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Sheila

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Posts posted by Sheila

  1. It would only be safer if allergic to gelatin or if the person can't swallow caps and might choke.

     

    The contents of time release capsules should not be chewed (if taken out of caps); some items will require disguising the taste. Specially coated supplements or drugs are coated for a reason--check with doctor or pharmacist if not sure if a particular item should not be taken without its capsule.

  2. Yes, it is regular animal gelatin. I haven't heard of people having trouble digesting it, as a regular capsule is a very small amount of gelatin--though someone with a severe allergy to it might react to it.

     

    In some areas people can buy veggie caps and those who wish transfer the powder from one to the other. Since vegetarianism is on the rise, this is a growing practice. It's best to buy large veggie caps for that to make it easier to fill.

     

    Gel caps with thick gelatin coatings are, however, another story. There's obviously more gelatin used. Some people cut open the gel cap and squeeze the oil out, such as from a vitamin E gel cap, putting it on bread or using some other method to take it. That may not always be too palatable, depending on what the substance is. Sheila

  3. I'm going to assume the last comment came from Gina. . .

     

    This is what neurologists do day in and day out--determine what the abnormalities in the brain are. They can make a seizure diagnosis without eeg abnormalities in some cases based on clinical history, though that is not necessarily the norm. My suggestion is simply that you take your son to a neurologist and seek a diagnosis from an expert.

     

    If you do find there is a seizure disorder, then that opens up a whole new area of exploration--including natural approaches.

     

    Responses on forums--and Chemar answered your questions very well--are certainly helpful to some people, which is why forums are a great thing. As she points out however, this is what met her son's needs. I believe I can speak for Chemar (having followed her carefully worded comments for some time) and certainly want to express for myself, that we would not presume to be able to tell you what is going on with your child.

     

    The one disadvantage usually stated by conventional folks about alternative approaches--which are of course generally safer than many drug therapies--is that they can delay needed treatment. If someone has a mild to moderate tic disorder, that's not an issue--most doctors and patients aren't interested in medication anyway. But if--and I say IF--there is a seizure disorder, that should immediately be discussed with a physician. It's not something to try to self-diagnose. I'm not a doctor, but even if I were, I would be negligent if I did not make this suggestion to you. I hope you understand where I'm coming from on this? Sheila

  4. Gina--has your child had a recent neurological workup to define what is going on? The electrical impulse could possibly be some type of seizure. Seizures can have many causes and treatments, and sometimes there are seizures without EEG abnormalities. A seizure problem isn't necessarily something to be overly worried about because treatments are getting better all the time, but it is something that requires seeing a physician.

     

    Many of the approaches you have been reading about on this forum can help certain kinds of seizures because we know that diet, nutrition, and chemical exposures can all affect them. But there are many times where standard medication is required--and an evaluation by a specialist would always be a good idea. Seizures can also cause tic movements, in addition to any number of sensory feelings, including an electrical buzz or discharge going through the body. And it's possible to have a tic disorder with seizure activity as well--two different issues going on.

     

    I'm not trying to worry you, just wanting you to find the source of the problem so it can be addressed.

     

    Please see this link for an overview:

     

    http://www.aesnet.org/pdf/C1-10.pdf

     

    Maybe you have seen a specialist for this? Best wishes, Sheila

  5. Claire: Re: your question: Are you saying that peanut butter can set off tics in some children, even though formal tests show no sensitivity or allergy?--

     

    Formal tests for allergy are controversial; it's one of many areas where experts presently disagree. There are a number of different ones being used for measuring various types of immune reactions.

     

    While a significant peanut allergy will proabably be ID'd with blood work, there is the chance for peanut sensitivity (different) to develop, just as it can for any food.

     

    The link below shows cross reactivity with allergy-related foods. In the group with peanut (birch), over exposure to other foods or allergens in the group, or other immune issues going on at the time, can affect how the body will react to any one of these. If it is ragweed season, the foods in that group are more likely to be troublesome than at other times of the year.

     

    http://allergies.about.com/cs/cross/a/aa052801a.htm

     

    The idea is that someone is not always at the same level of sensitivity. When nutrients have been balanced, fatigue is not a factor, immune system is strong, etc., someone may be able to eat select foods without a reaction. When this is not the case, and the person is in a hypersensitive state (seems common with TS, and often occurs hand in hand with chemical or sensory hypersensitivity ) then certain foods may be more likely to promote symptoms. The ones eaten most frequently are suspect.

     

    My suggestion is just that people take a look at peanuts in this way. Don't assume a clear lab test means peanut butter can be eaten several times a week without consequences. Maybe it can--it's just not a given.

