Child Brain and Developmental Disorders

by Glen Depke

Gut/Brain Connection

It is estimated that 1 of 8 children in the United States has a brain development disorder. While many think of this as Autism or severe ADD, this can often be recognized as fidgeting, poor social skills, tics or lesser know symptoms. Thankfully, this can often be prevented and even reversed with proper natural health practices.

The current medical model for addressing this is to medicate to reduce symptoms through the use of amphetamines, sedatives, anti psychotics, beta blockers and/or behavioral therapy. A special not that most of the drugs listed are also addictive. The next step to conventional therapy is to hope the child grows out of it. Sounds like a less than optimal approach to me.

So what natural methods can be used to address these disorders. First of all, have toys everywhere. Specific toys that engage your child and their imagination and thought. Engaging the brain plays a significant role in developing the brain. Introduce physical activity that requires the use of balance. Get your child involved in a musical instrument or in learning a new language. These are all ways of engaging brain function.

Absolutely address the function of the gastrointestinal tract. Remember that when the gut is suffering, so is the brain. Understand that approximately 90% of the brain output goes right down the vagus nerve and into the nervous system tissue in the gut. With this in mind, when there is a brain issue, this very well could be a gut issue and likewise. To address the gut:

• Eliminate gluten 
• Address any potential cross reactive intolerance
• Use a high quality gut restorative supplement (We use Repairvite with our clients)
• Daily and regular use of a probiotic (We use the DW Prebiotic/Probiotic Formula)
• Enzyme use with cooked foods (We use the DW Prime Digestive Support)
• Check for pathogens in the gut such as parasistes, protozoa, amoeba, H-pylori and the list goes on (We use a 4 day stool collection at our office)
• Test the blood/brain barrier function (We use a GABA challenge in my practice)

With a healthy gut you can increase the absorption and assimilation of healthy nutrition. Eating a balanced diet with carbohydrates, adequate protein and lots of good fats such as avocado, olives, olive oil, fish oils. Even a step further is to understand the need for the DHA component of your omega 3's. While everyone typically gets the need for omega 3's for brain health, very few understand that the DHA component of the omega 3 fatty acid is the actual brain food. For children, and adults for that matter, I will suggest a supplement called Brain-E that is a 14:1 ratio of DHA to EPA. Now that's food for you brain! 

It is also important to improve blood flow to the brain. Increasing gut function and improving the diet is only so helpful without proper blood flow to the brain. Remember, your blood moves oxygen and nutrition to your brain for proper function. Generally speaking, those with brain and developmental disorders are also stuck in poor peripheral circulation. This means less blood flow to the brain and in the end, less oxygen and proper nutrition. We often use a liquid supplement called Nitric Balance to assist with blood flow with great success.

Remember as mentioned above, brain and developmental delay does not always mean full blown Autism or ADD. Some times you'll recognize early symptoms such as poor digestion, poor bladder tone, poor stool control and/or floating stool. There may also be challenges with sleeping and constant sugar cravings due to hypoglycemia. Also look for signs such as poor coordination. I remember the "clumsy" kids when I was younger. Poor coordination equals poor brain development.

If we want to take this a step further for our kids, it starts with preconception the parents. A pregnant mom that abuses alcohol, living with hypothyroid and undiagnosed autoimmunity as an example, is asking for poor brain development in their child. Parents, yes both Moms and Dads, need to get control of their own health and wellness prior to conception. As a parent, do you have adrenal issues, gut challenges, gluten intolerance, cross reactive intolerance and/or a poor diet. Well if you do, address this now and give your children a fighting chance.

Of course if you are past this and already have a child with brain or developmental disorders, the first step is to not only follow the directions earlier in the article for your child, but for yourself also. Don't think you can teach your child to not eat gluten, while you "pig out" on a plate of pasta and a loaf of garlic bread. Understand that children learn much more from watching than they do from listening to what is told to them. Be the example for your child and allow them to emulate you. That's what they are doing anyway.

Also understand the the brain is in constant development from the time of conception to the age of approximately 18 to 20 years old. Don't think that since you child is 10 years old there is nothing you can do. There absolutely is! Please though, address this as early as possible, which is the whole reason for this article. In essence the older the child becomes the more difficult it is to see progress and the more permanent the disabilities may become.

Also recognize what is important to eliminate due to the fact that these actions actually stimulate the lymbic brain, which is detrimental for these children. The activities that stimulate the lymbic system are passive activities such as watching television or computer games. Move into the frontal cortex of the brain by stimulating via movement as mention earlier in the article.

Also recognize stress levels for your children. Often I hear adults say, what do kids have to be stressed about. Easy for us to say, when we were kids the world was a different place. There is so much more stress and expectations for children in these days that is completely overwhelming. Recognize that too much video game engagement by kids may actually counteract the stress-induced activation of the HPA axis. This axis allows the body to fall into a deeper state of relaxation after a stressful event. There are also some helpful vascular creams to assist in reducing the stress/adrenal response.

