My ideas for my Chasing Away group are;
1) I'd like to become incorporated
2) Charitable organization that serves the surrounding communities (schools, churches, individuals)
3) Gather a steering committee of people with common goals
4) Network with other organizations in the area
5) Find a few strong activities that we can get involved in
6) Talk about ways that our group can give back to our community through the churches and schools in the area.
So, I think it is about time that I begin writing my ideas and making myself a checklist- I need to move forward with what God has given me to do :)
In everything I say and do, I want to chase away preconceived ideas and bias. By educating others, I hope to change the perceptions of many around me.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Allowing Yourself to go Through the Stages of Grief
My son's doctor once said to me that I need to allow myself to grieve over my son. In my heart, I knew I was hurting, but I didn't want to admit it. The more I thought about what she said, the more realistic I became about her statement being fact.
When someone mentions grief, one's mind automatically goes to the thought of physical death. You think about when your grandfather or grandmother died. Some even think about the death of their parents. We know how we felt after the deaths of our loved ones. At first, you feel like you're in a cloud, not really feeling what had just happened. I remember feeling that way when my father passed away in 1999. It just didn't feel like reality. Soon after, the cloud disappeared and was replaced by true sadness and grief. The sadness then turned to anger as I became angry that his passing had happened (The "Why do bad things happen to good people" stage). I also began to feel guilty. I began thinking that it was my fault that my dad became sick and passed away. To cope with the anger and guilt, I began to deny that it actually happened (I walk in the door and truly expect to see my dad). Then I finally accept what has happened. This stage was also accompanied by loneliness. I felt alone because none of my other friends had gone through this. I felt like I had no one to talk to.
Over the past 11 years, I have gone through these stages of grief. I gone back and forth between them. A parent of a child with a disability goes through the same thing. As a parent of a child with a disability, I can say this with all sincerity. So, I would like to explain how a parent of a child with a disability will go through the stages of grief. (My son does not have a diagnosis, but as I began discovering that something was not right with my son, I began going through the following stages of grief.)
Shock
Immediately after your child is given a diagnosis, you may feel stunned or in complete shock ("Did this just really happen?). You knew there was something different about your child and you might have even fought for the diagnosis, but once the diagnosis is given, you have a hard time believing it. You will find yourself researching the diagnosis and questioning whether the doctor was right or not.
Sadness or Grief
Once you have realized that the diagnosis actually happened, you will find yourself stricken with painful sadness and grief. When you were pregnant, you had so many hopes and dreams for your child. You want only the best for your child and you already think your child is the most perfect, beautiful thing in the world. Once you realize that there is something wrong with your child and the diagnosis is given, you must allow yourself to grieve over the hopes and dreams you once had. This will allow you to move on and begin reshaping your hopes and dreams for your child.
It is extremely important to allow yourself to feel the sadness and grieve. Depression can lead to health problems and also makes caring for your child and other family members more challenging. Find someone who is willing to listen and give you a shoulder to cry on. Cry, vent, and move on. There are more important challenges to deal with.
Anger
Anger is an intregal part of moving on. Believe or not, anger is completely natural. You will go through periods of feeling angry ("Why do bad things happen to good people?"). During these periods, you may not be interested in hearing the facts about the disability or listen to others who may want to give you advice. You may find yourself releasing your anger on people around you. You may also overreact to small things. It is important to talk to someone. Release your anger in a healthy way by talking to a best friend and excersizing. Excersizing releases endorphines that are key to keeping a healthy frame of mind.
You may also experience anger towards the doctor who diagnosed your child. Try to understand that they are only doing what is necessary for your child to receive proper treatment.
Guilt
You may feel that your child's disability is your fault. You think about all the things that happened during the pregnancy, birth, and infancy of your child. Don't allow yourself to become burdened by this. Realize that you are going through this stage, but allow yourself to move on. Allow yourself to realize that you cannot change what has happened. Use your grief to change your child's future. Advocate for your child and other children. Moving forward is the best way to move on.
Denial
You may also go through stages of not believing what is happening with your child (How could this be happening?). During this time, be aware that you are experiencing denial, and do not lose focus on your child's treatment.
