Tag: holistic-health

  • Natural Remedies for When You’re Worn Down

    Tired of being tired? Those words can be used to describe millions of people who cannot narrow down a particular cause, but just generally go through life feeling rundown and out of energy. 

    Getting through the day takes a lot of energy and by the time you get home from work, all you want to do is fall onto the couch and sleep – only to get back up and do it all over again the next day. 

    If this is you, know that feeling worn out every day is not normal. You do not have to live with a constant feeling of being tired.

    There are some natural remedies to try to help combat feelings of burnout so you can get back to living your life, not just grudging your way through it. 

    Here are a few of favorites: 

    Vitamin D

    Many health experts consider the benefits of vitamin D to be one of the most important health discoveries in the last century! How amazing is that?

    The first thing that comes to mind when you think about Vitamin D is SUNSHINE.

    Have your health care provider check your Vitamin D levels the next time you have your bloodwork done. 

    Up to 50% of the general population is deficient in this vitamin and it can cause tiredness and achiness when low. The recommended dosage is 1,000 to 4,000 international units per day, but your provider will give you a dosage based upon the deficiency that you are experiencing.

    Learn More about the Health Benefits of Vitamin D

    Rhodiola Rosea

    This herb is an adaptogen herb, which means it enhances the body’s ability to deal with stress. Stress can be a big contributor to constant tiredness and Rhodiola was found in studies to decrease mental fatigue and increase physical performance, as well as reduce depression symptoms. 

    Iron

    How long has it been since you’ve had your iron levels checked? Iron deficiencies can be a key factor in feeling run down and weak. 

    In some instances, iron deficiencies can be remedied by eating more iron-rich foods, such as meat and seafood. But often a supplement must be used to bring up iron levels to a healthy level. 

    Beetroot Powder

    This vegetable has a high amount of nitrate, which produces nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide increases blood and oxygen delivery due to blood vessel relaxation which allows your body to work more efficiently while exercising and moving around. 

    Vitamin B12

    Having low levels of vitamin B12 goes unnoticed until you are rundown and feel as if you have hit a wall. If you do not get enough B12 from your diet naturally, check in with a physician to get your vitamin B levels checked. If you do have a significant deficiency, a simple B12 injection or supplement can get you feeling back on track.

    With all the different natural remedies, there is no excuse for living with tiredness all the time. Take the time to listen to your body and get it the proper attention it needs from your physician or alternative health practitioner. 

    If you’d like an alternative to Western medicine, a holistic healthcare provider can help you find a more natural solution to your exhaustion. Some insurance plans may even cover certain holistic alternatives to medicine, so be sure to check in with your provider to see what the best payment option is for you.

    Author Biography

     

    Christian Worstell is a freelance writer who covers health and lifestyle topics for a range of blogs and media outlets. When he’s not behind the desk, he can usually be found on a golf course or spending time with his family.

  • Create a Backyard Bee Haven

    Welcome Spring! The last of the snow is melting. Its time to think of planning our plantings. Consider planning a garden space that is a bee haven. Why? Honey is one of the oldest medicals found in the ancient pyramids of Egypt. You don’t have to be a bee-keeper to support honey production. pesticide-free, pollinator-friendly space is easy! Whether you have a large yard, front stoop or balcony window, follow these simple guidelines:

    Avoid pollinator-harming pesticides. Pesticides kill beneficial insects including pollinators and natural enemies that control common pests like aphids. Certain pesticides, including neonicotinoids, are highly toxic to honey bees in particular. Instead of using synthetic pesticides, explore organic ways to grow healthy plants, such as using compost for healthy soil and controlling pests with homemade remedies and biocontrols like ladybugs.

    Provide a variety of food. Consider clustered plantings with staggered blooming times so there is food throughout the year, particularly in the late summer and fall. Native plants are always best, and inter-planting and hedgerows provide additional forage on farms.

