By: Dr C Groenewald M.Tech Hom (UJ)
After 10 months of anticipation, the day finally arrives. You get to hold your new-born baby for the first time. You are so overcome by emotion, so totally in love with this little being, you feel your heart might burst with happiness. You get to go home, and life with your little miracle begins. The first few days’ worth of awe and excitement starts to wear off, as you try to settle back into your life before your little one (life b.c. - before child). By now, the sleep deprivation starts to set in, and the rose-tinted glasses start to come off. You slowly start wondering, who in their right mind would send a baby home with you...without supervision! You realise you have NO idea what you are doing, and the effects of the sleep deprivation takes an even further toll on you. By now, your hormones are flying the coop, you probably realise you are ill equipped for this parenting thing, you feel 100% overwhelmed…You pretty much want to give the baby back and feel like the worst parent in the world because of it. You have barely taken a shower, nor managed to drink half a cup of ice cold coffee, eaten half a can of cold soup in divided efforts to get some food into your body. You look like death warmed up, you smell, you are covered in baby vomit and you have baby poop under your finger nails. The most basic task of going to the loo, making dinner, taking a shower, doing laundry and getting dressed, becomes a frantic scramble with zero outcome, because you can't put the baby down for two seconds out of fear he/she might start screaming. By the time your spouse gets home, you basically throw the baby at them, and run to take a wee, shower - anything, that does not involve holding a baby. Three seconds of peace and quiet. But alas, baby starts crying, and despite your spouses’ best efforts to help, baby ends up back in your arms half way through whatever you were trying to do. It finally boils down to you weeping with the baby. And that, is just the day. You start fearing night time, because that is when the screaming begins, and if you are lucky, you will get about two hours of interrupted sleep that night, finally sitting with baby on your chest, praying for morning to come. To add further insult to injury, you feel like the worst parent ever, wrought with guilt, because you pretty much hate all of this, and you find yourself wishing you could have your old life back. Then on top of everything else, you have post-partum hormones, bouncing off the walls, pushing you over the edge. It was only after I joined a mommies group, who spoke openly and honestly about what the first few months of motherhood felt like to them that I started to realize - I was not alone. I am not a bad parent, it is normal to feel totally overwhelmed and ill equipped. Wanting to throw the baby out the window once or twice is normal too. No one tells you how hard it is going to be, or maybe they do, but you have zero frame of reference, so you are totally unable to compute the magnitude of what they are saying. The only way to know, really know, what it feels like, is to live through it, and nothing and no one can prepare you for it, the only way out, is through. Finding a group of likeminded new mommies, all with the same fears and anxieties, the same doubts and worries, literally saved my life. But many women do not have the opportunity to be surrounded by a such a support network. I often see new mothers in my practice, and it is like war flashbacks. I see the dark circles under their eyes, the desperate expression on their faces, the oily hair and pale faces. They try to act 'normal' for the first two minutes (because, surely they are supposed to love this, and any other feelings makes them feel ashamed), then baby starts crying, and I see their shoulders drop. 'Go ahead and feed them, I say'. And as they settle baby on the breast, I smile and say, 'what you are feeling is totally normal'. I can see the tiniest flicker of hope, as I talk them through the first three months of 'hell' and what to expect, and they sob, because they thought they were awful for feeling totally overwhelmed. Although you love this little being with all your heart, you are not coping and that is ok. Postpartum depression does not affect everyone, and there are many women that flourish during this time, everything seems easy and they are back in their nine-inch heels with perfect hair and make up within two weeks…making you feel even more inadequate and total failure as a mother. For the rest of us, non-nine-inch heels type of gals, with the reflux baby or the colic baby, let us take a closer look at baby blues and post-partum depression (PPD). Baby Blues vs Post-Partum Depression All of the above mentioned, can be totally normal. This phase, commonly referred to as Baby Blues, is part of the transitionary phase we go through the first couple of days to one or two weeks after baby is born. The signs and symptoms of Baby Blues include:
Baby Blues differs from PPD (Post-partum depression) in that the symptoms only lasts a few days to weeks after baby is born, and then improves as time goes by. You should feel better after a week or two, if however, you notice your symptoms worsening after the initial two-week period, you might be suffering from PPD PPD is a serious mental disease and should be treated immediately by a health care professional. Signs and symptoms of PPD include the following:
All the above symptoms can be normal if experienced for only a brief period. We all feel irritable or sad sometimes, we all suffer from anxiety or feel overwhelmed at times; however, these feelings are fleeting. When your feelings of inadequacy, guilt, sadness etc remains excessive and for prolonged periods of time, it is time to seek urgent medical attention. How can Homeopathy help for Baby Blues and Post- Partum Depression? Homeopathy works based on ‘like cures like’. If a remedy can produce a symptom picture when administered to a healthy individual, then it should cure the same symptom picture in an unhealthy patient. There are several homeopathic remedies used to treat PPD. Each person is treated as an individual, therefor, after an extensive case taking is performed. Your Homeopath will choose a remedy based on your individual needs and your specific symptom picture. Sepia 200 is one such remedy used to treat baby blues and PPD, with the following symptom picture:
If you suspect you might be suffering from PPD, please contact your health care professional to make an appointment as soon as possible. You are not alone, PPD affects 1/5 woman and is a debilitating condition, which is 100% treatable. Do not suffer in silence.
“Compassionate Moms” get together - Tomorrow, 6 March at 10am.
