Monday, June 30, 2014

Ten Common Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

anxiety

When we face difficult or unfamiliar situations in life, whether meeting a partner’s parents for the first time or struggling to pay bills, each person’s body has natural anxiety reactions. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as some of those physical reactions to stress actually help prepare us to face these situations both mentally and physically; however, when these anxiety reactions become the norm and begin to hamper everyday life, it’s time to seek help.

Long-term physical and mental anxiety symptoms have been documented to increase insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, headaches, asthma symptoms, compromised immune systems, and a whole host of negative impacts. In addition, the presence of untreated anxiety in workers has been found to increase the incidence of workplace accidents.

Knowing the symptoms of an anxiety disorder can alert you to the fact you need help. Keep in mind, having occasional, intense reactions to stress probably doesn’t indicate an anxiety disorder. The rule of thumb is that the anxiety symptoms must recur for at least six months.

Use this checklist as a general guideline for understanding what you might be experiencing, but don’t stop there. Talk to your doctor about what’s happening so that a determination can be made as to whether an anxiety disorder may be causing your symptoms and then an appropriate treatment can be recommended.

1.       Excessive perspiration when your physical environment doesn't warrant it can be one of the ways your body signals anxiety.

2.      Rapid heartbeat occurring on a regular basis can be a warning sign your body is overstressed.

3.      Dizziness when accompanied by other anxiety symptoms may mean your body’s stress hormones are on overdrive.

4.      Nausea and other digestive upset can also be caused by stress hormones pumping through your body. Again, when it’s caused by an anxiety disorder, it recurs over time.

5.      Racing thoughts or recurring, unwanted thoughts can indicate an anxiety disorder if they become common occurrences.

6.       Difficulty breathing can come on suddenly in response to a perceived threat. This is one of the classic symptoms of an anxiety attack.

7.      Being fearful without apparent reason is a warning signal that your body is no longer handling stress well.

8.       Agitation or moodiness on a regular basis could be anxiety indicators.

9.       Insomnia that isn’t resolved by practicing better sleep habits is one of the most common ways an anxiety disorder is first recognized.

10.  Being unable to concentrate on daily tasks may mean that anxiety is becoming a problem.

Anxiety disorders can limit your ability to function well, and over time can contribute to other serious medical conditions. If you’ve been experiencing some of the symptoms above over a period of time without relief, it may be time to get professional help in relieving your anxiety.

Friday, June 27, 2014

The Basics of HEG Neurofeedback

HEG Neurofeedback
HEG neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback training based on the study of blood flow to areas of the brain. This translates into heat in corresponding sections of the brain, picked up by infrared sensors during the training.

HEG, or hemoencephalography, allows the person undergoing the neurofeedback training to see exactly when overstimulation of certain areas of the brain is occurring and allows them to increase the blood flow to other areas of the brain.

The prefrontal cortex, also known as the PFC, is home to the executive functions such as the ability to organize, to make decisions, to focus, and to feel empathy for others. It is also the part of the brain that can temper overstimulation in other sections. This is important because disorders such as anxiety, attention deficit disorder, and out of control anger are connected to exaggerated responses to stimuli. By learning to optimize the activity of the prefrontal cortex through HEG neurofeedback training, that overreaction to external stimulus can be tempered.

Here’s how that training might look: the patient is allowed to view an emotional movie or images meant to evoke a strong emotional reaction in the limbic system; when the heat sensors detect activity in that portion of the brain, the image disappears. In order to bring the image back, the patient is taught to move blood flow into the prefrontal cortex through visualization of energy or warmth flooding that area of the brain. When the PFC is engaged, it tempers the over stimulated limbic system.

With a fully activated prefrontal cortex, the patient is more likely to remain in an alert state with top mental functioning. This also means he may be less susceptible to an over stimulated limbic system and the disorders that can result.


