Nutrition Helps Children with Mental Problems
by
Paul J. Dunn, MD

At the time I became part of NOHA’s Professional Advisory Board, I was practicing general pediatrics and doing an integrative evaluation and treatment for children with brain injury and learning disability. Many of these children were hyperactive and suffered from a variety of other symptoms.

Rather than treat these symptoms with drugs, e.g. hyperactivity with Ritalin, we chose to investigate the various causes of the basic underlying problem and treat the disease. Active search for information from all disciplines led us to consider such treatment methods as developmental optometry, carbohydrate metabolism and mineral imbalances, cranial osteopathy, chronic candidiasis (yeast infection), and food and chemical sensitivities. Since the vast majority of these problem children have hypoglycemia and/or other metabolic imbalances, we became very involved in nutrition. In recent years, we have also been working with adults practicing preventive, holistic medicine in conjunction with their primary physician.

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Rather than treat these symptoms with drugs, e.g. hyperactivity with Ritalin, we chose to investigate the various causes of the basic underlying problem and treat the disease.

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One of the treatments used, cranial osteopathy, is related to the Primary Respiratory Mechanism. When movement between the brain, skull bones, sacrum (area between the hipbones) and muscles is impaired (perhaps from labor/delivery, head bumps, whiplash, falls on the tailbone, etc.), the cranial nerves are affected, causing a great variety of symptoms. Some degree of respiratory congestion may also result, possibly years after the original incident, due to a disturbance in the flow of lymph fluid.

The treatment is indirect osteopathic manipulation, which is itself very comfortable and relaxing. As part of an integrated holistic approach, it greatly helps the body respond to nutrition. A properly balanced diet of lean meats, poultry, fish, fresh vegetables and fruit, high fiber grains and reduced intake of sugar is emphasized. Nutritional supplements are prescribed according to each individual’s needs.

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[osteopathy] is indirect osteopathic manipulation, which is itself very comfortable and relaxing. As part of an integrated holistic approach, it greatly helps the body respond to nutrition.

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Symptoms which have been relieved by this treatment are: chronic headache, ringing in the ears, chronic sinus and nasal congestion, stiffness in neck and shoulder muscles, and digestive symptoms related to muscle-skeletal imbalance. Stress reduction following relief of these symptoms also helps the allergy component of chronic illness.