is a unique community service to new mothers, so you are empowered to confidently care for yourself and your baby, engaging with health care providers in our support network. We are excited to offer a compassionate space where mothers can learn, share and make informed choices on health care, lifestyle and well-being. There will be a professional facilitator each Tuesday to help with healthy lifestyle and diet, emotional support and advice on the numerous uncertainties that arise when a new baby is around. Tomorrow, 6th March 2018 you are going to have the opportunity to discuss your questions and concerns with Doddie Boer: Birth Doula, Stress and Trauma release, Personal Growth & Stress Management, Child birth educator
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Functional Medicine
By: Dr C Groenewald M.Tech Hom (UJ) Holistic healing focuses on addressing the root cause of a disease and not only the symptom itself, using vitamins, minerals, nutritional medicine, diet, exercise and homoeopathy. The body is an amazing organism, striving continuously towards homeostasis. When homeostasis is threatened, your body will find a way to notify you - in the form of ‘symptoms and signs’. Each sign and symptom has a root cause, for example: if you drink a headache tablet for a headache, you are addressing the symptom only, leaving the underlying cause untreated. Finding and addressing the cause, will lend itself to a permanent cure. To further illustrate this point, let us look at weight gain, as an example: Underlying causes of unchecked weight gain may include:
Trying to correct the weight gain (a sign) with various diets and exercise programmes, will not resolve the underlying cause of the weight gain, and often patients may become very disheartened, when strict lifestyle changes yields little to no results. Find the cause, treat the cause and resolve the symptom. Who can benefit from this approach? EVERYONE, including patients who suffer from:
How do you start this journey? Contact us for an appointment which involves: 1. A 1-hour consultation with a qualified healthcare practitioner; 2. A complete medical history and health assessment; 3. Follow up consultation to assess your blood work, set up a treatment plan and nutritional plan; 4. Monthly follow up as required. “The highest ideal of cure is the speedy, gentle and enduring restoration of health by the most trustworthy and least harmful way.” -Samuel Hahnemann-
By Dr. C Groenewald
Oh, the joys of baby poop. Since becoming a mommy, you went from being a normal, intelligent, strong woman, to a slightly neurotic, poop obsessed, sleep deprived nutty woman (with one or two instances of finding baby poop under your finger nail an hour after changing the last diaper). Nothing sends chills down a new mother’s spine than changing a diaper, and seeing something you are sure cannot be normal. Whether it be the color, smell, consistency, too many or too few diapers per day - nothing can send you into a frenzy, like your new-borns’ poop. So, let me put your mind at ease. When it comes to your little darling’s poop, ‘normal’ is relative. One poop diaper in ten days, or ten poop diapers in one day is perfectly normal, if that is what is normal for your baby. Frequency, or lack thereof, should remain constant. A sudden change in their bowel habits, is a better sign of gastric discomfort. Furthermore, when it comes to color, it is as varied as the 11 national languages of South Africa. From tarry black meconium (baby’s first poop) to shades of yellow in exclusively breastfed babies to tones of brown once you start introducing solids. There are a few color guides available online, for your peace of mind. The only three colors that should worry you are: • red stained poop (unless there was beetroot in last night’s dinner); • black stools (except the first meconium poop diaper the first few days after baby is born); • and pale or grey stools All of which should also be reported to your child’s primary health care physician as soon as possible. Now, let us talk about consistency. Parents often report that their new born is constipated based on the frequency of the stools. As mentioned above, frequency is very varied in babies and some babies can have only one poop diaper per week, which is normal for them. Rather than focusing on frequency, if it remains constant, note the consistency of the poop. Healthy bowel movements in a baby 0-6 months (minimum), is not formed (i.e. not solid). Parents often confuse this with diarrhoea. A normal healthy bowel movement, is a ‘mushy’ consistency. Diarrhoea is often accompanied with an increase in frequency, as well as a very watery discharge containing little to no solids, that often ‘explodes’ out of the diaper. Formed stools, hard, dry or pebble shaped stools, are signs of constipation. Now that we have cleared all this up, let us focus on constipation, and what you can do to alleviate your babies discomfort. Here are my top ten tips for treating constipation: 1. Any change in diet will affect baby’s digestion, so take it easy. This remark is twofold. Firstly, remember that what you eat, affects your milk production, which in turn can affect baby’s digestion and bowel movements. Secondly, introducing anything into baby’s diet, other than breast milk, will affect their gut flora, and in turn their bowel habits. This is especially true when introducing formula, changing from one formula to another, or introducing solids. When at all possible, try to introduce any new formula or food, gradually (See top ten tips when introducing solids), to allow the gut some time to adjust to the transition. 2. Formula vs breast milk. When choosing a formula, discuss your baby’s specific needs with your primary health care physician. I found that hypoallergenic and anti-colic formulas, are softer on the gut, while AR (anti reflux) tend to cause constipation due to the thickness of the formula. When preparing the formula, always ensure that the formula is prepared correctly as per instructions on the formula container. Too much formula powder vs water can aggravate constipation, while too little milk powder prepared with too much water, can dilute the nutrients and cause serious health problems. As for Breast milk, ensuring baby drinks both the thin fore milk, as well as the thick, nutrient rich after milk, is essential. To ensure baby gets enough of both, make sure he/she spends enough time on one breast, before moving on to the next breast. 3. Choose a probiotic to support the gut. Probiotics are often useful when there is a disruption in gut flora, which can cause or aggravate constipation. Choosing a probiotic especially formulated for baby’s immature gut, can assist in correcting any imbalance, and aid in alleviating constipation. 4. Water. Healthy breastfed and formula fed babies, do not require any additional water in their diet. It is recommended to start offering baby water only from 6 months of age. When it comes to constipation, grandparents are fast to convince you to give your infant water, however, both formula (when prepared according to the labelled instructions), as well as breast milk, contain enough water to keep baby hydrated. Adding additional water to their diet, can lead to dilution of nutrients which can have adverse health effects. Please speak to your baby’s primary health care physician regarding the introduction of water before 6 months of age to alleviate constipation, as every child is different and each case should be considered individually. 5. Prune Juice. Introducing pure, unsweetened prune juice (like Safari prune juice available from Dischem), from 6 months of age, is a great way to stimulate bowel movements. You can dilute it 1 part prune juice to 3 parts water, and offer it to your baby in a sippy cup. Prunes contain both insoluble fibre, as well as the natural laxative sorbitol. 6. Fibre rich foods. When introducing solids at 6 months of age, it is important to introduce food groups in accordance with the anti-allergic food list (see list here). These foods are not processed, and naturally high in fibre. Steamed prunes are very effective in treating constipation, however, if your baby does not like the taste, try making the following: Frozen prune popsicles. They are easy to make and kids love them. I use the baby food range ‘Squish”, prune flavour available from all major retailers. Simply squeeze the contents into a popsicle mould, freeze and enjoy. They contain pure prune puree only, no added sugar or preservatives. 7. Baby Massage. Stimulating baby massage works wonders on gut motility. After bathing baby, ensure baby is comfortable and the room is warm enough. You can use some soothing chamomile oil, or edible oil like coconut oil or olive oil. Warm the oil by rubbing your hands together. Ask baby’s permission before you start, “Is it ok if mommy massages your tummy now?”. Place your fingertips (or palm of your hand), below baby’s belly button, then applying firm but gentle pressure, massage baby’s tummy in a circular clock wise motion. 8. Reflexology. There are various Youtube clips that illustrate the various techniques you can use to massage baby’s feet to alleviate constipation. Alternatively, you can visit a reflexologist, who can show you how to treat baby at home. 9. Chiropractics. Mal alignment of the spine, can contribute to poor nerve conduction to baby’s gut. Correcting this malalignment, stimulates healthy nerve conduction and blood flow to the gastro intestinal tract, including the small and large intestines, which lends itself to a healthy functioning bowel. 10. Homeopathy. In Homeopathy, we use a system of medicine - ‘likes cures likes’- to treat all ailments, including constipation. There are many homeopathic over the counter products (OTC), that incorporate the most common remedies used in constipation. These may or may not contain the specific remedy for your child’s constipation ‘picture’. Finding the perfect similimum for your baby, is cardinal to homeopathic success, so if you have tried OTC products, and they have failed, book an appointment with your homeopath.
