Author: Health Freedom Idaho

  • Behavior Symptoms Checklist For Kids With Autism

    Julie: A worried mom can do better research than the FBI. Or at least, that’s what they say. This mom shares some of her research and I have found it a great starting point for helping my kids through health challenges even though they don’t have autism. You might notice a commonly reoccurring theme – vitamin deficiency. This is for educational purpose and not intended to treat or diagnose.

    Symptom Check

    I have listed some of the common symptoms/behaviors that autistic children experience below, and some of the reasons that these symptoms may be occurring.  This list is not comprehensive nor conclusive.  The information provided is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any health condition and is not a replacement for treatment by a healthcare provider.

    Acne – zinc deficiency, vitamin imbalance, allergies

    Aggression – GI inflammation, bacteria overgrowth (ie clostridia), low cholesterol, Lyme disease, B-vitamin deficiency, magnesium deficiency, Omega 3 deficiency, Allergies, headaches, seizure activity, heavy metal toxicity

    Always Hungry – Food malabsorption, parasites (worms), mito dysfunction, mineral deficiency

    Always sick – Vitamin/mineral imbalance, allergies, Yeast overgrowth, zinc deficiency, Vitamin D deficiency, GI inflammation/immune dysfunction

    Anemic – Iron deficiency, Vitamin D deficiency, Folate deficiency, B-12 deficiency, GI inflammation (gluten intolerance, celiac, bacterial infection)

    Anxiety – Vitamin/mineral imbalance, PANS/PANDAS, magnesium deficiency, Thyroid dysfunction

    Apraxia – Vitamin deficiency and/or Fatty Acid deficiency, Lip/Tongue tie

    Bad breath – zinc deficiency

    Black Stool – Bleeding in the upper GI tract, Iron supplementation

    Bloating – Constipation, Gas, Histamine intolerance, allergies, clostridia overgrowth

    Body odor (sweet) – zinc deficiency

    Body temperature instabilty – Mitochondrial dysfunction, thyroid disorder, adrenal stress

    Bruise easily – EFA deficiency, Iron deficiency, Vitamin K deficiency, Vitamin C deficiency, Folate deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency

    Chapped lips – vitamin B deficiency, yeast overgrowth

    Chewing – vitamin/mineral imbalance, parasites (worms)

    Climb Furniture – Phenol overload, Yeast overgrowth

    Cold hands/feet – Zinc deficiency, thyroid disorder

    Cold intolerance – Mitochondrial dysfunction, thyroid disorder, adrenal stress

    Constipation – GI Inflammation, Allergies, Yeast overgrowth, magnesium deficiency, Clostridia overgrowth

    Cracks at corner of mouth – zinc deficiency

    Crave certain foods – Allergies,  Yeast overgrowth, opioid addiction (dairy, gluten)

    Cry easily – Mineral deficiency, Phenol overload, adrenal fatigue

    Dark circles under eyes – Allergies, Phenol overload (phenol sulfotransferase deficiency), Yeast overgrowth, Adrenal fatigue, low iron (anemia)

    Defiant – Yeast overgrowth, allergies, low cholesterol, Lyme disease

    Delayed Growth – Mitochondrial dysfunction

    Diaper rash – Allergies to food, Allergies to something on the skin (soap, lotion), Yeast overgrowth, Psoriasis due to infection

    Diarrhea – GI Inflammation, Allergies, Yeast overgrowth, magnesium deficiency, Clostridia overgrowth

    Doesn’t Talk – Vitamin/mineral imbalance, EFA deficiency, Yeast overgrowth, verbal apraxia, hearing impairment

    Drool – low muscle tone (hypotonia), palsy

    Eats a lot – Food malabsorption, parasites (worms), mito dysfunction, mineral deficiency

    Eczema – Allergies to food, Allergies to something on the skin (soap, detergent on clothing), Essential Fatty Acid deficiency, Yeast overgrowth, Psoriasis due to infection

    Eye Movement Issues – Cranial nerve damage (Sixth Nerve Palsy)

    Eye Rolling –  See Tics

    Eye Stimming –  Vitamin A deficiency, yeast overgrowth, bacteria overgrowth, high oxalates, EFA deficiency, high viral load

    Fatigue – mitochondrial disorder, EMF sensitivity, magnesium deficiency, zinc deficiency, iron deficiency, allergies, gluten intolerance, LYME

    Food Allergies/Intolerance – Histamine intolerance, Enzyme deficiency, GI inflammation

    Gas – GI Inflammation, Allergies, Yeast overgrowth, magnesium deficiency, clostridia overgrowth

    Gray Hair – Hair follicle stops creating melanin.  Nutritional deficiency.  Scientists have not discovered the exact reasons, but it could be from B vitamin deficiency (B5, B6, B12, Biotin), Zinc deficiency, D deficiency, Iron Deficiency.  Also thyroid issues.

    Green Stool – Food moving too quickly through large intestine, allergies, green food coloring

    Hair loss – zinc deficiency, vitamin B deficiency

    Hand Flapping –  Phenol overload, sensitivity to food coloring, vitamin/mineral deficiency, virus, yeast overgrowth, bacteria overgrowth

    Headaches – Magnesium deficiency, Iron deficiency, Allergies/food intolerance, MSG intolerance, Bartonella, LYME

    Head Banging/Hitting –  (See Headaches or GI pain) – Vitamin/mineral deficiency, GI inflammation, allergies

    Heat intolerance – Mitochondrial dysfunction, thyroid disorder, adrenal stress, underlying infection

    Heavy Sweating or Night Sweating – Allergies, Babesia, Lyme disease, Mito dysfunction, heavy metal toxicity

    Hives – Strep (PANDAS), yeast overgrowth, Mast Cell Activation Disorder

    Hyperactive – Yeast overgrowth, Phenol overload, sensitivity to food coloring, PANDAS/PANS, Omega 3 deficiency, low carnitine