Acceptance and Loneliness
I found that I went through these stages simultaneously. I began to accept what was happening with my son. Even if your child has been diagnosed and you are in the anger stage, keep your chin up. You will reach the stage where you can accept what is happening. You will also find that with acceptance comes loneliness. You will desperately want to find a group to belong to. You will desperately want to find someone to talk to who also has a child with a disability. Make sure to take time for yourself and find a group that will offer you support.
Words to the wise
Every person is a unique individual that will process things differently. You may move through the stages of grief quickly or it may take a long time. Allow yourself to have the time to deal with the situation. You will move back and forth between the stages through time, so your emotions may be raw from time-to-time. Allow yourself to feel. Use your emotions to advocate for your child. Do not allow bitterness or depression. If you find yourself unable to deal rationally with your emotions, go to your doctor. Your doctor will help you find ways to deal with your grief.
Reference: www.autismspeaks.org/family/index.php
When someone mentions grief, one's mind automatically goes to the thought of physical death. You think about when your grandfather or grandmother died. Some even think about the death of their parents. We know how we felt after the deaths of our loved ones. At first, you feel like you're in a cloud, not really feeling what had just happened. I remember feeling that way when my father passed away in 1999. It just didn't feel like reality. Soon after, the cloud disappeared and was replaced by true sadness and grief. The sadness then turned to anger as I became angry that his passing had happened (The "Why do bad things happen to good people" stage). I also began to feel guilty. I began thinking that it was my fault that my dad became sick and passed away. To cope with the anger and guilt, I began to deny that it actually happened (I walk in the door and truly expect to see my dad). Then I finally accept what has happened. This stage was also accompanied by loneliness. I felt alone because none of my other friends had gone through this. I felt like I had no one to talk to.
Over the past 11 years, I have gone through these stages of grief. I gone back and forth between them. A parent of a child with a disability goes through the same thing. As a parent of a child with a disability, I can say this with all sincerity. So, I would like to explain how a parent of a child with a disability will go through the stages of grief. (My son does not have a diagnosis, but as I began discovering that something was not right with my son, I began going through the following stages of grief.)
Shock
Immediately after your child is given a diagnosis, you may feel stunned or in complete shock ("Did this just really happen?). You knew there was something different about your child and you might have even fought for the diagnosis, but once the diagnosis is given, you have a hard time believing it. You will find yourself researching the diagnosis and questioning whether the doctor was right or not.
Sadness or Grief
Once you have realized that the diagnosis actually happened, you will find yourself stricken with painful sadness and grief. When you were pregnant, you had so many hopes and dreams for your child. You want only the best for your child and you already think your child is the most perfect, beautiful thing in the world. Once you realize that there is something wrong with your child and the diagnosis is given, you must allow yourself to grieve over the hopes and dreams you once had. This will allow you to move on and begin reshaping your hopes and dreams for your child.
It is extremely important to allow yourself to feel the sadness and grieve. Depression can lead to health problems and also makes caring for your child and other family members more challenging. Find someone who is willing to listen and give you a shoulder to cry on. Cry, vent, and move on. There are more important challenges to deal with.
Anger
Anger is an intregal part of moving on. Believe or not, anger is completely natural. You will go through periods of feeling angry ("Why do bad things happen to good people?"). During these periods, you may not be interested in hearing the facts about the disability or listen to others who may want to give you advice. You may find yourself releasing your anger on people around you. You may also overreact to small things. It is important to talk to someone. Release your anger in a healthy way by talking to a best friend and excersizing. Excersizing releases endorphines that are key to keeping a healthy frame of mind.
You may also experience anger towards the doctor who diagnosed your child. Try to understand that they are only doing what is necessary for your child to receive proper treatment.
Guilt
You may feel that your child's disability is your fault. You think about all the things that happened during the pregnancy, birth, and infancy of your child. Don't allow yourself to become burdened by this. Realize that you are going through this stage, but allow yourself to move on. Allow yourself to realize that you cannot change what has happened. Use your grief to change your child's future. Advocate for your child and other children. Moving forward is the best way to move on.
Denial
You may also go through stages of not believing what is happening with your child (How could this be happening?). During this time, be aware that you are experiencing denial, and do not lose focus on your child's treatment.
