Herbs for arthritis, Dietary recommendations for arthritis

Natural & Dietary

 Recommendations for Arthritis

Arthritis is a name most people recognize, however, there are several different types of arthritis.  In the natural health field they are all treated in a very similar way but I want to detail the different types of arthritis so you can understand them individually and I will also explain some scientific research on different types of arthritis as well.

Osteoarthritis-  This is the most common type of arthritis, the medical community associates it with aging.  It is not an inevitable part of aging, however, it is common with our rich, Western diet.  It is a degenerative joint disease that involves the breaking down of the cartilage in the  joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis- This is an inflammatory arthritis caused by an autoimmune reaction.  The immune system attacks the soft tissue and joints, a common symptom is stiffness upon waking but the joints loosen up with movement.  This type of arthritis commonly affects the neck, hands and feet, elbows and shoulders.   

Interestingly, modern medicine views this as the immune system gone haywire, which is in reality, not entirely the case.  The immune system is functioning exactly as it should, the problem is foreign proteins that have the same amino acid sequence as those in our own body cause the immune system to attack the body.  This is known as molecular mimicry.   In Rheumatoid arthritis molecular mimicry has been identified with cows milk proteins.  Clin Chim Acta 203:153, 1991

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1999 found significant improvement of patients who were put on a regimen of 7-10 days fasting followed by a vegetarian diet as compared to controls who followed a typical Western diet.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 70, No. 3, 594S-600S, September 1999  Rheumatoid Arthritits treated with a vegetarian diet.

Gout- gout is a condition the occurs because of an accumulation of urate crystals in the joints.

Conclusion of a recent study: "Higher levels of meat and seafood consumption are associated with an increased risk of gout."  N Engl J Med. 2004 Mar 11;350(11):1093-103. Purine-rich foods, dairy and protein intake, and the risk of gout in men.

A case Controlled study in Taiwan published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found, "Food sources rich in dietary fiber, folate, and vitamin C, such as fruit and vegetables, protect against gout."  Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Oct;78(4):690-701. A case-control study of the association of diet and obesity with gout in Taiwan.

Dr. McDougall has had significant success with arthritic patients with osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and even ankylosing spondilitis.  He explains the correlations between intestinal permeability or more commonly known as 'leaky gut syndrome' and the passage of dietary and bacterial antigens that lead to inflammation, immune responses and increases in arthritic conditions.

It is important to understand the mechanisms that lead to arthritis and remove those factors from our diet and lifestyle so we can get to the cause of the problem, rather than simply try to stop the inflammation through the use of medications.

The body is highly intelligent and when inflammation arises it is a healthy response to damage or foreign bodies that need to be destroyed or tissue that needs to be repaired, it is not a response to suppress but one to work with.  Using medication to suppress the immune response or inflammation is like having an abrasive patch rub on your arm causing tissue damage and inflammation and rather than REMOVE the abrasive patch you just take anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids to suppress the immune response.

The best approach to arthritic conditions is to remove whatever is causing the immune system to react and the condition will improve on its own.  For a more in depth explanation of this process please visit: 

http://www.drmcdougall.com/res_arthritis.html 

If you have questions about why I make these recommendations to avoid certain foods, please refer to Dr. McDougall's article on arthritis [link provided above].  The scientific literature is very clear about the correlations between diet and arthritis in all its forms.

Another doctor that I highly respect for his dietary approach and success with arthritis is Dr. Fuhrman.  He has seen tremendous success with patients who have serious health conditions from arthritis, heart disease to lupus.

http://www.drfuhrman.com/disease/default.aspx

Arthritis recommendations

The main foods to avoid, are eggs, bread, milk, meat, salt, sugar, nightshades.  These foods suppress immune function, increase inflammation, some are a source of excess purines in the diet and dramatically affect the progression of arthritis.

Drinking hard water that contains more than 12 grains hardness will aggravate an arthritic situation, it is best to consume either soft water, distilled or reverse osmosis only.

Apple Cider Vinegar:  Make a fomentation by soaking gauze or a light fabric towel in hot tea made from 1 Tb. Dr. Christophers complete tissue and bone and 1 Tb. apple cider vinegar to 8 oz. water.  Place the towel on the arthritic area as hot as you can stand it, wrap the towel with plastic wrap and cover with a hot water bottle or heating pad and leave on for an hour or so, do it while you watch t.v. or a movie in the evening.