    Inattentive – Vitamin/mineral imbalance, Omega 3 deficiency, allergies, Yeast overgrowth, low carnitine

    Irritable – B-vitamin deficiency, magnesium deficiency, PANDAS/PANS

    IgE Allergies (many) – Undermethylation

    IgG Allergies (many) – GI inflammation/leaky gut

    Itchy anus – Parasites (worms),  Yeast overgrowth

    Joint Pain – Allergies, LYME

    Keratosis Pilaris – Allergies, Vitamin A deficiency, EFA deficiency, Fatty acid oxidation disorder

    Large motor delay – Mitochondrial dysfunction

    Laughing at inappropriate times – Yeast overgrowth, Phenol overload

    Lick things – Parasites (worms), zinc deficiency, PANDAS tic, introducing digestive enzymes, yeast overgrowth, high oxalates,

    Lining things up – Vitamin/mineral imbalance, PANS/PANDAS

    Look out of corner of eyes – Vitamin A deficiency, high viral load, EFA deficiency

    Low muscle tone – Mitochondrial dysfunction, High viral load (coxsackie), vitamin/mineral deficiency, low carnitine

    Mouth Sensitivity – B-vitamin deficiency, zinc deficiency

    Nail biting – Parasites (worms), B-vitamin deficiency, low serotonin levels

    Never gets sick – Overactive immune system (not a good thing)

    Night Sweats – (detox mechanism) Allergies, high viral load

    Obsessions/Compulsions (OCD) – Vitamin/mineral imbalance, PANS/PANDAS, Yeast overgrowth, B-vitamin deficiency

    Peeling Nails – Vitamin/mineral deficiency

    Peeling skin at nails – B2 deficiency

    Peeling skin (like sunburnt) – Bartonella

    Peeling skin on fingers – Strep (PANDAS), Hand/Foot/Mouth Disease, Coxsackie, Yeast overgrowth, allergy.

    PICA (putting inedible things in the mouth) – Zinc deficiency, chromium deficiency, riboflavin deficiency, iron deficiency

    Pick at lips -Vitamin/mineral deficiency, PANS/PANDAS, Yeast overgrowth

    Picky Eater  – Allergies, zinc deficiency, B-vitamin deficiency

    Pimply rash – Yeast overgrowth, food allergy/intolerance, oxalate issues

    Plug ears – Mineral deficiency, Yeast overgrowth, bacteria overgrowth

    Poor appetitie – B1 deficiency, yeast overgrowth, clostridia overgrowth

    Poor Coordination – B-vitamin deficiency

    Potty training trouble – Allergies, Yeast overgrowth

    Press abdomen against things – Gastrointestinal discomfort/pain

    Red cheeks – Phenol sensitivity, allergy

    Red Ring around Anus – Yeast overgrowth

    Red stool – bleeding in the lower GI tract, red food coloring

    Red Streaks on skin – Bartonella

    Reflux – Allergies, low muscle tone due to mitochondrial dysfunction, vitamin/mineral deficiency

    Repetative Behaviors – Vitamin/mineral imbalance, Phenol overload

    Rock back and forth – Magnesium deficiency

    Sandy Stool – Oxalate dumping

    Scream/Screech –  Yeast overgrowth

    Sensitive to light – Magnesium deficiency, zinc deficiency, Vitamin B deficiency

    Sensitive to noise – Magnesium deficiency, zinc deficiency

    Sensitive to smell – zinc deficiency

    Sensitive to taste – zinc deficiency

    Sleep Troubles – Reflux, Phenol overload, seizures, parasites (worms), Thyroid dysfunction, EMF sensitivity, artificial light sensitivity (not making melatonin), high histamine, zinc deficiency, B-vitamin deficiency, Omega 3 deficiency, low Iron, low blood sugar (wake up in middle of night).

    Smelly Feet – zinc deficiency

    Smelly Urine (Ammonia) – Dehydration, UTI, bacteria overgrowth (ie clostridia), diet high in protein. Highly concentrated urine from being held a long time; high oxalates can make urination painful.

    Spin – Yeast overgrowth, bacteria overgrowth, high oxalates, EFA deficiency

    Spitting – Parasites (worms), yeast overgrowth

    Stare at lights/fans/wheels – Vitamin A deficiency, EFA deficiency, high viral load, Vision Problems 

    Stare into space – Seizures, allergies

    Stretch Marks on Skin – Bartonella, Pyroluria (vitamin/mineral imbalance)

    Teeth grinding – Vitamin/mineral deficiency, parasites (worms), magnesium deficiency, TMJ

    Tics – Vitamin/mineral imbalance (magnesium), PANDAS/PANS, bacteria overgrowth, Lyme disease, seizure activity, allergies, copper metabolism disorder

    Toe Walking – GI inflammation, reaction to food coloring and/or preservatives, yeast overgrowth

    Undigested food in stool – Lack of enzymes to break down food

    Visual stimming – Vitamin A deficiency, EFA deficiency, high viral load, Vision Problems

    Vocal stimming – Allergies, yeast overgrowth, high viral load, PANS/PANDAS

    Vomit – Allergies, PANDAS (strep), eating late

    Wet the bed – Allergies, oxalate dumping, mineral deficiency, yeast die-off

    White spots on nails – mineral deficiency (zinc)

    White Stool – Lack of bile in stool

    Yellow Stool – Fat malabsorption due to low bile production from liver, Yeast overgrowth, Oxalate dumping

     

    More information can be found on TACA’s website.

    More information can be found on www.udaan.org

    This blog has checklist printables.

  • Easy Homeopathy: Homeopathic First Aid for the Whole Family

    Want to learn more about homeopathic medicine to get and keep your family in better health? Join Michele S. Morgan, PhD, a professional classical homeopath with 40 years experience, to learn the seven essential remedies you need for common illnesses and first-aid. These basic homeopathic remedies should be in every medicine cabinet! 