Acceptance and Loneliness
I found that I went through these stages simultaneously. I began to accept what was happening with my son. Even if your child has been diagnosed and you are in the anger stage, keep your chin up. You will reach the stage where you can accept what is happening. You will also find that with acceptance comes loneliness. You will desperately want to find a group to belong to. You will desperately want to find someone to talk to who also has a child with a disability. Make sure to take time for yourself and find a group that will offer you support.
Words to the wise
Every person is a unique individual that will process things differently. You may move through the stages of grief quickly or it may take a long time. Allow yourself to have the time to deal with the situation. You will move back and forth between the stages through time, so your emotions may be raw from time-to-time. Allow yourself to feel. Use your emotions to advocate for your child. Do not allow bitterness or depression. If you find yourself unable to deal rationally with your emotions, go to your doctor. Your doctor will help you find ways to deal with your grief.
Reference: www.autismspeaks.org/family/index.php
Saturday, February 5, 2011
As Unique as a Snowflake
This school year, thus far, has been a huge learning experience for me. Every day I go into my classroom ready to learn something new.
One thing I can definitely tell you is that one successful technique or strategy used by a person working with one child with autism will not always work with the next child with autism. It is said that autism is a huge spectrum. I believe that it is much more than that. The individuals affected by autism are as unique and numerous as snowflakes in a snowstorm. So, then, how do doctors make correct diagnosis? Research has yet to confirm a true genetic link that would be consistent in every case. So, the current statistics have a level of uncertainty. I know some who are trying to create an assessment piece or technique that can be used across the board to diagnose autism. I believe in their work, but I go into the thought being a little pessimistic. Is it possible to catch all individuals with autism early enough to use early intervention strategies? Early intervention is research proven. These early strategies help the individual reach a higher level of success in life.
As a result of each individual being completely unique, one must really get to know each individual before one can make a definite judgement. For example, my son's doctor does not have a clear picture of who he is. It is impossible for her to observe him in his natural environment and in novel environments in order to make a specific diagnosis. This is where I believe video documentation would have great effects on a doctor's ability to make appropriate diagnosis. I would like to see more parents do this, copy it to a disk, and give it to their doctors.
This technique, along with other diagnostic pieces, could help make diagnosing a more precise art without having to depend on genetics solely.
As a result of each individual being completely unique, one must really get to know each individual before one can make a definite judgement. For example, my son's doctor does not have a clear picture of who he is. It is impossible for her to observe him in his natural environment and in novel environments in order to make a specific diagnosis. This is where I believe video documentation would have great effects on a doctor's ability to make appropriate diagnosis. I would like to see more parents do this, copy it to a disk, and give it to their doctors.
This technique, along with other diagnostic pieces, could help make diagnosing a more precise art without having to depend on genetics solely.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
A New Direction
During this past spring in Florida, I noticed these little brown birds chasing away big black birds from their nesting sites. I asked Marty what these birds were called. The small, brown bird is the Northern Mockingbird. The big, black birds are American Crows. I found a picture online of this small, gutsie bird chasing an american crown away. It's grainy and kind of ugly, but you get the point, right?
I was inspired. I thought about my job as a mom and as an educator. I want to be the one chasing away harmful ideas, thoughts, or people from my own children.
A week later, after discovering this picture, I had a dream about it. I guess I view myself as the Northern Mockingbirds. I am small and no match for something big, like the American Crow. Yet... I have guts and I find strength in my relation with my Lord. I want to be the person who helps other people change their perceptions about individuals with disabilities. I want to teach through training. I want to help other people understand individuals with disabilities by educating them. I want to train them how to react to and care for these individuals. I believe that we only dismiss those ideas we are uncomfortable with. What is the true reason why we don't reach out to these individuals? I would like to hear some answers.
So, my blog is taking a new direction. My writing helps me understand. It also helps grow ideas in me.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Diet #3- Fat and Calories: Not The Only Things to Count for Weight Loss and Health
If you are a calorie counter, this website is for you-
http://walking.about.com/cs/calories/l/blcalcac.htm - Calories per day calculator
If you are concerned about the amount of fat and protein in your diet, this website is for you-
http://nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/fat_protein.htm- How much fat and protein should a person consume?
Now- The Third Thing To Consider! SUGAR!