Juicing is an excellent way to get optimal nutrition and cleanse the body.  The best juices for arthritis are:  apple, carrot, cucumber and celery, the combination of all these juices is delicious! 

In 1989 a survey was conducted on over one thousand arthritis patients, this survey identified foods that worsened arthritic conditions.  The foods identified as the worst offenders were:  Red meat, Sugar, Fat, Salt, Caffeine and Nightshades [potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes]

Once the offending food is eliminated completely, improvement usually comes within a few weeks. Dairy foods are one of the principle offenders, and the problem is the dairy protein, rather than the fat, so skim products are as much a problem as whole milk.

 Sobel D. Arthritis: What Works. New York, St. Martin's Press, 1989.
4. Skoldstam L, Larsson L, Lindstrom FD. Effects of fasting and lactovegetarian diet on rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol 1979;8:249-55.

One 2002 study looked at the influence of a very low-fat vegan diet on subjects with moderate-to-severe RA. After only four weeks on the diet, almost all measures of Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms decreased significantly.

McDougall J, Bruce B, Spiller G, Westerdahl J, McDougall M. Effects of a very low-fat, vegan diet in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis. J Altern Complement Med. 2002 Feb;8(1):71-5

A study published in The Journal of Rheumatology found that a gluten free, vegan diet improved the symptoms and markers of Rheumatoid Arthritis significantly. 1

In Toxicology Nov. 2000 a study found that a fresh foods, vegan diet rich in antioxidants and fiber decreased joint stiffness and pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.  2

In the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology researchers found significant improvements on patients during a fast, followed by a vegetarian diet.  The lacto-vegetarian diet still allows one very potent dietary component as seen earlier in research the contributes to the disease, dairy products, but the improvements were still notable. 3

 1. Hafstrom I, Ringertz B, Spangberg A, von Zweigbergk L, Brannemark S, Nylander I, Ronnelid J, Laasonen L, Klareskog L. A vegan diet free of gluten improves the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: the effects on arthritis correlate with a reduction in antibodies to food antigens. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2001 Oct;40(10):1175-9.
2. Hanninen, Kaartinen K, Rauma AL, Nenonen M, Torronen R, Hakkinen AS, Adlercreutz H, Laakso J. Antioxidants in vegan diet and rheumatic disorders. Toxicology. 2000 Nov 30;155(1-3):45-53.
3. Muller H, de Toledo FW, Resch KL. Fasting followed by vegetarian diet in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. Scand J Rheumatol. 2001;30(1):1-10.

Dietary Guidelines:

4 c. of green leafy vegetables daily

Unlimited consumption of vegetables

4-5 servings of fruit

1-2 c. legumes

1-2 c. whole grains or starches

1-2 oz. nuts or seeds

Consumption of animal based foods is not recommended with arthritis but for those who do not wish to follow this recommendation these foods should not constitute more than 12% of your calories.  Meaning either 1 oz. of cheese on one day, milk in a recipe another day and 3oz. of meat on another.  Three days per week and the rest should be as recommended.

Herbs:

Dr. Christophers Complete Tissue and Bone - This is a wonderful combination of herbs that have anti-inflammatory and healing properties.  I would recommend using the ointment and capsules as well.  Rub the ointment are arthritic areas and take 2 caps 3 times per day.

White willow bark- contains salicin, a chemical similar to asprin, it has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties without the gasterointestinal risks of aspirin or NSAIDS.  Salicin was actually used in the development of aspirin.   According to several studies white willow bark has significant pain relieving effect over placebo.

Chrubasik JE, Roufogalis BD, Chrubasik S. Evidence of effectiveness of herbal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of painful osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. Phytother Res. 2007 Jul;21(7):675-83. Reviewtudies

Cayenne- Internally cayenne is used as an anti-inflammatory and balances circulation.  The capsacin in cayenne reduces inflammation in the body and is very useful in cases of arthritis.  Externally it can be used as a liniment, the heat brings blood to the tissues to increase circulation and promote healing.

Omega 3 fatty acids- 

Omega 3 fatty acids are precursors to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins that inhibit excess inflammation in the body.  One mechanism by which meat, dairy and eggs contribute to arthritic inflammation is through omega 6 fatty acids and saturated fats that contribute to inflammatory cytokeines and prostglandins that cause excess inflammation.  It is important to consume green leafy vegetables, flax, walnuts, chia seeds to ensure adequate omega 3 fatty acid consumption.

