A Nutritional Approach to Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorders...

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a controversial syndrome.

Debate has raged around the world over the condition itself, its prevalence and, in particular, over the use of medication to treat ADHD. Between 1991 and 1998, prescriptions in Australia dispensed for dexamphetamine sulphate increased by 2400 per cent, while prescriptions for Ritalin increased by 620 per cent over the same period. Although often presented as recent phenomena, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders have been around for some considerable time as has the use of stimulant medication to treat the symptoms of the condition.

Another theory catching on quickly is micronutrient malnutrition - the lack of micronutrients and dietary exposure to chemicals, preservatives and heavy metal

toxins. This micronutrient intake problem is further compounded by over processed nutrients. Our children do not  receive on a daily basis an appropriate amount of high quality protein, trace minerals, vitamins and enzymes for variety of reasons. This deficiency stems from vegetables and fruits grown in mineral-deficient soils, and poor diets consisting of processed and commercially prepared (and chemically preserved) foods. Trace mineral deficiency causes several problems including a host of diseases, impairment or retardation of brain functioning, reduced attention span, sleep disturbance, listlessness, fatigue, irritability, aggression, and many other ailments too numerous to mention.

Unnatural additives in our food have an effect on behaviour and learning. Some studies suggest that these chemicals can "short circuit" the electrical impulses in the brain, interfering with the ability to think. Eliminating these additives is one step towards correcting neurological disorders such as AD/HD, (also autism, dementia, Alzheimer, etc.). The easiest and most important step to assist in the management of neurological disorders is by adding a usable micro-nutrient to your diet.

AFA blue-green algae can help to rescue children and adults with AD/HD and other brain chemistry conditions. AFA is the most nutrient dense food on the planet. It contains virtually every vitamin, mineral and amino acid in the world. AFA is extremely high in proteins (amino acids.) These amino acids serve a dual purpose; they provide necessary building blocks for protein, enzyme and neurotransmitter synthesis and they help to remove dangerous heavy metal toxins from the body.

Karl J. Abrams author of "Algae to the Rescue" a book considered by many in the algae industry to be the definitive book on the chemistry of algae, has written a new book that speaks out specifically to the effects of algae on children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.

Karl J. Abrams...a tenured professor of chemistry at Saddleback college in Southern California, has taught chemistry for more than twenty years. He is the author of the successful chemistry textbooks, A course in Experimental Chemistry, Books I and II, published by Freeman Cooper & Co., Reaction Database Searching Methods published by Molecular Design Ltd., and numerous articles on chemical education.  While studying chemistry as an undergraduate, Mr. Abrams did research under the tutelage of Nobel Laureate, Joshua Lederberg, at Stanford Medical School. After earning his Master's degree from the University of California, he began teaching college chemistry. Several years ago, Professor Abrams' started taking a unique strain of Algae, Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae a.k.a. "nutritional Blue-Green Algae". He personally experienced a profound sense of mental clarity, a boost in energy level and an elevated feeling of well being. Enamoured by this wild and organic whole food, he thoroughly researched this edible Algae. The results of his investigation have been taught in many seminars, talk shows and radio shows around the country, as well as in his detailed book entitled, "Algae to the Rescue! Everything you need to know about Nutritional Blue-Green Algae". His next book and the subject, exalts the healing properties of blue green algae, wheat grass sprouts and bacteria and the vital role these "super" highly nutritious foods play for sufferers of ADD. / ADHD. Professor Abrams is a leading authority on nutritional Blue-Green Algae. From 1995 to 1998 he appeared on many radio and television programs literally from coast to coast in the US and Canada.

The following excerpts are from Professor Abrams new book.....  Click Here to Order

While eliminating environmental toxins as much as possible, AFA blue-green
algae helps to reactivate every cell of the body.  Specifically, it makes the outer surface of cells (cell membranes) more fluid and flexible allowing nutrients in, while more efficiently eliminating waste products.  Thus, AFA blue-green algae not only helps eliminate toxins from the body but also helps the body absorb nutrients.