I have posted about sugar substitutes. Now, I will post about real, refined sugar (fructose specifically). It turns out that the over-consumption of sugar by Americans is also adding to the obesity problem in America today. We are doing many things wrong. We are eating huge portions during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We are choosing less whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits and more high fat, low calorie, low nutrition food. We are lowering fat and calories, yet also lowing the nutritional value of our foods.
So, here is what I found out about sugar-
The following is written by Robert Lustig, MD, a UCSF pediatric neuroendocrinologist.;
" The problem is the increase in sugar consumption. Sugar both drives fat storage and makes the brain think it is hungry, setting up a vicious cycle ".
More specifically, it is fructose that is harmful, according to Lustig. Fructose is a component of the two most popular sugars. One is table sugar — sucrose. The other is high-fructose corn syrup. High-fructose corn syrup has become ubiquitous in soft drinks and many other processed foods.
Sugar No Better Than Fat
Each sucrose molecule consists of one molecule of fructose joined to one molecule of glucose. In the gut, these two components are quickly split apart. High-fructose corn syrup is a less expensive mixture of glucose and fructose. There is no point in belaboring the difference, Lustig says. “High-fructose corn syrup and sucrose are exactly the same,” Lustig says. “They’re equally bad. They’re both poison in high doses.”
Over the past century, Americans have increased their fructose consumption from 15 grams per day to 75 grams per day or more, Lustig explains. The trend accelerated beginning about three decades ago, when cheap, easy-to-transport high-fructose corn syrup became widely available.
Much of processed food labeled “reduced fat” instead has sugar added to make it more palatable, Lustig says. But when it comes to harmful health effects, sugar is worse than fat, he claims. Consumption of either results in elevated levels of artery-clogging fats being made by the liver and deposited in the bloodstream. But fructose causes even further damage to the liver and to structural proteins of the body while fomenting excessive caloric consumption, Lustig says.
Follow 4 Simple Guidelines-
Get rid of every sugared liquid in the house. Kids should drink only water and milk.
Provide carbohydrates associated with fiber.
Wait 20 minutes before serving second portions.
Have kids buy their “screen time” minute-for-minute with physical activity.
Go to http://www.ucsf.edu/science-cafe/articles/obesity-and-metabolic-syndrome-driven-by-fructose-sugar-diet/ to read more about the negative effects of sugar.
Interesting reading- click on links at the bottom of the article on http://www.ucsf.edu/science-cafe/articles/obesity-and-metabolic-syndrome-driven-by-fructose-sugar-diet/
"Lick The Sugar Habit"- Book by Dr. Nancy Appleton
Want to know more?
Sugar is called "Sweet Poison" on the following website- http://www.immunesystemetc.com/sugar.html.
This website lists the sugar related health problems. I will copy and paste the list here.
Sugar Related Health Problems:
Acne
Addiction to drugs, caffeine & food
Adrenal gland exhaustion
Alcoholism
Allergies
Anxiety
Appendicitis
Arthritis
Asthma
Behavior problems
Binge eating
Bloating
Bone loss
Cancer (cancer cells feed on sugar)
Candidiasis
Cardiovascular disease
Cataracts
Colitis
Constipation
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Difficulty concentrating
Diverticulitis & diverticulosis
Eczema
Edema
Emotional problems
Endocrine gland dysfunction
Fatigue
Food cravings
Gallstones
Gout
Heart Disease
High blood cholesterol
High estrogen levels
High triglyceride levels
Hormonal problems
Hyperactivity
High blood pressure
Hypoglycemia
Impaired digestion of all foods
Indigestion
Insomnia
Kidney stones
Liver dysfunction
Liver enlargement & fatty liver syndrome
Low HDL cholesterol
Menstrual difficulties
Mental illness
Mood swings
Muscle pain
Nearsightedness
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Overacidity
Parasitic infections
Premature aging & wrinkles
Premenstrual syndrome
Psoriasis
Rheumatism
Shortened life span
Tooth decay
Ulcers
Vaginal yeast infections
How much sugar should we eat?
if you are on a 2000cal/day diet, you should not eat more than 32 grams of sugar. Everything is moderation, right? Well, it depends on what your definition of the word moderation is. To put it in perspective- no more than 8 teaspoons of sugar a day. Go home and get out your measuring spoons. Find the teaspoon and get out the sugar. Take your teaspoon and measure out 1 teaspoon of sugar and pour it into a bowl or glass. Repeat 8 times. This will help you gain some insight into how much sugar is a moderate amount of sugar.