Nutrition and Herbs for Anemia

Nutrition and Herbs for Anemia

In this post I am focusing on iron deficiency anemia because it is the most common form of anemia and the most easily remedied through diet and herbal treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Foods that bind with iron or contribute to iron deficiency:

In 1990, the Journal of Pediatrics (Vol. 116) reported:

"Cow's milk can cause blood loss from the intestinal tract,

which over time, reduces the body's iron stores. Blood loss

may be a reaction to cow's milk proteins."

Dairy products

"Calcium in dairy products such as milk and cheese can reduce the absorption of iron from food and supplements. This probably isn't a problem for people who have enough iron stored in their bodies. "

For those who suffer from iron deficiency anemia it is important to decrease dairy consumption to help the body absorb adequate levels of iron.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/912.html

"Caseins from milk and certain forms of calcium inhibit iron absorption. In addition, infants who are allergic to cow's milk may be particularly susceptible to intestinal blood losses due to the irritating effect of dairy products.  Iron status measured as serum ferritin is inversely associated with greater consumption of dairy products in toddlers, particularly when they displace foods that contain iron or that facilitate iron absorption. Eggs (especially yolks) also appear to inhibit iron absorption.^"

http://www.nutritionmd.org/health_care_providers/hematology/ironanemia_nutrition.html

 Hallberg L, Hulthen L. Prediction of dietary iron absorption: an algorithm for calculating absorption and bioavailability of dietary iron. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71:1147–1160.
 Stekel A, Amar M, Calvo E, Chadud P, Hertrampf E, Llaguno S, et al. Nutritional significance of interactions between iron and food components. Arch Latinoam Nutr. 1983;33:33–41.

Eggs

"Eggs contain a compound that impairs absorption of iron.  Phosphoprotein called phosvitin is a protein with a iron binding capacity that may be responsible for the low bioavailability of iron from eggs. This  iron inhibiting characteristic of eggs is called the “egg factor”. The egg factor has been observed in several separate studies. One boiled egg can reduce absorption of iron in a meal by as much as 28%."

http://www.irondisorders.org/diet/

Eggs and spinach are sometimes touted as good sources of iron. But experiments and laboratory analyses suggest that the iron in these foods is poorly absorbed (Gordon and Chow 1984; Insel et al 2004; Ishikawa et al 2007).

***It is important to note that cooked or sauteed spinach is a better source of iron, some of the oxalates are destroyed in the cooking process allowing better absorption of iron. 

http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Elephant_Ear

Potential Causes:

Heavy menstruation:  Heavy menstrual flow can cause low iron and subsequent anemia.  It is more important to balance hormones and reduce menstrual flow as well as correct the iron deficiency.  [See the post on hormonal balance]

Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis: These digestive disorders can lead to blood loss, which can deplete iron stores. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can act as a contributing factor.

Cancer: Esophageal, gastric, and other gastrointestinal cancers often cause occult bleeding in the digestive system that can deplete iron stores.

Excessive exercise: Rarely, blood losses may occur due to intense exercise. Iron losses also result from increased sweating. In particular, such losses may predispose adolescent female athletes to anemia.

Celiac Disease- Damage to the vili in the intestinal tract due to celiac can decrease absorption of vital nutrients and can be a contributing factor in some cases of iron deficiency anemia.

Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis- Similar to celiac, damage in the intestinal tract along with any bleeding as a result can lead to iron deficiency.

Herbs For Anemia

Red raspberry leaf- One beneficial effect of red raspberry leaf for anemia is its balancing action on female hormones, which may help bring the menstrual cycle into balance preventing excessive blood loss.

It is also high in vitamin C which enhances the absorption of iron contained in the diet.

Nettles- stinging nettles are high in iron and vitamin C, they enhance absorption of iron and provide a good source of iron for iron deficiency anemia.  Prepare a potent decoction of nettles and drink 3-4 glasses of tea per day.  1-2 Tb. herb to 8 oz. water.

Dandelion root- Dandelion contains iron and other minerals in conjunction with vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.  It is another herb used in combinations for anemia.  It can be added to your nettle tea to increase iron consumption.

