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The
number of children labeled with hyperactivity or learning disorders has reached
epidemic proportions. According to
Dr. Howard Peiper in his booklet titled A.D.D.- The Natural Approach, he
states -"To me hyperactivity, as any
other serious chronic problem, is a sign of toxicity or deficiency or, most of
the time, a combination of both."
Some of the causes given were: Not
being breast fed, being constipated, having gastro-esophagal reflux, being given
multiple or frequent antibiotics or other medications,
as well as a poor, mineral deficient diet full of additives,
preservatives, and artificial sweeteners and food colorings.
The sufferers of these conditions are mal-adjusted, mal-nourished,
impaired by abnormal brain chemistry, and most often our society is the cause.
According
to Gregory S. Ellis, Ph.D, and Certified Nutrition Specialist, "A
major contributing factor to A.D.D. is cellular toxicity, specifically chemicals
and metals. These toxins interfere
with cellular function and repair. Therefore,
we need to detoxify the body at a cellular level, to clean and strengthen the
foundation before rebuilding nutritionally.
A.D.D. can be corrected."
Practically
every disease can be traced to congestion in the bowels.
A sluggish bowel inhibits brain function through lack of circulation and
auto-intoxication, and reduces energy levels in general
causing fatigue or irritability. The
brain and nerves become vulnerable, because toxins interfere with enzymatic
function needed to preserve proper metabolic functions.
Another
contributing factor, besides mal-nutrition and toxicity, ADD sufferers often
have an infestation of parasites and candida (yeast build-up) in the intestines
which are caused by increased toxins and sugars in the diet.
The symptoms here may be food sensitivities or allergies, bloating,
flatulence, fatigue, headaches, and more!
Many
babies can be born with toxins and parasites derived from the mother, and during
the early years may accumulate toxins from food containing pesticides, chemicals
and additives. The child with a
weak genetic makeup is vulnerable to many types of toxins, which may not be
eliminated properly due to malfunctioning or a congested liver.
This creates the perfect breeding ground for many parasites as well.
Natural methods for cleansing out the body, removing toxins and
parasites, and restoring proper nourishment are a powerful and effective way to
treat this "illness."
Proper
nourishment is clearly necessary as an important part of regaining natural
balance and health to the body. Dr.
Gerald Olarsch, N.D., discusses the consequences of mineral deficiency as it
relates to our children and society in an article entitled "Why Are Kids
Killing Kids." Dr. Olarsch
links hyperactivity and learning problems, as well as violent behaviors to a
fundamental lack of minerals, and insists that attention deficit disorder and
hyperactivity - among other abnormal behaviors - may be serious indicators of a
lifetime of potentially worsening hardships, including depression and
instability. In many cases of A.D.D.,
these children often have more health and behavior problems, including chronic
ear infections, colic, and irritable behavior.
Dr.
Olarsch tells us about the behavior known as pica, a severe and obsessive craving for foods due to mineral
deficiencies. "It appears most
commonly in children as an extreme desire for sugary and salty foods.
Low iron levels were found to impair judgment, reasoning ability, and all
aspects of left brain activity, including scientific, mathematical, and spoken
and written language skills." Another
problem with long-term mineral deficiency is that the body will latch on to
heavy metals in an attempt to satisfy itself, and store excess lead, aluminum,
copper, and more. One study has
positively linked high copper levels in the brain to violent behavior in boys at
a detention home. Taking liquid
organic ionic plant-derived minerals will alleviate this problem and help
chelate existing heavy metal deposits in the body.
A
lack of minerals causes a grim outlook on life and leaves us prone to
degenerative diseases, as well as a host of mental and emotional ills.
Clinically low levels of magnesium in blood plasma are associated with
hyper-excitability and inattention. Zinc
deficiency has been linked to certain behavioral problems including ADD.
Lack of digestive enzymes can cause anything from digestive upset to
chronic irritability and fatigue, as well as impaired mental capacity. Essential
fatty acids, known as Omega-3's or Omega-6's, aid transmission of nerve impulses
and are needed for normal brain
functioning - and is directly connected to treating ADD children. EFA's are found in Flax Seed Oil and Borage Oil.
Super powerful anti-oxidants with the ability to cross the blood brain
barrier, known as Proanthocyanidins, are substances found in grape skins, grape
seeds, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, red wine, strawberries, and black
cherries. Absolutely everyone can
benefit from taking liquid ionic plant minerals, but for ADD sufferers it is
essential!
Until
recently, Ritalin has been the "drug of choice" in treating ADD.
It is a class II drug, defined as a controlled substance and categorized
with cocaine, methadone, and methamphetamine, and are noted for their "high
abuse potential." Ritalin has
many possible severe side effects. More
than 6 million American children take Ritalin regularly to help them with ADD.
Doctors may encourage the use of Ritalin because the results are often
dramatic in "successful" cases where the child does what it is
supposed to do. When Ritalin is
"unsuccessful", a child may become violent or excessively irritable
and impossible to communicate with. Some
children become withdrawn and depressed, unable to laugh or play.
There are natural alternatives to Ritalin.
Also,
to be considered on a psychological level, is our reluctance to really feel
our feelings. Many people have
experienced difficult abusive situations, and/or strong indoctrinated teaching
to do what you are told out of fear of
rejection and/or punishment. We
have been taught at an early age to disregard our
feelings, yearnings, and intuition, and conform to society.
So many people are simply not in touch with, or trying to avoid their
innermost feelings. "Feeling" becomes replaced with
"thinking" out of resistance, trying to figure it out.
Or by avoidance, by keeping our minds busy with lots of things to do or
watch, so we don't have to feel and experience.
Inner chaos and stress ensues, at such a cost! Being out of our natural
environment and dis-connected from nature will also have this same effect.
Our
society is creating shorter and shorter attention spans through satellite TV,
video games, and the internet. What
are we so afraid of feeling? Toxic
emotions create deficiency of our Will! Overcoming
our "problems" is our greatest spiritual work, what we are here to
move through, so we can fully embrace and enjoy our life as the great creative
spirit we are! Meditation, Inner
Growth, and Mindfulness classes are available all over the country for helping
us learn to quiet our mind chatter and get back in touch with our inner
"real" self. Attention
and Belief management techniques are a major part of the empowering
Avatar
Course, which include techniques for exploring consciousness, strengthening our
Will and Attention, and returning to Source. Taught worldwide.
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Mental
Enhancer – Stimulates
cerebral circulation, helping improve vascular and
neurological functions, while relaxing inflammation of the
nerves. Can use for attention disorders, vertigo, tinnitis,
memory loss, stroke victims, fatigue.
Contains Ginkgo, Gota Kola, St. Johnswort, Chamomile,
and Motherwort with flower essences of Peppermint, Comfrey, Chamomile, Venutian Flower #8, and Venutian Gem # 1A for
emotional balance.
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'Mental Magic'
Tea - A
delicious herbal way to awaken the senses, increase
circulation, and improve brain function without caffeine!
A favorite here.
Ginkgo, Gota Kola, Peppermint, Rosemary, Ginger, Sage, and Stevia.
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Mindfulness Practice to Restore
Attention:
As often as possible, put your attention on your breathing. No need to change it, just watch it flow in and out.
Notice the natural rhythm of the body.
What is it doing? How is it feeling? Just be aware.
Go somewhere enjoyable out in nature. Expand your
awareness out and notice your surroundings. Notice any sounds, sights, smells,
sensations, and feelings. Learn to
Observe and be aware. Relax, and look at the Big Picture. Practice becoming more
aware both inside the body and outside. Bring
your attention back and forth as needed.
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