     

    Of course it there is a documented peanut allergy, it should be avoided, as you are seeking to do for your son.

     

    Someone could have a RAST result that looks clean for milk--yet the person knows from personal experience that milk causes symtoms. Relying on careful observation should trump test results.

     

    Food allergy tests can result in false positives and false negatives. Environmental physicians believe that serial end point titration skin testing, where the skin reaction is measured (not just symptoms observed), and elimination diets, are the most reliable measures. Again, not all would agree. Fortunately, lab testing for food allergy is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Sheila

  6. What I meant to say to Claire re:the histamines was that an allergic reaction releases a lot of histamines, not that they contain them. Sorry for any confusion. I was just making a general comment, not specific to the cases of those posting--it just prompted me to mention it.

     

    I think the issue may be that some people tend to think of peanut allergy as only the severe type that results in a major and possibly life-threatening reaction. But there are parents writing that their child can handle a small or moderate amount of peanut butter during a day or week, but with more they start reacting with tics.

     

    Maybe for some it is not a typical allergic reaction, but rather a sensitivity that can develop to any number of foods. I was just passing the comment on because people write that they had no idea it was part of the problem for their child, then when they stopped it or reduced it things got better. Of course, it's great when it's not an issue!

     

    In addition to nasty oils in peanut butter, I just recently noticed that regular peanuts in cans often have had the peanut oil removed (to sell) and cheap cottonseed oil added.

  7. Hi--I saw some posts on peanut butter. This is one of the items Ginger Wakem, (whose son's recovery from severe TS with diet, nutrients, and environmental controls started this movement) warned about. Others have also written to ACN about needing to restrict peanut butter to reduce tics. Of course everyone has different sensitivities. But we know that peanut allergy is on the rise in America. At the same time, kids love it and the protein is good.

     

    One way to test for it is an elimination diet. (By now you would know if there is a serious allergy to it, in which case you would not want to do this as it could be dangerous, besides serving no purpose--and you wouldn't be feeding it to your child anyway! But that's a caution that has to be given.)

     

    You would have to strictly avoid ALL peanut products for a week, then give a hefty serving of it. If it is aggravating tics, you should be able to tell. The trick is totally eliminating it for the clearing period--this is difficult with peanut because it is in so many things. However, because it can be life-threatening, product labeling now often emphasizes peanut ingredients.

     

    At the least I would consider minimizing those PBJs--having it no more than once every four days to see if that makes a difference.

  8. Fatty acid supplementation can be complex, and it's an area where experts currently disagree. It's a new frontier and more is being learned all the time. This is a simple and sensible comment on Omega 6 from the Internet, a Q and A:

     

    Question: I've heard that omega-6s are "bad" and omega-3s are "good"? Is this true?

     

    Answer: Yes, too much of the omega-6 Linoleic Acid is "bad" - but there is also a good omega-6… GLA or Gamma Linolenic Acid. And yes, omega-3s deserve their "good" reputation…To say that all omega-6s are "bad" is an oversimplification. It is true that we generally get an excess of the omega-6 Linoleic Acid in our diet. But many factors of our modern lifestyle hamper the body's ability to produce the good omega-6, GLA: consumption of sugar, alcohol, saturated fats and trans-fatty acids, diabetes, aging, stress, prescription medications, and viral infections to name a few. Insufficient quantities of zinc, magnesium, and vitamins B6, C, and niacin also slow the process. For this reason, it is a good idea to supplement with a readily absorbed source of GLA such as borage or evening primrose oil in addition to supplementing with sources of omega-3 fatty acids such as flax and fish oil.

     

     

    Dr. Bill Walsh points out that B6 and zinc are needed for fatty acid absorption, and any imbalance, one way or the other, between omega 6 and 3 can have consequences. Looking at schizophrenics, he says some thrive on primrose oil, others need mostly omega 3, and some don't have fatty acid issues at all.

     

    There are lab tests to assess fatty acid problems. Some people also use trial and error. It can take months for full results. As the excerpt indicates, there's different aspects to omega 6--french fries have the wrong type, primrose oil has the right type. Diabetics have special metabolism problems specific to making proper use of fatty acids.

     

    That's just a quick reply. It's an important area, and it's unfortunate that there aren't one size fits all answers!

  9. No doubt others will have helpful ideas for this, but allergy or sensitivities to environmental factors can be related to ear popping. See http://www.dustmites.co.nz/ch/faq.html as just one explanation. There's an excerpt below. Both sections mention ear popping. Do any of these ideas make sense in your son's case? Sheila

     

    What is allergic rhinitus?