Yellow dock-  Rich in iron and vitamin C.

Whole food supplements:

Floradix- contains B vitamins, vitamin C and a non-constipating plant based source of iron.  This source of iron is not toxic, will not lead to overdose and is an excellent blood building tonic.

Mega Food Blood Builder: provides 100% whole food iron with synergistic nutrients and organic beet root to maintain healthy levels of iron.

Chlorophyll-  1 Tb. at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Iron Rich Foods

Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron, foods that contain iron and vitamin C are excellent in building the blood and restoring iron levels.  All nutrient content was determined using the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 22

 All values are percentage of RDA

1 c. cooked spinach             36%  [cooking breaks down oxalates to                                                          improve iron absorption]

1 c. cooked chard                       22%

1 c. garbanzo beans            26%

1 c. black beans                  30%

1 c. lentils                          37%

1 c. tempeh                        25%

1 c. lima beans                   24%

1 large baked potato            18%

1 1/2 Tb. hemp protein        18%

1 c. quinoa                         15%

1 c. oats                            21%

1 c. buckwheat                   21%

1 c. edamame                    20%

1 oz. pumpkin seeds            14%

1 c. black eyed peas            13%

1 c. green peas                   12%

2 Tb. molasses                    10%

1 oz. pinenuts                     10%

1/4 c. sunflower seeds        10%

1 c. brussels sprouts            10%

Tofu 1/4 of package            8%

1 c. cooked kale                 7%

Meat not necessarily high in iron

1 c. cooked chicken             9%

1 ground beef patty             11%

1 NLEA serving sliced ham    3%   

1 c. milk                            0%

1 large egg                         5%

1 3oz. filet of halibut            5%

Heme iron consumption is associated with a higher risk of gallstones.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85, No. 2, 518-522, February 2007

Improve digestion and absorption of nutrients

You can eat all the iron containing foods and supplements in the world, but if you have poor absorption due to poor digestion your iron levels will not improve no matter what you do.

It is important to recognize that adequate iron consumption is important, but more often than the problem is not merely lack of sufficient iron in the diet and herbs and supplements often are not enough.

If you have had persistently low iron levels or anemia that has not resolved with supplements or food you may need to improve your overall health and work on your digestion.

In our sterile modern world with chlorinated water, antibiotics, antibacterial soaps, pesticides and all manner of chemicals to destroy bacteria our intestinal health suffers.  We NEED friendly flora in our intestinal tract to provide protection, enhance digestion and absorption of nutrients.

The best thing you can do for your digestion is to take fresh fermented foods [not dairy products] as they inhibit proper absorption of iron.

Rejuvelac-  A fermented grain beverage that an be made from wheat, buckwheat, quinoa or millet.  8 oz. of this per day will help recolonate the intestinal tract.

Rejuvenative foods zing salad or raw sauerkraut.  1-2 Tb. per day.

Coconut kefir- kefir made from coconut water

Heme Iron is not the best source of iron
     
Heme iron simply means blood, you are consuming the blood of the animal in the animal tissue and therefore Heme iron.  There are drawbacks to Heme iron, for one, the body cannot regulate the uptake of heme iron as easily and so excessive consumption can lead to higher levels that cause higher oxidation and free radical damage in the body.

Iron is necessary, however, excessive amounts can damage DNA and encourage the production of damaging free radicals.  A study of 14,000 participants found high iron intake and high iron body stores associated with higher incidence of colon polyps and colon cancer.  They found lower stored iron in cancer patients indicating that cancer can cause a depletion of the body's iron stores. 

 Nelson, Davis, Suffer, Sobin, Kikeenddl, Bowen. Body iron stores and risk of colonic neoplasia. J Natl Canc Inst 1994; 86:455-60

A study from Harvard University  School of Public Health involved over 50,000 participants and continued for 4 years, this study found that total iron intake was not necessarily associated with heart disease risk, however, the source of iron WAS important. 

High levels of heme iron increased the risk of heart disease by twofold!  Higher intake of iron from plant based foods was not associated with any heart disease risk factors.  Non-heme iron is actually a better source because there are 'safety' mechanisms in place that prevent excessive absorption and subsequent health risks.  Heme iron is an oxidant, it reacts with LDL cholesterol causing oxidation and formation of foam cells and arterial plaque in the arteries.