The Good, Bad, and the Ugly Truth
Go to the following website to view the list of good sugar and bad sugar- http://health.yahoo.com/experts/joybauernutrition/40/sugar-how-much-should-we-eat/;_ylt=At4Ak0skU0PsPKid3lhJxVpLvs8F
More interesting reading-
www.mypyramid.gov - USDA recommended food pyramid
"Choose Your Foods: Exchange List for Dietetics" - (booklet) American Diebetes Association
http://walking.about.com/cs/calories/l/blcalcac.htm - Calories per day calculator
If you are concerned about the amount of fat and protein in your diet, this website is for you-
http://nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/fat_protein.htm- How much fat and protein should a person consume?
Now- The Third Thing To Consider! SUGAR!
I have posted about sugar substitutes. Now, I will post about real, refined sugar (fructose specifically). It turns out that the over-consumption of sugar by Americans is also adding to the obesity problem in America today. We are doing many things wrong. We are eating huge portions during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We are choosing less whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits and more high fat, low calorie, low nutrition food. We are lowering fat and calories, yet also lowing the nutritional value of our foods.
So, here is what I found out about sugar-
The following is written by Robert Lustig, MD, a UCSF pediatric neuroendocrinologist.;
" The problem is the increase in sugar consumption. Sugar both drives fat storage and makes the brain think it is hungry, setting up a vicious cycle ".
More specifically, it is fructose that is harmful, according to Lustig. Fructose is a component of the two most popular sugars. One is table sugar — sucrose. The other is high-fructose corn syrup. High-fructose corn syrup has become ubiquitous in soft drinks and many other processed foods.
Sugar No Better Than Fat
Each sucrose molecule consists of one molecule of fructose joined to one molecule of glucose. In the gut, these two components are quickly split apart. High-fructose corn syrup is a less expensive mixture of glucose and fructose. There is no point in belaboring the difference, Lustig says. “High-fructose corn syrup and sucrose are exactly the same,” Lustig says. “They’re equally bad. They’re both poison in high doses.”
Over the past century, Americans have increased their fructose consumption from 15 grams per day to 75 grams per day or more, Lustig explains. The trend accelerated beginning about three decades ago, when cheap, easy-to-transport high-fructose corn syrup became widely available.
Much of processed food labeled “reduced fat” instead has sugar added to make it more palatable, Lustig says. But when it comes to harmful health effects, sugar is worse than fat, he claims. Consumption of either results in elevated levels of artery-clogging fats being made by the liver and deposited in the bloodstream. But fructose causes even further damage to the liver and to structural proteins of the body while fomenting excessive caloric consumption, Lustig says.
Follow 4 Simple Guidelines-
Get rid of every sugared liquid in the house. Kids should drink only water and milk.
Provide carbohydrates associated with fiber.
Wait 20 minutes before serving second portions.
Have kids buy their “screen time” minute-for-minute with physical activity.
Go to http://www.ucsf.edu/science-cafe/articles/obesity-and-metabolic-syndrome-driven-by-fructose-sugar-diet/ to read more about the negative effects of sugar.
Interesting reading- click on links at the bottom of the article on http://www.ucsf.edu/science-cafe/articles/obesity-and-metabolic-syndrome-driven-by-fructose-sugar-diet/
"Lick The Sugar Habit"- Book by Dr. Nancy Appleton
Want to know more?
Sugar is called "Sweet Poison" on the following website- http://www.immunesystemetc.com/sugar.html.
This website lists the sugar related health problems. I will copy and paste the list here.
Sugar Related Health Problems:
Acne
Addiction to drugs, caffeine & food
Adrenal gland exhaustion
Alcoholism
Allergies
Anxiety
Appendicitis
Arthritis
Asthma
Behavior problems
Binge eating
Bloating
Bone loss
Cancer (cancer cells feed on sugar)
Candidiasis
Cardiovascular disease
Cataracts
Colitis
Constipation
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Difficulty concentrating
Diverticulitis & diverticulosis
Eczema
Edema
Emotional problems
Endocrine gland dysfunction
Fatigue
Food cravings
Gallstones
Gout
Heart Disease
High blood cholesterol
High estrogen levels
High triglyceride levels
Hormonal problems
Hyperactivity
High blood pressure
Hypoglycemia
Impaired digestion of all foods
Indigestion
Insomnia
Kidney stones
Liver dysfunction
Liver enlargement & fatty liver syndrome
Low HDL cholesterol
Menstrual difficulties
Mental illness
Mood swings
Muscle pain
Nearsightedness
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Overacidity
Parasitic infections
Premature aging & wrinkles
Premenstrual syndrome
Psoriasis
Rheumatism
Shortened life span
Tooth decay
Ulcers
Vaginal yeast infections
How much sugar should we eat?
