neurological health

Autism, ADHD, Learning Disorders & Anxiety in KIDS: The Role of Neuro-Inflammation

Autism, ADHD, Learning Disorders & Anxiety in KIDS:  The Role of Neuro-Inflammation

We are in the midst of a childhood epidemic of autism, ADHD, learning disorders and mood disorders.

Here is the reality:

  • The National Autism Spectrum Disorder Surveillance System (NASS) Report of 2018 estimates autism's prevalence in Canada as 1 in 66 children. A gender breakdown looks like 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls.

  • The Ontario Child Health Study found 6.1% of 4-16 year olds have ADHD, with the Quebec Child Mental Health Survey found slightly lower rates at 5.4%. ADHD can exist with or without hyperactivity (troubles sitting still, fidgeting), and with or without attention deficit (problems in school or at home).

  • Statistics Canada states that 3.2% of Canadian children have a learning disability.

  • Mental health issues such as anxiety impact children as well. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association 3% of children and youth experience anxiety.

    When you start to put all of those things together, it’s easy to see that our kids brains are suffering.

    The ABC’s of Kid’s Brains

    A: autism, attention problems, anxiety
    B: behavioural issues, brain dysfunction
    C: children can’t cope

Here is a discussion on neuro-inflammation in your child’s brain, and what you can do about it.

COULD THIS BE YOU?

COULD THIS BE YOU?

I finished my last blog with the question “How does someone know if they have histamine issues?” This article will help you determine if you or someone you love might have high histamine levels that could be contributing to a health condition.

PRE, PRO & POST BIOTICS! WHAT ARE THEY? DO YOU NEED THEM?

PRE, PRO & POST BIOTICS!  WHAT ARE THEY?  DO YOU NEED THEM?

You have likely heard of probiotic foods and supplements. Maybe you’ve taken a high dose probiotic supplement after being on antibiotics, or maybe you include yogurt, sauerkraut or kombucha in your diet, because you have heard about the health benefits of these foods. The beneficial microbes in these foods and supplements support the health of your digestive system, and have effects on every aspect of your biology.

But what about pre and post biotics, and do you need them?

KETO DIET FUNDAMENTALS guest blog by Brady Holmer originally published on HVMN

KETO DIET FUNDAMENTALS guest blog by Brady Holmer originally published on HVMN

Keto has been trending now for a while. While we have some great research on the benefits of a ketogenic diet for diabetes, neurological conditions and cancer (read the full article below for research links), my concern is the impact this type of diet has on the microbiome. What is a ketogenic diet doing to our gut microbiome?

TURN YOUR FAVOURITE TEA INTO A FAT BOMB

TURN YOUR FAVOURITE TEA INTO A FAT BOMB

Heard of intermittent fasting?  It’s one of the latest dietary trends that has some good research to support it. There are some great benefits to intermittent fasting including balancing of blood sugars (1), decrease cardiovascular risk (2), and improved brain health (3)… and it can be an easier way to reap these benefits, than a more restricted diet such as ketogenic diet or calorie counting.  Turning your favorite teas into a Fat Bomb, can be a great way to support intermittent fasting.

3 DIETARY MYTHS BUSTED

3 DIETARY MYTHS BUSTED

MYTH #1 -  I SHOULD EAT A LOT OF FIBRE!
There is a lot of truth to this statement, but not everyone should be eating a lot of fibre.  The benefits of fibre are well documented and include pooping regularly, feeding your gut microbiome, and helping to clear debris and toxins out of your digestive tract.  But fibre can be very irritating to a damaged gut, especially insoluble fibre like that found in bran, whole grains, flax seed and legumes. Find out if you should be eating more or less fibre.

BECAUSE YOUR BRAIN MATTERS: THE 9 POINT BRAIN PLASTICITY CHECKLIST

BECAUSE YOUR BRAIN MATTERS:  THE 9 POINT BRAIN PLASTICITY CHECKLIST

You know your brain is important, but do you know how to take care of it?

There are some simple steps you can take to ensure your brain stays healthy and to make sure your brain plasticity isn’t compromised.

I HAVE THE GENETIC MARKER FOR ALZHEIMER'S! HERE'S WHY I'M NOT WORRIED.

I HAVE THE GENETIC MARKER FOR ALZHEIMER'S!  HERE'S WHY I'M NOT WORRIED.

Ever wonder if you are going to get a dreaded disease that you have a family history of?  That was the case for me with Parkinson's disease.  My grandfather had Parkinson's, and sometimes I wondered if I had the same genetic markers that predisposed my grandpa to getting the disease.

FAT BOMB LATTES - A GREAT WAY TO START THE DAY

FAT BOMB LATTES - A GREAT WAY TO START THE DAY

As I write this, I'm about a week into a ketogenic diet (I'll explain why in next week's blog).  I'm doing a modified or low-ketogenic version of the diet, because it allows me to keep the nutrient density high in terms of micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals.