Learning Related Problems
Factors Prevention Risk
Diet organically grown fresh fruits and vegetables, soaked and sprouted
grains and legumes, whole grain breads
fresh fish 2-4 times weekly
•natural sweetners (raw honey, barleymalt,
rice syrup)
•raw dairy products or goat milk products from organically
raised healthy animals •refined carbohydrates, sugar, white
rice, white bread, processed foods
•food additives (e.g. tartrazine)
•chemicals and pesticides used to raise food commercially
•food salicylates
•phosphates
•allergy foods: wheat, dairy, refined sugar, artificial colors
and flavors, chocolate, caffeine, MSG, preservatives
Vitamins •B complex: B3, B6, B12, choline
•Vitamin C
Minerals •selenium, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, zinc,
calcium, iron, magnesium, copper •lead, mercury, aluminum,
nickel, cadmium, copper (excess), iron (excess)
Amino
Acids •Glutamic acid, DLPA, tryptophan, tyrosine
Fatty Acids •EFAs: Evening Primrose Oil (EPO), etc. •hydrogenated
oils, fried foods
Body
Chemistry •6 hour Glucose Tolerance test
•Allergy or food intolerance testing with Bioregulatory techniques
(EAV, Vegatest, Biofield kinesiology) •low blood sugar
•food intolerances to dairy, wheat, sugar
Environment •appropriate lighting in classroom and home: full
spectrum or balanced spectrum lighting
•supportive stress-reducing performance lenses •stress:
fluorescent lighting, glare;
•glasses designed for distance (6 meters)
•lack of outdoor exercise
Therapy •Herbal: gotu kola, gingko, garlic, blue-green algae,
chamomile, red clover, lemon grass, hops and sage
•Homeopathy (see list in article)
•Syntonic color therapy
•Visual training exercises
•Structure of Intellect (SOI) testing and training •Ritalin
masks symptoms, but doesn’t improve learning ability
Attention & Activity
by Glen M. Swartwout, A.B., O.D., F.I.C.A.N.,
F.C.S.O.
copyrighted at Common Law, 1996, Remission Foundation Trust
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD) is a frequently used term that means difficulty with the
regulation of attention and activity due to unknown causes. All
known factors that might interfere with these functions must be
ruled out before this term can be applied accurately as defined.
However, all ADHD is due to some true set of causes, whether these
are known or unknown to the team of doctors and therapists performing
the diagnosis. In many cases, contributing causes to the multifactorial
problem labelled ADHD can be discovered by searching in directions
that may have simply been previously overlooked.
Light & Vision
Out of the whole body, two nerves carry the dominant source of input
to the human brain, representing two thirds of all all electromagnetic
signals entering the cranium. These are the two optic nerves, carrying
a profound energetic as well as information stimulus to the brain.
The signals carried by these two nerves are responsible for 80 to
90% of all learning. The simple act of openning the eyes in the
morning triggers such an increase in brain activity that the temperature
in the brain is raised several degrees. This is followed by a compensatory
increase in cranial circulation both to cool the brain as well as
to provide the necessary increase in nutrition and drainage to feed
the active brain and keep the mind clear. The brain represents only
1/20th of the body’s total weight, yet uses a full 20% of its
resources. The brain is made up of about 14 billion nerve cells
plus over 100 trillion additional supportive cells.
Research spanning the past 50 years confirms that 20% of children
in the average classroom show a constricted visual field. These
are typically underachieving children, and many show symptoms associated
with ADHD, such as distractibility, low attention span, poor coordination,
loss of place, etc. Syntonic therapy using non-invasive visible
light frequency stimulation of the retina has been shown to effectively
increase this functional form of tunnel vision in 89% of cases.
This form of optometric treatment has been used effectively in a
wide range of vision and health problems since the early 1930’s,
yet only a handful of practitioners have undertaken the postgraduate
training necessary for Fellowship certification with the College
of Syntonic Optometry. Despite the mounting scientific understanding
and support for this treatment, there were once more practitioners
many decades ago than there are today. This can be traced to the
influence of the FDA in regulating the practice of medicine, and
in particular attempting to ban all non-drug/non-surgical methods
of care. Very few doctors are willing to venture outside the apparent
safety of approved drug protocols, especially in a field where the
federal government litterally has a history of burning books and
destroying instruments, even if it holds hope for their otherwise
untreatable patients. Many cases of ADHD have been reported by syntonic
practitioners to have responded well to phototherapy, in many cases
assisting parents and medical practitioners in eliminating the use
of ritalin (a drug that normal stimulates the brain). The typical
case is found to respond to the lower frequencies of visible light,
such as red (a filter designated in classical syntonic literature
as alpha). This portion of the spectrum has been show to stimulate
increased brain activity, including faster brain rhythms. Visual
fields and visually related behaviors often change measurably and
permanently within weeks.
Full spectrum light in the home and classroom also helps reduce
hyperactivity, as documented in a time lapse video produced by Dr.
John Ott, the inventor of both time-lapse photography and full spectrum
light. In Germany, only full spectrum lights are permitted in classrooms
because other fluorescent lights trigger increased levels of adrenal
stress hormones in children’s blood. A study in Vermont also
found fewer sick days among the children in classrooms that were
changed to full spectrum.
Eye movement, the most demanding activity in the entire body, determines
the information content in the optic nerves. To maintain optimal
visual information processing, the brain must coordinate this movement
of the two independent eyes to within about 1 minute of arc both
vertically and horizontally. It is eye movement that regulates the
brain waves, triggering alpha relaxation waves when the eye muscles
are at rest, and beta attention waves when actively fixating visual
stimuli. Vision therapists have used oculomotor training techniques
for children and adults with learning related vision problems for
several decades. Now some psychotherapists are also finding very
effective, though still considered ‘controversial,’ results
with eye movement desensitization (EMDR) therapy.
Illiteracy Linked to Vision
A recent study comparing illiterate adults with adult graduate students
found that 74 percent of the illiterate adults failed at least one
test in the New York State Optometric Association (NYSOA) Vision
Screening Battery. Even more dramatic was their 60% failure rate
on the tracking subtest, while all of the graduate students passed
the same test. The study by Roger Johnson, Ph.D. and Joel Zaba,
M.A., O.D. was printed in the Journal of Behavioral Optometry, published
by the Optometric Extension Program Foundation, of which networker
J. Baxter Swartwout, O.D. is a past-president.
Dr. Swartwout, who participated as a student in the development
of the NYSOA test, is developing a series of Neuro-Fitness Training
modules to help correct problems such as illiteracy. Tracking problems
will be specifically addressed with a module called Directing Attention
(Phase 4 - Level 2). The prototype module is currently available
from Remission Foundation for 2 Starbucks (suggested retail price
$99.95).
Neuro-Fitness Training also incorporates a system of intelligence
testing and training called Structure of Intellect (SOI). More information
is available from Remission Foundation about Neuro-Fitness Training.
Plus Performance Lenses. . .
Stress relieving lenses that improve performance
Optometry has long been aware that the human visual system is designed
primarily for distance viewing. We do have the ability to see up
close as well, but not easily for long periods of time or under
stress. Good vision involves more than just seeing with clarity
and comprehension. It involves good side vision for safety and orientation.
It also requires that the two eyes coordinate together for aiming,
aligning and focusing. This represents the highest demand for fine
motor control anywhere in the body. It also represents the most
exacting match required between the two basic parts of the nervous
system. This balance is in constant change depending on our visual
needs and other stresses.
Optometrists see many people, both children and adults, who must
work too hard to see clearly up close. When a mismatch takes place
between visual skills and visual demands, there may be discomfort,
fatigue, a drop in performance or task rejection.
Lenses are used to ease these stresses. They may be in simple reading
lens form or in bifocal form.
V. I. Shipman, Ph.D., wrote years ago, "a person under stress
observes less, sees less, learns less, remembers less and becomes
generally less efficient."
John Pierce, B.S., O.D., Ph.D., showed that the human heart rate
during reading is usually about 10% faster using standard glasses
or contact lenses as compared to specially designed stress-reducing
lenses. Other effects include improvements in posture, reading speed,
comprehension, eye-hand coordination, academic performance, myopia
control, muscle tension, respiration rate, and handwriting. With
the proper lens, a person works less hard, and gets more done!
Glen Swartwout, A.B., O.D., F.I.C.A.N., F.C.S.O., has developed
stress-relieving lenses in biocompatible frames for Remission Foundation
to enhance performance and reduce stress. This is recommended for
most children and adults who currently wear no lens prescription,
as well as for those who wear contact lenses. Plus Performance lenses
are made with carbon fiber graphite frames. This is the same material
used in racing cars and airplanes for its incredible strength and
light weight. It doesn’t rust and it can even be recycled!
