October 27, 2010

 

ADD and Fish?? 

My topic for today is ADD, otherwise known as Attention Deficit Disorder. I have written about this topic before, but for some reason I just can not get enough of it.

 

As is usually the case at the Institute For Medical Wellness, I look to more than just a prescription for a diagnosis. I look for causes. When I find the cause, I then look for a solution, preferably one that involves a lifestyle change, dietary modification, and if necessary nutritional supplementation. Prescription medications are always an option, but I tend to like to go through the "safer" options first.

 

Searching for triggers and causes of disease does not come easy. A lot of research and time is needed. Fortunately, in my daily reading, I came across an excellent source of information on diet and ADD. The link can be found here. It reviews many studies indicating low levels of omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, along with higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids, correlating with higher levels of ADD symptoms. In the studies reviewed, when EPA and DHA was supplemented as fish oil,  ADD symptoms decreased by 20-50%, which is similar to the improvement seen with Ritalin, one of the more common ADD prescription medications.

 

Now, please do not try this at home and do not throw out your Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, Daytrana, Vyvanse, or Intuniv. They can be very expensive medications, and the time we probably spent to get them preapproved by your prescription plan was priceless. To better understand why, I refer you back to my previous newsletter. The above improvements with supplemental fish oils were averages, so some had better, while others less improvement. Also, the improvements took time, with some of the studies lasting over 6 months. But either way you look at it, it may not be a bad idea to consider improving your omega 3 nutritional balance.

 

Interestingly, a few of the studies measured the ratios of Omega-6 to Omega-3 levels, as well as the AA/EPA  (Arachadonic Acid/EPA) ratio. In the past, these have not been easy tests to perform, and mainly were a part only of research studies. But no longer!! We can now perform these tests at the Institute For Medical Wellness, via Omegaquant Labs. The clincher is that based on the results of this test, we can determine whether fish oil supplementation, and other forms of dietary manipulation may be of benefit to you!

 

I know I said that this was not going to be another diet or nutrition topic. But I guess I forgot to take my fish oils and my ADD took over ; ) 

 

For more information on the Omega-3 index test available at The Institute For Medical Wellness, please click here.

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Introduction of Special Wellness Testing !!

 

When I founded the Institute For Medical Wellness, I never thought that I would be involved in as much cutting edge preventive testing as I now offer. The research and technological advances at specialized labs across the country have allowed me to feel confident that I can offer the newest, latest and best preventive testing in the area.

 

So what began as the Healthy Heart Program, has morphed into a Health and Wellness Program, as many of the causes of Heart and Vascular disease overlap with other disease processes.

 

We now offer testing that measures Aging, Inflammation, Omega-3 balance, Vitamin, mineral and micronutrient balance, specialized cholesterol and lipid panels, genetic testing for vascular disease, breast cancer and colon cancer, and a Heartscan to determine the amount of potential plaque buildup in your heart.  More will be added as I see the need, as long as the testing is necessary and reliable!

 

I have started a new webpage where you can get more information on all of these tests, and it can be accessed by clicking here.

 

For extra special savings on all of the above tests, as well as our new Ultimate Wellness Plan, please click here.

 

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Tuesday November 2nd is just around the corner!

 

Please do not forget to vote!!

 

No matter what your views, unless you vote, you have no say!!