“It is our very search for perfection outside ourselves that causes our suffering.” ~The Buddha
Showing posts with label diagnosis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diagnosis. Show all posts

Friday, 11 April 2014

Autism on the Rise

By: Daniela Silva
Autism is now believed to be affecting 1 in 68 children, rather than 1 in 88. An estimate of 1.2 million children and teenagers are believed to be affected by autism and are diagnosed by four main criteria: The ability to communicate, problems with social interaction, repetitive behavior, and severely limited interests. The increase in autism should not be a concern to expecting parents; it is said to be a result of a better diagnosis.

It is believed that genetics and environment do have a role in the development of autism but there is not yet substantial proof that this can be a factor. Children diagnosed with autism have several irregularities in the brain believed to be caused due to a disruption ith the genes that are responsible for the growth of the brain and regulate how the brain cells communicate with each other. Again this theory is preliminary and needs further study.

With treatment and age, autism can better and bring about significant improvement within the patient. Educational and behavioral treatment with medical and other controversial therapies can be used to aid in the improvement of the child however there is not enough information as to why it happens and how the disorder can be eradicated completely.

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

Top 6 Super Foods for Asthma

There may not be a solid cure for asthma, however there is a variety of super foods with excellent nutrient profiles that are well suited to tackle and alleviate asthma symptoms such as the shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. These 12 super foods prove time and again that they can combat these terrible symptoms with wholesome goodness.
1. AVOCADOS - A rich source of glutathione, which has been proven to protect cells against free radical damage and been shown to successfully detoxify foreign substances such as pollutants.Without glutathione various antioxidants would not be able to function efficiently. Avocados provide an excellent source of vitamin E, particularly for asthma which is linked to a nut allergy (Nuts are ordinarily a prime source of vitamin E) However if you’re diagnosed with a latex allergy avoiding avocados may be in your favor; those allergic to latex are often allergic to avocados and other foods that contain chitinases. Organically grown avocados are not treated with ethylene gas which therefore results in lower levels of chitinases  
2. BROCCOLI SPROUTS - is the goldmine of nutrition, a excellent addition to your diet if you are a sufferer of asthma. Recent studies suggest that those who ate broccoli sprouts for 3 days had a significant increase in antioxidant compounds that control inflammation in the airway that is associated with bronchial asthma. The effect was even more so pronounced within those who had ate the most broccoli sprouts. Available at many health food stores, markets and grocery stores, these make a excellent addition to soups salads salsa topped dishes and sandwiches.  
3. APPLES - Some studies show that apples possess some very extraordinary properties that provide extra protection against asthma; Showing that children drinking apple juice daily have wheezing reduced up to 50%. These effects are caused by the fruits bioflavonoids, such as quercetin; which is known to possess strong anti-histamines, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. When purchasing apples, avoid shiny apples these ones are waxed and try and stick to organic, better yet, peel them before you eat them! Apples contain the highest levels of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

4. BANANAS -This super food may help you breathe easier. According to a study conducted in Britain children who consumed a banana a day had a 34% less of a chance of developing asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing. Bananas are one of the best sources of pyridoxine, commonly known as the vitamin B6. Pyridoxine plays a critical role in the production of adenosine trisphosphate (ATP_ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) molecules that have been proven to relax bronchial smooth muscle tissue.
5. GINGER - One of the most well known spices in the world, it is also known for its powers in aiding and relieving common illnesses, but what its not commonly known for is for its power to help alleviate asthma symptoms. The asthma fighting properties are thought to be attributable to gingerols, a strong anti-inflammatory substance that also gives ginger its strong distinctive flavor. Fresh ginger, is said to be the most effective form of ginger is available year round in the produce section of your local supermarket,                                                                                               
6. SPINACH - The nutrients found in spinach makes it one of the most valuable and important health foods that you can add to any anti-asthmatic diet. One study conducted with 68,535 female participants found that women with a high intake of spinach had a lower prevalence of asthma. Spinach is one of the best sources of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium. It also has a substantial amount of potassium content in comparison to its calorie content; a 100 calorie serving provides 40% of the reference daily intake for an important anti-asthmatic meal.