ADD and ADHD... OH Shiny! Pt. 1 Defining the Several Types

The Several Types of ADD and ADHD/ Part One


Okay, we've all used this excuse.
"Sorry I can't focus, I'm just totally ADD right now."

Or something similar. Admit, you have. Anytime there's a moment of sporadic thought that crosses your mind and diverts your attention, it's easy to classify it as ADD or ADHD. But in reality, it's probably not.


But what about the people who really DO have to live with ADD or ADHD?


ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD seem to be one in the same. However, in reality there are several significant differences that can play a part in how one goes about treating this disorder. In addition there are also several types of ADD/ADHD. Here are the most prevalent:

Vitamin E is Awesome. Here's Why!

Vitamin is essentially awesome. But you knew that right?



Pill Form

 Although scientists aren't positive as to why exactly it's important for the body, they do know that it's a huge building block in the formation of red blood cells, muscles, and other tissues in the body. Several medical professionals even believe that vitamin has the power to prevent different types of cancer because it significantly protects cells against the damage done by free radicals. Vitamin E is yet another important immune boosting vitamin. Research in elderly people shows that it can help protect them against colds and other viruses by keeping their immune system strong.
Where do you see vitamin E products frequently? Think back to your skin lotions and hair products. Vitamin E is all the rage lately because of the awesome benefits it provides to  skin and hair. If used correctly, vitamin E can help fight against every day pollutants (i.e smoke, smog, and all of the other nasty things floating around outside) as well as healing wounds quickly. When paired with Vitamin C, the two can do incredible things in regards to the healing of skin and hair. 

Vitamin C, The Super Hero of Vitamins

              Now-a-days, vitamin C is well known as essentially the super vitamin that cures all. Well maybe not that dramatic, but when you think of all of the benefits of vitamin C, it's hard to argue that it isn't awesome.
Found in several foods including oranges, tomatoes, liver, strawberries, sweet potatoes and even mangos, vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid that helps protect the immune system. It's an anti-oxidant too!

What are some of the coolest benefits of vitamin C?
1. It can help fight the common cold
   It boosts the immune system which can prevent you from getting a cold, along with helping you fight off infection once you develop a cold.
2. Helps the healing of wounds
   Vitamin C is a huge factor in the production of collagen. When ingested, vitamin C can help heal cuts, scrapes, deep cuts, broken bones, and surgical wounds.
3. Can help with acne
   For many people (including myself!) vitamin C can significantly improve the appearance of acne because it helps with collagen production and fights the actual infection (the acne).  Dozens of people comment that it helps heal existing eruptions and prevent future break outs.
4. Helps reduce the symptoms of asthma
   By helping reduce inflammation, asthma patients report significant relief of symptoms while taking vitamin C regularly.
5. Can reduce the chance of several cancers
   Lung cancer, cervical cancer and pancreatic cancer.
6. You won't get scurvy like a pirate!
   Arrrrghhh!
   

Migraines, AKA, Demon Beasts from Hell

             Migraines are awful. Nearly everyone has had one in their lives and for the people who have to deal with them constantly, it can be unbearable.  I suffered with near constant migraines during several points in my life and I am no stranger to their pain. Courtesy of migraine.com, here is a list of the most common symptoms associated with migraines.
1. Throbbing, pulsating pain – 85 percent
2. Light sensitivity – 80 percent
3. Sound sensitivity – 76 percent
4. Nausea – 73 percent
5. Pain on one side – 59 percent
6. Vision changes, blurred vision – 44 percent
7. Aura – 36 percent
8. Vomiting – 29 percent
   
   
   
           So how can you tell the difference between a migraine and just a regular headache? For me it was simple. With a headache, I could take a few aspirin and be on my merry way in thirty minutes or so. With a migraine, however, I could feel one coming on and instantly feel depleted. My head would throb, sounds and lights were killer and sometimes I would even throw up. The only help I could come by for a few hours of relief was to sleep. Once or twice it even got so bad that I had to go to the ER to get rid of the damn thing.

Chronic Inflammation, Do YOU have it?

What is it exactly?

Inflammation is meant to help the body deal with problems and infections. The act of inflammation it's self is not the problem and when in proper working order, it's exceptionally helpful. It helps make blood clot when there is a wound as well as increases the blood flow. Wherever there is a threat to the body, whether it be perceived (emotional hurt) or serious i-just-tore-off-my-leg kind of action, the process of inflammation is ready to act. 

We run into a problem when inflammation continues on too long and becomes chronic inflammation.  It kills off the good and healthy cells in an attempt to get rid of the bad bacteria. Look at it this way: Cops are often great at hitting the scene of the crime efficiently and taking care of the problem. But what would happen if they stayed there too long and perceived everything as a threat, no matter how normal the situation? The cops would start creating new problems, and what was once a great help now hinders the normal functioning processes.

And especially now-a-days when people are putting their bodies through the max every waking moment (and sometimes sleeping!) the process of inflammation is on overdrive. Gum disease and painful stomach ulcers can be linked with the over production of H. pylori bacteria.  When the process of inflammation lasts too long, it can easily spread to other parts of the body from where it originally started.