    When: April 25 6:30

    Where: Karlfeldt Center

    UPDATE: We’ve found that the book, “Easy Homeopathy” is difficult to obtain, and so we are recommending that students purchase “Homeopathic Medicine at Home” by Maesimund Panos instead. This book is available locally at Barnes and Noble, and online at Amazon! 

    If you can find it, “Easy Homeopathy” by Edward Shalts is a wonderful overview of at-home Homeopathy. ISBN# 0071457585. It can be purchased online and here’s what Amazon has to say about it:

    “Simple and inexpensive natural remedies every medicine cabinet should have!”

    “Dr. Edward Shalts’s easy-to-use reference book is designed for those just getting started in homeopathy as well as for those confused by the thousands of elixirs, herbs, and other healing methods on the market. Now, in one user-friendly guide, Shalts identifies the seven most useful and effective homeopathic remedies, explaining to you exactly what they are, how they work, and how to use them for hundreds of common conditions.”

  • Top 20 Tuna Brands Ranked

    2017 Tuna Shopping GuideOpen Tuna Can

    How does your can stack up?

    If you’re going to buy tuna, make sure to choose a responsibly-caught option.

    We’ve ranked 20 well-known canned tuna brands that can be found in grocery stores nationwide based on how sustainable, ethical, and fair their tuna products are for our oceans—and for the workers that help get the products to store shelves.

    If you’re going to buy tuna, make sure to choose a responsibly-caught option.
    check out this article before you shop: http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/oceans/tuna-guide/.

  • Disease Prevention: A Case Study of Homeoprophylaxis in India

    You may have wondered about the use of homeopathy in the prevention and remediation of disease. This excellent review from the Weston A. Price Foundation does the subject justice.The article can be read in its entirety at Weston A. Price Foundation’s website. It’s an excellent read for education and disease prevention for you and your family! 

    Excerpts: 

    Medical doctors are frustrated! Their hands are tied, and they can no longer practice medicine in the way they originally intended. With the advent of electronic records and innumerable insurance company requirements, doctors’ eyes are glued to the computer screen instead of free to look their patients in the eyes. Pharmaceutical companies have overtaken public media by advertising drugs for every symptom imaginable, drugs that are often accompanied by dire side effects. What happened to “First, do no harm,” and what’s happened to modern medicine?

    Actually, one nontoxic and inexpensive form of medicine is alive and well. Homeoprophylaxis, also known as HP, is a safe and effective form of immune education to protect from infectious disease. In countries such as India, where HP is sanctioned by the government, doctors are able to administer HP openly and achieve outstanding results. Homeoprophylaxis costs less than pennies per person due to the fact that very little source material can produce enough HP for thousands, if not millions, of people.

    HOW HOMEOPROPHYLAXIS WORKS
    Homeopathic practitioners use HP in the context of both short-term prevention during epidemic disease outbreaks as well as long-term prevention of contagious infectious diseases. Samuel Hahnemann, MD, the founder of homeopathy and the very first to use homeoprophylaxis, viewed epidemics as cases of disease that “attack many people and present with very similar suffering from the same causes.”1 In epidemic situations, homeopaths often apply a principle called genus epidemicus (GE) when the epidemic has a similar and characteristic nature in multiple patients. The GE—a homeopathic medicine individually selected for a particular outbreak of an epidemic2—addresses the common symptoms of the disease.

    In the case of scarlet fever (also known as scarlatina), for instance, the common symptoms might include fever, red rash and headache. Hahnemann used HP very successfully during a 1799 epidemic of scarlatina.2,3 Homeopathic Belladonna either prevented the disease altogether or, if contracted, reduced the severity significantly and prevented complications, easing recovery and alleviating any post-epidemic symptoms. Homeopathic Belladonna proved so effective that the King of Prussia mandated its use to curtail or alleviate subsequent outbreaks of scarlet fever.

    A second method of achieving prophylaxis is through the use of homeopathic “nosodes” of the targeted disease. Nosodes are made in the same manner as all homeopathic medicines. Beginning with a source material—either plant, animal, mineral or disease itself in the case of nosodes—serial dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking) is applied until no molecules of the original substance remain. A dilution of 1:99 repeated twelve times results in a solution devoid of any molecules. This is labeled as 12C, referring to the potency. A high potency such as 10M repeats the dilution and succussion process ten thousand times.

    HOMEOPROPHYLAXIS IN INDIA
    India has a population of 1.3 billion and is governed under a parliamentary system. There are twenty-nine states and seven union territories. Homeopathy in India is under the control of the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH).4 In addition, the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH) functions as an autonomous organization within India’s government.5 The CCRH oversees standardization, clinical research and trials, training of homeopaths and public awareness.

    In response to the persistence of infectious disease as a major problem, India has employed HP effectively for cholera, the H1N1 influenza virus (“swine flu”), conjunctivitis, chickenpox and mosquito-borne viral diseases such as Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever and chikungunya. Researchers at the Government Homoeopathic Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram (the capital of the state of Kerala) surveyed families during threatened dengue and chikungunya epidemics from 2003–2006 to assess the protection provided by HP.1 Of one thousand and five families surveyed in 2003, almost nine in ten took HP for prevention of dengue; of those taking HP, only 14 percent (123/869) went on to contract dengue. In a follow-up study in 2006 of the prophylactic efficacy of HP for chikungunya, the college found a comparable 82 percent efficacy.

    The state of Kerala also has used HP to great effect in Alappuzha, an area full of backwaters and coconut lagoons. Though beautiful, living conditions in this area are difficult due to poor sanitation, low socioeconomic status, lack of education, limited health awareness and poor infrastructure. Epidemics can take hold and flourish due to inadequate health care facilities. Narrow canals through mangrove swamps are the roadways, so in 2013 the government started a floating homeopathic dispensary.6 This boat provides free treatment, HP and health education. The program has been such a success that two more boats were launched in 2014 and 2015!

