Homeopathic Remedies for ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders. This neurological disorder is characterized by symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have a very low attention span and get distracted very easily. If not diagnosed in childhood, this condition might persist through adolescence and adulthood. People suffering from ADHD have trouble focusing or finishing the tasks that they undertake. Besides genetic factors, the causes of ADHD include chemical imbalances in the brain, problems associated with nerve pathways or exposure to lead or polychlorinated biphenyl. Since this neurological disorder can affect one's ability to learn and exercise self-control, it might hamper one's chances of doing well in personal and professional life. It is, therefore, important that this condition is diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Besides the conventional ADHD medication that might help in managing the symptoms, alternative treatment options such as herbal medicine or homeopathy may also help in the treatment of this disorder. In this article, we would discuss homeopathic remedies for ADHD.

Alternative Treatments for ADHD

Since ADHD is a neurological disorder, ADHD treatment options include the use of stimulant drugs and behavioral modification techniques. Since excessive use of stimulant drugs can have certain side effects, the need for safer alternative treatment options is increasingly being felt. This explains the inclination towards alternative treatment for ADHD. Some of the popular herbal remedies for ADHD includes the use of gingko biloba, lobelia, chamomile, green oats, valerian, bacoba and pine extract. If taken under the guidance of a herbalist, these may help in correcting the chemical imbalances in the brain. Homeopathic treatment can also help in alleviating the behavioral problems exhibited by children and adults suffering from ADHD. Let's find out more about homeopathic medicines for this childhood disorder.

Homeopathy for ADHD

Certain homeopathic medicines that have been found to be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD include Stramonium, Cina and Hyoscyamus. Here's some information about the medicines that may help in alleviating certain symptoms of ADHD.

Hyoscyamus
Homeopathic treatment of ADHD is symptomatic in nature. The medicines are prescribed according to the symptoms exhibited by the patient. The use of hyoscyamus is recommended if the symptoms exhibited by the patient include violent outbursts, impulsiveness, inability to think clearly, excessive talking, fear of being chased by enemies or animals, fear of dark and display of inappropriate gestures. A shortened attention span and inability to focus are common ADHD symptoms in children and adults. Hyoscyamus niger is one such medicine that can also be used for improving the sufferer's ability to focus. It also works well for children displaying manic behavior.

Stramonium
This is one of the most effective homeopathic medication for anxiety in children. It is extremely useful for treating hyperactivity. It might be of great help for children who speak incoherently or talk very fast. It can also provide relief to those who are fearful of darkness. It might also be prescribed if the fear of being abandoned seems to be bothering the sufferer. This medicine might be recommended if the patient displays excessive aggression in the form of kicking, biting, hitting or use of threatening language.

Cina
Cina is generally prescribed for treating fidgeting disorder in children. Cina also helps in improving the attention span. It is generally recommended for children who are very restless at night. It helps the child sleep peacefully throughout the night. It might be recommended for children who don't obey and exhibit difficult behavior.

Though the aforementioned homeopathic remedies are believed to be quite effective in alleviating some of the symptoms of ADHD, there are many other medicines that can help in providing relief from other symptoms. Besides taking these medicines, following an ADHD diet will also help in alleviating the symptoms of this disorder.

Recipes for Post Gastric Bypass Meals

Obesity and the resultant diseases is one of the leading causes for death. Bariatric or weight-loss surgery, especially gastric bypass surgery, is a common method to deal with morbid obesity. During the surgical procedure, the surgeon reduces the functional portion of the stomach to a small pouch, and connects it directly to the jejunum of the small intestine. Thus, the remaining portion of the stomach, and the duodenum of the small intestine are bypassed. This reduces the intake of food, and leads to lowered absorption of calories and nutrients.

However, for successful weight loss and prevention of any complications, it is essential to switch to a healthy lifestyle and follow the recommended dietary guidelines. The meal must be small yet nutritious, and overeating must be strictly avoided.