    Provide a year-round, clean source of water. This can be a river, pond, irrigation system, rainwater collection system or small-scale garden water features. Shallow water sources can provide more than enough water for bees and other pollinating insects without creating opportunities for mosquitoes to breed.

    Provide shelter for pollinators. Leave some ground undisturbed and untilled and some dead trees and plants on the property for wild bees to nest in. Glorybee.com suggests before you get rid of those dandelions and clovers, consider that these alleged undesirables can provide lots of deliciousness for your buzzing visitors. By keeping them right where they are, you’ll be helping your bee friends thrive. The same goes for flowers and vegetables you’ve actually taken the time to plant; if you harvest or deadhead these but leave them intact until all the flowers are completely gone, you’ll be able to support pollinators during their time of need (particularly when other options aren’t readily available).

    Buy local honey

    This is something just about anyone can do, even if they don’t like to garden. Beekeeping is an amazing endeavor, but the truth is that not everyone is cut out for it. If you try to take on this responsibility without the proper knowledge, you could end up doing more harm than good. That’s why it’s important to support your local beekeepers to ensure their efforts aren’t in vain. And while it hasn’t been totally proven, there is evidence to suggest that local honey can be the best thing for your allergies!

    Know how to aid a tired bee

    Have you ever seen a bee who seems to be struggling to fly? You might assume that it’s injured or worse, but this sweet bee might actually just be worn out. It’s usually pretty easy to revive them and get the buzz back in their wings. Just mix together two tablespoons of white, granulated sugar (no artificial sweeteners or honey from your cupboard!) and one teaspoon of water, then place on a plate or a spoon and bring the bee to drink. You can even put this mixture in a small, shallow container and leave it somewhere in your garden to keep your friends from getting too tired on-the-go. If you find a wet bee out in the rain, bring to a place where it can get dry; if you see a bee lying motionless on a flower, keep in mind that it may simply be resting, so don’t be too quick to try to move it and feed it.

    Bee-friendly gardening Garden, Pollinators

    Sources:
    http://www.honeybeehaven.org/resource/bee-friendly-haven/.

    https://glorybee.com/blog/horticultural-hive-mind-a-gardeners-guide-to-protecting-the-bees/

    More Resources: 

    The Power of Manuka Honey

    Herbal Honey Ancient Medicinal

  • Pharmaceuticals Kill More Teens Than Illegal Substances

    Combine the number of overdose deaths caused by heroin and cocaine, and you still haven’t matched the number of deaths caused by pharmaceutical prescription medications each year in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, pharmaceutical abuse was responsible for about 23,000 deaths in 2013  — that’s more than half of the overdose deaths in the U.S. that year. These deaths are tied to teen anxiety and stress and their inability to cope. As adults and parents, we can be mindful of the teens around us, encouraging them in their pursuits of excellence and their struggles to fit in. The struggle of stress and anxiety is real in life, helping to teach the next generation to cope without the needs for a pill is critical for not only their health, but the health of the coming generations. 

    Prescription drugs have a disproportionately large effect on teenagers. A recent study published in Journal of Public Policy and Marketing sheds light on this issue, which the CDC has labeled an “epidemic.”

    Over 1,000 teenagers in 40 different regions around the U.S. participated in an online survey that questioned them about their use of alcohol, tobacco, legal drugs and illegal drugs. Participants were asked if they suffer from anxiety, if they have a desire to be “popular,” how often they participate in exciting activities, and whether they consider using drugs risky.

    The authors of the study — Richard Netemeyer of the University of Virginia, Scot Burton of the University of Arkansas, Barbara Delaney of the Partnership for Drug Free Kids, and Gina Hijjawi of American Institutes for Research — published several conclusions.

    First, their results showed use of pharmaceuticals has a linear correlation with the amount of anxiety and other psychological stress a teenager experiences each day. Pharmaceutical use also increases with the amount of alcohol a teenager consumes.