Ascherio, Willett, Rimm, Giovannucci, Stampger. Dietary iron intake and risk of coronary disease among men. Circulation 1994; 89:969-74

It isn't just about how much you can absorb, enough iron is a good thing, too much is NOT a good thing, more is not better and higher absorption is not necessarily better either.    When iron is low, the body will increase absorption of plant based non-heme iron, it can also decrease absorption when there is sufficient iron.  
     

Herbs for ADD, Natural treatment for ADD and ADHD

Herbs and Natural Treatment for ADD/ADHD



"Despite intensive research, the exact origins of ADD and ADHD have yet to be determined."     http://www.thehealthcenter.info/adult-add-adhd/cause-of-add-adhd.htm

There are many 'theories' but there is no diagnosis available, by diagnosis I mean brain scan, blood tests, urine tests etc..... because it is not a disease.

I am not suggesting that individuals do not experience difficulty with attention span or hyperactivity, I am merely suggesting that there is no source of 'organic' disease in ADD or ADHD. 

ADD/ADHD both do have a cause, but because there is no financial incentive to expose the real cause of ADD, researchers continue to look at genetic markers and brain function to try to justify the use of very potent drugs to 'treat' the condition.

ADD/ADHD personality- These individuals are active by their very nature, they love hands on work, they like to take things apart, see how things work, they enjoy working with their hands and become wrestles when they must sit still for long periods of time.

Is this really a disease?  certainly not!

However, a child who learns by active learning does not fit in our public school system, and therefore they are considered a problem.  This learning style is not acceptable and so these children are drugged into submission.

This personality type does not function well working at a desk job, studying textbooks or sitting still for  very long.  There is nothing wrong with this, it is not a disease.  These individuals need to work in an active profession and enjoy the benefits of their traits rather than see it as a disease.

Dietary and Environmental hyperactivity

Doctors are eager to 'prove' that diet has nothing to do with ADD because it would be a significant financial blow to the system.  It is difficult to pinpoint just one dietary factor because there are many chemicals in our food supply that affect the brain and health of children.  It is critical to remove ALL unnatural food additives or highly allergenic foods:

Dairy products

Sugar

MSG

FD&C colorings

yeast

preservatives

artificial sweeteners

wheat gluten

nitrates in processed meats

eggs- are a common food allergen as well.

Many children with severe problems actually have food allergies, nutritional deficiencies and sensitivity to chemicals in food.

Dr. Hafer has found a link between phosphate consumption and ADD symptoms:  http://phosadd.com/diet/diet.htm

The key is not merely removal of sugar or any other single food, but ALL processed foods!

The key is a whole food diet!

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains  [quinoa, millet, oats, buckwheat, brown rice etc...}
• Legumes
• Nuts & Seeds [unsalted, unflavored]

These children should be consuming whole foods, without sugars or any food additives.

Food allergies should be identified so that all those foods can be removed from the child's diet as well.

Children should not be consuming any processed food:  white flour, soda pop, candy, sugar, white rice, cereals, cheetos, donuts, chips, or any other processed food.

High protein diets are not appropriate or healthy for children

Some websites promote high protein diets, and while some benefit may be derived from the lack of refined carbohydrates and sugar they are not appropriate for children, or adults.  High protein diets for ADD have had mixed success, however these diets are NOT appropriate for children.

The high amount of nitrogenous waste is injurious to the kidney and liver

Ketosis produces a lot of metabolic waste and ketones that are also injurious to the body.

The brain needs carbohydrates for fuel, it is the body's number one source of fuel!

The symptoms of ketosis include:

•  general tiredness
•  abrupt or gradually increasing weakness
•  dizziness
•  headaches
• confusion
•  abdominal pain
•  irritability
• nausea and vomiting
•  sleep problems and bad breath.

One study found that all those subjected to carb-free diets complained of fatigue after just two days. "[T]his complaint was characterized by a feeling of physical lack of energy... The subjects all felt that they did not have sufficient energy to continue normal activity after the third day. This fatigue promptly disappeared after the addition of carbohydrates to the diet."

http://www.atkinsexposed.org/atkins/27/More_to_Lose_Than_Weight.htm

ADD/ADHD not a ritalin deficiency, but a parental involvement deficiency

This may be a controversial subject and may upset parents who deep down really do love their children, but truth is truth.

