New Study: Treatment of ADHD with Pycnogenol

Trebatická J, Kopasová S, Hradecná Z, Cinovský K, Skodácek I, Suba J, Muchová J, Zitnanová I, Waczulíková I, Rohdewald P, Duracková Z.Dept. of Child Psychiatry, Child University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Limbová 1, 833 40 Bratislava, Slovakia.

"Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric disorder in children.

Pycnogenol, an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine, consisting of phenolic acids, catechin, taxifolin and procyanidins, has shown improvement of ADHD in case reports and in an open study.

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Pycnogenol on ADHD symptoms. Sixty-one children were supplemented with 1 mg/kg/day Pycnogenol or placebo over a period of 4 weeks in a randomised, placebo-controlled, doubleblind study. Patients were examined at start of trial, 1 month after treatment and 1 month after end of treatment period by standard questionnaires: CAP (Child Attention Problems) teacher rating scale, Conner's Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS), the Conner's Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) and a modified Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children.

Results show that 1-month Pycnogenol administration caused a significant reduction of hyperactivity, improves attention and visual-motoric coordination and concentration of children with ADHD. In the placebo group no positive effects were found. One month after termination of Pycnogenol administration a relapse of symptoms was noted. Our results point to an option to use Pycnogenol as a natural supplement to relieve ADHD symptoms of children." PMID: 16699814 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

One product I recommend for my clients with Spectrum Disorder children is the Isotonix Might-A-Mins® Spectrum Isotonix OPC-3® which contains Pycnogenol and provides a strong antioxidant defense and is formulated for children who need special neurological, metabolic, or digestive support. With an isotonic delivery system, 95% of the supplement is delivered into the system. Contact me to discuss further.

More Information on the Spectrum line is available at http://bit.ly/Spectrum

Good Fats? Bad Fats?

We are in a society that has villified fat. Bad Fat! An entire segment of food manufacturing exists only to support this myth: non-fat, low-fat, lower fat, etc. Yet for all our fat-phobia we have a higher level of obesity than ever before! Clearly, eating low-fat or no fat will not make you thin.

So, how do we know the good guys from the bad guys?

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
These help to balance our hormones, promote energy, help skin and arteries remain supple and protect the cardiovascular system. Many of them are also incorporated into every cell in the body making cell membranes more flexible allowing nutrients in and toxins out. Unlike saturated fats they are liquid at room temperature. Especially good sources are nuts and seeds. Fish is also a good source of these essential fatty acids. Called essential because we can’t make them from other fats!

There are quite a few types of essential fatty acids, however the main ones are:
Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) whose derivatives make hormone like substances called prostaglandins. These are involved in anti-inflammatory reactions, in the stickiness of blood and circulation, the immune system, the functioning of the hormone system and helping to maintain blood sugar levels. A deficiency of linoleic acid can result in eczema, allergies, pre-menstrual tension and even hyperactivity.

Alpha-Linoleic Acid (Omega 3) whose derivatives also make prostaglandins. These are involved in keeping the heart healthy and influencing the formation of blood clots, reducing blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Deficiency have been associated with weakness, learning difficulties and tingling in the arms and legs.

Good sources are:
Oils (organic, cold pressed): Olive, Hemp, Sunflower, safflower and corn.
Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, brazil nuts & pecans.
Seeds: Sesame, pumpkin, linseed, sunflower and hemp.
Oily fish: Mackerel, trout, eel, salmon, tuna, sardines and herring.

Unfortunately, with the Standard American Diet (SAD) we consume too many Omega 6 fats in ratio to our Omega 3 fats, some sources say as much as 20:1 when we really should shoot for 1:3!

Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated oils are basically ‘essential fats’ that have been turned what Udo Erasmus describes as "Killer Fats"! Instead of being good for our health as they would be in their natural state they have been chemically altered to produce cheap spreadable, shelf stable fats. The process of hydrogenation twists the essential fatty acid molecules which mean that they then behave more like a saturated fat. Unfortunately, unlike saturated fats which can be utilized by the body, these fake fats can’t be. They’re a bit like key that fits the lock but they can’t turn. This means that the locks are then blocked for the body to utilize the good fats.

Hydrogenated and Trans Fatty Acids:
- Change the way our immune system works.
- Interfere with blood insulin function thereby increasing the likelihood of blood sugar imbalance.
- Increase cholesterol particularly the bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower the good cholesterol (HDL).
- Change the way our fat cells work.
- Change the fluidity of cell membranes making them harder, slowing down reactions and lowering cell vitality.
- Make platelets more sticky.
- Raise the level of Lp(a), the strongest known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Main Sources:- Traditionally, anything processed, although manufacturers are catching on. For now look for them in Margarines, biscuits, cakes, crackers, pancake mixes, breakfast cereals, instant soups, chocolate bars, crisps, croutons, many processed meals and even some peanut butters!

They're easy to avoid if you read food labels and try to eat a diet of whole foods and stick with unprocessed products. Here's a tip: labeling laws say trans fats must only be listed if there is more than .5 grams per serving. Be sure and check your serving size - if you're consuming more than a serving you may be consuming trans fats. it the ingredient label includes hgydrogenated oils, there are trans fats!

Be Well!

IS YOUR BUSINESS FIT OR FAT?

Did You Know. . .
- Sixty-nine million workers reported missing work days due to illness, for a total 407 MILLION DAYS of lost time at work?
- Fifty-five million workers reported a time when they were unable to concentrate at work because of their health issues, or those of a family member?
- The number of lost workdays was almost 13 times higher, medical claims costs were seven times higher and indemnity claims costs were 11 times higher among the heaviest employees compared with those of recommended weight?

The health of your employees has a direct impact on your bottom line. Research has shown that focus, productivity and attendance are all impacted by chronic disease, many of which are directly caused by being overweight.

Nutritional Therapy 1:1 offers a 12-week Weightloss in the Workplace program designed to get your employees to a healthy weight and make lifestyle changes that will impact many other areas of their health (blood pressure, inflammation, heart disease, metobolic syndrome and more).

If you would like healthier employees, lower insurance costs and increased productivity call NT 1:1 at (971) 227-9919.

Also available are Well Workplace Programs, Seminars, Health Fairs and Employee Incentive/Reward programs.