What an wonderful time in baby's development, his or her first meal. Up to now, it’s been boobies and bottles only. This is an exciting time, but also a very crucial time in baby’s development. Up to now, baby’s immature gut has only been exposed to one thing, breastmilk (if you are lucky). This perfect little gut, has the perfect culture of beneficial bacteria, lending itself to a healthy gut and healthy immune system. 70% of our immune system cells reside in the gut, hence, a healthy gut equals healthy baby. So, when introducing solids, it is very important, to minimally disturb this environment, and here is how you can do that: Enjoy this exciting time in your baby’s life. It is fun, it is messy, and it is necessary. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and experiment with baking yummy treats using healthy ingredient. Keep an eye on our website, for healthy treat ideas and recipes for baby and toddler. By Dr. C Groenewald
By Dr. C Groenewald
Let’s talk about intimacy… Do you have a healthy sex life? What is a ‘healthy’ sex life? How many times a week/month is ‘normal’? What affects sex drive and libido? Sex, a topic sure to raise many opinions, questions, fears and uncertainties: questions you may or may not not feel comfortable to raise with your primary health care physician, your spouse or even your friends. As South Africans, we have come a long way since the reserved ways of our parents/grandparents, but I still find that sex is a difficult subject for many men and women. Join us, for the next few weeks, where I will discuss weekly topic, based on the most frequently asked questions in my consulting rooms. We will be focussing on libido and sex drive; hormones affecting the latter; common causes and contributing factors to anorgasmia; the working mom and all the stress running a house hold entails; anxiety and depression; and lastly, pregnancy and hormones postpartum. This week, let us focus on libido and sex drive, as well as the hormones that fuel this drive. 1. Hormones, and the role they play in libido. A controversial topic, sex drive seems to be the most common complaint in woman suffering from sexual arousal disorder, long believed to be fuelled by our sex hormones, so before we go on, let us take a closer look at the hormones that play a role in female health:
So what does this have to do with your sex drive? Everything and nothing.
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) is defined as a lack of response to sexual stimulation, either from a subjective (mental and emotional) or physical (swelling of labia and clitoris, vaginal discharge, swelling of breasts etc) arousal point of view.
Libido is NOT equal to physical arousal. Libido is a subjective desire, or passion for sex. Woman with little to no libido, can still be aroused physically by genital stimulation and have enjoyable sex and orgasms. Genital Arousal Disorder (GAD), differs in that women are unable to become aroused physically, in spite of mental and or emotional arousal. They are unable to have an orgasm, and sex is often painful. Woman often blame their ‘hormones’ for a lack of sex drive and libido, when in fact, there is little to no research to substantiate this. Dr. Michel Jermec, has done extensive research in this field, interestingly identifying Luteinising Hormone as a key component in libido in women. His work suggests, that high levels of LH make woman ‘horny’, while low levels make woman more apathetic to sex. This could explain, why some women are much more easily aroused during certain phases of their cycle, than others, as LH hormone surges before ovulation. Physical arousal disorder, is much more likely to be hormone driven, considering the role of oestrogen in maintaining vaginal wall thickness, increasing blood flow to the genitals and lubrication. While the role of testosterone is still under discussion, it seems to play a role in the arousal of the clitoris and labia, and ultimately orgasm. That being said, there are other causes for genital arousal disorder and includes, but not limited to: • Anxiety, Depression and Stress • Effects of certain medications • History of sexual abuse • Strict religious upbringing • Menopause • Cystitis and Vaginitis • Relationship with partner • Self Esteem and Body Image FSAD, mental, emotional and physical, commonly, has no clear cut cause, that one can pinpoint and treat. It is a multifaceted disease, and should be treated as such. There are many contributing factors, which overlap, and can contribute to the overall lack of libido and sexual drive. Treatment should be aimed at addressing these factors, and not just symptomatic treatment. To identify probable causes and contributing factors of FSAD, the following assessments may be useful:
From a Homeopathic point of view, the most important factor, is homeopathic constitutional prescribing, which entails finding the overall mental, emotional and physical picture, that best describes the patient.
To give an example of such constitutional prescribing, consider the following remedy and the overall mental, emotional and physical pictures, as related to FSAD:
Sepia Apathetic Indifference to those best loved Very sad Weeps Aversion to company, yet dreads to be alone Aversion to husband Irritability from exertion Loves thunderstorms Anxiety Anger from contradiction Sensitive to music and noise Constipation during pregnancy Tendency to miscarriage 5th – 7th month Urine thick and foul smelling, urging to urinate, burning during urination Bearing down sensation, as if everything would escape through vulva Prolapse of uterus Aversion to sex, or complaints after Dryness of vagina and vulva Menses either late and scanty or early and profuse “Sex is emotion in action” Mae West. What is Reflux?
Reflux refers to the ‘spit up’ or vomiting, after a baby has fed. The reflux is a combination of milk, and stomach acid, which pushes back up from the stomach, into the oesophagus (food pipe). This is commonly referred to as GER (Gastro oesophageal reflux).
