As we discussed last week, the prevalence of autism has increased greatly.  This
week we will look to the why so hopefully we can prevent these numbers from
increasing even more in the future.  Autism is a condition that encompasses the
nervous system, the digestive system, the immune system, and the body's ability to
excrete, so it is very complex issue.

Nature vs. Nurture
One to two generations ago, in the 1970's, the genetic material of humans was
clearly very similar to how it is today.  Yet autism occurred in only 1/10,000 people.
For that reason, it’s not surprising that studies show that only about 3% of autism is
due to pure genetic reasons.  We see often times a preference for auditory
processing, with gifts in music, mathematics, and memorization in these cases.
Where the genes interact with the environment is where autism is being studied.
Our increasingly toxic world is filled with more and more for our bodies to adapt to,
including artificial colors and flavors, medications, fillings in our teeth, polluted air
and water, and even the bath and body products we use. MTHFR is a genetic
condition that decreases the body's ability to detox. It may be present in up to 50% of
children, and may be a major contributor to why certain children are more prone to
autism because their bodies have trouble getting rid of heavy metals, plastic
compounds, etc.

Leaky Gut Syndrome
The gut-brain connection is being increasingly known as either an indicator of good
or poor health in many areas - behavior and mood, autoimmune disorders, and also
autism.  Present in our guts should be healthy bacteria symbiotically in balance with
certain types of fungi and yeast, known as a microbiome. An unhealthy microbiome
can stem from a C-section delivery (where baby didn't pick up mom's microbiome),
an inability to breastfeed (again, where baby can receive mom's microbiome through
her skin), use of acetaminophen or Tylenol, antibiotic use, or a prolonged
Sympathetic Response (too much time in fight or flight).  Complicating these
underlying factors, children with autism often times prefer simple carbs and refuse to
eat fruits and vegetables and fermented foods that contribute to a healthy
microbiome.  So when a child with leaky gut eats a potentially toxic food, containing
artificial colors, or MSG, these substances can get through the gut and out into the
body, creating more inflammation and potential for other auto-immune diseases.

When substances that have leaked out through the gut reach the brain, inflammation
occurs inside the brain. This can look like tics, explosive behavior, or even sensory processing
disorders.

Subluxation
We have never checked a child with autism who did not have a major misalignment,
or subluxation, in his or her upper neck.  How does this happen in a young child?
The birth process, in utero misalignment (twins, a breech or posterior position), a fall
or injury, hitting his or her head, etc. can all cause a subluxation.
Research has shown that a subluxation can affect the brain negatively in ways that
can contribute to autism.  A misalignment can decrease blood flow and flow of
cerebral spinal fluid to the brain. A misalignment can also send faulty sensory
information to the brain, which can cause a lack of body coordination and the brain
not understanding where the body is in space. The upper neck area, when out of
balance, also contributes to a sympathetic, or fight or flight response. For many
children, this takes a lot of energy and can leave them tired but wired. Insomnia,
perceived threats in a safe environment, and trouble with concentrating are all signs
of being stuck in fight or flight.

If you would like to read some of these studies or want more information, please
reach out!   Our goal is to empower parents to make great choices about the health
care of their children.  Next week, we will share more about the village that we have
to try to make improvements in quality of life for children who have neurodevelopmental disorders and their families.

As we discussed last week, the prevalence of autism has increased greatly.  This week we will look to the why so hopefully we can prevent these numbers from increasing even more in the future.  Autism is a condition that encompasses the nervous system, the digestive system, the immune system, and the body's ability to excrete, so it is very complex issue.

Nature vs. Nurture

One to two generations ago, in the 1970's, the genetic material of humans was clearly very similar to how it is today.  Yet autism occurred in only 1/10,000 people. For that reason, it’s not surprising that studies show that only about 3% of autism is due to pure genetic reasons.  We see often times a preference for auditory processing, with gifts in music, mathematics, and memorization in these cases.  