Post-surgery Diet
For the first few days post surgery, the doctor or the medical center-associated dietitian plans the meals to be consumed by the patient. Initially, the patient is given only clear liquids including water, fruit juices, clear broths, etc. Once the patient is able to tolerate the clear liquids without any complications, the patient can switch to pureed foods. This must continue for a week or two, depending on the patient's condition. Following this stage, the patient can consume soft solids like soft fruits, cooked vegetables, etc. Once this stage is cleared, the patient can be given solid foods with approval from the concerned doctor. This usually happens about 10-12 weeks after the surgery.

Following a diet plan strictly is essential for such individuals. Their meals must include fish, lean meat from chicken and turkey, eggs, and low-fat dairy products. Red meat, carbonated beverages, and foods containing high amounts of sugars, fiber and fats must be avoided. At the same time, it is essential to include vitamin and mineral-enriched foods. Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery often suffer from deficiency of iron, calcium, vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C.

Ideal Recipes
Old-fashioned Vegetable Soup

This traditional and healthy soup recipe offers a blend of vegetable flavors. This recipe of four servings supplies 70 calories from 10 g of carbohydrates, 5 g of proteins, and 3 g of fat per serving.

Ingredients

• Mixture of fresh vegetables (peas, carrots, potatoes and green beans), 3 cups
• Onions, cup (finely chopped)
• Tomatoes, cup (finely chopped)
• Olive oil, 2 tbsp.
• Black pepper, 1 tbsp. (ground)
• Salt, 1 tbsp.
• Soy sauce, 1 tsp.

Directions

• In a large pot, add olive oil and saut the onions and mixed veggies.
• Add tomatoes, black pepper, soy sauce, and saut for a minute or two.
• Pour in 5 cups of water, and bring to a boil.
• Add salt, and simmer for 20 minutes. Ensure that all the vegetables have become soft and tender.

Mung Bean Soup

This simple and quick recipe for six is a good option for vegetarians to complete their protein requirements. Each serving provides 90 calories, 7 g of protein, 10 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of total fat.

Ingredients

• Whole mung beans, 2 cups (boiled and drained)
• Vegetable stock, 2 cups
• Onions, cup (finely chopped)
• Garlic cloves, 3 (finely chopped)
• Chillies, 2 (finely chopped)
• Olive oil, 2 tbsp.
• Salt, 1 tbsp.

Directions

• Saut the chillies, garlic and onions in olive oil.
• Add the boiled whole mung beans and vegetable stock.
• Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Tuna Patties

Each serving of this protein-rich recipe for four, provides 100 calories, 13 g of protein, 5 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of total fat.

Ingredients

• Tuna in water, 1 can
• Potato, 1 (boiled)
• Egg, 1
• Onions, cup (finely chopped)
• Low-fat mayonnaise, 2 tbsp.
• Low-fat cream cheese, 1 tbsp.
• Olive oil, 2 tsp.
• Salt, 1 tsp.

Directions

• Mash the boiled potato. Mix it well with drained and finely chopped tuna.
• Blend in beaten egg, onions, low-fat mayonnaise and low-fat cheese. Add salt and combine well.
• Prepare 4-5 patties, and pan-fry them in olive oil, until golden brown.

Spinach Chicken Bake

This delicious and cheesy recipe that serves six provides 120 calories, 24 g of proteins, 3 g of carbohydrates and 1.5 g of fat per serving.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast, 2 cups (skinless, diced)
• Spinach, cup (freshly chopped)
• Fat-free sour cream
• Low-fat mayonnaise, cup
• Fat-free mozzarella cheese, cup

Directions

• Mix the sour cream, mayonnaise and cheese together.
• Take half of this mixture in a separate bowl and add the diced chicken and chopped spinach. Mix well.
• Pack this mixture in a round baking dish.
• Spread the remaining sour cream and cheese mixture on the top.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350C for 45 minutes.

The diet and meal plans to be followed would be different for each individual patient depending on his case, and ability to tolerate food after surgery. It is always best to consult the concerned doctor before following any diet plan. The right meals in the right quantities will definitely ensure a quick and effective recovery.

Disclaimer: This article is purely for informative and educational purposes. Please seek the advice of a registered dietitian before going in for any diet plan.