In some instances, the milk/acid mixture, will not reach the babies mouth, or baby will swallow the reflux, in which case, there is little to no vomit or spit up, this is called ‘silent reflux’. GER is normal in most babies, as the oesophageal sphincter and babies immature gut, needs time to mature. Most babies have no ill effects from reflux, and will outgrow it by 1 year of age. Frequent and severe reflux, GERD (Gastro oesophageal reflux disease), can cause ill effects in some babies, affecting their sleep, mood, feeds and weight gain. Symptoms (and when to consult a doctor) include: • Fussy baby, crying during or after feeds • Frequent reflux and or vomiting (not with silent reflux) • Difficulty sleeping, especially when lying down • Frequent hiccough and/or cough • Failure to thrive • Cramps, gas and colic • Sour breath or burps • Refusing breast or bottle • Arching of back • Blood • Brining up green, yellow or dark brown vomit (that looks like ground coffee) Treatment OPTIONS available for reflux
1. Homeopathy:
Homeopathy refers to a system of medicine, that uses ultra dilutions of substances, to treat illnesses. A prescription is based on ‘likes cures likes’, so if a substance can cause a specific symptom picture in a large dose, then it can heal it in an ultra diluted form. So each baby and each symptom picture is unique. Homeopathic single remedies that are often used in the treatment of GORD include: • Hyocymus 200: Reflux associated with hiccoughs. • Asafoetida 200: Reflux linked with induction, epidural or forceps. • Lobelia inflate 200: Reflux linked to family smoking. • Lycopodium 200: Winy babies with a lot of gas. Worse between 3 pm- 5 pm. • Aethusa cynapium 200: Family history of lactose intolerance. Baby regurgitates everything, often projectile vomiting after every feed. Homeopathic Complexes Include: • Magen, Sedaped and Cesranol from Natura • Sister Lillian’s NausiCare • Gastric plus 30 C from Pegasus. 2. Chiropractic Treatment: Chiropractics is a system of medicine, focussed on the wellbeing of the individual, placing special attention on the neuromuscular system, and treatment is focussed on manual adjustments of the spine. A chiropractor can identify areas of subluxation of the spine (malalignment), which is especially true in C section or forceps births. By manually adjusting these areas, the nerves existing in this area, can function optimally. In the instance of the digestive tract, nerve flow correction to the digestive tract, can enhance digestive function. 3. Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST): Refers to correcting any imbalances in the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Imbalances in this system, can cause sensory, motor and or neurological disabilities. For this reason, the health of the digestive tract, can be enhanced through CST. 4. Position during feeds: It is important to feed your baby in an upright position, to prevent the back flow of milk and stomach acid from the stomach into the oesophagus. After a feed, you should keep your baby in an upright position for at least 20 – 30 minutes. Also, try and burp baby every 2-3 minutes during a feed. 5. Sleeping position: When lying baby down for a nap, consider keeping baby elevated, using an anti-reflux wedge, found at Baby City and other major retailers. This will help prevent the back flow due to gravity 6. Breast Milk: Breast is best. If you are breast feeding, try to ensure, that baby only feeds on one breast at a time. This is to ensure, baby does not only finish the watery foremilk, but also reaches the full fat creamier hindmilk. Smaller feeds will also help prevent excessive reflux. 7. Formula: There are various formulas out there, that can aid in alleviating acid reflux in babies. These include the thicker anti regurgitation formulas (AR), such as NAN and Novalc AR (there are many more brands, consult your homeopath or paediatrician, to choose the formula best indicated for your baby). Also, in the case of a lactose intolerance, there are hypoallergenic, extensively hydrolysed (HA) formulas, which may also alleviate reflux in lactose intolerant babies. 8. Mothers diet: It is important for mom, to eliminate any foods that might aggravate the acid reflux in baby. First and foremost, diary, gluten, coffee and sugar in any form. From here, if the reflux does not improve, mom can consider an elimination diet, restricting her diet to only good sources of protein (not diary or nuts), vegetables (non cruciferous and non gaseous causing veggies only) and non-glutinous grains. After there is an improvement, she can start reintroducing one food group at a time. If there is no aggravation, another food may be introduced every three days. Dairy, sugar and gluten however, are best avoided in the long run. 9. Probiotics: A good probiotic is essential. Ask your homeopath or paediatrician for a trusted brand. A good probiotic, loaded prebiotics (the food probiotics need to grow) can help restore the gut flora, aiding in the regulation of stomach acid production. You can add this to your own diet, and to babies bottle every day. 10. Tissue Salts: Never underestimate the value of tissue salts, in the treatment of gastric disturbances in babies. Nat Phos tissue salt, is an acid regulator. The most commonly used anti spasmodic tissue salt, Mag Phos, can be given on its own, or in combination with other tissue salts, which can serve as a colic mixture. These tissue salts include, Mag Phos, Ferrum Phos, Calc Phos, Nat Mur, Nat Phos and Nat Sulph. You can combine the above mentioned tissue salts in even ratios, and pulverise using a blender or two large spoons. Use less than 1/8th of a teaspoon before and after feeds. You can either apply the powder to the tip of baby’s tongue, or you can use a drop of cooled boiled water, to form a paste, then apply to the tip of baby’s tongue. Mom is also welcome, to use this mixture, as baby will get the tissue salts in moms breastmilk. There are no easy answers, in the treatment of GER or GERD. Mostly, it is variations of a combination of therapies, supplements dietary and lifestyle advice, which can ultimately offer some relief for you and baby. Please always take your baby to a homeopath or paediatrician, if you see signs of dehydration, malnutrition, failure to meet milestones, if baby is not gaining weight, inconsolable crying, baby that refuses to feed and blood (bright or dark coloured blood that looks like coffee grounds) in babies vomit or stool. Mommies. You are amazing, and you are doing an amazing job. No one ever warned you how difficult it is, to be a first time mom, and a reflux baby certainly adds to the sleep deprivation. You are not alone, you are every mom out there, either they have been there, or they are currently there. Always ask for help if you are not coping. It does not make you a bad mother, it makes you human. You are ultimately, what is best for baby, so if you are not ok, baby is not ok. So take a time out. Get dad to babysit, or ask your mom to come over so you can have a nap (and let her bring dinner too… the dairy free, gluten free, sugar free, non cruciferous vegetables type). This too shall pass, and then you have something to hold your kids to, for the rest of their lives. Sources:
What does a homeopath do?