    Second, their results show prescription drug use increases exponentially in circumstances where a teenager is experiencing more severe anxiety, a heightened desire to be popular, a need to be a “good teen,” or is using other restricted substances.

    “Teens need help before they reach these tipping points for prescription drug abuse,” write the authors. “Adults spotting teens with very high levels of anxiety and at least moderate use of other restricted substances should realize that these are students with a high likelihood of prescription abuse.

    According to an editorial published by the New York Times in 2013, pharmaceutical advertisements have helped cultivate a “pill for every ill” approach to health care in the United States. U.S. physicians, for example, prescribe drugs as treatment for ADHD 25 times more often than European physicians. It follows that U.S. teenagers have 25 times more access to ADHD medication like Ritalin and Adderall than European teenagers.

    Several organizations work to educate the public on the risks of prescription drug abuse. The National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, for example, organizes school related activities aimed at educating students about the risks of pharmaceuticals, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy is trying to implement a four-part plan to educate teenagers and monitor their use of pharmaceuticals.

    Evidence from the study suggests these organizations have a long way to go. 

    The causes of stress/anxiety

    Anxiety can be brought upon by a slew of different things: genetics, hormones, environment, relationships, trauma, and much more. An anxiety disorder doesn’t entail just feeling stressed a little more frequently–it means someone is experiencing so much anxiety that it’s difficult to function in certain situations or moments, sometimes logical and sometimes not.

    The adolescent years are some of the most trans-formative and intense, which makes it a perfect time to develop issues like anxiety. As adults, we have experience with how to properly deal with stress, but teens don’t. Not to mention that students nowadays have an enormous amount of responsibility set on their shoulders with little to no education on how to handle the stress of that correctly. It’s a recipe for disaster.

    Studies shows teens experience “adult-level” stress

    If you think high school is just “kid” drama and doesn’t produce “real” stress, you’re probably wrong. A study by the American Psychological Association discovered that teens feel just as much anxiety as adults–if not more at times. This isn’t just a little stress, either, it’s the type of stress that keeps you awake at night, makes you skip meals, and makes you feel depressed. The type of stress that signals a parent to begin searching out help for teen mental health issues.

    In the study, it was discovered that on-average, a teen’s overall stress throughout the year was higher than an adult’s. This is probably due to the lack of experience with how to deal with stress–but it could also be linked to new factors, like social media.

    Social media & anxiety

    Like all new technologies, there’s always a downside that needs to be addressed–for social media, it could be the obsession with “likes” and a strong fear of missing out (FOMO). As a program that provides help for teen mental health, it’s not unusual for teens that come to us to have a pretty unhealthy relationship with technology.

    In a recent CNN article, teens discussed their own experiences with social media anxiety. One girl explained how her friend nearly had a breakdown because she didn’t receive a certain amount of “likes” on a photo she posted on Facebook. This type of behavior is linked to an individual basing their self-worth on something such as “likes.” To them, not getting enough “likes” means they’re not popular or pretty enough–it can create an enormous amount of anxiety.

    5 Tips for Helping Teens Cope with Stress & Anxiety without Medication

    Often times teens are marketed too that there is a pill for every ill and that a drug will make it ‘all go away’. This is an unhealthy attitude. It is the adults and parents responsibility  to guide, encourage and teach our children and teens. Here are some suggestions from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in helping to train your teens to recognize and learn to cope with anxiety and stress and in a healthy way.  

    • Take care of your body

      • Get Enough Sleep 
        Healthy sleep is so important. When stress spikes, sleep often suffers. At the same time, too little sleep can make stress that much worse. Encourage your child to get enough shut-eye. Limiting screen time and stimulating activities in the evening can help your child fall asleep earlier so that he or she is better rested when the alarm buzzes.
      • Eat regularly. Small meals with a protein will help keep your blood sugar balanced and your mood balanced.