    Allergic rhinitus, commonly known as hay fever, refers to a clinical condition where people have constant upper respiratory symptoms consisting of all or some of the following symptoms: nasal congestion (stuffiness), post-nasal drip, sneezing, runny nose, itching of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, headaches or sinus pressure, ear popping and fatigue. People with allergic rhinitus make specific allergic antibodies (IgE) to allergens that lead to their clinical symptoms. Allergic rhinitus may be seasonal such as during the spring, summer or fall or it may occur year round (perennial). Allergic rhinitus can lead to several complications such as sinusitis, ear infections and asthma.

     

    What is non-allergic rhinitus?

    Non-allergic rhinitus is a chronic nasal condition characterized by constant nasal congestion and post-nasal drip. These symptoms typically occur year round and may be associated with ear popping, sinus pressure or headaches and sore throats. Non-allergic rhinitus, if not treated with the proper medications can lead to recurrent sinus and ear infections. Common triggers of non-allergic rhinitus include weather changes, barometric/atmospheric pressure changes, temperature changes, postural changes, irritants such as tobacco smoke, chemical solvents and paints, cleaning agents, perfumes, cosmetics and smoke from burning wood.

  10. Hi--

     

    Dr. Nambudripad, who developed NAET (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques) has posted a letter on her site that explains the technique and gives advice on finding a practitioner. (see below) This letter was was prompted by the many offshoots from her program that are creating confusion among those seeking treatment. See www.NAET.com.

     

    There is basically no criteria on who can provide this as well as other energy-type treatments, which makes it difficult for families to find someone reputable and experienced. Also, there is not sufficient research on these approaches in general, much less for TS. If the NAET reduces tics (and we have had a few anecdotal reports at ACN that it has) it is presumed to do so by addressing the allergic response, which can impact the nervous system, brain function, and tic symptoms. As far as the lack of research goes, this of course is the case for most nondrug approaches to allergy and/or tics. I hope this helps. Sheila

     

     

    What is correct NAET?

     

    All patients will be instructed to read the book, Say Goodbye to Illness, by me before you make an appointment with an NAET practitioner. This will give you some idea about this new, revolutionary treatment and how it may help with your own health conditions. This is not a self-help book, even though, there is much information to help you to keep your health problems under control. You will also read many patients’ testimonials and case studies to help you understand how well they are doing after several years of initial NAET treatments.

     

    When you begin the NAET treatments, your practitioner will also ask you to read The NAET Guidebook (available from the practitioner’s office, or on this website, or amazon.com or any major book stores), to find the suitable foods and/or items to avoid during the course of your treatment.

     

    Your NAET practitioner will test your allergy using a special computerized allergy testing machine called NAETER (this is not mandatory, only optional), or by using muscle response testing as shown in the book Say Goodbye to Illness. He or she will then treat specific acupuncture points on your back using fairly strong acupressure either by hands or with a pressure device (manually operated or electrically stimulated, with a device called "arthrostim") while you are holding the allergen in your palm and touching the sample with the pads of your fingers several times (the number of times your practitioner stimulates your back will depend on the practitioner’s findings as to the nature of NAET application at the time of evaluation before applying the treatment). All patients above the age of ten will then also receive acupressure or acupuncture needles at specific points on the front of the body.

     

    Patients are asked to remain for 15-20 minutes in the office after the treatment. At that time they are tested again for their muscle strength with the allergen in their hand. This time, if the treatment is successful, the patient’s arm should remain strong against the practitioner’s pressure. The patient is then asked to wash their hands or rub them together for a minute.

     

    Patients are instructed to avoid all contact with the allergen that they were just treated for, for 25 hours. They are also advised to read The NAET Guidebook to find the suitable foods they can eat for those 25 hours.

     

    During the spinal NAET treatment procedure the NAET practitioner and the patient should be alone in the room to prevent electro-magnetic interference. Children, friends, patients, relatives, office staff or assistants, animals, and other pets should not be allowed in the treatment room.