    As another example of HP’s acceptance in India, in 2016, in direct response to two cases of swine flu in Hyderabad in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India’s Homoeo Times published the following news statement:

    The state government has…directed “all the people to take homoeopathy medicines in order to avoid the attack of swine flu.” The medicine is available for free at all dispensaries. The patients who already have swine flu should take homoeopathy medicines under prescription.

  • Let’s Talk About The Threat of Toxins On Our Children

    HFI: Toxins and Our Kids. Tiny amounts of lead, chemical flame retardants and organophosphate pesticides such as Round Up, among other toxins, course through the blood of nearly every American. But just how much worry is a little poison worth?


    A lot, especially when considering the cumulative effects of this chemical cocktail on children.     Our children are a sicker generation than their parents. Neurological issues, Allergies, Ecezma, ADD, Cancer, Delays, Autism, SIDS…could it be that its the toxic environment we created that is causes some or all these issues?  Experts agree on one big problem: We’re not really looking at the long term impact of chemicals on our children. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for example, has only required toxicity testing for around 200 of the more than 80,000 chemicals permitted for use in the U.S. “By allowing children to be exposed to toxins or chemicals of unknown toxicity, we are unwittingly using our children in a massive experiment.

    Lanphear focused on six brain toxins in the 2014 video: lead, mercury, organophosphate (Round Up) pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenol A (BPA) and polybrominated dipenyl ethers (PBDEs), a chemical flame retardant that his research team this year linked to IQ deficits and hyperactivity. This list of chemical brain-drainers, according to a study published in February, may be just the tip of the iceberg.

    While suggesting that the “ultimate solution” is to “revise how we regulate chemicals,” Lanphear offered a few suggestions for consumers navigating toxins: Eat fresh or frozen foods, choose fish low in mercury, avoid the use of pesticides in and around the home and check for lead in older homes.

    He also recommended writing government representatives and urging them to support regulation that reverses the burden of proof to require companies prove a chemical isn’t toxic before it enters the market. In the U.S., an overhaul of the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 remains hotly debated.

    “This emerging evidence that there is no threshold for some of the most well-established toxins strongly supports the urgent need to revise” the toxic substances act, Lanphear told HuffPost.

    And while the time is ripe for that federal move, Lanphear added that it is “exactly the wrong time to terminate the National Children’s Study.” The future of the U.S. study, long-planned to follow children from birth to adulthood, tracking factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals, now looks uncertain.

    “I firmly believe that until mothers and the public become more familiar with this science not much will happen,” said Lanphear. “The hope is that videos like this will help people understand this emerging pattern of toxicity.”

    The reaction from Woodruff’s son, Xavier Woodruff-Madeira, 16, to the video is just the kind Lanphear hopes to spark: “I didn’t know that tiny little amounts of chemicals can add up to make a big difference in kid’s attention — and affect all those kids.”

    This article originally appeared at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/20/toxins-children-brain-little-things-matter_n_6189726.html.

  • What You Should Know If You’ve Ever Wondered If Your Child Had PANDAS or PANS (Even If Your Doctor Ruled It Out)

    SUDDEN ONSET of symptoms that present as OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar, oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorder, conduct disorder, anorexia could be labeled PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep Infections) is a subset of PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome).Yes, PANDAS is a controversial. Remember hand washing was a critical piece of preventing illness and death and was controversial for decades before being accepted at the norm. It takes a determined saavy parent to follow their instinict. “For my family, something more than puberty hit one of my children years ago, and I knew I had to find resources to help her body heal. I turned to a group of well-researched moms at recoveringkids.com. Fortunately, I found that my child’s body needed the healing boost of probiotics found in ferments. We added magnesium and other suppliments and elminated processed sugar. Symptoms didn’t vanished but became managable. I am still amazed at how our bodies can conquer and overcome issues when provided the right nutritional support.”  – Julie 

    For a list of doctors familiar with PANDAS and PANS, see The PANDAS Network provider tab. Above all, if you think your child may have PANS, trust your intuition and keep searching for answers. We live in a time where many children are finding relief from their neuropsychiatric symptoms and a return to normalcy only because of a parent who refuses to give up. ~Ashlyn Washington

    What You Should Know…
    by Ashlyn Washington

    Despite its acknowledgement by the National Institute of Mental Health two decades ago and the estimated one in 200 children it impacts, proper recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of PANDAS and PANS continues to be an uphill battle for parents and their suffering children. One third of children see more than five doctors before being correctly diagnosed [1]. Diagnoses of Tourette’s, OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar, oppositional defiant disorder, mood disorder, conduct disorder, anorexia, autism, and even childhood schizophrenia are the norm. Prompt and accurate diagnosis remains the exception to the rule. More often than not, savvy and determined parents are ultimately responsible for their child’s relief from symptoms.

    If you’ve wondered whether or not your child might have PANS but been dismissed by medical professionals or ruled it out in your own mind after researching, here are some myths you should be aware of.

    Myth 1: PANDAS/PANS is controversial.

    Even the most sound advances in medicine take time to be accepted. Decades passed before physicians bought into the idea that hand washing was a critical piece of preventing illness and death in their patients so it’s no surprise that the average pediatrician is unaware of the substantial body of research related to PANS that has been published in the past decade.

    In an effort to move past the controversy and advise medical doctors on proper diagnosis and treatment of PANDAS/PANS, the PANDAS Physician Network (PPN) was established. The PPN consists of experts from Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, Georgetown, NIH, and NIMH.