Many times assistance with neurotransmitter supplementation would also be helpful but you would really want to work with a natural health practitioner trained in this area, so I do not make these recommendations via the Internet.

For those adults that find themselves living with brain disorders, the same recommendations above apply to you also. Regardless of age, it is never too late to work on your brain.

If you have any comments or questions, please leave these below for me to address personally.

Save Your Kids...Save Their Lives! Part 2

by Glen Depke

In part 1, you understood some of the basic aspects of brain development for your kids:

·         Basic nutritional needs for this development

·         Basic lifestyle choices for proper brain development

·         Simple time frame guidelines for this development

·         Some of the needed brain functions for a healthy child

If you missed part 1, click here first, prior to reading part 2.

Let’s first start with nutrition for your child’s brain. I mentioned in part 1 that you need fatty acids, glucose and oxygen for proper brain development. Specifically, it is important to address this with proper omega 3 supplementation. I know you have heard this before but wait; I will address this on a much more specific level. Understand that your typical omega 3 contains the fatty acids EPA and DHA. Did you know that the aspect of your omega 3 supplementation that ties directly into your child’s brain function is the DHA? There are supplements on the market today that will provide either a 14:1 or a 24:1 ration of DHA to EPA for proper brain development and for children with brain development disorders; I recommend the 24:1 ratio supplementation. Adding healthy fats such as avocado, olives and flax seeds are another important nutritional choice that honestly, most kids love.

Glucose was also mentioned as an important nutritional factor with proper brain development. No, this does not mean that the consumption of processed sugars or processed carbohydrates is the food of choice for brain development. I am talking about feeding your children higher amounts of fresh vegetables on a consistent basis and fresh fruit on occasion. It is often best to add a quality fat with this fruit consumption to slow the release of glucose so insulin levels do not spike. This will provide the longer sustained energy without the spike and crash that we often see with children these days.

Nutritionally, it is not only important to add the proper choices to enhance brain development, it is also important to reduce or eliminate the nutritional choices that are hindering this development. Here is a list of foods to be significantly reduced or eliminated.

·         Gluten containing foods

·         Processed sugars

·         Processed carbohydrates

·         Pasteurized dairy products

·         Fruit juices

·         All sodas

I have had many parents in the past share that if they eliminate these foods, they are eliminating most of what their kids eat. If this is true, this is exactly where a significant challenge lies for your child’s brain development and you know where the responsibility lies. It lies with you as the parents. I get that this can be tough to hear, but do you really want to hinder your child’s brain development? Are you willing to take responsibility for multiple challenges for your child’s health for the rest of their life?

Remember that the brain is developing well into the late teenage years, so this is extremely important.

Often I will hear parents say that they are only feeding their kids what every other parent is giving to their children. Remember from part 1 of this series, 1 out of 8 children in the United States has a brain development disorder and some even suggest 1 out of 6. So is it really OK to feed your child what everyone else is? You know what I am hoping your answer is.

If your child is already consuming all the challenging foods and not consuming the brain healthy choices, this may take some time to create this shift but it will be more than worth the effort. Remember, it is your responsibility as a parent to supply the nutrients needed for your child’s brain development.

Let’s also look at the lifestyle choices to assist with your child’s brain development.

If you remember from part 1 how important the frontal cortex is in inhibiting the limbic system, understanding that a limbic system out of control will lead to impulsive behaviors, quick temper, poor decision making, saying things out of turn or the inability to wait your turn. If you recognize your child in this description you can take the nutritional steps above as well as these lifestyle choices. Dramatically decrease passive activity such as computer game and television. These activities are far too limbic dominant. Instead focus on activities that stimulate the frontal cortex such as play and movement. You remember what we used to do as kids. Run around, be active and focus on activities that also require balance.

Also focus on activities that stimulate the brain. If you child is very young, you can play the game that I can remember playing as a kid. Place a deck of cards face side down and pick up two cards, looking for cards that match. Take turns going around the table and when you pick a match, you get to keep the cards. You will be amazed that these simple shifts can create a dramatic improvement.

If your child is a bit older it would be a good idea to get them interested in a musical instrument and enroll them in learning a second language. These are very stimulating to the brain and assist with brain development.

From a clinical perspective, it is important to note that you want to make these changes right now. The older your child becomes, the more difficult it is to make changes. The older your child becomes, the more permanent his/her disabilities become. Once they reach teenage years, the brain’s potential for positive change is dramatically reduced.

Time and urgency matter!

To add from part 1, you want to look for certain characteristics for clues of brain development disorders. Is your child inattentive with their head in the clouds, are they hyperactive and bouncy, are they depressed, anxious and easily startled, or are they inflexible, rigid and always want their way? If you are answering yes to any of these, it is up to you to address this and address it soon.