By harnessing the science of hemoencephalography through HEG neurofeedback training, it is possible to bring relief from the symptoms of many troubling emotional disorders.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Panic Attack Symptoms Alleviated with Biofeedback

The physical symptoms of a panic attack are overwhelming. To suddenly experience symptoms such as hyperventilation, nausea, an intense feeling of approaching doom, rapid heart rate, chills, or dizziness in the midst of a non-threatening situation will send most people rushing to their medical care provider.
Armed with the latest research, that provider may very well suggest biofeedback training as one way of helping to alleviate those symptoms. Here’s a basic explanation of what happens when a panic attack strikes and how training the patient in EEG biofeedback exercises can relieve the duration and intensity of the symptoms.

Panic Attack
Although the medical world once dismissed panic attack symptoms as the result of an emotional disorder, it is now known that panic attack episodes can happen to anyone, and the physical symptoms are real and devastating. To the person in the midst of a panic attack, immediate relief is imperative.  Learning to retrain brain waves through biofeedback can help provide that relief.

EEG biofeedback training, a process in use since the 1960s, involves retraining brain waves to normal activity via customized training exercises. It is completely non-invasive and allows the patient to avoid the possible long-term and immediate side effects of psychopharmaceuticals.

While the exact causes of panic attacks have not yet been pinpointed, individuals experiencing episodes will display abnormal brain wave activity when measured by an EEG (electroencephalogram). Learning how to retrain the brain as abnormal electrical activity between cells (brain waves) begins to occur, may be useful in preventing a full-blown panic attack.

How, exactly, would that training look? Summed up briefly, the doctor will perform preliminary testing to establish where in the brain the abnormal activity is occurring. Using that information, training exercises using visual or auditory stimuli will commence.

The patient who has suffered a panic attack might be shown an image on a computer screen, or be introduced to a sound, that indicates, during a series of exercises, normal brain waves have been achieved. The patient is actually learning methods of retraining their own brain waves back into normal rhythms.

Once that skill is gained, the prospect of another panic attack can be much less frightening, as the patient knows they have the tools to normalize their own brain activity. All this can be accomplished without medication or invasive procedures.


Experiencing the symptoms of a panic attack can drastically change a person’s outlook on life, but it doesn’t have to. That same person can experience significant relief from subsequent episodes when guided to the tools available to them through EEG biofeedback training.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Abdominal Migraine Treatment for Children

Abdominal Migraine Treatment for Children
When children complain of stomach pain, you don't instantly think about migraines. However, in a tiny number of children severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, these symptoms are actually an indication they suffer from a form of migraine that often occurs in childhood, called an “abdominal migraine.” Abdominal migraine treatment for children must include ruling out other possible causes of severe digestive upset, and discovering what works well for the individual child.

Before talking about abdominal migraine treatment options, it’s important to understand precisely what children with abdominal migraines experience. The signs and symptoms are rarely present in adults, but children with this particular type of migraine frequently go onto have migraine headaches in their adult years. The most typical signs and symptoms of the condition are intense pain in the abdomen, accompanied by vomiting and nausea. Occasionally headache pain also occurs, usually localized behind the eyes. The child might also appear lethargic or missing energy.

Although the exact causes of abdominal migraine symptoms remain unknown, it’s useful to determine which triggers them in people. Your child might be getting these symptoms because of one of the same triggers that often causes migraines in adults, like certain meals, insomnia, prescription stimulants, or demanding situations. Since the disorder is much more common in girls and women, could also be a hormonal connection; however, more research with that connection is needed.

Regarding abdominal migraine treatment for children, traditional migraine medicines, like Inderal, are occasionally used to help prevent further episodes. To alleviate an abdominal migraine episode, the physician might recommend both NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, to alleviate the headache, in addition to anti-emetic drugs to manage vomiting and nausea. Interestingly, sleep frequently relieves the signs and symptoms. The issue is reducing the child’s cyclic vomiting, headache, and anxiety enough that they can fall asleep.

A recent development in abdominal migraine treatment has been the recognition that the pain of migraines (and possibly abdominal migraines) is triggered by irregular electrical activity within the brain. Biofeedback therapy is becoming increasingly recognized for its potential to reduce the regularity and concentration of abdominal migraine signs and symptoms. Through electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback, the individual is trained to create brainwave activity back to normal rhythm.