        The study found that nearly 1 in 3 teenagers felt depressed, sad, or overwhelmed because of stress. It also was reported that about 25 percent of teens skipped a meal because they were too stressed to eat. Of those teens that said they’ve skipped a meal because of stress, about 40 percent said they do it weekly. Sounds like a pretty unhealthy way of coping with stress, right?

    • Focus on Strengths. Point out your teens strengths and encourage them to find positives on their own.

      • Positive self talk can make a world of difference in mindset and attitude and the ability to cope with stressful situations.Decrease negative self talk: challenge negative thoughts about yourself with alternative neutral or positive thoughts. “My life will never get better” can be transformed into “I may feel hopeless now, but my life will probably get better if I work at it and get some help”
      • Focus on the process instead of the outcome. How hard a child tries is more important than the grade they receive.

    • Practice breathing and mindfulness.

      • Take 30 seconds to focus on deep breathing and relaxation. “Teens tend to hold their breath to get through stressful situations, but it can impact their ability to focus,” Weiker says. “The more you hold your breath, the more tired and agitated you become.”

    • Remind teens that they are in control of some things in their lives. 

      • Encourage them to make decisions and prioritize activities when possible.
      • Teach them to feel good about doing a competent or “good enough” job rather than demanding perfection from yourself and others.
      • Talk to your teens. Be open to listening without judgment to teens concerns and stresses. Their stress in their youth affects them just as much as your adult stress effects you as an adult. 

    • Take a Break from Stressful Situations.

      • Encourage them to participate in activities, like listening to music, talking to a friend, drawing, writing, or spending time with a pet, to help reduce stress.
      • Teaching our teens to recognize the need to rest is just as healthy as teaching them motivation and a strong work ethic.
        Give them “permission” and encouragement to choose a healthy activity that makes them happy to work on without interruption for a period of time and on a regular basis. 

    As an adult changing our mindset to consider that teen stress is a teaching opportunity. Validating their stress levels and helping them to find healthy ways to cope is a skill that they can take with them into adulthood.

    RESOURCES:
    http://reset.me/study/study-pharmaceuticals-kill-more-teens-than-illegal-substances-in-the-us/.

    https://www.viewpointcenter.com/blog/help-teen-mental-health-causes-anxiety-disorders/

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-race-good-health/201402/5-tips-helping-teens-cope-stress

  • 10 Reasons Witch Hazel Should Be in Every Medicine Cabinet

    An ancient Native American remedy for all kinds of ailments, witch hazel has become a must-have natural skin care product. In addition to keeping your skin young and beautiful, it works wonders on sunburn, bug bites, poison ivy, acne, wrinkles, ear infection, sore throat. It is one of the most useful  first aid items to keep on hand for all kinds of injuries and illnesses.

    Witch hazel is a low growing shrub native to North America. It has a long history of use medicinally, and cultivation of the bush has spread to Europe for this purpose. Preparations of it ranging from tinctures to soothing creams are available in most drug stores, as well as specialty stores for skin care. The plant acts as an astringent, firming and tightening tissue and acting to reduce itching and irritation. Other properties have also been ascribed to witch hazel, making it an excellent all-purpose addition to the medicine cabinet.

    Four species of witch hazel are included in the genus Hamamelis. All of the plants have simple alternating leaves with wavy edges, and bright yellow flowers that appear in the fall. Simultaneously, the fruit of the flowers from the previous year matures. When the seeds have fully ripened, the pods crack open explosively, ejecting the seeds into the surrounding area. This trait has led to another common name, snapping hazel.

    Some people erroneously believe that the plant name is related to witches. In fact, the origins are a bit more mundane. The “witch” is merely a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon word wych, meaning flexible. The branches of this plant are well known for their pliancy. 

    Here are 10 ways witch hazel can save the day:

    1. Clear Up Acne

    A study published in the Journal of Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology showed witch hazel to be one of the most effective acne treatments of 52 products.

    It slows bacterial growth and speeds up healing of scabs, while reducing inflammation, redness, oil production and development of blackheads and whiteheads.

