importance of biochemistry

When we look at a child’s difficult or negative behavior, it is important to address their biochemistry as well as the nervous system. Why? Because the nervous system influences the biochemistry and vice versa! Think about it. If you went out to a dinner gathering and ate food that you either typically don’t eat or know your stomach does not tolerate and drank, perhaps, some alcoholic drinks or wine, how would you sleep that night and how would you feel the next morning? Likely not great! This is because your body did not receive good nutrients that it needs for your cells to make energy and for all the millions of processes that automatically take place in our body in order for us to function. Additionally, sleep is hugely important as during the night is when our brain and other organs clean out toxins and recharge in order to be ready for all the demands we place upon it the next day. Without a restful night’s sleep, it is no wonder you would wake up in a fog with no energy and have a difficult time getting through the day!

Now let’s apply that to your child. Consider what their day is like - what food and other substances they are putting into their body. Are they receiving the amount of nutrients they need for their body to function at its best? Are they able to have 7-8 hours of sleep consistently every night? If not, this is likely a contributing factor to their behavior. Without proper nutrients, the body cannot do its job which results in biochemical imbalances that will lead to symptoms of irritability, mood swings, difficulty paying attention, brain fog, hyperactivity, etc.

RESEARCH FINDINGS

Dr. William Walsh has worked with over 30,000 patients with mental health disorders and used nutrient therapy to help decrease their symptoms and, in some cases, eliminate the need for medication. In his book, “Nutrient Power”, Dr. Walsh states he has observed a pattern of those diagnosed with ADHD being deficient in folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D zinc, and having copper excess. Additionally, patients can have low neurotransmitters of dopamine, GABA and serotonin. A deficiency of vitamin B6 leads to decreased synthesis of these neurotransmitters which leads to anxiety. Another biochemical imbalance called Pyrrole Disorder which depletes zinc and vitamin B6 is also present in those who have high anxiety. Of 5,600 patients Dr. Walsh has treated that have been diagnosed with ADHD, 86% had chemical imbalances.

Dr. Walsh has also worked extensively with those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These patients exhibited similar nutrient deficits as those diagnosed with ADHD with a few additional findings: presence of heavy metals, low levels of magnesium and low levels of another mineral - selenium.

From this research, it is apparent how important balancing a child’s biochemistry is to their optimal functioning and mental health! I am privileged to say my education in this area has been under a physician who was trained directly by Dr. Walsh.

IMPACT ON CHILDREN

Obviously, then what a child takes in impacts their biochemistry and results in positive or negative behavior. Conversely, if their nervous system perceives it is in danger or under attack, which can be for many reasons, an activated nervous system can also negatively change an individual’s biochemistry. For example, if a student is either experiencing stress in family life at home which can be anything from arguing with siblings to a new move to sensing stress of parents or experiencing stress at school with a teacher, friends or other students, the student’s nervous system is activated which means their body is releasing stress chemicals of cortisol and adrenaline into the body to help manage the stress. Other unnecessary systems (including digestion) shut down and, without resolving this activated state, the student may have difficulty learning, may exhibit irritable behavior, may have difficulty sleeping. Remaining in this activated state, a student’s biochemistry becomes imbalanced as the body is focused on survival and managing the perceived danger or threat. The nervous system responds the same to all types of stress - whether it be examples listed above or being chased by a bear!

In order for a child to truly thrive, they need to be healed from the inside out. This includes BOTH regulating the nervous system in order to manage perceived danger or threats AND balancing the biochemistry.

HOW TO BALANCE BIOCHEMISTRY

Since the nervous system has the power to change an individual’s biochemistry, beginning with a regulated nervous system is key. Once the nervous system has become more regulated, lab tests with blood and urine samples can be completed to assess for typical biochemical imbalances seen in children. A Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis can also be completed to assess a child’s levels of both macro minerals (calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium), micro minerals and the presence of heavy metals (such as aluminum, lead, uranium, arsenic and ). Neurotransmitter levels can be assessed through questionnaires and monitoring of symptoms. Once all these assessments are compiled, a protocol can be developed to balance the child’s biochemistry.