Although the reason for these painful signs and symptoms isn't fully known, abdominal migraine treatment may take several forms. It often includes preventive medication, medication for relief of pain and other GI symptoms, or biofeedback therapy. A combination of these treatment types is often the best approach to abdominal migraine treatment in children.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Reasons for Insomnia and How to Find Relief

Insomnia
The inability to sleep is one of the most vexing conditions in the human experience. It is written about in the Bible and in literature from around the world. Leonardo Da Vinci said, “A well-spent day brings happy sleep.” But does it really? For most people, not being able to fall asleep sets their world on edge, at least temporarily during some point in their lives.

What, exactly, is the reason so many people struggle to sleep well? An investigation into the reasons for insomnia begins with an explanation of the common types of sleeplessness. Some people struggle to fall asleep. They may lay awake well into the night, or if they are shift workers, during the daytime when they should be sleeping. Others will fall asleep quickly, but then will wake up several times during the night. Still others may be awakened by noises or other environmental factors and then be unable to go back to sleep, or they may wake up too early.

Whatever form insomnia takes, it has an impact on health, emotions, and productivity unless a remedy is found. What are the reasons for sleeplessness? The most common reasons for insomnia are:

·         Poor sleep habits
·         Overuse of caffeine and other stimulants
·         Chronic pain
·         Drug or alcohol addiction
·         Emotional disturbance, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder
·         Side effects of medication
·         Physical conditions such as apnea, COPD, or acid reflux

These are not all the reasons a person might have trouble sleeping. Chronic, long-term insomnia can be the result of a serious medical condition that requires consulting a physician; however, for most people there are changes that can be made that will allow them to sleep well. For example, they can change habits like watching television in bed (overstimulation) or not keeping a regular sleep schedule. The body’s circadian rhythms may be trying to move them to a sleepy state, but if they stay up late one night, go to bed immediately following dinner the next, and so forth without a regular bedtime that rhythm may be out of sync.

Another important change that can be made to promote sleep is avoiding caffeine in coffee or energy drinks in the evening. Illicit stimulant drugs like methamphetamines will disrupt the sleep cycle for days at a time. Some prescription medications also have the unfortunate side effect of insomnia. A doctor can recommend an alternate medication if necessary.

Two more reasons for insomnia are physical or emotional illness. It is well documented that conditions like anxiety and depression cause sleep disruption. If one of these is suspected, a doctor or therapist can provide help with therapy, alternate treatments like biofeedback training or, if necessary, medication. Some physical conditions like asthma and apnea cause the sufferer to wake suddenly when the body isn’t getting enough oxygen. This is a serious symptom that needs medical attention.

And, finally, the chronic pain of such illnesses as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis can disrupt the sleep cycle. If that is the case, the patient can ask their health care provider for a remedy with the least side effects.


Thomas Dekker said, “Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” This is wisdom, indeed, as no one can function well without adequate sleep. By first making environmental changes and then consulting their health care provider if the insomnia persists, the balance of sleep and wakefulness can be restored.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Natural Remedies for Headaches – Try Acupressure

Natural Remedies for Headaches
Suffering from headache pain caused by tension in the head and neck can be more than an annoyance; it can impact your ability to study, work, and generally be at the top of your game in life. If your medical care provider has determined that your tension headaches don’t have a more serious underlying cause and you don’t want to take pain medication, there are natural remedies for headaches that may bring relief.

One of the most interesting is acupressure, the application of pressure via the thumbs and fingers (most commonly) to ‘acupoints’ in the body. The practice of acupressure comes from traditional Chinese medicine and is based on the concept of meridians located throughout the body along which energy flows.

According to TCM practitioners, pressure at acupoints along those meridians releases blocked energy and reduces the surrounding tension. At the same time, endorphins are being released to relieve the pain associated with the blockage. They also believe that acupressure can enhance necessary bodily functions like digestion and sleep.

In particular the acupoints located at the base of the skull on either side of the neck are favored for relieving headache pain. It is believed that energy must flow freely through these gateways to the mind in order for a person to function well.

In one acupressure exercise known to relieve tension headaches, the practitioner will place her thumbs against these acupoints and press firmly in toward the center of the skull. As you allow your head to drop slowly back, inhaling as you do, she will continue to maintain pressure. The acupressure is released as you exhale and slowly bring the head all the way forward to hang loosely.

As natural remedies for headaches go, acupressure moves such as this are safe, non-invasive, and easy to learn. If you were practicing this on yourself just now, you have just completed one of the many soothing yet energizing acupressure routines a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner can help you to learn.


Tension headaches are a reality of life. When they become frequent and painful enough to disrupt your usual routine, you might want to investigate acupressure; it is one of the most intriguing natural remedies for headaches.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

How to Locate the Right Therapist For Your Child

Child Therapist
When your child’s symptoms indicate a need for therapy due to a mental or emotional condition, it can seem quite difficult to find the person best suited for the task. A medical doctor or school counselor may have offered a referral, and that’s a good place to start, but it’s important to locate a therapist who is a good fit for your child.

We’ll first deal with the questions you can use to filter your search. It’s appropriate, as you make inquiries, to ask what experience the therapist has in treating your child’s specific disorder. For your own comfort level, it’s also important to know the method of treatment they will be employing. Will they rely primarily on medication to relieve your child’s symptoms? Are they open to alternative therapies like biofeedback? Asking those kinds of questions during your research can help you better understand the qualifications and background of individual therapists.

As you begin your search for the right therapist for your child, you have several sources of information at your disposal. Most medical society directories have ratings and background information on doctors in every type of practice.

If you are in a support group for parents whose children have a specific condition, asking other parents about their experiences with therapists can be helpful. As mentioned previously, your child’s medical doctor can provide information on therapists that patients have been referred to in the past. In the same way, the counselor at your child’s school may be able to provide details about child therapists to which students have been referred.

Another source of information regarding therapists is the abundance of directories available online. Some directories are maintained by professional organizations to which therapists may belong. Others may offer clinicians the opportunity to provide detailed profiles with their education, licensing, and areas of specialty to prospective clients.

It is helpful to know, as you read through a therapist’s profile, what their credentials indicate, because counseling professionals come from varied educational backgrounds. LCMFT, for example, indicates the therapist is a Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist.  The credentials LCPC mean that the therapist is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Masters degree in psychology. LMSW would indicate they are a Licensed Master Social Worker.


Regardless of credentials, the therapist who is right for your child is the one who employs effective strategies to bring relief. Do your homework, choose the therapist you believe will relate best to your child and look forward to a brighter future for your child.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

What Are Memory Loss Tests

Memory Loss
A memory loss test examines numerous areas connected to memory loss, including physical and cognitive damage. This test might reveal the reasons for loss of memory, and it may aid doctors in developing a suitable and efficient treatment plan.

Generally a memory loss test begins with an evaluation from the patient’s health background. This generally addresses the type of memory loss and how it has advanced. It will also look at triggering factors, such as injuries or a distressing event, and if there is a family history of this type. There are several reasons for memory loss:

  • Growths or infections
  • Mind trauma or injuries
  • Surgical complications
  • Dietary problems
  • Depression, bipolar-disorder, or panic disorders
  • Alcohol or substance abuse


The next phase is generally a physical examination to check on physical function, reflexes, central nervous system, and brain health. Various tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be scheduled to look for brain damage or irregularities. Cognitive exams are frequently conducted, which enables a physician to determine the patient’s judgment, thought designs, and short and long-term memory. A memory loss test can help to understand the extent and possibly the reason for loss of memory. They additionally help your physician to develop the appropriate treatment needed.

Treatment

Following a thorough memory loss test, a physician will frequently be able to determine an appropriate treatment plan, which could include:
  • Cognitive therapy - This treatment is generally completed with a therapist and studies have proven that psychotherapy can be quite useful as loss of memory therapy.
  • Work therapy - This therapy trains patients to learn new information to replace what was lost.
  • Neurofeedback therapy - This therapy utilizes a computer to retrain dysregulated brainwaves to a more structured pattern. Research has proven that neurofeedback works well in helping with loss of memory.