    2. Reverse Wrinkles and Signs of Aging

    Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help protect collagen and skin elasticity just as well or better than many commercial beauty products. You can easily blend witch hazel with vitamin E oil and other natural ingredients to make your own Homemade Anti-Aging Serum.  Combine it with other skin-saving oils like evening primrose, frankincense and tea tree oils for even better results.

    3. Protect Against Skin Cancer

    A study published in Chemical Research in Toxicology found the polyphenols and tannin antioxidants in witch hazel reduced free radicals and prohibited the proliferation of melanoma cells.

    4. Bug Repellent and Treatment for Bug Bites

    Witch hazel’s astringent properties make it effective at reducing pain, stinging, swelling and allergic reactions to bug bites. It’s also used in many commercial bug repellents.

    5. Heal Rashes

    Witch hazel is a time-tested treatment for all kinds of skin rashes including diaper rash, eczema, psoriasis, razor burn, and general dry or itchy skin. 

    5. Cleanse Hair and Soothe the Scalp

    Witch hazel reduces oil build-up, leaving your hair shinier, healthier and more volumized.

    According to one study, it also helps soothe dry, itchy and irritated scalps. 

    6. Treat Ear Infections

    As an effective antibacterial, witch hazel is an excellent natural ear infection remedy. It’s especially great for “swimmer’s ear.” Just insert a few drops in each ear several times a day.

    7. Soothe a Sore Throat

    Sipping Smallflower Witch Hazel Leaves can soothe a sore throat. Its astringent properties fighting infection, while soothing pain.

    9. Treat Hemorrhoids

    Witch hazel mixed with water is a great way to reduce hemorrhoid inflammation, itching, burning, and bleeding. (Make sure to use alcohol-free witch hazel for this.)

    10. Heal Mouth and Gums and Freshen Breath

    Witch hazel helps heal blisters, sores and infections on your lips, inner cheeks or gums and freshens breath. You can apply it directly or add it to a homemade mouthwash.

    It’s also great for toothaches and teething infants.

  • Enter to Win Food Desensitization from Restoring Nutrition

    Did you know about ninety percent of your immune system exist in your gut. A critically important step of healing the body is the food consumed.Jennifer Whitney is a Certified Wholistic Nutritionist, Certified Health Coach, and Certified Gaps Practitioner will be sharing insight and resources at the Boise Natural Health Symposium July 21 at the Vineyard Boise. This inaugural event will include speaking sessions by local health experts, exhibits by Idaho businesses and practitioners, and interactive demonstrations such as healthy food preparation. Enter to win one of the many door prizes.

    Our thanks to Restoring Nutrition for sponsoring this giveaway of 6 Food Desensitization Treatments ($180 is the retail value).  Good nutrition helps improve all forms of natural healing.  

    To enter the giveaway, please use the widget below. Every action you take in the widget earns you more points for the giveaway. You can earn up to 15 entries, which improves your chances of winning! 

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Jennifer Whitney graduated from the Wellspring School for Healing Arts, and has been trained in Western and Eastern nutrition, the Gaps program, weight loss, applied kinesiology, desensitization techniques, and different types of cooking methods to heal the body. 

  • Detoxing: Starting the Day Right.

    What we do in the morning sets the tone for the whole day. And if you’ve ever overslept, you know exactly how true this statement is. Mornings can be rough; it’s easy to rely on sugar and caffeine to energize you, which only wreaks havoc on your digestive system and exacerbates fluctuating energy levels and moods. If you’ve ever wanted a do-over before 9 a.m., start your day right—and keep it on the right track—with these 3 simple morning drinks to detox your body naturally each and every day. Regularly detoxing is beneficial to your health in the long run. Saves you money, too. A pound of prevention is definitely worth far more than a ton of cure.

    3 detoxing jump starting drinks

    Green Tea. 

    here’s a loose leaf organic variety

    Filled with endless anti-oxidants, vitamins, and general goodness, it has become a staple part of many gym-goers and health-conscious people’s diets.