    In 2012, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford began their PANS Program. Since then, they’ve successfully treated hundreds of children while simultaneously conducting research and hosting an academic site. In February 2015, The Journal of Child and Adolescent Pharmacology (JCAP) dedicated an entire special edition of their journal to the latest research on PANS and PANDAS. Several additional peer-reviewed journal articles demonstrating the link between infection and neurological disorders including PANS are available here. In 2016, professors of pediatrics, otolaryngology, and neurology at Georgetown University hosted the Georgetown PANS Conference which provided continuing medical education to hundreds of physicians from all over the country.

    Surely no small town doctor, school nurse, or mother-in-law spouting their personal belief that PANS doesn’t exist would perform well in a debate with the experts at these institutions who have been successfully treating PANS for years.

    Myth 2: Labs were normal and ruled out PANDAS/PANS.

    PANS is strictly a clinical diagnosis. Expert advisors at the PANDAS Physician Network (PPN) created a simple flow chart to guide doctors on diagnosis of PANDAS and PANS.

    Notably missing from the PANS diagnostic flow chart is any laboratory testing whatsoever. Because pinpointing an infectious trigger can be helpful in determining course of action, this is addressed on page two of the flow chart covering treatment. It cannot be stressed enough that lab tests are entirely irrelevant to the actual diagnosis of PANS. Laboratory tests guide treatment, however they do not determine whether or not a child has PANS.

    Families commonly are told that their child “tested negative for PANS” based on strep or viral titers. A child cannot test negative for PANS based upon any bacterial or viral titer, nor a negative strep culture. If your doctor tells you this, share the PPN guidelines with him or her and seek care elsewhere if he or she cannot grasp this simple concept.

    It is important to note that 10% of children with PANS have co-morbid immunodeficiencies. Many of these children will have little or no antibody production despite being riddled with infection. Negative titers don’t mean they are free from infection. It simply means their immune systems aren’t functioning well enough to fight infection. Like rheumatic fever and Sydenham’s Chorea, both well established as post-strep autoimmune sequelae, PANDAS can occur many months after a strep infection, when evidence of a strep infection is no longer measurable on labs.

    When in doubt, ask for a Cunningham Panel. If your doctor is uncomfortable diagnosing or treating PANS without labs to back up the diagnosis, the Cunningham Panel can be incredibly helpful. The Cunningham Panel measures CaM kinase II as well as antibody titers against four neuronal antigens present in the brain and associated with PANS. One positive value on the panel indicates PANS is likely an appropriate diagnosis when combined with behavioral symptoms. The Cunningham Panel is based on solid, peer-reviewed research conducted by Dr. Madeleine Cunningham, an expert in post-strep autoimmune sequelae. More information can be found here.

    Myth 3: My child’s onset was not abrupt, so it can’t be PANS.

    PANDAS and PANS have been narrowly defined for political reasons and research purposes. The “abrupt onset” requirement for diagnosis has had the unfortunate consequence of allowing countless children with slow declines to fall through the cracks.

    The abrupt onset criteria was important for pushing PANDAS and PANS past its controversial history. Similarly, narrowly defining a homogeneous group of patients has been important for research purposes. This does not mean that children with a chronic or static presentation will not find dramatic relief from their symptoms with the same treatments successfully used in abrupt onset cases. Stanford, a leader in research and treatment of PANS, reported that only 40% of patients they treated had abrupt onset. The remaining 60% had a sub acute/insidious onset.

    Myth 4: My child only has a few symptoms of PANS, not every one, so it must not be PANS.

    Diagnosis of PANS requires either OCD or avoidant/restrictive food intake, paired with only two of the following symptoms: anxiety, depression, emotional lability, irritability, aggression, oppositional behaviors, behavioral/developmental regression, deterioration in school performance, sensory or motor abnormalities, sleep disturbances, enuresis, or urinary frequency [2].

    For political reasons, tics were removed from the official PANS diagnostic criteria. Tics, paired with any two of the above symptoms, are widely regarded as diagnostic by the majority of PANS experts in the field.

    Myth 5: My child was under age three or beyond puberty when their symptoms began, so it can’t be PANS.

    From the PANDAS Physician Network: “PANS has no age limitation. The age cap was based upon studies that indicated that 98% of 12-year-olds have immunity against strep infections and therefore could not develop post-streptococcal sequelae, such as PANDAS. However, the intent of the criteria was to define a homogeneous group of patients for research and not to preclude post-pubescent patients from receiving a PANDAS diagnosis, if all other criteria were met.”

    Myth 6: My child has many of these symptoms but it’s just because he has autism.

    Autism and PANS can be indistinguishable, especially when symptoms begin before age three. Soon to be published research has revealed that many children with autism have the same elevated anti-neuronal antibodies measured by the Cunningham Panel as children with PANS. PANS should always be considered in the presence of regressive autism. Obsessive-compulsive, repetitive, and anxious behaviors seen so often in autism may result from PANS. Treatment for PANS can result in relief for these children. Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Susan Daily presents a school-aged boy diagnosed with ADD and autism treated for PANS with dramatic improvement here.

    Myth 7: My child isn’t concerned with germs or obsessed with hand washing so he doesn’t meet the OCD criteria for PANS.

    OCD encompasses much more than just concern over cleanliness or germs. The Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale checklist that notes various OCD behaviors can be found here.