Six Pack Abs Diet and Workout

With a good diet plan, rich in proteins and other nutrients, and following the best exercises to build abs, you can achieve six pack abs within a short interval. However, selection of the right food items to form a diet routine for six pack abs, and selection of the top exercises to build six pack abs is important. Here are the important tips that focus on getting six pack abs.

Six Pack Abs Diet Tips

• The most important diet tip to remember while following a diet routine for six pack abs, is to have frequent and small meals. Have 5-6 small meals in one day. This will increase your metabolism and balance the energy, and provide important nutrients to your body, and help in faster weight loss.
• Never skip your breakfast, as people who skip their breakfast tend to be heavier than those who regularly have their breakfast. Have a nutritious and large breakfast. A large breakfast is required by the body as the body metabolism is high in the morning, and nutritious breakfast will provide important nutrients that you will need to start your day.
• Include cereal in your six pack diet plan. A yogurt smoothie made with berries and whey, an omelet or turkey sandwich with brown bread for breakfast can also aid you in your endeavor.
• To lose belly fat, avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol and other junk and fried foods. Alcohol and junk foods tend to bloat your stomach. Also, carbonated drinks make your stomach bloat and cause water retention.
• Proteins are must for a six pack abs diet and fitness. Excellent sources of protein are eggs, chicken, tuna, cottage cheese, salmon, etc. Casein protein containing food items are an excellent way to provide your body a steady stream of amino acids when on an abs diet. You can find this protein in milk and other dairy food products.
• Stick to Mediterranean-style fats, while on a six pack abs diet. Fats like olive oil, almonds, avocados and fish are excellent for health as they lower the cholesterol levels and help protect the joints.
• Drink lots and lots of water while aiming at six pack abs. Water will keep your body hydrated, and remove toxins from your body. Drink around 2.5 to 3 liters of water throughout the day.
• Eat fiber rich foods as they tend to stay in the body longer, and make you feel full. Also, they help to clean the stomach and remove fats out of the body, thus aiding in weight loss.
• To stick to the diet, eat one meal once a week of your choice, which can be pizza, burger or any other food preparation of your liking.

Six Pack Abs Workout Plan

• The most used exercise for building abs are the abdominal crunches. This exercise is effective and, when performed regularly, can give you good results. However, there are variations of this exercise, that can help you achieve a good six pack abs shape faster.
• Performing reverse crunches will help you to build abs faster. To perform reverse crunches you need to lie flat on the floor, and hands on the sides. Then keep lifting your hips up towards the rib cage.
• One of the best abdominal exercise for building six pack abs is the bicycle crunch. For this exercise instead of lifting your body straight, you need to lift the legs in the air, and with your hands behind the head make right elbow go near the left knee and vice versa.
• Another effective six pack exercise is the bent elbow plant, which works for the whole trunk region. For this exercise you need to lie on the belly, and lift yourself on the toes and forearms.

Following a good diet and best exercises to achieve six pack is important, but remember that the body needs rest too. So, apart from focusing on the flat stomach abs diet and workout plan, get adequate amount of sleep to remain healthy.

Stomach Ulcer Symptoms in Children

It is a misunderstanding that ulcer is an adult-disease. An open sore, or lesion, found on the skin or mucous membrane inside the body is referred to as an ulcer. An ulcer is an open painful wound. An ulcer in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, where hydrochloric acid and pepsin are present, is called peptic ulcer. When the peptic ulcer develops in the stomach, it is particularly known as stomach ulcer or gastric ulcer. Though it is usually adults who develop stomach ulcers, children can also suffer from it. The symptoms of stomach ulcer, initially may indicate some other digestive problems.