Where the genes interact with the environment is where autism is being studied.  Our increasingly toxic world is filled with more and more for our bodies to adapt to, including artificial colors and flavors, medications, fillings in our teeth, polluted air and water, and even the bath and body products we use. MTHFR is a genetic condition that decreases the body's ability to detox. It may be present in up to 50% of children, and may be a major contributor to why certain children are more prone to autism because their bodies have trouble getting rid of heavy metals, plastic compounds, etc.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

The gut-brain connection is being increasingly known as either an indicator of good or poor health in many areas - behavior and mood, autoimmune disorders, and also autism.  Present in our guts should be healthy bacteria symbiotically in balance with certain types of fungi and yeast, known as a microbiome. An unhealthy microbiome can stem from a C-section delivery (where baby didn't pick up mom's microbiome), an inability to breastfeed (again, where baby can receive mom's microbiome through her skin), use of acetaminophen or Tylenol, antibiotic use, or a prolonged Sympathetic Response (too much time in fight or flight).  Complicating these underlying factors, children with autism often times prefer simple carbs and refuse to eat fruits and vegetables and fermented foods that contribute to a healthy microbiome.  So when a child with leaky gut eats a potentially toxic food, containing artificial colors, or MSG, these substances can get through the gut and out into the body, creating more inflammation and potential for other auto-immune diseases.  When substances that have leaked out through the gut reach the brain, inflammation occurs there and can look like tics, explosive behavior, or even sensory processing disorders.

Subluxation

We have never checked a child with autism who did not have a major misalignment, or subluxation, in his or her upper neck.  How does this happen in a young child?  The birth process, in utero misalignment (twins, a breech or posterior position), a fall or injury, hitting his or her head, etc. can all cause a subluxation.  

Research has shown that a subluxation can affect the brain negatively in ways that can contribute to autism.  A misalignment can decrease blood flow and flow of cerebral spinal fluid to the brain. A misalignment can also send faulty sensory information to the brain, which can cause a lack of body coordination and the brain not understanding where the body is in space. The upper neck area, when out of balance, also contributes to a sympathetic, or fight or flight response. For many children, this takes a lot of energy and can leave them tired but wired. Insomnia, perceived threats in a safe environment, and trouble with concentrating are all signs of being stuck in fight or flight.

As we mentioned, this is a very complex issue and our goal is to empower parents to make great choices about the health care of their children. If you would like to read some of these studies or want more information, please reach out!  Next week, we will share more about the village that we have to try to make improvements for kids with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families.

April is Autism Awareness Month.  The incidence of autism has increased from 1/10,000 in the 1970’s to 1/68 children (1/42 boys and 1/189 girls) in March of 2014.  Lisa Ackerman, TACA Executive Director, has stated, “We can no longer assume we are more aware or better at diagnosing. There is just more autism. It is time we offer families help not excuses.”

The fiscal cost of the devastating neurological disease depends on its severity, but has been estimated between $1.4 - $2.4 million over a lifetime.  It is not hard to see that if the rate of autism keeps dramatically increasing, this burden will not be sustainable financially or emotionally for families and individuals.

While we celebrate the wide range of neurodiversity present in our city, state, and even in our own office at Lifelong Health, we believe that adding health to every situation can help improve quality of life.  Since autism affects the nervous system, the digestive system, the immune system, and the excretion systems, symptoms looks very different in different individuals.  But a salutogenic approach, (a focus of health-creation) for children and adults with autism and their families has brought HUGE benefits for many, including sleep, focus, digestion, decrease in tics and improved socialization and behavior.  Over the next few weeks we will discuss the know risk factors contributing to autism, and the many ways we can support health in this all-encompassing disease. 

Top 5 ways to beat Spring Allergies

If you’re like me, this time of year is exhilarating - the snow is melting and the days are getting looong! But for millions of Americans, spring allergies dampen the fun and excitement that spring can bring. As a lifelong allergy sufferer, I’m here to relate the tips that have helped me get through spring the last 12 years without the miserable stuffy sinuses, itchy eyes, runny nose, and dull headache, all naturally.

1. Avoid mucus-producing foods. The top two by far are dairy and sugar. As tempting as Easter candy can be, keeping my ears and nose unplugged feels better than candy, milk, and cheese taste! This time of the year is a great time to dial in on nutrition to prep for summer!