    Some of the symptoms listed above as well as on the PPN indicative of OCD include:

    • Aggressive obsessions of harm to oneself or others
    • Sexual or religious obsessions (fear they’ve done something morally wrong)
    • Repeating compulsions (examples: going in and out of a doorway; switching on/off appliances or light switches; re-reading pages over and over)
    • Symmetry and exactness obsessions (examples: books and papers must be properly aligned; every action has to be done exactly the same on the right and left side; the child has to walk exactly in the center of a hallway)
    • Ordering / arranging compulsions (example: suddenly placing bathroom items in a particular order and extreme anxiety if they are moved)
    • Counting compulsions (examples: having to count ceiling tiles, books, or words spoken)
    • Checking compulsions and requests for reassurance (examples: repeatedly asking a parent “is this okay?” or “did I do that right?”)
    • Need to touch, tap, or rub (examples: rubbing the back of one’s hand across the table in a certain way, urge to touch rough surfaces)
    • Intrusive images, words, music or nonsense sounds (examples: unwanted images, words, or music appear in the mind that do not stop)
    • Need to tell, ask, or confess (examples: child needs to tell parent every perceived mistake or sin that day in school; excessive guilt)
    • Colors, numbers, or words with special significance (examples: the color black is equated with death and anything black triggers obsessional fears; the number 3 is “lucky” and things have to be repeated three times or 3X3X3 times
    • Ritualized eating behaviors (examples: eating according to a strict ritual; not being able to eat until an exact time)
    • Hoarding behaviors (Obsessional concerns about losing something important generalize to the point where nothing can be thrown away, or useless items take on special significance and cannot be discarded.)

    For a list of doctors familiar with PANDAS and PANS, see The PANDAS Network provider tab. Above all, if you think your child may have PANS, trust your intuition and keep searching for answers. We live in a time where many children are finding relief from their neuropsychiatric symptoms and a return to normalcy only because of a parent who refuses to give up.

    ~Ashlyn Washington

    References:

    1. 2013 Survey New England PANS/PANDAS Association
    2. PANDAS Physician Network

    This article originally appeared at: https://walkinginquicksand.com/2017/04/19/what-you-should-know-if-youve-ever-wondered-if-your-child-had-pandas-or-pans-even-if-your-doctor-ruled-it-out/.

  • Benefits of Bee Pollen

    HFI: Honey is a popular superfood. Did you know that German Federal Board of Health officially recognizes bee pollen as medicine, not just a food.  Bee pollen also contains a large number of nutrients necessary for the human body to thrive, including minerals, vitamins, enzymes, fatty acids and lipids, and antioxidants like bioflavonoids and carotenoids. Bee pollen contains more amino acids than beef or eggs, and more protein than any animal source. Bee pollen nutrition may help reduce inflammation, boost immunity, protect the liver, relieve stress and menopausal symptoms, and promote natural healing.  WOW! That definitely sounds impressive.

    What is Bee Pollen?

    What is bee pollen exactly? The process of gathering pollen is quite complex for honeybees. Pollen is considered the male seed of flowers, and it is needed for fertilization of the plant. Bees will collect pollen from plant anthers, and mix it with small dose of the nectar secretion. It is then placed in specific baskets called corbiculae that are found at the tibia of their hind legs, which are known as pollen loads.

    After the collection of pollen, the honeybee brings it to the hive where it is packed within honeycomb cells. The pollen surface is then covered with wax and a thin layer of honey to create bee bread. It is the bee bread that serves as protein source for the bee colony.

    Most of the time bees collect pollen from the same plant, but sometimes pollen is collected from a variety of plant species. That is why the pollen grains will differ in color, size, weight, and shape. Bee pollen color ranges from bright yellow to black.

    Perhaps the most interesting fact about bee pollen is that it can’t be duplicated in a laboratory. That is because when researchers take away a bee’s pollen-filled comb and feed it manmade pollen instead, the bee dies even though all the known nutrients are in the lab-produced pollen. Some mysterious, unidentifiable elements may be the real reason why bee pollen is so powerful at fighting disease.

    Bee Pollen Nutrition Facts

    Dr. Naum Petrovich, chief scientist of the Soviet Academy in Vladivostok, said in 1975, “Long lives are stained by bee pollen uses; it is one of the original treasure-houses of nutrition and medicine. Each grain contains every important substance that is necessary to life.”

    What are the bee pollen nutrition facts? Bee pollen is considered one of nature’s most complete foods. It contains special bee-made compounds that are used as medicine. The chemical composition of bee pollen comprises approximately 250 substances, including enzymes, vitamins, minerals, lipids and fatty acids, and amino acids.

    Bee pollen contains about 23% protein, including 10% essential amino acids. It also contains 30% digestible carbohydrates, 26% sugars like glucose and fructose, 5 percent lipids like essential fatty acids, 2 percent phenolic compounds like flavonoids. Its other antioxidant flavonoids include bioflavonoids, carotenoids, quercetin, rutin, myricetin, and trans-cinnamic acid.

    It is also packed with vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, and B vitamins like folate, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin B6. From a mineral perspective, bee pollen also contains some magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, silicon, sulfur, and manganese.

    The History of Bee Pollen

    Bee pollen has a long and storied history, and like honey, it was written about in many well-known texts by various historical figures. The early Egyptians described bee pollen as “life giving dust.” Bee pollen is mentioned throughout the Bible, the Torah, the Talmud, the Koran, and also ancient writings of the Romans, Greek, and Orient. The father of Western medicine, Hippocrates, prescribed bee pollen for its health benefits.

    Native Americans even wore pouches of bee pollen around their necks to provide them with energizing food for long journeys. In China, bee pollen was described over 2,000 years ago for its neutral and sweet taste. Today, China is the world’s largest producer of bee pollen, followed by the U.S.

    Health Benefits of Bee Pollen

    What are the incredible health benefits of bee pollen? Studies have shown that enzymatic hydrolysates in bee pollen could potentially help treat various diseases like heart diseases, high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes. Researchers have even suggested that the antioxidant activity of bee pollen is similar to that found in fermented foods like miso and natto. The following are five other reasons to consider using bee pollen on a regular basis.

    1. May Help Reduce Stress

    The tonic and nutritional properties in bee pollen make it an effective natural stress reliever that can boost mental capacity, strengthen the nervous system, and improves blood supply to nervous tissue. Bee pollen may also improve performance and physical endurance for athletes. It also improves mood and energy, which is especially useful for the elderly. Bee pollen also relieves stress-related pain or injuries common with athletes or active individuals.

