spectrum of brain or psychological disorders.  Supporting these children through diet is an often overlooked method of reducing symptoms, but it is one that is gaining popularity as people see the drastic changes it can produce.