     

    On the following visit (anywhere from 1 day to 7 days) the practitioner re-tests the previously treated item. If the result is satisfactory (cleared) the practitioner can treat another item. If the allergen has not passed the test at least 80% while rechecking, the same allergen will be treated again alone or will be treated using BBF (brain-body balancing formula), or any other combinations detected by the practitioner at the time of rechecking. It is necessary to clear the treated allergen at least to 80-90% mark before attempting to treat another allergen. If an allergen has cleared 80-90% mark, that allergen will not cause any adverse reaction with future contacts. When the allergen clears at 100% mark, it will begin to compliment the person’s health by enhancing the person’s existing energy in many folds. For example: an allergy to vitamin C was causing arthritis before the NAET treatment. When the allergy of vitamin C was cleared at 80% mark, the joints stopped hurting and the swelling began to subside by reducing the pain and inflammation at the joints. But when it was cleared at 100% mark, the foods and supplements containing vitamin C began strengthening the joints by helping with the repair of the unhealthy tissue of the joints. Occasionally, 100% clearance happens soon after one treats an item one or two times. Patients response to an NAET treatment (or treatments) will depend on various factors: immune system of the patient at the time of treatment, age, sex, the duration of the illness, the severity of the illness, emotional status of the patient, the number and type of emotional energy blockages, the ability to follow and carry out the instructions, the energetic compatibility of the patient and the practitioner or whoever is involved with the patient care, and the patient’s belief system in the specific treatment. If a patient has any above mentioned complicated issues, the complete clearance will only happen after clearing a number of combinations and other related allergens in the basic groups because most foods we treat are in a complex group. For example: let’s look at the NAET sample egg mix. This contains egg white, egg yolk, chicken, feathers, and Tetracycline. We know the egg contains most of the essential nutrients to nourish the body. NAET Basic treatments are basic essential nutrients that are essential for the body’s survival. Egg mix alone and the detected combination treatments will clear initially about 80%. The rest (20%) of the clearance will take place while clearing specific ingredients from the NAET basics, like calcium, B vitamins, iron, minerals, amino acids, etc. Complete clearance of the items may not be received until one treats all basics satisfactorily at all levels – (physical, physiological and psychological levels).

     

    I receive many inquiries regarding the need to treat the NAET basics. I hope this helps readers understand why some people need more than couple of NAET treatments per item, or why they don’t feel great from day one, why they don’t stop reacting and don't feel great when eating, why practitioners are advising them to get treated for various combinations like heat, cold, acid, BBF, etc. NAET treatment applications may look similar, but the treatment received by each patient is different and his/her response to the treatment is different because of the reasons given above.

     

    Please interview your practitioner before you make your appointment if you want to receive TRUE NAET treatments. There are many look-alike treatments that have been developed recently. Please find out if the practitioner has attended NAET Basic, Advanced-1 and Advanced-2 level classes. If they started NAET more that four years ago, please find out if they have been returning for mandatory yearly certification, as well as attended Basic, Advanced-1 and refresher’s class recently. Please also verify their information on our website: www.naet.com. Good luck with your NAET treatments.

     

    -Devi S. Nambudripad, D.C., L.Ac., Ph.D. (acu), M.D.

     

  11. Claire, we have had a number of reports on anything in the mouth setting tics off--even just stainless steel spacers. Whether it is a reaction to the metal, or a case of the device or braces creating a stress on certain energy points or nerves in the mouth, or just sensory irritation the same way some people can't stand tags in their clothes, I don't know. (Of course mercury fillings and other dental procedures can be an issue.)

     

    The whole visual link is very interesting. I know doctors who say light and sound sensitivity can occur with nutritional deficiencies. I'm planning that the next Latitudes, which I am trying (!) to finish up this weekend, will have an article on vision and eye tics by Dr. Melvin Kaplan. We need to bring all these ideas together. There's a lot of variations of vision difficulties out there, and I we just don't understand enough yet. You are really providing important observations. Thanks for keeping everyone in the loop as you go through this. Sheila

  12. Dear Claire, Thanks for the update. I liked Dr. Othmer's earlier advice to rule out Irlen before jumping into biofeedback as a general rule. It sounds like Irlen isn't the way to go for you, if that was your take after talking with Helen Irlen. If you ever rule it out for sure, please let us know! It seems theaters also bring in other issues that bother some, beyond being such an intense visual experience--major sound stimuli and close proximity to people. I hope your son's lips are healing.

     

    By the way, I saw some discussion on another thread about the tone of posts being more gentle at Latitudes site. Let's hope it stays that way. If anyone does see someone being harsh, please let us know and we will block or delete them. Life is challenging enough without added negativity. Sheila

  13. Claire--Thanks for all your helpful information.

     

    I wrote to Helen Irlen, who discovered what is now known as Irlen Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (or Irlen Syndrome) and explained that we had been discussing a flicker-sensitive child with no reading problems or other characteristics of the syndrome.