The lenses are made of polycarbonate, the strongest and safest ophthalmic
lens material. Polycarbonate is so tough that it is used for helmets
in space suits and windows in spacecraft, as well as for ‘bullet
proof’ windows. Our polycarbonate lenses are treated with a
special scratch-resistant coating to extend the life of our lenses.
These special lenses also provide excellent UV protection when needed,
while transmitting the full visible light spectrum.
To order Plus Performance Lenses or for more individualized vision
needs, contact the Remission Foundation at 800-788-2442.
Sugar
The brain, and especially the retina (embryologically part of the
brain), which has the highest metabolic rate of any brain tissue,
requires a tremendous amount of energy to operate. It also requires
a stable biochemical mileau in order to learn, to remember, and
to function efficiently. Sugar regulation is particularly important,
since brain cells, unlike other cells in the body, rely only on
blood sugar for their energy source. Thus the dietary source of
sugars, which includes both refined sugars as well as complex carbohydrates
must be carefully regulated. More is not necessarily better, especially
in this case. Several studies reveal that a high protein, low carbohydrate,
and sugar-free diet can help many ADHD individuals.,,, In general,
proteins have a stimulatory effect on attention and brain activity,
while carbos tend to slow down the nervous system, due to their
opposing effects on catecholemine versus adrenergic neurotransmitters.
One study showed better visual recognition of letters and forms
with this type of diet. Another study showed higher nitrogen excretion
for hyperactive children. This is also seen with increased exercise,
so it may be a result of the hyperkinesis, but would still place
an increased demand for optimal protein intake. Thus, with a normal
or low ratio of protein to carbohydrate in the diet, a hyperkinetic
condition may tend to become a chronic self-perpetuating biochemical
imbalance, no matter what the initial trigger was.
Refined sugar alone can be an important factor in attention. A dose
of refined sugar has been shown to increase adrenaline in normal
children’s blood by an average of 10 times the normal baseline
level. This could contribute to symptoms such as anxiety, irritability
and poor concentration. Other studies of hyperactive children have
found a correlation between dietary sugar intake and several aspects
of hyperactivity, including restlessness, as well as destructive
and aggressive behaviors.,, A study of glucose tolerance in 265
hyperactive children showed abnormal glucose tolerance in 76%. 50%
had flat glucose curves, while 15% showed excess peaks with rapid
declines, and the other 11% with abnormal responses showed excess
peaks with slow recovery. Several experimental studies show that
the problem with sugar is most pronounced in the absence of a balanced
diet. 100% of children in a psychiatric hospital who were given
a meal of sugar alone showed increased classroom activity. Another
study of children under psychiatric care showed increased behavior
problems with sugar when combined with either carbohydrates or proteins
alone, but improvement when sugar was taken together with both carbohydrates
and proteins. A similar study of normal children found that sugar
in combination with carbohydrates increased behavior problems, while
no significant effect was seen with sugar combined with protein.
Yet another study shows that a small amount of sugar (we recommend
this be from whole food sources, such as a piece of fruit) eaten
with a balanced meal may even improve classroom performance as measured
by reaction times, errors and activity level, while sugar combined
with a high carbo meal decreases performance.
Caffeine
While studies show that high doses of caffeine may pharmacologically
reduce hyperactive and impulsive behavior, no significant improvement
was seen in psychological test scores, and side effects include
stomach ache, nausea and insomnia., Other studies have been interpreted
as showing benefit from caffeine among those children who take it
habitually. This may be due to the effects of caffeine addiction
and withdrawal rather than any positive therapeutic effect. In other
words, we believe that those children who use caffeine daily are
caffeine-addicted rather than caffeine-deficient. Caffeine stimulates
increased insulin release even more than sugar does, which in the
long term increases stress on the pancreas and sugar regulation.
In addition, one placebo controlled study showed no significant
benefit from caffeine in hyperactive children. Still, if other pharmacological
treatment is considered as the alternative, a trial of caffeine
may be the lesser of two evils. In one study, 50% of children responded
to caffeine, compared to 62% with methylphenidate. Another comparison
study showed equal improvements in classroom behavior to caffeine
compared to methylphenidate.
Vitamins
A number of vitamin deficiencies have been found to affect hyperactivity.
Animals fed a variety of diets, each marginally deficient in a different
nutrient have shown that deficiencies of B6 and choline can each
cause hyperactivity.
32 out of 33 children with hyperactivity responded to supplemental
B3 (1.5 to 6 gm daily) when taken with ascorbic acid (3 gm daily).