2. Add extra anti-inflammatory foods. This can be super easy and sustainable, such as adding lemon to your water, or eating extra greens with your meals. Less inflammation means less mucus, less itching, less discomfort!

3.  Consider a cleanse or fast.  A 3-day juice cleanse helps pack in great immune-boosting power of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. Both a juice cleanse or a day long water fast can help your body clear out toxins.

4. Eat local honey.  Honey is a great antioxidant and has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-allergenic properties.  Many sufferers from seasonal allergies have reported relief after having local honey in their tea or raw by the tablespoon.  Since bees collect pollen from the flowers in the environment, their honey contains tiny and safe amounts of pollen that can help the allergy sufferer become accommodated to the pollen.

5. Chiropractic and cranial work. The nerves that supply the eyes, ears, and nose are all located in the upper neck.  A misalignment here can keep these areas from working as well as they could. Many of our patients report instant drainage of their sinuses and better function in their immune system after an adjustment.  Gentle cranial work can also help the fluid that may be stuck somewhere in a cavity or sinus in your head free up instantly. We also love to teach our patients drainage techniques that they can use at home.

As always, we offer complimentary phone consults. If you’re frustrated by the idea of a season of feeling stuffy and itchy, call us at 612-354-2231. If you’re a current patient and want to talk more about tips or strategies, we are happy to schedule extra time and talk more about how to have an allergy-free spring!

A major excuse for why people don’t exercise on a regular basis is because we don’t have enough time!  Believe me when I say, I have been there!  However, I have found an amazing solution called Tabata which is both time efficient and can be done anywhere! (Have you ever had enough time to work out, but not enough time to drive to the gym TO work out?!)  This is why I am always on the lookout for low-maintenance and highly effective workout routines!  Tabata is a from of high intensity interval training developed by Japanese scientist Dr. Izumi Tabata.  The premise of a Tabata workout is to do a series of high intensity exercises for short durations of time, with breaks in between.  There are several benefits of doing a Tabata compared to traditional exercise. Such as: increased anaerobic capacity, increased metabolism, fat loss, and time efficiency.

Excited? Me too. So let me break it down: a typical Tabata lasts 4 minutes long and consists of doing a specific move for 20 seconds then resting for 10 seconds. Repeat for a total of 8 rounds.  Doing 3-4 Tabatas in a row is a great way to make an extremely efficient and challenging workout! However, start with whatever you can handle-the best way to spring into health is to start with acheivable goals and work your way up!  Here is an example of my favorite Tabata workout:

Mountain Climbers (4 minutes)
Bodyweight Squats (4 minutes)
Crunches (4 minutes)
Push-ups (4 minutes)

Start with mountain climbers by doing 8 twenty second intervals with 10 seconds of rest between each interval.  Once you have finished the mountain climbers, take a 1 minute break and then begin the body weight squats set.

Try a Tabata workout next time you're in a pinch for time or if you want to spice things up a little with your at-home workouts!  And of course, let us know how it goes!

Hooray! It is finally March and spring is (hopefully) on the way!

This month, we will be discussing lots of small tweaks that we can make to our routines to Spring Into Health! Using the extra light and frenetic energy that comes this month to springboard into greater health changes will create even more leverage - more energy, and moving closer to the direction of our goals (health or life).

Our first tip this month is very simple. Instead of trying to make a major diet change, could you add one more fruit or vegetable to each meal? Bonus points for a raw fruit or veggie! Adding blueberries with breakfast, a small salad instead of fries with your burger for lunch, and some carrot sticks with dinner would be a very pleasant and simple way to hit this goal.

Meanwhile, you have increased your energy, boosted your antioxidant status, increased fiber for digestion, consumed essential vitamins and minerals to help your body work well, all while fighting cancer, reducing your risk of diabetes, and improving digestion. Whether your goal is weight loss, more energy, healing a condition, or aging gracefully,health is best achieved through small, sustainable steps. 

Join us next week for a small tweak in your exercise for exponential change!