If you are suffering from loss of memory and you need to get help, a memory loss test is a step in the right direction. Talk to your physician regarding your treatment, and see if a memory loss test is right for you.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Gentle Relief with EMDR Therapy

EMDR Therapy
Treatment of patients traumatized by painful memories can be a lengthy process. Fortunately, the introduction of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has dramatically reduced the time required to assist patients in processing trauma and moving forward to emotional recovery.

EMDR therapy is based on the results of years of credible research and is approved as therapeutic for treating traumatized patients by such organizations as the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Therapists trained in EMDR techniques lead their patients through remembering the traumatic event and then allowing the mind to reframe it in a healthy, positive way. As this multi-step process is being followed, the patient is also taught eye movement techniques that encourage the release of the painful memories being stored in the memory areas of the brain.

The above is a very simple explanation for a complex process that occurs within the brain. To better understand the startling success rate of EMDR therapy, consider that during dreaming, when the brain is processing old memories and recent events, the eyes are in constant movement known as REM (rapid eye movement.) The development of EMDR is, in some ways, an extension of that natural process.

Careful training is required for clinicians to assist the person suffering from the after effects of trauma to break free from destructive behaviors, depression, frozen emotions, and anxiety. The careful coordination of eye movements (or in some cases other stimuli) with this process is crucial. For that reason, this training is restricted to licensed medical or social work professionals with advanced education in the provision of mental health services.

From the patient’s viewpoint, EMDR therapy can allow them to make great strides in a shorter time period. With proper preparation and guidance, they can recall the painful events triggering their emotional disturbance and then learn to see them in a different way. The gentle, non-invasive relief that EMDR offers can release them from the troubling symptoms that caused them to seek help in the first place.


EMDR therapy has been beneficial to thousands of patients in relieving the long-term effects of trauma. It does not involve medication and is practiced by well-trained, licensed professionals. The significance of the mind/body connection that is the basis for this form of treatment is still being explored and may offer hope for even more forms of emotional dysfunction in the future.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Five Common Drugs for ADD

Five Common Drugs for ADD
Millions of people have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD symptoms and are seeking relief through medication. Before you begin taking one of the commonly prescribed drugs for ADD, arm yourself with information about their potential side effects. Do your own research, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and stay alert for side effects once a medication has been prescribed.

The following is a highly-condensed list of five of the most common drugs for ADD and the side effects most often reported for each:

·         Strattera  - A non-stimulant used to treat ADD symptoms. Most commonly reported side effects include dizziness, irritability, headaches, decreased appetite, sexual dysfunction, disruption of the menstrual cycle, and nausea. This list is not exhaustive; all potential side effects should be explained by your doctor or pharmacist before you begin taking the medication.

·         Adderall – An amphetamine-type stimulant frequently prescribed for attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD). Common side effects for Adderall can include back pain, irregular heartbeat, and painful urination with bloody urine. Ask your doctor which underlying physical conditions might be exacerbated by taking Adderall.

·         Concerta – Another of the commonly prescribed drugs for ADD, Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant. You may experience some or none of the side effects commonly reported, including rash, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and fever.

·         Ritalin – This is an older generation stimulant, one of the first prescribed for ADD symptoms. Side effects reported from using Ritalin are similar to those reported for Concerta, including chest pain, rash, fever, joint pain, and rapid heartbeat.

·         Kapvay – One of the non-stimulant drugs for ADD, Kapvay, also known as Clonidine, is usually used to enhance the effect of another ADD medication in children ages six to seventeen. Some of the possible side effects of taking Kapvay are drowsiness, dizziness, loss of energy, and constipation.


As with any medication, common drugs for ADD have their pros and cons. In addition to potential side effects, you should also be aware of drug interactions that can occur. Work with your doctor to decide which possible side effects would be the least disruptive for you as you are getting your ADD symptoms under control.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Are Biofeedback Devices Safe?

Biofeedback DevicesWhen a doctor or therapist suggests that biofeedback therapy might help in alleviating persistent symptoms, there are a number of questions the patient might have. They may be wondering what type of equipment will be used, and they may have questions about what the devices actually do to relieve symptoms. But the question on the minds of most patients is this – are biofeedback devices safe?