In most cases niacinamide was effective, while a few cases required
nicotinic acid instead. Only in rare instances were very small doses
of tranquillizers or anti-depressants needed. All symptoms returned
within 30 days when the B3 was changed to placebo, and improved
again on restoring B3 therapy. This therapy is recommended by the
author of the study for children with at least three of the following
symptoms: hyperactivity, deteriorating school performance, perceptual
changes, and inability to acquire or maintain social relationships.
Vitamin B6 in the range of 1 to 1.5 gm daily may also be beneficial
if blood serotonin levels are low. Studies of hyperactive children
with low serotonin levels have found that B6 increases serotonin
and decreases hyperactivity more effectively than methylphenidate.
The benefits of supplementation also continued after supplementation
was stopped., Another study evaluated the effect of supplemental
B6 (along with B3, B5 and C) in children with normal blood levels
of seratonin and found no increase in the already normal serotonin
levels. Additional cases have been reported in the literature to
respond to B6 alone or in combination with B3.,
Vitamin C (500 to 2,000 mg) is considered important in dealing with
states of stress and toxicity, including heavy metals, associated
with hyperactivity.
Minerals
A number of mineral deficiencies and toxicities have been found
to affect hyperactivity. Animals fed a variety of diets, each marginally
deficient in a different nutrient have shown that deficiencies copper
and magnesium can each cause hyperactivity.
Copper toxicity has also been found in children who showed improvement
on the Feingold diet as compared to hyperactive children who did
not improve on the same diet. A case has also been reported where
eliminating excess copper through oral chelation including vitamin
C, manganese, molybdenum and zinc resulted in significant improvement
in symptoms including hyperactivity and ringing in the ears.
Increasing calcium intake can eliminate symptoms of hyperactivity
due to calcium deficiency, as was demonstrated in one case in which
a four year old boy had already been treated with drugs for 2 and
a half years. Symptoms improved within 2 months and he was able
to stop taking medication.
Iron deficiency, which may be the most common nutritional deficiency
in American children, is associated with both irritability and attention
deficits.
Magnesium deficiency, too, can cause fidgeting, anxiety, restlessness,
psychomotor instability and learning problems despite a normal IQ.
Phosphates, found in processed foods can also cause behavior problems
in children, which may be counteracted by increasing dietary magnesium,
as well as by avoidance. A double blind study of hospitalized hyperaggressive
children showed significant changes in aggressive behavior in relation
to the level of phosphate in their diet. Phosphates are found in
processed and canned meats and cheeses, baked goods (as phosphate
baking powder), most soft drinks, instant soups and puddings, and
various toppings and seasonings.
Low zinc levels have been observed in hyperactive boys compared
to matched controls, as measured in urine, hair, serum and fingernails.
It was also found that the food additive tartrazine increased urinary
loss of zinc, and worsened the hyperactivity symptoms of zinc deficiency
in 100% of cases, while smaller percentages also developed eczema
or asthma symptoms following tartrazine ingestion.
Aluminum toxicity has been found in the population of children suffering
from hyperactivity and learning problems.
Lead toxicity (measured in hair, blood or urine) has been observed
in a number of studies in relation to cerebral dysfunction and aggressive,
anti-social and hyperactive behaviors. The effects are dose dependent
with no threshold, such that even minimal increases in lead may
have a profound effect.,,,
Practitioners have also reported stabilization of blood sugar and
related behavior with Chromium supplementation (50 to 200 mcg).
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids (EFA), such as linoleic acid, may be deficient
or poorly digested, absorbed and metabolized by hyperactive children.
This is supported by a number of observations on this population.
Most of the foods which can cause hyperactivity inhibit conversion
of EFA’s to prostaglandins. For example, the commonly implicated
foods, wheat and milk, produce exorphins in the gut which block
conversion to PGE1. Zinc, also required in this conversion, is deficient
in this group. Males, who are most commonly affected, are known
to need more EFA’s than females. Increased thirst, a symptom
of EFA deficiency, is found in a high percentage of hyperactive
children. Eczema, allergies and asthma, all of which can be helped
with EFA supplementation, are common in these children. One study
using evening primrose oil (EPO, 1 to 1.5 gm twice a day) found
good results with hyperactive children. Two other studies failed
to achieve significant results with EPO alone.,
Amino Acids
Supplementation with D,L phenylalanine can be moderately effective
for short term improvement in adults with attention deficit disorder.
D-phenylalanine has not been found significantly effective in boys
with hyperactivity.