    Some of the features of Green tea include:

    • Helps burn fat: The anti-oxidant features of the tea help speed up your metabolic rate, resulting in energy being burned, even when not active.
    • Improves immunity: Fights against flu and colds.
    • Super medicine: There have been reports that it can prevent and guard against certain cancers, arthritis, and diabetes.
    • Re-hydrates: Going against common beliefs that tea dehydrates you, green tea has been found to have similar re-hydration effects to our old friend H2O.
    • Neurological: Has been shown to prevent degenerative and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

    Japanese Matcha Tea

    Drinking one cup of Matcha tea is equal to 10 cups of green tea, talk about nutritional. Here’s a nice matcha tea powder that can be added to smoothies in the summer or made into a latte with favorite warmed milk.

    Matcha tea is incredibly popular in Japan and is now becoming widely recognized throughout the world for its ability to aid in detox plans and regimes. Some of the key benefits of Matcha tea include:

    • Prevents cancer with its high levels of anti-oxidants named catechins, which seek out and find dangerous free radicals within your body.
    • Prevents heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol, or the bad type.
    • Helps in burning fat by increasing thermogensis from 8 – 10% to 35 – 43%.
    • Contains 5 times more L-theanine, an amino acid which helps with neurological activities, than standard green tea.

    Lemon, Pepper & Ginger Water

    • Lemon juice and cayenne pepper are both immune boosters; the extra vitamin C helps your immune system cope when you’re stressed
    • They’re also natural detoxifiers; lemon helps stimulate the liver to remove toxins and cayenne helps your body sweat them out
    • Lemons aid digestion and can help soothe indigestion
    • Lemon also helps fight hunger and sugar cravings
    • Cayenne pepper improves blood and lymphatic circulation so your cells get more nutrients
    • Lemon is packed with antioxidants that keep your skin healthy
    • Lemon water can help fight gingivitis and keep your breath fresh
    • If you’re trying to cut caffeine in the morning, a mug of hot lemon water can help you wean off
    • Lemon water can help your body beat viral infections like strep throat
    • Lemons have been shown to calming to the body; drinking lemon water can help ease anxiety and depression

    Ingredients

    • Glass of water, or mug of hot water
    • 1/2 lemon
    • Dash cayenne pepper
    • A few chopped ginger slices (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

    Instructions

    1. Squeeze half of a lemon and add a dash of cayenne pepper to your water and stir. Add in ginger and honey if desired.

    This article originally appeared at: https://healingfoodie.wordpress.com/2016/09/30/start-low-and-slow/.

  • 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.
  • Flourless Sugarless Chocolate Cake

    Flourless Sugarless Chocolate Cake

    Hands on time 20 min
    Total time: 2 hours includes cooling
    Serves 10

    1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter cut into pieces plus more for pan
    1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for pan
    1 1/4 cups of heavy cream
    8 oz bittersweet chocolate chopped
    5 large eggs
    1 cup of xylitol

    >Heat oven to 350 F. Butter a 9 inch springform pan and dust with cocoa powder
    >In a medium saucepan heat the butter with 1/4 cup of heavy cream over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth;remove from heat
    >In a medium bowl whisk together the eggs, xylitol and cocoa powder, whisk in the chocalate mixture
    >Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake until puffed and set 35-40 min. Let cool in the pan for 1 hour. Run a knife around edge of cake before unmolding

    Whip up the cup of heavy cream for a whip cream topping!
    Enjoy

    Dr. Rosie Main
    MAIN HEALTH SOLUTIONS

  • Could Lyme Disease Be the Cause of Your Health Condition?

    Could Lyme Disease Be the Cause of Your Health Condition?