Another factor that has a very high level of importance in assisting with your child’s brain development happens when your child is simply a glimmer in the eyes or yourself and your spouse. Focusing on your own health as a parent into an optimal state prior to conception is also extremely important. Not only from the factor of healthy parents typically conceive healthy babies but it will also be much easier for you to teach your newborn healthy habits if you are already following these habits yourself. If you ask you child to eat well, play, move and stimulate their brain; you should be too.

It is also recognized by many in the field that very often children with developmental delay are born from a pregnant mother with alcohol abuse, hypothyroidism and/or autoimmune challenges. This is one of the reasons to address your health as a parent prior to becoming a parent.

To end, if you already have a child that was diagnosed with developmental delay, Autism,
ADD, ADHD or if you simply recognize the symptoms discussed earlier; you very likely stand a very positive chance in assisting your child in creating a very positive shift in brain development. Once again, remember that time and urgency matter.

If you have any comments or questions on this article, I welcome you to post these below for me to answer personally.

If you would like to discuss my protocols for children with any level of developmental delay, I welcome you to register here for a complimentary 20 minute phone consultation to understand this process.

Save Your Kids...Save Their Lives! Part 1

by Glen Depke

When we talk about a child’s developmental delay, we often think of challenges such as Autism but this delay can often go on unnoticed for so many children. Often symptoms such as tics, fidgeting, poor digestion, poor bladder tone, poor stool control, floating stool, poor coordination or sensitivity to environmental stimulants, can be signs of developmental delay with your child.

If you want to create a significant impact on your child’s life, it is a must to understand the neurochemistry of your child’s development…so here we go.

First let’s understand that approximately 1 out of 8 children in the United States have a brain development disorder. Some estimate 1 out of 6.

The current convention treatment for this is to medicate with amphetamines, sedatives, antipsychotics, beta blockers and the use of behavioral therapies. Understand that the first three on this list are actually addictive. Yes, these are given to our children.

Oh, and the other way this is addressed is to simply hope they will grow out of it…good luck!

None of these are the answer and they fail consistently. Medications, hope that they’ll grow out of it and behavior therapy is not the answer. So what is the answer? Nourish the brain!

Think about what the brain needs to develop. The brain’s requirements for proper development include glucose, oxygen and fatty acids. These are not options, they are essential for proper development. Another key is eliminating the nutritional and lifestyle choices that are adding to this delayed brain development.

The brain is in a constant state of development from conception well into your child’s late teens and these needs continue through this entire time frame. Once the development ends, you have what you have, so you better make this time frame of utmost importance for your kids.

One of the early keys to proper brain development is tied into the frontal cortex. This will play a significant role in your child’s ability to stand up, walk and the development of their personality. This frontal cortex will assist in focused concentration, enable alertness, planning, learning and remembering. The frontal cortex will also dampen the limbic activity, which addresses impulses, rage, anger and arousal. Often children with levels of developmental delay have a suppressed frontal cortex which leads to an over active limbic system and the symptoms listed above. Understanding of the role the frontal cortex plays in balancing the limbic system, you can see why it is often mentioned that 70% of the brain is there to inhibit the other 30%.

Early on, the milestones in development will include these results.

·         Sits alone

·         Crawls

·         Stands

·         Walks alone

·         First word

·         Two-word phrases

·         Responsive smiles

·         Finger feeds

·         Drinks from cup unassisted

·         Uses spoon

·         Bowel control

·         Dresses self – unassisted

These milestones should begin at approximately 5 months and run through 3.25 to 5 years old.

So besides the nutrients mentioned earlier, what else does your child need? Physical activity and stimulation for their brain is another must. Toys should be everywhere for your kids, but not toys such as computer games and television. Toys that make them think and create stimulation of their bodies and their minds. When your child is old enough, get them involved in a musical instrument and learning a second language to continue this stimulation. Playing, whether this is organized sports or just having fun with physical activity. The physical activities should also be those that require a demand from a balancing perspective.

Did you ever notice how an infant’s pupils are generally huge? This is due to the fact that the sympathetic nervous system is dominant. As the brain is nourished on many levels this will assist in the further development of parasympathetic activity. If this does not develop, it will lead to difficulty sleeping, constant sugar cravings, decreased intestinal motility, decreased enzymes and digestion, poor intestinal permeability and an inability to control the bowel and bladder.

A major key to consistent brain development is neuron migration which will continue through late childhood and into adolescence. This neuron migration is just one factor; we also want to recognize the importance of myelination, synaptogenesis and apoptosis. Remember, as mentioned above, these processes are continuing throughout all of childhood and into early adolescence. At the risk of getting too technical, I am not going to go deeper into all of these processes; just understand that all of these processes play a huge role in the development of your child’s brain.

Next week in part 2 you will learn some of the factors to address with your children, what you can do prior to conception and some of the possibly surprising factors that can lead to your child’s lack of proper brain development.

If you have any questions or comments to this article please leave your post below for me to answer personally.