To answer these questions, let’s begin with an explanation of the equipment used. Biofeedback devices commonly include an electroencephalogram (EEG) machine and electrodes that are attached to the scalp and other parts of the body. The equipment also includes a computer monitor through which feedback on brainwave activity and body functions, such as heart rate and skin temperature, is visible.

The process by which relief of symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure occurs, involves walking the patient through relaxation exercises while he is attached to the biofeedback device. Because he is given audible or visual cues when the troubling symptom stabilizes, he is able to quickly see the results of his own efforts.

While biofeedback training is not a cure for these conditions, it can bring relief from symptoms and reduce or eliminate the need for more aggressive therapies. The number of sessions needed to fully train the patient in these techniques varies based on the patient’s own level of motivation and ability to learn, as well as the severity of the symptoms.

And now to the question of whether or not biofeedback devices are safe. The simple answer is, “Yes.” None of the equipment used is invasive; therefore, there is no risk of infection or injury. The electrodes used to provide feedback on bodily functions do not deliver any kind of current back to the patient. The relaxation techniques being taught during the sessions are no more dangerous than the practice of meditation.


Undertaking biofeedback training is safe, non-invasive, and effective in alleviating the symptoms of a number of medical conditions. The person for whom biofeedback training is prescribed can approach this type of therapy with confidence. 

Thursday, June 12, 2014

How to Research ADD Natural Remedies

ADD Natural Remedies
A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) for your child may have you wondering if medication is the only answer. Many parents are concerned about the potential side effects and drug interactions of the most common medications given for ADD. If you aren’t sure how to start your research on ADD natural remedies and alternative therapies, here are some suggestions:

1.       Talk to your child’s medical care provider about which natural remedies for managing your child’s ADD symptoms show promise. If he is up-to-date on research into alternative therapies, he may be able to suggest other things to try besides prescription medications.

2.       Ask your doctor if he can refer you to an alternative medicine practitioner in your area. These two disciplines sometimes work hand-in-glove to bring the greatest relief of symptoms to the patient.
3.       If you want to investigate how biofeedback training might help your child learn to manage his symptoms, look for a biofeedback/neurofeedback practitioner in your area. Many mental health professionals, doctors, and chiropractors now offer this type of treatment in conjunction with therapy to help in managing ADD symptoms.

4.       Contact your local mental health center for listings of ADD/ADHD parent support organizations. Parents often share helpful information on what has worked in the way of ADD natural remedies, as well as traditional medical protocols, for their child’s ADD. As with any alternative therapy, be sure to keep your child’s doctor in the loop when considering other ways of bringing your child relief.

5.       Talk to your doctor about a referral to a dietician who can give you information on the best possible diet for your child with ADD. A proper diet supports not only your child’s body but also his brain function, making it one of the simplest ADD natural remedies to put in place.


Receiving a diagnosis of ADD for your child can be unsettling and the best answer isn’t always prescription medication. If you are interested in ADD natural remedies and alternative therapies, use the steps above to get started with your research. It takes time to gather the information to advocate for your child’s best medical care, but there is truly no better use of a parent’s time.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Exploring ADD Natural Remedies

ADD Natural Remedies
Distraction, irritability, impulsivity, and difficulty connecting with others are only some of the frustrating symptoms of attention deficit disorder, ADD. The person seeking help to manage these symptoms may consult with their physician and be prescribed one, or a combination of, medications such as the amphetamine stimulant Adderall, the non-stimulant Strattera, or one of the older generation medications such as Ritalin; however there are a number of ADD natural remedies worth exploring.
Here are brief explanations of three of the categories of ADD natural remedies:

·         Specialized Diet for ADD – This is an area of some controversy, as little hard research has been performed on the actual impact of specific foods on ADD symptoms. It may be helpful to begin eliminating suspect foods and watching for an improvement of symptoms. There are reports of improved ADD symptoms in some people when such foods as sugar, refined carbohydrates, gluten, and artificial food additives are removed from the diet.  The overall goal, not only for those with ADD but anyone who wishes to live a healthier life, is to have the healthiest diet possible to support brain and body functions.