if you are on a 2000cal/day diet, you should not eat more than 32 grams of sugar. Everything is moderation, right? Well, it depends on what your definition of the word moderation is. To put it in perspective- no more than 8 teaspoons of sugar a day. Go home and get out your measuring spoons. Find the teaspoon and get out the sugar. Take your teaspoon and measure out 1 teaspoon of sugar and pour it into a bowl or glass. Repeat 8 times. This will help you gain some insight into how much sugar is a moderate amount of sugar.
The Good, Bad, and the Ugly Truth
Go to the following website to view the list of good sugar and bad sugar- http://health.yahoo.com/experts/joybauernutrition/40/sugar-how-much-should-we-eat/;_ylt=At4Ak0skU0PsPKid3lhJxVpLvs8F
More interesting reading-
www.mypyramid.gov - USDA recommended food pyramid
"Choose Your Foods: Exchange List for Dietetics" - (booklet) American Diebetes Association
Friday, January 15, 2010
First Things First- Diet #2 (Dairy Intolerance and Allergy)
What is the Difference Between a Dairy Allergy and a Dairy Intolerance?
For starters, we need to distinguish between allergies and intolerances, which are two very distinct physiological reactions.
Allergies are brought on by the ingestion of normally harmless substances that the body recognizes as foreign (such as casein or lactose). This in turn causes the release of antibodies to fight off their presence in the body. Consequently, the body will release chemical triggers such as histamines to alert the body to the invading matter, which can result in inflammation. Allergies can range in severity, and at their most intense can result in anaphylactic shock.
Food intolerances, on the other hand, do not involve the immune system. Intolerances result when an enzyme needed to digest certain substances does not exist in the body. Those suffering from lactose intolerance, for example, do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking lactose down in the small intestine. Without the necessary amount of lactase, the lactose gets sent straight into the large intestine, causing a range of digestive problems such as flatulence, bloating and stomach cramps.
With some 30% of Americans suffering from lactose intolerance, it is the most common food intolerance in the country. And unlike dairy allergies, which many children grow out of, lactose intolerance only worsens in age. This is because, as we get older, the amount of lactase our body produces naturally decreases.
How Would I Know if I had a Dairy Allergy or Intolerance?
If you experience any of the following symptoms after ingesting dairy you should consult your doctor about the possibility of a dairy sensitivity.
Symptoms of dairy intolerance include:
cramping of the stomach
bloating and/or gas
diarrhea
nausea
headaches
In addition to these symptoms, dairy allergies may result in:
constipation
asthma
skin rash or hives
eczema
nasal congestion
blood in urine or stools
rectal itching or fissures
anaphylactic shock
Source:http://www.wdxcyber.com/dairyallergy.html
A simple test
A simple test for lactose intolerance is to drink at least two 8-ounce glasses of milk on an empty stomach and note any gastrointestinal symptoms that develop in the next four hours. The test should then be repeated using several ounces of cheese (which does not contain much lactose). If symptoms result from milk but not cheese, then the person probably has lactose intolerance. If symptoms occur with both milk and cheese, the person may be allergic to dairy products (very rarely can lactose intolerance be so severe that even eating cheese will cause symptoms).
Source:
http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/1229008.html
Interesting Reading- http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;118/3/1279- "Lactose Intolerance in Infants, Children, and Adolescents" Melvin B. Heyman, MD, MPH for the Committee on Nutrition
For starters, we need to distinguish between allergies and intolerances, which are two very distinct physiological reactions.
Allergies are brought on by the ingestion of normally harmless substances that the body recognizes as foreign (such as casein or lactose). This in turn causes the release of antibodies to fight off their presence in the body. Consequently, the body will release chemical triggers such as histamines to alert the body to the invading matter, which can result in inflammation. Allergies can range in severity, and at their most intense can result in anaphylactic shock.