Many children who appear to exhibit hyperactive and destructive behavior feel unloved and lack enough attention from their parents.

I realize that parents may be busy and may not understand the various needs of their children.  Children need active involvement from their parents, time when they  have their parents undivided attention. 

Young boys need the care and attention from their fathers, and more often than not in our busy world, Dad's do not have time, or make time to spend one on one with their sons.

Before you become defensive and offended, try and spend 1 hour per day of quality time with your ADD or ADHD child and see if their behavior begins to improve over the coming months.

Give the child a creative outlet 

 We buy our son broken radios, CD players etc... from a second hand store and let him take them apart and try to 'fix' them. 

·         Art classes

·          dance class

·          gymnastics

·         yoga is AMAZING for ADD children, my son really enjoyed it and it teaches them to quiet their mind while being active.

·         wood working community education classes

·         photography classes

·         Find anything your child is interested in and encourage them to pursue it.

Ritalin

Warning from the Physicians Desk Reference:

"In children, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss during prolonged therapy, insomnia, and tachycardia [rapid heart rate] may occur more frequently; however, any of the other adverse reactions listed above may also occur. "

• Toxic psychosis has been reported

• There have been rare reports of Tourette's syndrome

"Other reactions include:

•  hypersensitivity (including skin rash, urticaria [hives]
•  fever
•  arthralgia [intense burning or stabbing pain caused by irritation of or damage to a nerve]
•  exfoliative dermatitis [peeling skin]
•  erythema multiforme [red blotches or blisters all over the skin] with histopathological [microscopic]
• findings of necrotizing vasculitis [death of blood vessels]
•  thrombocytopenic purpura [purplish spots or patches])
•  anorexia [loss of appetite]
•  nausea
•  dizziness
•  palpitations [irregular, hard or rapid heartbeat]
•  headache
•  dyskinesia [muscle spasms]
•  drowsiness
•  blood pressure and pulse changes, both up and down
•  tachycardia [rapid heart rate]
•  angina [caused by an insufficient supply of blood to the heart muscle]
• cardiac arrhythmia [irregularity of the heartbeat]
•  abdominal pain
•  weight loss during prolonged therapy."

"Did you know that schools receive additional money from state and federal government for every child labeled and drugged? This clearly demonstrates a possible "financial incentive" for schools to label and drug children. It also backs up the alarming rise/increase in the labeling and drugging that has taken place in the last decade within our schools."

http://www.ritalindeath.com/

Herbs for ADD

Chamomile Tea-  Serve a child 4 oz. of chamomile tea morning and evening.

Chamomile has a relaxing effect, it relaxes muscle spasms, relaxes the nervous system, and improves liver function.

Dr.  Christophers Kid-e-trac

The formula is known for the following properties:
• It improves cerebral and peripheral circulation
• Helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system
• Reduces the permeability of the vascular wall and improves blood vessel elasticity
• Helps to reduce the risk of blood clots in the veins and arteries
• Improves memory and the ability to concentrate
• Stimulates mental activity
• Helps to improve the function of vision
• Is a powerful antioxidant

For Adults use Dr. Christophers Mind Trac

Functional Foods for ADD

Providing optimal nutrition is extremely critical for ADD.

Green Smoothie

This green smoothie provides an excellent source of calcium, 20% daily value of protein, omega 3's, vitamin A, antioxidants and many other important nutrients.

8 oz. water

1 banana

1 tsp. flaxseed

1 tsp. chia seed

1 c. frozen mango

2 c. spinach

1 Tb. sesame seeds

3 dates

Flax and Chia seeds

Excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids for children.

Berries

Excellent sources of vitamin C and other antioxidants

Rejuvenative foods raw sauerkraut- Poor digestion is another aspect of ADD children.  Due to our overly sterlized environments with chlorinated water, antibiotics, antibacterial hand soaps the friendly flora in the intestinal tract is destroyed.

Undigested proteins are allowed to cross the intestinal wall into the bloodstream and cause immune reactions.  This is one of the hallmarks of ADD, these children are having immune reactions to foods they are consuming and this affects them more strongly than most other children.

Probiotics- Do not give children yogurt, it only contains one out of DOZENS of probiotic strains and it also contains sugar!  Find a very high quality probiotic and make sure they take this supplement everyday.