Homoeopathy is a system of medicine that focuses on the cause of the symptom and not just the alleviation of the symptom alone. Finding the root cause of a patients discomfort is often much more complicated than simply prescribing a medication to palliate/supress the patient’s discomfort. If you treat the cause of the pain/discomfort, then we bring about cure. Homeopaths uses a system of medicine based on ‘likes cures likes’, which means, we take down a careful case history, establish the possible cause of disease, and the prescribe a medicine based on the symptom picture as described by the patient. If a remedy can cause these symptoms in an otherwise healthy person, then it can cure those same symptoms in an individual suffering from that same symptom picture. We also focus on diet, lifestyle and nutritional supplementation to bring an individual back to health. Why did you become a Homoeopath? I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. When I was a child, I was very sickly and it was homeopathy that finally treated me as a whole and gave me back my quality of life. So when it came time to choose between an allopathic vs homeopathic career path, the decision was obvious. Homoeopaths qualify as primary health care physicians registered with the AHPCSA, so although we cannot prescribe allopathic scheduled medication, we can diagnose (physical exam, blood tests, X-rays etc) and treat using a natural system of medicine. What and where did you study? M.Tech (HOM) UJ. This is masters degree at the University of Johannesburg. It takes 5 years to complete your masters in Homeopathy, after which you need to complete your clinical hours and research as partial fulfilment of your masters degree. Your subjects include everything from basic science to anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostics and homeopathic pharmaceuticals to name a few. One you have your degree in Homoeopathy, do you need any further studying? Yes, as part of continuous research and development, we have to attend regular courses in various medical fields to obtain CPD points. To continue practicing, you need to obtain a certain amount of CPD points per year. Which subjects should you take at school if you want to follow this career path? As with any science degree, maths and science is a must, with biology being a beneficial optional extra. What challenges do you face? Homeopathy is very often belittled by mainstream medicine because of the dilution and potentiation of our medications. Scientists feels our medicines is not scientifically proven effective, and often years of clinical success is scrutinised despite testimonials from patients whom had tried every other system of medicine without success. Often we are not recognised as ‘real’ doctors, which can be very frustrating seeing as we are qualified primary health care professionals. The only difference really is that we spend a significant amount of time(up to one hour for a new patient) with our patients to establish a complete picture and a true diagnosis based on the root of the cause, while our treatment is aimed at bringing about cure, and not just treating symptomatically. What do you enjoy most about what you do? Changing lives, bringing about cure. When a patient thanks you for changing their lives…now that makes it all worth it. Is it easy to find work as a Homeopath? Yes, there are very few opportunities to locum once qualified. So going into private practice is often your only career path once you qualify. What misconceptions are there about the industry? One of my patients calls me her white witch doctor. When we cure a patient thought to be incurable, there is often an airy fairy association with what we do. The fact is that we study all the necessary subjects to qualify as a primary health care physician, we register as such, and we practice as such. The only difference is the way in which we approach patients. A simple example would be a patient with severe Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory bowel disease which causes bloody diarrhoea and massive malabsorption issues), is said to be incurable, a Gastroenterologist / GP would aim to minimize symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs. Homeopaths would aim to treat the symptom picture homoeopathically (using a remedy picture that is identical to the patients presenting case) while simultaneously treating the gut in order to reverse the damage which might have led to the Crohn’s disease being triggered in the first place, by focusing on diet, lifestyle and supplementation. Hay Fever, or more correctly termed, allergic rhinitis, refers to an allergic reaction (to different substances) which causes irritation of the nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and eye irritation. These symptoms can look like the common cold, however, hay fever is caused by an airborne substance such as pollen, while the common cold is caused by a virus. In essence, hay fever is an abnormal response (exaggerated immune response), to an otherwise normal substance. Seasonal hay fever: This occurs only during a specific time of the year, with change of the season when specific plants pollinate. Common allergens include: · Tree pollens · Grass · Weed pollens · Fungus · Spores Perennial hay fever: This occurs all year round. Common allergens include: · House dust mites · Feathers (pillow and duvet) · House hold pets · Mold The Pathology of Hay Fever So what causes hay fever? Non harmful airborne substances, such as pollen, causes an abnormal immune response (your body perceives this substance as harmful). In an attempt to contain this perceived threat, your body mounts an immune response in the form of immunoglobulin E production, which in turn releases histamine. The lining of your nasal passages become inflamed, in an attempt to trap and expel the allergen, so the allergen cannot enter your nasal passages. This results in the symptoms associated with hay fever. These include: · Nasal congestion · Catarrh (runny watery nose) · Sneezing · Watery eyes · Dark circles under the eyes · Itchy nose and palate · Headache · Tiredness (fatigue) Who is at risk of developing Hay Fever? There are various risk factors at play, some of these include babies who are exposed to cigarette smoke during their first year of life, family history of allergies, and personal history of allergies. Individuals who suffer from asthma have a higher risk of developing hay fever. Age is also a factor, where children and adolescents are more likely to suffer from hay fever, with a few outgrowing it in later years. Leaky Gut Syndrome and Allergies What is leaky gut syndrome? Let us refer back to basic anatomy. The lining of your intestines is covered by finger like projections called villi. The function of the villi is to increase the absorption area. To control what substances cross the villi (we want to keep out the pathogens, parasites and larger molecules, yet absorb the nutrients we require), there are tight junctions between the epithelial cells covering the villi. When these tight junctions become compromised (for reasons yet to be discussed), larger than usual molecules are absorbed through the gut lining. When these large molecules enter the blood stream, our body sees it as a foreign object and mounts an immune response. It is this reaction that causes the inflammation associated with leaky gut syndrome, which is associated with autoimmune disorders, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), type 1 diabetes, autism, allergies, ADHD and asthma to name a few. Leaky gut syndrome has a whole host of causes, and we shall only name a few: · Medication: this includes antibiotics, painkiller and non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs. · Gut dysbiosis: an overgrowth of bad bacteria · Food allergies and intolerances: when large protein molecules escape through the tight junctions, you are likely to develop an immune response to said food, so the next time you consume said food, you are likely to have a reaction. · Stress: when blood supply is redirected away from the gut during a fight and flight response, your digestion comes to a standstill. Diagnosing Allergies Blood test: Identifies the presence of the allergy marker IgE in the bloodstream. Skin prick test: This test can help identify specific substances that an individual might be sensitive too. Treatment of Allergies Treatment is multiform. 