·         Biofeedback Therapy – Another of the ADD natural remedies gaining ground with those who hope to avoid extended medication use is biofeedback therapy. Biofeedback therapy involves training the person with ADD symptoms to self-regulate brain wave activity. By such innovative means as video games, the patient is taught to bring their brain waves back into normal rhythm. This may bring significant relief of ADD symptoms.

·         Supplement Therapy – A third area of ADD natural remedies worth exploring, by itself or in conjunction with the others mentioned, is the use of specific supplements. Supplement therapy for ADD symptoms is another area in need of solid research, but parents of children with ADD in particular, have reported positive outcomes when adding certain supplements to the diet. Those to explore include zinc, gingko biloba, and Omega 3 fish oil.  As with all therapies, they should be investigated with the assistance of the person’s health care provider.


The symptoms of attention deficit disorder can have serious negative impact on the life of the person suffering with them. For many ADD sufferers, a lifetime of medication use is not desirable. The abundance of ADD natural remedies to alleviate symptoms may offer those people the safe, medication-free relief they are seeking.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Natural Ways For Dealing With Insomnia

Insomnia
When searching for natural options for insomnia, you will find some remarkably effective and simple treatments available. Many people with insomnia worry about taking medicines like sleep aids and prescription SSRIs. However, there are numerous natural treatments available, which have been proven very effective for those who have sleeping problems.

The Right Diet

Probably the most overlooked natural option for insomnia is paying attention to your diet plan. You will find that if you include or remove certain meals from your diet, this will improve your sleeping. Some nutritional changes to think about include:

·         Staying away from sweets - Sugar not only gives instant energy, but it may disrupt bloodstream sugar levels. As bloodstream sugar levels fall, your sleep could be disrupted. If you don’t want to eliminate sweets altogether, try restricting yourself to not eating anything with sugar after 5:00 p.m. This gives your body time to process the sugar before bedtime and will ensure that you'll have a more restful night’s sleep.

·         Eating magnesium wealthy meals - Magnesium deficiency is an underlying problem for a lot of insomnia sufferers. Studies have proven that it is an all-natural sedative and plays a vital role in sleep regulation. Dark leafy vegetables, nuts, seed products, and whole grain products are excellent sources of magnesium.

·         Getting enough calcium - Like magnesium, calcium also plays an important role within the sleep cycle, particularly during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. The lack of deep sleep continues to be associated with calcium deficiency. Adding items like milk, cheese, and yogurt to your diet will help you restore proper amounts of calcium to your body.

Nutritional Supplements

There are numerous nutritional supplements that are natural options for helping with insomnia, two of which are melatonin and lavender. Supplements won't have the same impact on everybody, so it is recommended that you test numerous natural options to discover what works best for you. Some effective but less known sleep-aid supplements include:

·         Wild lettuce - This supplement has been utilized because of its medicinal qualities since ancient Egypt. It is used to treat headaches, chronic discomfort, anxiety, and insomnia.

·         L-theanine – This supplement is present in eco-friendly tealeaves. It helps relieve the anxiety that disturbs normal sleep. L-theanine increases feelings of wellness and induces brain waves that correspond with relaxation. Additionally, it may decrease your heartbeat and lower reactions to worry. However, it might also hinder certain prescription medicines, so before taking L-theanine, talk to your physician first.  

Other Effective Treatments

Apart from adding supplements and monitoring your diet plan, there are other natural options for insomnia. Therapy has become a promising avenue for treating insomnia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy might help patients change sleep-related actions that could be leading to insomnia.


Neurofeedback therapy utilizes computer systems to help individuals retrain their brainwaves to healthy designs. This therapy has no side effects, is non invasive and has been proven to help with different conditions including chronic discomfort, headaches, anxiety, and insomnia. 