L-tryptophan supplementation (not available in the United States
at this time) improved behavior slightly within one week in children
with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity.
Tyrosine may improve ADD symptoms in adults, but tolerance appears
to develop with loss of therapeutic benefits by about 6 weeks.,
Food Sensitivities
Tartrazine can trigger increased hyperactivity as well as eczema
and asthma in zinc deficient boys. 58% of preschool hyperactive
boys improved on a diet eliminating refined sugar, artificial colors
and flavors, chocolate, MSG, preservatives, caffeine, and other
known food reactants. Other symptoms that improved included bad
breath, waking up at night, and difficulty falling asleep. 82% of
overactive children placed on a diet avoiding food antigens showed
improvement, with 28% achieving totally normal behavior. In double-blind
crossover, placebo-controlled experiments 48 different foods were
found to have the potential to trigger hyperactivity. The most frequently
problematic were artificial colors and preservatives. In another
study the most frequent reaction found was to the phenolic compound
acetyl salicylate (80%). (Salicylates along with food additives
are avoided in the Feingold diet) Sugar, corn, beef and eggs were
the most common food reactants, affecting 20 to 30% each. Cat hair
and house dust each also reacted in 25%. Yet another study found
that 7 out of 10 children with ADHD improved dramatically by avoiding
all food sensitivities, while the other 3 showed only partial improvement
on several standard objective psychological tests and 3 neurological
tests. 78% of parents and 54% of teachers could tell changes in
behavior under double blind conditions when children were given
mixtures of food and inhalent substances to which they had been
found reactive.
Children and their parents are often sensitive to the same dietary
factors. One study found that 100% of parents of children with tension
and fatigue symptoms also suffered from the same food and chemical
sensitivities as their children. The children had symptoms including
pallor (100%), sleep disturbance (100%), congestion (92%), abnormal
EEG (84%), urinary problems (80%), night sweats (72%), digestive
problems (72%), and respiratory problems (60%). All of the children
were found to have cravings for junk foods containing refined carbohydrates
and chemical additives compared to their siblings. The parents were
affected by tension, fatigue, obesity, anxiety, depression, phobias,
and hallucinations. In other studies, many of the children also
show additional symptoms which include headaches, stomach aches,
leg aches, bed-wetting, nasal congestion and skin problems.,
Clinically, a multifactorial approach to allergy and sensitivity
is most likely to be effective. Sensitivities can be compounded
by pre-existing toxicity, so detoxification, especially of the liver,
is important in the long run to reduce sensitivity, while avoiding
problematic chemical food additives which are an unnecessary burden
on the body anyway. Allergy often relates to “leaky gut syndrome,”
which is further exacerbated by histamine release in response to
the offending food allergens. Toxins, parasites, or other triggers
of inflammation in the mucous membranes of the gut open holes between
adjacent epithelial cells, permitting the absorption of only partially
digested (and thus still allergenic) food particles into the immune
rich tissues of the gut, such as Peyer’s patches. Avoiding
the aggravating foods, while working on elimination of the underlying
mucosal stressors is indicated. Also, providing additional support
for healing the gut membranes, and even stabilizing mast cell membranes
with bioflavonoid supplements such as hesperidin can often speed
the process. Enhancing both diet and digestion is always helpful.
Reduction of concommitant stress patterns can be remarkably beneficial
as well. A well known pediatrician, Dr. Wunderlich, has often observed
that children going through optometric vision therapy often show
decreases in their food allergy symptoms. Conversely, reducing food
allergies is often found to improve the quality and consistency
of visual focusing performance.
Herbs
Herbs with a calming effect that are tolerated by children include
chamomile, red clover, lemon grass, hops and small amounts of sage.
Gotu kola, gingko, garlic and blue-green algae have also been suggested
as beneficial.
Homeopathy
Based on clinical experience, some of the homeopathic remedies that
can help with ADHD include Argentum nitricum, Arsenicum album, Baryta
carbonica, Borax, Calcarea phosphorica, Chamomilla, Cina, Hyoscyamus,
Lycopodium, Murcurius solubilis, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus toxicodendron,
Stramonium, Sulphur, Tarantula, and Veratrum album. Several categories
of complex homeopathic remedies may also be considered, including
those which address airborne allergy, food allergy or intolerance,
sugar regulation, aerobic cellular respiration, digestion, liver
function, brain function, heavy metal detoxification, mineral metabolism,
vitamin metabolism, and particularly the B complex vitamins.