What about others? What about our children? Can blue-green algae give them the nutritional boost they may need? I have been a chemistry professor for about 20 years. As an educator, I have become interested in the positive effects that blue-green algae may have on children, particularly children with symptoms of a disorder called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Such symptoms include impulsivity, short attention spans, and hyperactivity. I've discovered the answer to the above question is "Yes, blue-green algae can drastically improve the lives of children and adults with ADHD (and their families)". The purpose of this book is to explain how it can help.

ADHD: Potential Nutritional Causes and Interventions

According to nutritionists, biochemists, and health-conscious people all over the world, a balanced diet including the ingestion of both large cells ("normal" foods like vegetables, meats, and potatoes) and small cells (algae) is necessary for mental, emotional, and physical health. In addition, health improvement can occur through eating organic fruits and vegetables, which detoxify and boost the body's immune system.

Studies on dietary alterations have shown to have dramatic effects not only for physical health but for mental functioning as well. For instance, Michael and Lesley Colgan at the Colgan Institute of Nutritional Science in San Diego conducted a landmark 22 week dietary study on children. Children positively responded to a special diet consisting of fibre, whole grains, and unprocessed foods with no refined sugars (supplemented with a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement). In particular, they observed dramatic improvements in the learning abilities of 16 children diagnosed as having learning and behavioural problems.

Another study conducted in 1988, found that vitamin and mineral supplementation can significantly increase non-verbal intellect in children. Vitamins, such as thiamine, niacin, and vitamins B6 and B12 are vital nutrients, and especially important to brain and nerve functioning. Conversely, malnutrition and a toxic diet have profound negative consequences on mental and emotional functioning.

Recently, several studies have been conducted on the affects of AFA blue-green algae on children and adults with ADHD with very promising and positive results. In particular, a study in Nicaragua in 1992 showed the beneficial effects of AFA blue-green algae on children's school performance. The results revealed an increase in average academic scores of 1482 children who ingested about 1 gram of blue-green algae daily. Academic scores rose from a baseline of 64% to 81% one year later(1). It is truly amazing that such a modest amount of AFA blue-green algae can result in enormous benefits.

Another study from the University of Central America in 1995 also investigated the affects of about 1 gram of AFA blue-green algae on academic performance as well as overall health status. They monitored a group of 111 children for six months who were taking the algae and compared their outcomes to a control group with the same number of children. For the children taking the algae, marked improvement was noted in class participation and overall ability to focus on given tasks(2).

One particular study of AFA blue-green algae is especially enlightening and remains one of my favourites. It involved 109 children with an average age of 9 years, (55 girls and 54 boys) whose parent's responded to an article placed in two national magazines across the United States. Parents filled out a detailed standardized questionnaire that inquired about academic, medical, and behavioural histories of their children. At the end of the ten week study, parents were asked to fill out another standardized questionnaire regarding improvement. Specifically, parents reported "significant improvement in the ability to focus, follow directions, and concentrate...fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression and behavioural withdrawal." Teachers involved in the study also reported "an improvement in the ability to focus and concentrate...a reduction in aggressive and acting out behaviours. "Thus, the results of this study indicate that "significant positive changes in children...were evident across a wide range of behaviours...[and] that all children might increase their ability to concentrate and focus as algae is added to their diet"(3)

1.   This study was not available in any peer-reviewed scientific journal; it is published by Project 2000, Inc. 140 Seawall St. Boylston MA.  Fall 1993 issue.

2.   Seveilla, I. And Aguirre, N,. "Study of the effects of Super Blue Green Algae™ on the nutritional status and school performance of first, second and third grade children attending the Monsenor Velez School in Nandaime, Nicaragua.," Cell Tech, 1995.

3.  Jarratt, C.J., Jewett, M.D., Peters, S., and Tragash, E. "The Children and Algae Report".  Centre for Family Wellness Study, 1995. To request an order form for a copy of this report e-mail: pinhill@ma.ultranet.com

 

 

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