1. Identify airborne allergens as to avoid these substances where possible. 2. Identify food allergens, an elimination diet is usually the best protocol to successfully identify and eliminate food allergens. 3. Repair a leaky gut. This is essential, especially if it is the root cause of your allergies. 4. Isopathy: This is a homeopathic preparation of a substance that causes an allergic reaction. For example, if you identify your cat as being the culprit, we prepare a remedy made from cat hair or saliva in accordance with homeopathic principles, to be given back to the patient, in an attempt to desensitise the patient to said allergen. Thus preventing the over exaggerated immune response to your beloved pet. 5. Homeopathic remedies: Allows us to identify a remedy with a similar symptom picture as the patient, so treatment is patient specific. 6. Nose spay: This includes sprays prepared homoeopathically, as well as prebiotic nose spray, which alleviates hay fever symptoms. References: http://www.medicinenet.com/hay_fever/article.htm http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160665.php http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/understanding-hay-fever-basics http://www.therootofhealth.com/leaky-gut/ Ingredients
· 1 x punnet cherry tomatoes · 2 medium onions · 2 tbsp coconut oil · 1/2 deseeded chilli · Salt & pepper to taste · Fresh basil to serve · 1tbsp chevin goats cheese to sprinkle over · Gluten-free pasta Method 1. Fry onions and coconut oil, add cherry tomatoes, simmer, let cool. 2. Put in food processor to make smooth pasta sauce. 3. Pour back into pan and simmer over low heat. 4. Boil pasta, add 1/2 tsp salt to water. strain pasta. 5. Pour sauce over cooked pasta, add fresh basil and crumbed chevin over to serve. Why this recipe is packed full of healthy goodness Health benefits of Cherry Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants Cherry tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that lowers your risk of certain diseases caused by cellular damage. Lycopene can decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Cherry tomatoes can have more far-reaching health benefits as well. The compounds in cherry tomatoes might offer protection against osteoporosis, skin damage caused by ultraviolet light and brain disorders. Vitamin B-6 If you're under the age of 50, you need 1.3 milligrams of vitamin B-6 per day, and after 50 you should get 1.5 to 1.7 milligrams of the essential vitamin. A 1-cup serving of cherry tomatoes provides 0.11 milligrams toward these goals. Vitamin B-6 helps your body metabolize protein and supports cognitive development and brain function. The nutrient aids in producing red blood cells and immune function as well. Vitamin A A 1-cup serving of cherry tomatoes supplies 63 micrograms of the 700 micrograms of vitamin A women need each day and the 900 micrograms men require on a daily basis. Vitamin A keeps your eyes working properly. You might have an increased resistance to age-related macular degeneration when you get sufficient amounts of vitamin A, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. The vitamin aids your body in producing white blood cells and keeps your heart, lungs and kidneys working properly Health benefits of Onions: Onions are a very good source of vitamin C, B6, biotin, chromium, calcium and dietary fibre. In addition, they contain good amounts of folic acid and vitamin B1 and K. They also contain flavonoids, which are pigments that give vegetables their colour. These compounds act as antioxidants, have a direct antitumor effect and have immune-enhancing properties. Rich source of quercitin Quercitin has been shown to thin the blood, lower cholesterol, raise good-type HDL cholesterol, ward off blood clots, fight asthma, chronic bronchitis, hay fever, diabetes, atherosclerosis and infections and is specifically linked to inhibiting human stomach cancer. It's also an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, thought to have diverse anti-cancer powers. Quercitin is also a sedative. So far, there is no better food source of quercitin than onion skins Detox Aid Onions contain a variety of organic sulfur compounds that provide health benefits. These specific amino acids are called methionine and cystine and, among other things, they are very good at detoxifying your body from heavy metals. Health benefits of Coconut Oil: The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, cholesterol level maintenance, weight loss, boosted immune system, proper digestion and regulated metabolism. It also provides relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, and cancer, while helping to improve dental quality and bone strength. These benefits of oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and their respective properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial and soothing qualities. Health benefits of Chillies: Chillies are excellent for your immune system because they are rich in both vitamin A (said to be the anti-infection vitamin) and vitamin C. Chilli peppers' bright red colour signals its high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for healthy mucous membranes, which line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defence against invading pathogens. Just two teaspoons of red chilli peppers provide about 6% of the daily value for vitamin C and more than 10% of the daily value for vitamin A. Eating chillies can help with the common cold as they clear congestion. Chillies are great for diabetics as when you digest a meal which has chilli in it, your body doesn’t need as much insulin to break down the food. Health benefits of Basil: Basil contains a wide range of essential oils rich in phenolic compounds and a wide array of other natural products including polyphenols such as flavonoids and anthocyanins." The herb contains high quantitites of (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which may be useful in treating arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Anti-aging properties Basil has properties that can help prevent the harmful effects of aging. Holy basil extract was effective at killing off harmful molecules and preventing damage caused by some free radicals in the liver, brain and heart. Health benefits of Goat’s Cheese: Goat cheese, like goat milk, is easier on the human digestive system and lower in calories, cholesterol and fat than its bovine counterpart. In addition, goat milk cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin A, vitamin K, phosphorus, niacin and thiamin. Goat Cheese is Relatively Low in Calories and Fat When it comes to calorie and fat content, most people don’t think of cheese as being towards the low end of the spectrum. In comparison to cheese made out of cow’s milk, however, goat cheese is relatively low in fat and calories. Bearing this in mind, goat cheese is ideal for those who are on a diet yet still want to be able to eat cheese on an occasional basis. Goat Cheese Can Help to Boost Metabolism A high metabolism is one of the best ways to lose weight or stay in shape. One of the best ways to boost one’s metabolism is to eat more calcium. Calcium can help to assist the fat-burning process, and can be found in large amounts in goat cheese. While cheese may be higher in fat than other food products, the presence of calcium practically cancels it out for those who stay active. Suitable for Lactose Intolerant People Lactose intolerance is one of the most common digestive issues in the world. Those who are affected by this common problem have a hard time eating most dairy products without getting a stomach ache. That said, many lactose-intolerant individuals have problems specifically with cow’s milk cheese, and are actually able to tolerate goat cheese with little to no issue. Hence, goat cheese is an excellent alternative to cow’s milk cheese for those who are lactose intolerant. Contains Probiotics Goat cheese contains probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that can help to aid in the digestion process, and are essential for those who deal with stomach problems on a regular basis. As a result, people who suffer from a sour stomach may find relief by incorporating goat cheese into their diet. Note that goat cheese can be sour, however, and can actually cause problems for those who experience heartburn regularly. As a result, those with stomach issues should pay attention to how goat cheese affects them individually. Colds and flu is something that plagues almost everyone Some of the symptoms include:
What is the difference between a Cold vs Flu? Common signs and symptoms of the FLU include:
The common COLD is a viral infection (more than a 100 viruses can cause the common cold) of your upper respiratory tract — your nose and throat. Symptoms include:
What predisposes one to getting colds and flu? Causes of decreased immunity: What can you do to keep yourself healthy? How can visiting a homoeopath help you? How can homoeopathy help if you already have a cold or flu? Colds and flu are caused by the influenza VIRUS, so antibiotics will only be effective if there is a secondary bacterial infection superimposed on the primary viral infection. So how do you treat it? A multi-focal approach: Book your appoinment here book your spot for our wellness day todayBy: Dr. Chantell Groenewald (M.TechHom UJ)
Cortisol, the stress hormone that promotes the accumulation of abdominal fat. Overgaard et al.(2004) conducted a study amongst a group of 6 704 nurses to test the theory that an increased workload, and by association higher levels of stress, contributed to an increased level of weight gain. Overgaard then went further by publishing a novel where he illustrated, by means of reference to the decreased level of cerebrospinal corticotrophin-releasing factor, his theory with regards to over eating due to chronic stress and consequent weight gain. He proposed that individuals who suffer from chronic stress may over eat to reduce the level of activity in the chronic stress response network. Cortisol is a major glucocorticoid hormone in humans. It is secreted from the adrenal glands, situated on top of the kidneys, and is regulated by the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to stress. It affects several systems in the body, including metabolic, central nervous system (CNS), immune system and iron transport. Alterations in the ability to respond to stressful situations, i.e. excessive and or prolonged exposure to stressors, lead to the development of stress syndrome. Stress syndrome refers to the collection of events and subsequent symptoms that occur following prolonged periods of stress. The key components of the stress syndrome are the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The HPA axis comprises of chemical reactions that occur during a stressful situation. The series of events are explained thus. The hypothalamus (situated in the region of the brain involved in coordination of neural and endocrine functions) is triggered by stressors and subsequently releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), as well as arginine vasopressin (AVP). These two hormones in turn stimulate the secretion of ACTH from the posterior pituitary gland. ACTH activates the noradrenic neurons of the locus caeruleas/norepinephrine (LC/NE) system of the brain. The LC/NE system is directly responsible for the ‘flight and fight’ response (release of adrenalin as well as nor-adrenalin), while the ACTH is responsible for releasing cortisol from the adrenal cortex (centre of the adrenal gland situated on top of the kidneys). The function of this HPS axis is primarily catabolic, i.e. to release all possible energy sources for the fight and flight response. Cortisol stimulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism i.e gluconeogenesis (process by which the level of glucose in the blood stream is increased), to supply the body with ‘fast’ energy during periods of stress. This leads to an increase in hepatic (liver)gluconeogenisis and plasma glucose concentration. Furthermore, lipolysis and protein degeneration offers even more potential energy. This response is necessary in an acute fight or flight reaction, however, when stressors become chronic, it may have adverse effects on these physiological functions. Responses that are not essential to the fight and flight response are curbed by elevated levels of cortisol, altering the immune system response and supressing the metabolism and the reproductive system. Long term exposure to elevated levels of cortisol translates into: · Weight gain (specifically abdominal fat) · Hormone imbalances · Insulin resistance · Increased appetite · Supressed immune system and repetitive colds and flu · Anxiety and depression · Difficulty sleeping · Problems with memory and concentration. Elevated levels of cortisol promotes the accumulation of abdominal fat, that is, fat deposition around the waist, termed visceral adipose tissue. This type of fat (adipose) cell is distinctly different form the fat cells in the rest of our bodies (subcutaneous fat). Visceral adipose tissue functions as an endocrine gland, secreting hormones that have an effect on our insulin metabolism as well as good cholesterol (HDL) vs. bad cholesterol (LDL) levels.Also secreted by visceral adipose tissue, are a number of inflammatory markers (including IL-6), that further contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. A combination of insulin resistance, high LDL and low HDL, together with increased abdominal width, is termed metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is directly related to cardiovascular health, and a predictor for cardiovascular accidents as well as stroke. Metabolic syndrome, or syndrome X, encompasses the following features:
A diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome is made in the presence of three or more of the following features: · a waist circumference larger than 102 cm in males and 88 cm in females; · Triglyceride level greater than 150mg/dL; · HDL less than 40mg/dL in men and less than 50mg/DL in females; · blood pressure higher than 135/85 mmHg; and · a fasting glucose higher than 110mg/dL. All of the above factors are associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. As mentioned earlier, elevated levels of IL-6 inflammatory markers are illustrated in patients with increased abdominal width (<88cm in females), and this inflammation plays a crucial role in propagating diseases associated with being overweight, and is associated with hindering weight loss. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods have been shown to assist in reducing levels of IL-6, and associated markers of metabolic syndrome, thereby assisting weight loss. Lifestyle changes that may assist in reducing stress: · Relaxation breathing exercises · Drinking herbal teas that assist in bringing about calm (egchamomile tea) · Reducing caffeinated drinks · Taking 20min ‘me time’ per day · Take up a hobby so promote stress free activities · Getting 7-8 hours’ sleep per night · 20 minutes physical activity per day (keeping heart rate below 140 bpm) · Diet alterations that assist in reducingdiet related inflammation is an important factor in maintaining a healthy weight. Visit your health care practitioner annually for a thorough medical examination, to assess your general well-being.Prevention is better than cure. References: Goedecke, J., Jenning, C., Lambert, E. (2005). Obesity in South Africa. Chronic disease of lifestyle in South Africa since 1995-2005, 5: 65-79. Guilliams, T., Edwards, L. (2010). Chronic Stress and the HPA Axis: Clinical Assessment and Therapeutic Considerations. The Standard, 9(2): 1-12. Esposito, K., Giugliano, D. (2004). The metabolic syndrome and inflammation: association or causation. Nutrition. Metabolism and Cardiovascular disease, 14:228-232. Kyrou, I., Tsigos, C. (2009). Stress Hormones: Physiological Stress and Regulation of Metabolism. Current Opinion in Pharmacology, 9(6): 787-793. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (2010). Overweight and Obesity-Risks. Available: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe/risks.html (Accessed 15 March 2012). Overgaard, D., Gamborg, M., Gyntelberg, F., Heitman, B. (2004). Psychological workload associated with weight gain between 1993 and 1999: analysis based on the Danish Cohort study. International Journal of Obesity, 28:1072-1081. http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Abdominal-fat-and-what-to-do-about-it.htm http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=53304 http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037?footprints=mine http://dujs.dartmouth.edu/fall-2010/the-physiology-of-stress-cortisol-and-the-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis#.UyBS__mSxAA What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Disorder is a collection of traits that reflects a child's natural neurological nature. These traits may be positive or negative and include the following: · spontaneity, · creativity, · selective attention, · distractibility, · impulsivity and sometimes · hyperactivity. Most children can display these symptoms some of the time, what differentiates these children from those suffering with ADHD, is that ADHD children display these symptoms MOST of the time. Their behaviour is irrespective of who they are with, or what they are doing. A child that is described as having attention deficit at school, but functions normally when they are removed from a particular circumstance, is most likely NOT suffering from ADHD. Disorders that may look like ADHD: It is very important to acknowledge that various disorders could display symptoms that looks like those displayed in ADHD. Children are often misdiagnosed as having ADHD, while the actual disease process goes undiagnosed. Some of these disorders that might mimic ADHD include:
ADHD is a clinical diagnosis, which means that all other possible diagnoses should be eliminated before one can diagnose a child with ADHD. If a child is exhibiting symptoms of ADHD, each possible cause of these symptoms should be investigated. How do I know if my child suffers from ADHD? A complete assessment involves:
Assessment involves not only determining if a child has ADHD, but also determining the type of ADHD, the likely causes and measures the amount of the symptoms. Diagnosis isbased on a series of inattention and hyperactivity symptoms outlined in DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic & Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition-Text Revision). To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must have lasted for at least six months, and be severe enough to disrupt school life and other aspects of the individuals life. Symptoms of ADHD According to the DSM-IV-TR, we categorise symptoms into Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity. Inattention Symptom:
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms
Subtypes of ADHD Dr. Daniel Amen, MD, a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who serves as medical director of Amen Clinics in the USA, describes 6 subtypes of ADHD, based on the clinical symptoms as well as SPECT imaging. .Shortly after he began brain SPECT imaging work in 1991, Dr. Amen realized that ADHD was not a single or simple disorder, and it is important to understand that to really know what ADHD is. Just as there are many different causes of chest pain, he noticed there were different brain SPECT patterns in his ADHD patients. Over the next several years, he described 6 different types of ADHD, based on a combination of symptoms and brain scans, that responded differently to different treatments. “One treatment does not fit everyone.” — Dr. Amen The 6 subtypes based on symptoms and SPECT imagery include: · Syb-Type 1: Classic ADHD- “Tigger” SYMPTOMS: Primary ADHD symptoms plus hyperactivity, restlessness, and impulsivity COMMON SPECT FINDINGS: Low prefrontal cortex activity while the person is concentrating · Subtype 2: Inattentive “pooh” SYMPTOMS: Primary ADHD symptoms plus low energy and motivation, spacey, and internally preoccupied. Type 2 is diagnosed later in life, if at all. It is more common in girls. These are quiet people, often labelled as “lazy,” “unmotivated,” and “not that smart.” COMMON SPECT FINDINGS: Low prefrontal cortex activity while the person is concentrating . Low cerebellar activity. · Subtype 3: Over-focussed “Rabbit/Piglet” SYMPTOMS:Primary ADD symptoms plus cognitive inflexibility, trouble shifting attention, stuck on negative thoughts or behaviours, worrying, holding grudges, argumentative, oppositional, and a need for sameness. Often seen in families with addiction problems or obsessive-compulsive tendencies. COMMON SPECT FINDINGS: High anterior cingulate activity.Low prefrontal cortex activity while the person is concentrating · Subtype 4: Temporal Lobe ADHD, “Tazmanian Devil” SYMPTOMS: Primary ADD symptoms plus a “short fuse,” difficulty distinguishing helpful corrections from insults, periods of anxiety, headaches or abdominal pain, history of head injury, family history of anger management problems, dark thoughts, memory problems, and difficulty reading. Often seen in families with learning disabilities or anger management problems. COMMON SPECT FINDINGS: Low temporal lobe activity. Low pre-frontal cortex activity while the person is concentrating. · Subtype 5: Limbic ADHD “Eeyore” SYMPTOMS: Primary ADD symptoms plus chronic mild sadness, negativity, low energy, low self-esteem, irritability, social isolation, and poor appetite and sleep patterns. Stimulants, by themselves, usually cause problems with rebound or cause depressive symptoms. COMMON SPECT FINDINGS: High deep limbic activity.Low prefrontal cortex activity at rest and while the person is concentrating. · Subtype 6: Basal Ganglia ADHD “Ring of fire” SYMPTOMS: Primary ADD symptoms plus extreme moodiness, anger outbursts, oppositional behavior, inflexibility, rapid-fire thinking, excessive talking, and high sensitivity to sounds and lights. “Ring of Fire” refers to the intense ring of over activity that Dr. Amen has observed in the brains of affected people. Note: this type of ADHD is often worsened by stimulants. COMMON SPECT FINDINGS: Noticeable overall increased activity across the cortex. Low pre-frontal cortex activity (less common) Treatment options There is no cure for ADHD. Many professionals agree that medication should be used as a last resort. Most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD include
A Holistic approach to treatment includes various modalities, including:
It is of cardinal importance to tailor a treatment option based on the child’s specific needs. To use medication as an example, to give a CNS depressant to a already depressed “eeyore” type constitution would surely only aggravate matters. Nutrition wise, to feed an already hyperactive type child “Tigger”, a stimulant rich food would surely exacerbate already hyperactive symptoms. Nutrition and Supplementation Nutrition is KEY. Most hyperactive children would surely have to remodel their diet to exclude stimulants, while specific supplementation can further aid in bringing about calm. A diet tailored to each specific child’s needs is fundamental in the treatment of ADHD, furthermore, the correct supplementation can correct certain hormonal/chemical deficits, which will aid in alleviating most unwanted symptoms of ADHD. Below is my ‘quick guide’ to the do’s and don’ts of Nutrition when we look at ameliorating hyperactivity: Foods most likely to cause problems:
Article by Dr.Chantell Groenewald Registered Homoeopath Special interest in food allergies and ADHD |
AuthorsDr. Marike de Klerk Categories
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