    2. May Reduce Inflammation

    The anti-inflammatory properties of bee pollen are comparable to many drugs on the market today, including indomethacin, phenylbutazone, analgin, and naproxen. Research suggests that bee pollen is effective for liver disease or toxicity, degenerative conditions, and chronic or acute inflammatory conditions. A study published in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology in 2010 found that bee pollen displayed significant anti-inflammatory activities when treating acetaminophen-induced liver necrosis in mice.

    3. May Treat Malnutrition and Nutrient Deficiencies

    Various animal studies suggest that bee pollen can help animals with nutrient deficiencies. One study published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition in 2011 found that bee pollen significantly increased body weight, milk yield, conception rate, and litter size in female rabbits. The bee pollen also increased the growth rate of baby rabbits. Researchers indicated that bee pollen could be helpful for children with developmental delay or lack of appetite. Bee pollen may also help malnourished adults and children, especially when they’re under mental or physical stress, when recovering from alcohol addiction, or before and after surgery.

    4. May Boost Immunity

    The antiviral and antimicrobial properties of bee pollen are great for the immune system. A study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology in 2014 examined the biological activity of eight commercial bee pollen products from the market, and all samples exhibited antimicrobial effects. Candida glabrata was the most resistance to bee pollen, and Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive. Bee pollen may also stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies for elimination of allergies and hay fever. Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2008 found that bee pollen’s anti-allergic action is due to its ability to inhibit mast cell activation. Mast cells play a vital role in the early and late stages of an allergic reaction.

    5. May Relieve Menopausal Symptoms

    A study published in the journal Molecular and Clinical Oncology in 2015 found that bee pollen and honey both improved menopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients taking anti-hormonal treatment. Incredibly, more than two-thirds of the patients that finished the study reported an improvement of symptoms. The researchers suggested that bee pollen and honey may help women with postmenopausal symptoms when other alternatives have failed. Also, the flavonoids in bee pollen can also prevent breast cancer, and therefore can support menopausal women with a history of breast cancer.

    How to Use Bee Pollen

    Want to know where to buy bee pollen? This is where it is best to find a local beekeeper or a reputable company that may sell their products at health food stores or the local farmers’ market. You will want bee pollen that is pesticide-free and from chemical-free bee colonies. Bee pollen extract is also common in many natural skincare products. Refrigeration is recommended if you intend to store bee pollen for more than a few weeks after your purchase.

    Bee pollen is also very versatile, and can be used in a number of ways, especially when it’s ground and mixed with other foods. You can combine ground bee pollen with cottage cheese, yogurt, o honey in a 1:1 to 1:4 ratios. For people fighting allergies, stress, illness, inflammation, or nutritional deficiencies, the bee pollen dosage is about one teaspoon of mixed pollen for three times daily.

    For bee pollen capsules, you can take 500 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams daily, or as directed by your health practitioner. Bee pollen granules or extracts are also available, and can be added to baked goods, cereal, or yogurt. The granules can also be grounded, and added to salads or smoothies. Also, when bee pollen granules are added to warm water for two to three hours, they release their nutritional value. The liquid can then be enjoyed, or added to smoothies for optimal health benefits of bee pollen.

    Bee Pollen Precautions

    The health benefits of bee pollen nutrition are seemingly endless; however, there are a few things to keep in mind about the product. For starters, it is safe for most people when taken orally for a 30 to 60-day timeframe, but this depends on the bee pollen dosage. Lower doses can be taken with a bee pollen mixture, and are considerably safer.

    What are potential bee pollen side effects? An allergic reaction to bee pollen is considered the main concern of the product. You should stop using bee pollen and consult your doctor if you notice swelling, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or itching after taking bee pollen supplementation. There is also some concern that bee pollen may threaten pregnancy by stimulating the uterus. As a result, pregnant women should avoid bee pollen or consult a natural health professional for guidance about the bee product.

    In summary, bee pollen is a super powerful food with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that can potentially reduce inflammation, boost immunity, relieve stress, and much more. Research even suggests that bee pollen can prevent and reverse poor nutrition and malnourishment. Basically, we would be a lot worse off without bee pollen nutrition, and other bee products.


    Sources:
    “Top 8 Bee Pollen Benefits (No. 7 Is Remarkable),” Dr. Axe; https://draxe.com/bee-pollen/, last accessed March 30, 2017.
    “Benefits of Bee Pollen,” The Natural Shopper; http://thenaturalshopper.com/resources/bee-pollen/bee-pollen-benefits-and-history.html, last accessed March 30, 2017.
    “Bee Pollen History,” Bee Pollen; http://www.beepollen.com.au/history-of-bee-pollen, last accessed March 30, 2017.
    “Bee Pollen,” Mountain Rose Herbs; https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/bee-pollen/profile, last accessed March 30, 2017.
    “Bee Pollen,” VonnyBee; http://vonnybee.com/useful-stuff/bee-pollen-3/, last accessed March 30, 2017.
    “The Use of Bee Pollen as a Superfood,” Mercola; http://www.mercola.com/article/diet/bee_pollen.htm, last accessed March 30, 2017.
    “The effects of Bee Pollen on Energy and Weight Loss,” The Helix12Project; http://www.thehelix12project.org/bee-pollen-history–facts.html, last accessed march 30, 2017.
    “Bee Pollen Health Benefits Nature’s ‘Fountain of Youth,’” Underground Health Reporter; http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/bee-pollen-health-benefits/, last accessed March 30, 2017.
    “10 Amazing Health Benefits of Bell Pollen,” Food Matters, Jan. 29, 2013; http://www.foodmatters.com/article/10-amazing-health-benefits-of-bee-pollen.
    Komosinska-Vassev K., et al., “Bee Pollen: Chemical Composition and Therapeutic Application,” Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2015;2015:297425. doi:10.1155/2015/297425.
    Kupeli Akkol, E., et al., “In vivo activity assessment of a ‘honey-bee pollen mix,’” Pharmaceutical Biology, March 2010; 48(3): 253-259, doi: 10.3109/13880200903085482.
    Attia, Y.A., et al., “Effect of bee pollen levels on productive, reproductive and blood traits of NZW rabbits,” Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, June 2011; 95(3): 294-303, doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2010.01054.x.
    Pascoal, A., et al., “Biological activities of commercial bee pollens: antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory,” Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2014; 63: 233-239, doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.11.010.
    Ishikawa, Y., et al., “Inhibitory effect of honeybee-collected pollen on mast cell degranulation in vivo and in vitro,” Journal of Medicinal Food, March 2008; 11(1): 14-20, doi: 10.1089/jmf.2006.163.
    Munstedt, K., et al., “Bee pollen and honey for the alleviation of hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients,” Molecular and Clinical Oncology, July 2015; 3(4): 869-874, doi: 10.3892/mco.2015.559.
    Yildiz, O., et al., “Hepatoprotective potential of chestnut bee pollen on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damages in rats,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013; 2013: 461478, doi: 10.1155/2013/461478.