Stomach Ulcer in Children

Causes

• Acid and Pepsin: Weakened stomach cannot defend itself against the powerful digestive fluids, hydrochloric acid and pepsin, and this leads to the formation of ulcer.
• Stress: Studies show that children with ulcers often are under emotional stress. Excessive stress increases ulcer pain. Physical stress is also responsible for developing stomach ulcers.
• Caffeine: Caffeine triggers acid secretion in the stomach, which in turn can aggravate the pain of an existing ulcer. But, excessive secretion of stomach acid cannot be attributed solely to caffeine.
• Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium make the stomach vulnerable to the harmful effects of acid and pepsin. These drugs are present in many over-the-counter medications used to treat fever, headaches, and minor health problems and pains.
• Smoking: Some small children and teenagers smoke, with or without the permission of their parents. Along with increasing the chances of getting an ulcer, smoking slows down the healing process of existing ulcers, and thus smoking can contribute to ulcer recurrence.
• H. Pylori: Researches show that 80% of gastric ulcers and 90 % of duodenal ulcers develop as a result of infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori weakens the stomach's protective mucus which is then easily damaged due to the effects of acid and pepsin. H. pylori also forces the stomach lining to produce more acid. Therefore H. pylori is considered as the primary cause of stomach ulcers in children.

Symptoms
It is true that ulcers do not always exhibit symptoms. One of the leading stomach ulcer symptoms is gnawing or burning pain in the abdomen between the breastbone and the navel. The child may often complain about the pain between meals or early in the morning. Abdominal pain may last from a few minutes to a few hours. Dyspepsia indicates a group of peptic ulcer symptoms which include belching, bloating, nausea, regurgitation, a sensation of fullness, abdominal pain, blood in vomit or bowel movements and discomfort. Here is a list of common symptoms of stomach ulcers in children.

• Stomach ache with a burning sensation
• Belching
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Blood in vomit or stools
• Discomfort after eating
• Chest pain
• Feeling tired, weakness

Peptic ulcer in children is not a common stomach problem. Parents need to consult their child's physician for a correct diagnosis if they notice any of the above symptoms. Without prompt treatment, children with ulcers may suffer from serious complications like bleeding, hole in the stomach wall leading to serious health problems, narrowing or closing of the intestinal opening which may prevent the food from leaving the stomach, etc. Treatment protocols may be different for different types of ulcers but correct diagnosis of ulcer disease and H. pylori is essential before starting the treatment. For instance, treatment for an NSAID-induced ulcer will be quite different from the treatment for a child diagnosed with an ulcer caused by the bacterium, H. pylori.

In the past, physicians used to recommend a bland diet for ulcers and used to advise that people with ulcers should avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods. But studies have shown that a bland diet cannot effectively treat or avoid ulcers. In fact, no particular diet is helpful for most ulcer patients. Therefore, parents should be extra careful about their child's eating as well as other habits. Stomach ulcer symptoms in children should never be neglected. If parents have any doubts, they should consult their physicians. If it is noticed that certain foods cause irritation, parents should discuss the problem with the child's physician. The most important thing is that parents should carefully watch the eating habits of their children. It is their responsibility to create awareness about healthy eating and healthy lifestyle.

How to Overcome Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety, stress, and depression are a common phenomenon in today's fast-paced urban life. The dynamism of life is such, that it allows only a fraction of a second to adapt the constant changes. Within a blink of an eye, we are changing jobs, forming new relationships, taking up new tasks and finishing the old ones. The maddening race to be the best, sometimes pushes us over the edge, only to land us in a pool of overwhelming anxiety and depression. People may experience, anxiety attacks while sleeping or obsessing about a stressful issue.

What is Anxiety and Depression Disorder?
We have all felt small pangs of anxiety, before a presentation or any important event. The heart begins to pound fast and we get butterflies in our stomach. This is our body's natural reaction to fright. When this feeling becomes constant and begins to interfere with our day-to-day activities, relationships and professional work, the anxiety is then termed as anxiety disorder. Once a person suffers from anxiety disorder, he/she refrains from social activities and enters a state of inactivity.

Ways To Beat Depression and Anxiety

Accept the Trouble
Anxiety in adults is generally due to over working, both, professionally and domestically. Thus, it's time for you to accept the problem before solving it. Write down all the sad feelings, terrible thoughts and horrifying mood swings. Now that you have them in front of you, analyze, what is the cause of each and every feeling. Think of experiences that have made you feel so, this may require a little digging up, but remember it's for the best.

Be Open
Tell your spouse or your family members about what you are going through. Let them know about your trouble and the reasons for it. If you are facing some relationship problem with them that is bothering you, overcome it by talking things out. Allow others to help you to see the difference in your relationships.