Monday, June 9, 2014

Tips For Living with Autism

 Living with Autism
Living with autism can be difficult, but there are some simple changes you can implement that will make a big difference. In 1994, 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed with autism, while studies today put the number at about 1 in 88. With the increase in the amount of diagnoses, people are requesting help and advice in coping with the disorder. Within the last ten years there's been an enormous rise in the research and knowledge available. There are several ways to help with the autism diagnosis:

1. Be considered a Self-Advocate
Being a self-advocate can make coping with autism a great deal simpler. It is important to know how to correctly explain and communicate your autistic child’s educational, physical, and emotional needs to caretakers and instructors. The more comfortable you feel about discussing autism, the easier it will l be for other people to understand and adapt. As children get older, it is important to encourage them to begin speaking up on their own behalf.

2. Dietary Considerations
Changing certain foods can sometimes make a difference in behavior associated with autism. Food allergies are common in individuals with autism. Some foods to look at when making dietary changes are:.

·         Gluten – is found in almost all grains, such as wheat, rye, barley, spelt, oats, and semolina
·         Casein – is found in animal milk items, anything with lactose, as well as the wax on some fruits
·         Soy – Soy isn't just present in items like soybeans and soy sauce, but can also be contained in virtually every processed or packed food you'll find
·         Corn –is generally present in virtually every packed or processed food
Individuals with autism should speak with a healthcare professional in regards to making dietary changes.

3. Develop a Strong Social Network
A powerful support network is essential for the happiness and health of people diagnosed with autism, as well as their families. It is crucial that you develop a network of people that will help you with various types of support, such as:

·         Social - This group includes friends, classmates, and co-workers who will help you with handling daily achievements and disappointments.

·         Emotional - This group includes friends and family who may serve as reliable confidants who can help when you really need anyone to share feeling, concerns, along with other emotional elements.

·         Educational - This group includes doctors, instructors, care providers, and practitioners, along with other experts within the area, that can provide you with suggestions about major choices regarding treatment and care. This group may also include parents of other autistic children.

·         Practical - This group includes anybody close by that may assist you for emergencies that inevitably arise.


By developing a strong social network, you'll be far better equipped to tackle any situation; this can make coping with autism much easier. 

Friday, June 6, 2014

ADD Medications and Drug Interactions

ADD Medications
Once a person has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, (or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD), they may be prescribed one or more medications to help with their symptoms. ADD medications vary greatly as to their potential side effects and drug interactions. To avoid dangerous drug interactions and side effects, it is important to know the possibility for both.
To research these potential negative impacts, you must first know the class of drug prescribed. Here are some of the common ADD medications by class and some possible drug interactions and side effects.

Stimulants – Potential drug interactions include increased effect of the stimulant when also taking diuretics, impact on blood levels of blood thinners, and anti-seizure meds and a potentially dangerous interaction with MAOI antidepressants. Possible side effects of stimulants include headaches, depression, feeling jittery, dizziness, and upset stomach. Stimulants prescribed as ADD medications may include: Adderall , Concerta, Focalin, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Quillivant XR.

Non-Stimulants – The non-stimulant Strattera is being prescribed for patients who can’t tolerate the side effects of stimulant drugs. Potential drug interactions with Strattera include potentially dangerous reactions in combination with such drugs as Arava for rheumatoid arthritis, Eldepryl and Jumex for Parkinson’s disease symptoms and furazolidone for the treatment of diarrhea. This list of possible drug interactions is not exhaustive. The patient should discuss all other medications and supplements currently being used and contact their doctor before taking any other medication with Strattera. The common side effects of Strattera include sleepiness, mood swings, dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

Antidepressants – A third class of ADD medications includes antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Elavil and Norpramin, although they are not officially recognized by the FDA as effective in treating ADD symptoms. Potential drug interactions for this class of drugs when taken with other antidepressants, pain relievers, or sleeping medications, in particular, can be serious. The patient should carefully discuss other drugs prescribed with their doctor or pharmacist when starting to take an antidepressant for ADD.

When a patient is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and is prescribed one or more medications to help manage symptoms, it is very important that they discuss potential drug interactions with their health care providers. Doing so can help ensure that the ADD medications they are prescribed will have a positive impact on their health.