Part Four: the Problems  - Understanding Why
I wrote the following chapter, entitled Understanding Why … Physical Conditions Can Affect Behavior and Emotions, because over the 15 years that I’ve been consulting in the nutrition/hormonal field and observing patients diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, autism, developmental delays, depression, OCD, and many other disorders, I’ve realized that most traditional doctors don’t see the connection between the brain and body. What a slip-up; what an oversight -- and what a life-altering situation it can be to realize this, and then address it.

The parents see this connection more than the doctors do. Makes sense in a way, because the parents see and know the child as a whole person, who by the sheer definition of a human being, has a body and brain that work in tandem – they dance, they flow, or they have two left feet. But by identifying the underlying physical connections to the nervous system gliche, or the neurotransmitter deficiency, or the gut problem and addressing them with specific nutritional, homeopathic, and transdermal products, the whole child emerges – the one who you know – deep down inside.
Dr. Laura Thompson, 2-11-06

Understanding Why…

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS CAN AFFECT BEHAVIOR AND EMOTIONS
“The body says what words cannot.”

The five major “conditions” usually implied with behavior or learning problems as causes and effects are:
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
2.) Vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies
3.) Candida or problems with yeast overgrowth
4.) Allergies and/or sensitivities to foods or substances in the
air and/or environment causing immune, digestive, as well as behavioral reactions.
5.) Metabolic and Hormone Imbalances

Excerpt from #5:

Adrenal and Other Hormone Imbalances – Taking a look at the cortisol and DHEA, adrenal hormone levels through saliva testing can be extremely revealing. This is especially useful if a child has allergies, asthma, ADD, ADHD, autism, depression, or is aggressive or violent. High and low output of the adrenal hormones may indicate hypoglycemia as well as difficulty dealing with stress. Some parents remark that their children always seem to be in the “fight or flight”, living on the edge.

Saliva testing is done in the home and is totally non-invasive. Adrenal hormones are tested and pre-teens, teens, and adults can get their reproductive hormones tested through the saliva as well, and this can be very revealing too.

One lab in particular custom-makes natural plant-based hormone creams which are used topically day and night in small amounts. Absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, these creams offer natural hormones or their precursors – building blocks that help to balance a variety of problems: energy levels, mood disorders, aggression, depression, PMS (ever notice how kids “with” ADD or ADHD sometimes resemble a woman with PMS?), growth problems, and other associated conditions. I have had great success with this approach for children diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, and autism.

To inquire about adrenal hormone testing and solutions for adrenal imbalances, call the Southern California Institute of Clinical Nutrition at 800-608-5602.

Return to Table of Contents