Positive Affirmations
Anxiety stems from worrying too much about preposterous situations. To overcome anxiety naturally, think positive about what is going to happen. Your present situation, is a result of your past thoughts. Thus, let positive thoughts occupy your mind, so that it yields positive returns. The simple way of doing this, is to construct every sentence you speak positively.

Divert Attention
We have all indulged in small time lies and big fat ones too. Play pretense with yourself and participate in activities that you like. Watch movies, go out with friends, cook, play some sports, clean up your house or travel somewhere. This will help you to get your mind of the fact that you are trying to overcome anxiety, depression.

Meditate
Meditation is the best stress reliever. The art of watching your breath is a lifesaver for many. With various meditation techniques finding your inner peace is possible!

If you look at anxiety and depression carefully, they are both states of your mind. The more you think about them, the deeper you will fall in the dark abyss. Shun all the negative thoughts away. Prioritizing your needs will work wonders in helping you lead life in a more positive manner.

ADHD and Bedwetting

ADHD or the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one that is most often diagnosed in young children, and may continue into adulthood. Characterized by symptoms such as lack of the ability to stay focused at any one task for a long time period or a general restlessness, ADHD causes trouble to little ones in controlling their emotions as well as understanding and responding to their physical needs. Bedwetting or enuresis has often been related with ADHD. A child may be diagnosed as suffering from enuresis when she/he does so beyond the age of 5 and displays repeated occurrences of the same. It has been found that boys display such a habit more often than girls.

The Link Between ADHD and Bedwetting in Children

While researchers have not been able to find a solid link between the two conditions, studies have shown that the occurrence of the two together is greater than bedwetting on its own. This study, published in the Southern Medical Journal in 1997, showed that by the age of 6, children with ADHD were more likely to suffer from night-time enuresis three times more than those who did not have ADHD. This study however does not prove the fact that bedwetting may be a direct result of ADHD.

One of the prominent reasons for enuresis to occur as a result of ADHD, as pointed out by experts, is that children who suffer from ADHD have lesser control over their bodily signals as they are easily distracted. On the psychological level, children with ADHD are likely to feel 'different' from other kids who do not have this condition, and may find it difficult to fit in. As such, the stress or the pressure caused by such situations is likely to result in bedwetting. Finally, it is possible that either condition may just occur due to a genetic predisposition to the same.

In another approach to this debate, it has been found that bedwetting can often serve as a symptom of lack of intellectual growth and a condition such as ADHD. However, this cannot be held completely true as enuresis may also be caused by hormonal problems, stress, and urinary infections. Unless more symptoms of ADHD are noticed along with bedwetting, the fact that a child may be suffering from ADHD cannot be clearly established.

Reducing Instances of Bedwetting in Children with ADHD

Whenever such instances have been reported to physicians or psychiatrists, the two conditions, i.e. bedwetting and ADHD are treated separately. This is because there is no established link between the two. Measures are taken to involve parents in the treatment process, and some of the following methods are adopted to treat the condition.

• Some theories suggest that it may be a particular food that is consumed, that causes both symptoms of ADHD as well as bedwetting. As such, doctors prescribe a specific diet that reduces hyperactivity and allows children to focus on their needs.
• Establishing the habit of relieving the child at a set time every day before going to bed can help reduce the occurrence of such a problem. Further, if the parent is aware of the time this instance occurs, it is a good idea to wake the child up before the time and take her/him to the bathroom.
• It is important to evaluate all possible causes of bedwetting in the child. It could be an outcome of stress, or a bladder infection. If it is a psychological trigger, then treatment methods such as behavior modification techniques for ADHD may be utilized to reduce it.
• The instances of bedwetting wreak havoc on a child's self-esteem. It can have her/him feel demoralized and left out. As such, be a supportive parent who understands the problem, rather than yelling at your child for not being able to control this situation.

In some cases, children may outgrow this problem by the time they reach puberty. However, this does not eradicate the necessity of appropriate treatment. Again, experts may work to treat both the conditions separately. Along with this treatment, the child who suffers from ADHD and has repeated occurrences of bedwetting should get a lot of support from her/his parents and family. Patience, medical treatment, and methods to improve her/his self-esteem will go a long way in treating this condition.