Food intolerances, on the other hand, do not involve the immune system. Intolerances result when an enzyme needed to digest certain substances does not exist in the body. Those suffering from lactose intolerance, for example, do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking lactose down in the small intestine. Without the necessary amount of lactase, the lactose gets sent straight into the large intestine, causing a range of digestive problems such as flatulence, bloating and stomach cramps.
With some 30% of Americans suffering from lactose intolerance, it is the most common food intolerance in the country. And unlike dairy allergies, which many children grow out of, lactose intolerance only worsens in age. This is because, as we get older, the amount of lactase our body produces naturally decreases.
How Would I Know if I had a Dairy Allergy or Intolerance?
If you experience any of the following symptoms after ingesting dairy you should consult your doctor about the possibility of a dairy sensitivity.
Symptoms of dairy intolerance include:
cramping of the stomach
bloating and/or gas
diarrhea
nausea
headaches
In addition to these symptoms, dairy allergies may result in:
constipation
asthma
skin rash or hives
eczema
nasal congestion
blood in urine or stools
rectal itching or fissures
anaphylactic shock
Source:http://www.wdxcyber.com/dairyallergy.html
A simple test
A simple test for lactose intolerance is to drink at least two 8-ounce glasses of milk on an empty stomach and note any gastrointestinal symptoms that develop in the next four hours. The test should then be repeated using several ounces of cheese (which does not contain much lactose). If symptoms result from milk but not cheese, then the person probably has lactose intolerance. If symptoms occur with both milk and cheese, the person may be allergic to dairy products (very rarely can lactose intolerance be so severe that even eating cheese will cause symptoms).
Source:
http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/1229008.html
Interesting Reading- http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;118/3/1279- "Lactose Intolerance in Infants, Children, and Adolescents" Melvin B. Heyman, MD, MPH for the Committee on Nutrition
First Things First- Diet #1 (Artificial sweeteners and ADHD)
Aspartame Dangers-
The dangers of aspartame poisoning have been a well-guarded secret since the 1980s. The research and history of aspartame is conclusive as a cause of illness and toxic reactions in the human body. Aspartame is a dangerous chemical food additive, and its use during pregnancy and by children is one of the greatest modern tragedies of all.
Why haven't you heard about this before? Partly because the diet industry is worth trillions of American dollars to corporations, and they want to protect their profits by keeping the truth behind aspartame's dangers hidden from the public. When NutraSweet® was introduced for the 'second' time in 1981, a diet craze revolutionized America's eating protocols and a well-oiled money machine was set into motion changing modern lifestyles. After more than twenty years of aspartame use, the number of its victims is rapidly piling up, and people are figuring out for themselves that aspartame is at the root of their health problems. Patients are teaching their doctors about this nutritional peril, and they are healing themselves with little to no support from traditional medicine.
Aspartame Effects
Aspartame is the common denominator for over 92 different health symptoms at the root of modern disease. The Aspartame Detoxification Program demonstrates the most effective way to reverse disease symptoms is removing the underlying cause - aspartame.
I counsel aspartame victims worldwide and have witnessed nine out of 10 clients restore their health by following the Aspartame Detoxification Program. Begin with detoxifying your body of all residual chemical toxins from aspartame's chemical make up of phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol and their toxic by-products, and see if any adverse health symptoms remain.Try the Aspartame Detoxification Program, and within 30 days your symptoms should disappear.
I designed this Ten Step Program to help protect your health and the health of those you love from being seduced by the sugar-free diet craze. Wishing you good health.
Phenylalanine and Aspartame
Phenylalanine is a hidden danger to anyone consuming aspartame. Most consumers don't know that too much Phenylalanine is a neurotoxin and excites the neurons in the brain to the point of cellular death. Phenylalanine is one of the essential amino acids found in proteins, but I am one of the believers that amino acids should be eaten in combination, not in isolated form. Nature provides amino acids in combination; only man isolates them for processing purposes.
It is important to learn about the ingredients within your foods, especially isolated amino acids like Phenylalanine. They are in combination within nature for a reason - they don't belong in isolated form for the healthy human diet.
