Children diagnosed with ADD and ADHD have become so prevalent most parents just accept the diagnosis and the protocol in treating this ailment. I don’t diagnose anything. I just look for what is off balance or causing toxicity in the body. Parents who sought my help because their child was being labeled “over active”, “disruptive”, “aggressive” or “lacking concentration”, have seen 90%-100% improvement in their child’s “behavior” and/or academics.
In one case I met with a 9 year old child which was being labeled “inattentive”, “lacking concentration” and “forgetful”. What was discovered was that he was deficient in iron. Once the iron was elevated all these symptoms stopped. However, most of the other children I have assessed have bouts of low blood sugar otherwise none as hypoglycemia.
In essence hypoglycemia results in sugar-starved brain cells that will not work normally and will result in the slowing down of body processes that the brain may deem least essential. Children as well as adults can suffer from hypoglycemia; however, the symptoms tend to show up differently. With both, extreme perspiration while sleeping can occur.
What are the signs and symptoms of a non-diabetic hypoglycemic child?
• Extreme Hunger
• Pallor
• Anger, hostility
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Impulsiveness
• Hyperactivity
• Headaches
• Sugar cravings
• Speaking loudly
• Trouble paying attention (focusing on tasks)
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness or light-headedness
Many of these symptoms correlate with ADD and ADHD diagnosed children.
What can be the cause of low blood sugar in children?
There are many medical explanations focusing on the the pancreas and the adrenal hormones. However, if we understand how sugar is burned then we can probably make an educated guess on why so many children may develop this problem. Blood sugar (glucose) comes mostly from simple and complex carbohydrates and proteins. The blood carries the glucose to be used as fuel to the brain, organs, muscles and other tissues. Any excess sugar is stored in the liver.
What do children do all day at school? They use their brain in the classroom and their muscles and other tissues at recess. They continue to use their brain at home to complete their homework and if they do after school activities they use their muscles and other tissues again! All this require a lot of energy. This energy comes from burning sugar which comes from our food. Therefore, in these cases the body simply runs out of glucose (sugar) to burn.
A Simple Solution
The simple act of starting the child’s day with a HIGH protein breakfast (meat protein the best), along with a small piece or slice of fruit and providing heartier snacks (i.e. cheese/peanut butter and crackers or cheese/peanut butter and apple) in between meals makes a dramatic shift for the child. The high protein breakfast sustains blood sugar levels because it digests more slowly than cereal, bread or fruit. This allows for a type of continuous “drip” of sugar into the blood stream which feeds the brain, muscles, tissues and organs. The fruit or cereal with the high protein breakfast acts as a quick sugar jolt to get the brain ready for learning. The heartier snacks in between meals continue stabilizing the blood sugar. By the way these suggestions also have dramatic effects on an adult who suffers from low blood sugar.
It may take about 7-15 days to notice some changes in the child if this is what was needed. It may not be a 100% shift because in some cases along with the condition of hypoglycemia the child also needs some B-Complex vitamins which also affect concentration and memory. In a couple of my cases the child also had an excess of yeast which adds to “behavioral” issues. With older children (teenagers) and adults the mineral Chromium may also be deficient. In an adult or teenager, hypoglycemia (along with other symptoms which come with stressed Adrenal glands) has sometimes been mis-diagnosed as a mental disorder.
If you would like to confirm if hypoglycemia is a factor for your child (or an adult) ask for a Glucose Tolerance test from your doctor.
Either way always remember IT’S ALL GOOD!
If you try this, I invite you to share your story.
** If you would like to order some of the Nature’s Sunshine products (NSP) like B-Complex (other stores may offer liquid B-complex if your child can’t swallow) or GTF Chromium, call them at 1-800-453-1422 and you can use my account number of #576437-6. Tell them you want a drop ship order. For more information about NSP go to my Health Analysis page and read the last section.
"Your Soul's Plan" by Robert Schwartz
This is extremely helpful. I will try this with my kids and watch for improvements in their behavior…they don’t have all the symptoms you listed above but a good many of them…and we rarely have HIGH protein for breakfast…mostly carbs. Thanks.
Darcie, I’m glad you found this information helpful and are willing to give it a try. The following are some examples of the types of breakfasts I prepare for my daughters. You’ll note that along with the protein I pair it up with either a fruit, carb or grain. I also give them about 4 oz. of OJ or apple juice because they don’t like milk. If your child likes milk that is fine.
– bacon (2-3 strips; turkey or pork) and cup of oatmeal
– sausage (2) and a half a small bagel w/ some cream cheese possibly some pineapple on the side
– chicken tenders with 1/2 an apple
– scrambled eggs with frozen whole grain waffle or pancake, maybe some strawberries or blue berries if I have some on hand
– hard boiled eggs with whole wheat toast
– sliced grilled hotdog with hash brown or tater tots
So there you go. Mix and match and get creative.
By the way, I utilize my toaster oven a lot to re-heat pre-cooked meats. This allows for me to continue getting ready in the morning.
Lu, thanks so much for the specific recommendations. I will give this a try. Do you notice any problems mixing the fruit with meats? I’ve read that food combining is as important to watch as the amounts of proteins and carbs.
My kids don’t drink cow’s milk but they do drink almond milk…they like it on cereal and straight. I like that it doesn’t have any growth hormones and that it is not an animal product.
I’ll check in again in a bit to let you know how it goes. ;D
Darcie, good questions. I personally have not seen any conflict with mixing fruit and protein nor have my clients which are dealing with low blood sugar issues. Additionally, when I test the body energetically with this food combination, it does not come back with a negative response. Regarding cows milk, yes I purchase milk which comes from cows which have not been given growth hormones.
I look forward to your update on your experience.