    This article originally appeared at: http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/food-and-nutrition-articles/bee-pollen-nutrition.

  • What Not To Eat! Dr. Rosie Main

    Dr. Rosie Main shares What Not to Eat! 

    If you can’t read it..don’t eat it!!

    Dr. Rosie Main is on a mission to transform the health of those who are seeking ways to to live to their God Given Potential. Dr. Main is a Wellness Doctor, Speaker and Radio Host both in English and Spanish and speaks on nutrition, the importance of the nervous system, toxicity, mindset, exercise, healthy recipes, and current health news. She is a Maximized Living Doctor and has her own practice in Meridian, ID where she helps people with chronic conditions and many kids and families that travel to find solutions to many of their health problems that mainstream medicine has not helped. She has a passion to see people transform the health and lives to reach their true potential.

    Main Health Solutions
    2300 W Everest Ln, Ste 175

    Meridian, Idaho

    @MainHealthSolutions

    Call (208) 859-6170

    This article originally appeared at: https://youtu.be/YwEwOZIz6yY.

  • Vaccination Myths, Beliefs and Facts

    Published on Oct 12, 2015

    The myth that vaccines are safe and effective needs to be destroyed by scientific facts and the belief system of vaccines needs to change as a result. According to the facts from the CDC and the manufacturers, vaccines are dangerous and ineffective. Get ready for some mind blowing facts on vaccines and viral shedding that may shock and amaze you.

    At http://bergmanchiropractic.com and http://Owners-Guide.com we strive to educate people on natural solutions to health.
    http://www.theArthritisReversalSystem… is my online video course with 21 videos, 3 manuals and an online forum!
    https://www.owners-guide.com/online-c… for online consults.
    SUBSCRIBE at http://www.youtube.com/user/johnbchiro

  • STOP Giving Your Child Tylenol!

    HFI: Tylenol. It’s in every medicine cabinet, recommended by doctors and ‘doctor grandma’. But the truth is … it’s bad. Really really bad. You should throw it out, run away from anyone who says you should use it, and never look back. It has a black box warning – one of the strongest warning given by the FDA. Its been shown to cause irreversable neurological damage in some children and can trigger serious reactions after typical childhood illnesses.

    Tylenol Makes Big Money and Can Cause Big Side Effects

    Tylenol (Acetaminophen) hit the scene in 1955 as a “prescription only” pain reliever, was making bank just a few years later, was acquired by Johnson and Johnson in 1959, and was available over the counter within a year after that. Tylenol has been a hugely successful product, making its billions off of parents who give it to their kids post-vaccine, post-nasal drip, during a cold, and for serious things like hang nail pains and 99 degree “send me over the edge” fevers.

    Tylenol Doesn’t Do What You Think it Does

    If you’re giving your child Tylenol for pain, a fever, or worse … giving it preemptively (prior to a procedure or vaccinations), you should know that it doesn’t do what you think it does. Tylenol doesn’t reduce pain, is a neurotoxic endocrine disruptor, is harmful to a developing fetus, and is even more harmful to babies and small children whose bodies’ can’t clear the drug.

    A 2008 study conducted by an epidemiologist showed that children who were given Tylenol after their MMR vaccine developed autism eight times as often as children given ibuprofen. In another study, males who were uncircumcised (and thus, were not given pain-relieving Tylenol), had a five times lower risk of autism. The studies go on and on.

    Tylenol is hazardous – They Have Known It For 40 years

    Now might not be the best time to tell you that Tylenol has a “black box warning” (the FDA’s strongest drug label warning) and contains the following ingredients:

    Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (a thickening agent), carrageenan (associated with cancer and gastrointestinal disease), citric acid, flavor, glycerin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol (a common ingredient in antifreeze that could be neurotoxic), propylparaben (a hazardous substance and endocrine disruptor), purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, sucralose, and of course – acetaminophen.

    Don’t be fooled, the FDA is completely aware of the dangers associated acetaminophen. They promised to implement safety measures and dosage restrictions, warnings, and safety measures to protect consumers from the harms of Tylenol way back when, but never followed through.

     It’s been 40 years and they haven’t done a thing. Tylenol makes way too much money and you know about the FDA’s impressive ability to write-off children damaged by billion dollar industries.

    It’s not the 90s anymore and we can’t pretend that Tylenol is safe. We have to protect our children when those who are supposed to put the safeguards in place, don’t. That’s why we should probably stop giving our kids Tylenol.

    Portions of this article originally appeared at: http://www.livingwhole.org/why-you-should-stop-giving-your-kids-tylenol/.