SOURCE- http://www.sweetpoison.com/
Link to case histories- http://www.sweetpoison.com/aspartame-case-histories.html
Phenylalanine and ADHD
ADD/ADHD, emotional and behavioral disorders can all be triggered by too much Phenylalanine in the daily diet. If you are one in ten thousand people who are PKU or carry the PKU gene, Phenylalanine can cause irreversible brain damage and death, especially when used in high quantities or during pregnancy. Phenylalanine is 50% of aspartame, and to the degree humans consume diet products, Phenylalanine levels are reaching a dangerous peak.
SOURCE- http://www.sweetpoison.com/
Interesting reading:
http://www.dorway.com/blayenn.html- "Excitotoxins, Neurodegeneration and Neurodevelopment" By Russell L. Blaylock, M.D
http://www.naturalnews.com/019957.html - "The top ten things food companies don't want you to know" Look at number 4 and 5!
http://www.naturalnews.com/ADHD.html- Articles related to ADHD
http://www.naturalnews.com/aspartame.html - articles related to aspartame
The dangers of aspartame poisoning have been a well-guarded secret since the 1980s. The research and history of aspartame is conclusive as a cause of illness and toxic reactions in the human body. Aspartame is a dangerous chemical food additive, and its use during pregnancy and by children is one of the greatest modern tragedies of all.
Why haven't you heard about this before? Partly because the diet industry is worth trillions of American dollars to corporations, and they want to protect their profits by keeping the truth behind aspartame's dangers hidden from the public. When NutraSweet® was introduced for the 'second' time in 1981, a diet craze revolutionized America's eating protocols and a well-oiled money machine was set into motion changing modern lifestyles. After more than twenty years of aspartame use, the number of its victims is rapidly piling up, and people are figuring out for themselves that aspartame is at the root of their health problems. Patients are teaching their doctors about this nutritional peril, and they are healing themselves with little to no support from traditional medicine.
Aspartame Effects
Aspartame is the common denominator for over 92 different health symptoms at the root of modern disease. The Aspartame Detoxification Program demonstrates the most effective way to reverse disease symptoms is removing the underlying cause - aspartame.
I counsel aspartame victims worldwide and have witnessed nine out of 10 clients restore their health by following the Aspartame Detoxification Program. Begin with detoxifying your body of all residual chemical toxins from aspartame's chemical make up of phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol and their toxic by-products, and see if any adverse health symptoms remain.Try the Aspartame Detoxification Program, and within 30 days your symptoms should disappear.
I designed this Ten Step Program to help protect your health and the health of those you love from being seduced by the sugar-free diet craze. Wishing you good health.
Phenylalanine and Aspartame
Phenylalanine is a hidden danger to anyone consuming aspartame. Most consumers don't know that too much Phenylalanine is a neurotoxin and excites the neurons in the brain to the point of cellular death. Phenylalanine is one of the essential amino acids found in proteins, but I am one of the believers that amino acids should be eaten in combination, not in isolated form. Nature provides amino acids in combination; only man isolates them for processing purposes.
It is important to learn about the ingredients within your foods, especially isolated amino acids like Phenylalanine. They are in combination within nature for a reason - they don't belong in isolated form for the healthy human diet.
SOURCE- http://www.sweetpoison.com/
Link to case histories- http://www.sweetpoison.com/aspartame-case-histories.html
Phenylalanine and ADHD
ADD/ADHD, emotional and behavioral disorders can all be triggered by too much Phenylalanine in the daily diet. If you are one in ten thousand people who are PKU or carry the PKU gene, Phenylalanine can cause irreversible brain damage and death, especially when used in high quantities or during pregnancy. Phenylalanine is 50% of aspartame, and to the degree humans consume diet products, Phenylalanine levels are reaching a dangerous peak.
SOURCE- http://www.sweetpoison.com/
Interesting reading:
http://www.dorway.com/blayenn.html- "Excitotoxins, Neurodegeneration and Neurodevelopment" By Russell L. Blaylock, M.D
http://www.naturalnews.com/019957.html - "The top ten things food companies don't want you to know" Look at number 4 and 5!
http://www.naturalnews.com/ADHD.html- Articles related to ADHD
http://www.naturalnews.com/aspartame.html - articles related to aspartame
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