Alkaline water has become a very popular topic in the health world.
Paul Barattiero discusses the machine he helped create that produces
hydrogen infused water and what the difference is between that and
alkaline water. He was also in the alkaline water business and he helps
distinguish the difference between the two in terms of health benefits.
Find out what you should know about alkaline water! (Video below)
How to Get Nutritional Help for Your Special Needs Child
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By: Judy Converse
Many children with autism,
Asperger's, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, learning disabilities,
or mood/behavior issues have nutrition problems stemming from
malabsorption, bowel problems, and/or inadequate diet. These impede
learning, growth, behavior, and functioning in all children—not just
special needs children. Not surprisingly, when you address the nutrition
problems of these kids, the symptoms of their disorder lessen and, in
some cases, disappear. |
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The medical establishment is just now
beginning to acknowledge the link between nutrition problems and
learning and behavior disorders. Most physicians still regard autism or
other learning and developmental diagnoses as brain problems, not whole
body problems. They may resist the idea that nutrition supports apply to
these conditions, seeing them as static, inflexible afflictions.
My clinical experience with hundreds of special needs children has proven differently.
HOW TO ENGAGE A RELUCTANT PROVIDER
If
your doctor is not onboard with your interest in nutrition supports for
your child, you might succeed with a few tactful efforts at bridging
the gap. Here are some suggestions.
Don't burn a bridge if you
don't have to. Don't give up on your pediatrician yet. Remember: you are
demanding a service she may know little about.
Give him
something to think about. At my website (see below) there are links,
resources, peer-reviewed medical articles, and a professional learning
module you can provide to your doctor to help him learn more about the
special needs nutrition care.
Make her part of your team. Think
of yourself as the boss, and your pediatrician as one member of your
team. Others you might want on your team: licensed naturopathic doctor;
gastroenterologist; neurologist; speech, language, occupational,
physical, and/or sensory integration therapist; licensed nutrition
professional; Defeat Autism Now (DAN) provider; and psychologist,
psychiatrist, or licensed social worker.
Get the conversation
started. Here are conversation tools that may help keep a good but
reluctant provider in your corner, if you would like to discuss using a
special diet or nutrition measure.
"I would like your help and
support, because we value you as our primary provider. I know these
tools are unfamiliar and you want to do the right thing. Could we agree
to trial this for six months?"
"What would be your concerns with using special diets and nutrition measures? I want to be sure we approach it correctly."
"Would
you take a look at this lab test I have heard about, so we can consider
its benefits together? I would like to try it, and I hope I can have
your input."
"I'm wondering what your opinion would be on this
peer-reviewed literature about using special diets. I found it helpful
but it is written for health professionals, and I would value your
guidance on how I can use this."
"I'm interested in gluten-free
to start. Can you refer me to a local celiac support group or
organization, or a provider familiar with going gluten-free?"
"My
child is still not potty trained and we have tried everything else.
Humor me and let us try antifungal therapy. I have heard that it helps
children with bowel incontinence in some cases."
"I'm wondering
if my child would benefit from a special diet. Would you be willing to
work with us on this?" If not: "Can you refer me to someone who can
help? I want to be sure we do this safely and effectively. Would you be
willing to communicate with that provider?"
FINAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
It
takes a dedicated parent to learn about and initiate a nutrition care
program for a special needs child. But know that your hard work and
commitment in pursuing this path can pay off. I have rarely seen a child
with learning and behavior challenges fail to improve—often in dramatic
ways—when his or her parents follow a systematic step-by-step nutrition
care approach, and stick with it for at least six months. You can do
it—and hopefully, your doctor will help you.
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