     

    This was her response:

    Your question to me about a child who has no reading problems but has flicker sensitivity brings up the point that Irlen Syndrome is composed of a cluster of problems (symptoms) and an individual may have some, all, or only one problem. We see people who do not have a reading difficulty but have light sensitivity, do not have a reading difficulty but get headaches, etc., etc. So flicker sensitivity can possibly be an issue that can be helped or controlled by the use of appropriate color with Irlen Filters. The fact that the child does not have reading problems is irrelevant.

     

    She also offered to speak with you personally. Please write to me at Sheila@Latitudes.org if you are interested and I'll give you her phone number.

     

    Sheila

  14. Claire, Dr. Othmer suggested that you have your son checked for Irlen Syndrome. See www.Irlen.com. He also said, "Neurofeedback can help this condition. We just had another example of this in our office the other day. It is apparently a matter of decreasing sensory hyperreactivity. But if the Irlen Syndrome is an issue, then that should be taken care of first. If there is a remedy there, then it is immediate. Training the brain will be an additional help"

     

    He also recommended that if this doesn't satisfactorily resolve the issues, then shift from CRT monitors on his computer to an LCD panel (I think you may have already done that), which does not have the flicker problem. Alternatively the frame rate on the CRT monitor could be increased. The TV problem could be helped by always viewing the TV while bright incandescents are on in the room at the same time. It might help to avoid fluorescent lights.

     

    We have information on the site about Irlen. Look under learning disabilities. I have sent you a referral recommendation separately. Let us know how things go! Sheila

  15. Dear Claire, Your comments on tics being triggered from computers, games, and TV are very interesting particularly related to your observation that after taking them away the nervous system remains agitated for about a week. Most people who would try this would probably reintroduce them after a couple of days, assuming there is no effect. We do hear complaints about TV and videogames. Some people complain that being in a movie theatre really sets them off.

     

    My kids odler now and I have no video games to refer to regarding your comment that the games give a warning to stop if tics deveop. Can you please give specifics on that? The quote and the names of a game or two?

     

    Thanks for the article on epilepsy and light.

     

    Something else that may be happening in some people is electric sensitivity--you can read about that on the home page and the Forum Guest section, once you have made your way through everything else! Not just the visual, but the electric currents also. And schools are becoming "wireless" with all types of radiation in the environment.

     

    I'll ask Dr. Othmer about whether biofeedback can help reduce photosensitivity.

    and see what response I get.

     

    Also, to find a practitioner go to www.eegspectrum.com and look for links. But I would ask around for an experienced one, as you indicate. Sheila

  16. Dear Jeff--ACN is a big supporter of the Feingold diet--and we have run several articles on it in Latitudes. At the same time--and I've discussed this with Feingold director Jane Hersey, we emphasize that while some kids are incredibly better with removing the substances the Feingold program recommends in Stage I or II, many of our readers for autism, Tourettes, ADHD and learning problems also need to watch their sweets intake--not only because a percentage may be allergic to sugar or high fructose corn syryp, etc., but because of neurological reactions related to candida albicans in the digestive tract, which feeds on sugars of any kind.

     

    There could be people who would benefit from the Feingold program, but because they are eating foods with sugars, or other items they are sensitive to (like if they have a wheat allergy)--or because they have had an environmental exposure they aren't aware could affect symtpoms--assume the diet isn't working and they give up. I believe it is important not to over simplify things.

     

    The imbalance in the intestinal tract caused by candida albicans, fed by sugars and other items, can increase intestinal permeability and allow neurotransmitters and neurotoxins, produced in the gut, to enter the system and head for the brain. This is a serious problem for many. We may want to let our kids eat sugars or yeast-containing foods, but that is not always advisable, depending on the situation.

     

    Just thought I should add this to the discussion! Sheila

  17. Thank you, Christie. This is going to be a controvery for sometime. (I had to delete the actual article because of the copyright, leaving just the link.)

     

    Here's another interesting article about an interview with Dr. Andrew Wakefield and another researcher that was circulated today:

     

    http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health/st...sp?story=459621

     

    Autism is not assumed to be totally due to mercury and/or the MMR--they are just apparently key players for a subgroup of kids, according to Wakefield. It sounds like we should know more next spring (per the article).

     

    Sheila

  18. Thank you, Claire, for posting that link. From what we have heard, the antiobiotics are most effective with new cases, with older cases more often requiring the more intense treatments mentioned by Vojdani. Am sure there are exceptions. But if Forum users have additional input on this, please let us know. Sheila

  19. Dear Jorge,

    There has been a minimal amount of research done on heat sensitivity and tics, and there is a new theory being floated that an imbalance with the hypothalamus could be affecting some people with Tourette syndrome. It's a new area of research, but I would consider it worth exploring. Good luck. Sheila

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