    HFI: Many of our members and subscribers have recently been given a diagnosis of lyme. If you have done research for yourself or a family member please feel free to CONTRIBUTE your voice and post resources to share with others. We are building a community to support each other’s health and education is a key component.
    Portion of an article by Dr. Karlfeldt regarding Lyme Disease

     

    Lyme disease is the fastest spreading infectious disease in the United States, with an estimated 200,000 new cases per year. Lyme is a complex disease that can be highly difficult to diagnose. Currently there is no reliable test to determine if someone has contracted Lyme disease or is cured of it. People with chronic Lyme can have many debilitating symptoms, including severe fatigue, anxiety, headaches, and joint pain. Lyme disease is not just an “East Coast” problem.

    In fact, in the last ten years, ticks known to carry Lyme disease have been identified in all 50 states and worldwide. Ticks can vary in size from a poppy-seed size nymphal tick to a sesame-seed size adult tick. The ticks can carry other infectious agents besides the spirochete that causes Lyme disease. The same tick that carries the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, can also transmit other illnesses. The most common are Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Bartonella henselae.

    Lyme Disease is very complicated to diagnose because:

    Lyme bacteria are not always detectable in the whole blood, even in active disease. The bacteria like to hide and travel in the body through the connective tissue rather than the in blood. Every patient responds differently to an infection. Antibodies may only be present for a short time after the infection.
    …
     

    Lyme disease has three components, which should be recognized and addressed with treatment:

    The presence of spirochete infection and co-infections: The co-infections are bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic.
    Since the spirochetes paralyze multiple aspects of the immune system, the organism is without defenses against many microbes. The illness producing effect of microbial exo- and endotoxins and toxins produced by the host in response to microbial trigger: Most of these are neurotoxins, some appear to be carcinogenic as well, others block the T3 receptor on the cell wall, etc. Decreased hormonal output of the gonads and adrenals is a commonly observed toxin mediated problem in Lyme patients. Central inhibition of the pineal gland, hypothalamus and pituitary gland is almost always an issue that has to be resolved somewhat independently from treating the infection. Furthermore, biotoxins from the infectious agents have a synergistic effect with heavy metals, xenobiotics and thioethers from cavitations and NICO lesions in the jaw and from root filled teeth. The immune reactions provoked by the presence of both toxins and microbes: The immune reactions are largely depending on host factors, such as genetics, prior illnesses, mental-emotional baggage, early childhood traumatization, current exposure to electromagnetic fields (sleeping location, use of cell phones, poor wiring in car or home, etc), food allergies and diet, socio-economic background, marital stress etc.

    The treatment of Lyme disease requires 4 distinctive steps:

    1 Decreasing toxic body burden/unloading the system – supporting the body’s pathways of elimination (liver/gallbladder, colon, kidneys, lungs, and skin); reducing heavy metal, chemical, electro-magnetic, and microwave exposure. 

    2 Improving disturbed physiology – correcting nutritional deficiencies, balancing hormones, neurotransmitters, and repairing weak tissue. 
    3 Decreasing microbial count – using proper broad based agents at high enough of a dosage and for long enough to support the reduction of Borrelia and it’s co-infections. Immunemodulation – reduce an over reactive response by the immune system to the presence of the bugs. It is believed that it is this response that creates more tissue damage than the actual presence of the bugs. 
    4 A very effective technique to do this is Applied PsychoNeurobiology (APN) developed by Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt.

    Michael Karlfeldt, N.D., Ph.D., uses ART testing (autonomic response testing), which is the most advanced and scientifically validated method of muscle testing developed by Dr. Klinghardt, to determine what is stressing the body and what nutritional protocol would best restore balance. Dr. Karlfeldt has been trained by Dr. Klinghardt, one of the world’s foremost authority in the treatment of Lyme Disease.

    Dr. Michael Karlfeldt

    Dr. Michael Karlfeldt

    2921 S. Meridian Rd, Meridian, ID, 83642

    telephone – 208-338-8902

    info@thekarlfeldtcenter.com

    This article originally appeared at: http://www.truehealthshow.com/could-lyme-disease-be-the-cause-of-your-health-condition/.