Brain Balance Achievement Centers

Study: Gut Bacteria Affects Brain Function

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:29:03 +0000

A recent study from researchers at UCLA links gut bacteria to brain function, underscoring Brain Balance’s assertion that diet has a direct and significant impact on behavior. The small study found that women who regularly consumed probiotics found in yogurt showed altered brain function while in a state of rest and in response to emotion recognition tasks. Read an excerpt below from the UCLA Health online magazine (1), or click here to read the original article in its entirety.

“…The small study involved 36 women between the ages of 18 and 55. Researchers divided the women into three groups: one group ate a specific yogurt containing a mix of several probiotics — bacteria thought to have a positive effect on the intestines — twice a day for four weeks; another group consumed a dairy product that looked and tasted like the yogurt but contained no probiotics; and a third group ate no product at all….

During the resting brain scan, the women consuming probiotics showed greater connectivity between a key brainstem region known as the periaqueductal grey and cognition-associated areas of the prefrontal cortex. The women who ate no product at all, on the other hand, showed greater connectivity of the periaqueductal grey to emotion- and sensation-related regions, while the group consuming the non-probiotic dairy product showed results in between.

The researchers were surprised to find that the brain effects could be seen in many areas, including those involved in sensory processing and not merely those associated with emotion, Tillisch said.

The UCLA researchers are seeking to pinpoint particular chemicals produced by gut bacteria that may be triggering the signals to the brain. They also plan to study whether people with gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and altered bowel movements have improvements in their digestive symptoms which correlate with changes in brain response.

Meanwhile, Mayer notes that other researchers are studying the potential benefits of certain probiotics in yogurts on mood symptoms such as anxiety. He said that other nutritional strategies may also be found to be beneficial…”

At Brain Balance, we’ve long contended that proper diet and gut health play integral roles in improving health and behavior, particularly for kids with ADHD, autism, and learning disorders. Read more about the nutritional aspect of our integrated approach to reducing or eliminating symptoms of neuro-developmental disorders, and contact us today to find the Brain Balance Achievement Center nearest you!

Source: (1) UCLA, Health Sciences (2013, May 29). Changing gut bacteria through diet affects brain function.

ADHD and Autism Update: How Does Diet Affect Behavior?

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:11:02 +0000

How does diet affect behavior? Dr. Robert Melillo, creator of The Brain Balance Program, recently spoke about this subject with eNannySource.com, an online resource that helps parents connect with caregivers and provides up-to-date information on childcare. When asked about the connection between diet and symptoms of neuro-developmental disorders like ADHD and autism, he shared the following:

In Autism and other neurobehavioral issues like ADHD, diet does play a significant role in creating and exacerbating symptoms. Almost all children with Autism, ADHD and learning disabilities have food sensitivities. However, the makeup of these sensitivities is different in each child. Identifying and eliminating foods that a child is sensitive to is very important; these food reactions often lead to more severe immune responses and create inflammation in the child’s body and brain. These children almost always have what is known as “leaky gut” syndrome, where foods that are not fully digested can get through the gut lining and come in contact with the immune system, triggering an immune response and creating inflammatory chemicals that can affect the child’s behavior and learning ability. This “leaky gut” problem has been known about for years by Functional Neurology and Functional Medicine physicians. However, only just this past year did the American Pediatrics Association admit that they recognized these gut problems in children with Autism, that it was a significant source of symptoms and that it should be addressed. However, what most professionals and parents don’t realize is that the actual cause of this “leaky gut” and the food sensitivities that result along with vitamin and mineral deficiencies because of malabsorption can all be explained as a result of a primary imbalance in the brain and nervous system. The brain controls everything, and a problem with the brain and its regulation of the immune and digestive systems can result in all of the dietary and nutritional issues we see in these children. Therefore dietary and nutritional interventions, although helpful to manage symptoms, are only temporary if the imbalances in the brain are not addressed. The right and left brain control the immune response differently, and they regulate the autonomic system, which is the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems that control the gut and can affect the production of acid, blood flow and muscular contractions. I know this because I personally, along with our Brain Balance Centers, have worked with over 10,000 children, and every one of them has had a blood test measuring their food reactions and vitamin, mineral and amino acid levels. Virtually all of them have some sensitivities; some have one or two, but others have 40 or more. After they have done the Brain Balance Program, we see that in 90% of these children their food sensitivities are reduced or completely eliminated and their deficiencies are gone. They no longer have to be on special diets or vitamins.

To read the entire interview with eNannySource.com, click here. To learn more about how The Brain Balance Program addresses proper diet and nutrition as well as physical, sensory-motor, and cognitive issues, contact us today!

Study: Environmental Enrichment Reduces Autism Symptoms

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Wed, 29 May 2013 13:48:30 +0000

Results from an autism study in the May 2013 issue of Behavioral Neuroscience show environmental enrichment strategies reduce autism symptoms in boys ages 3 to 12. After six months of an environmental enrichment program that included olfactory and tactile stimulation, the enriched group showed clinically significant improvement of symptoms at a rate of 42% compared with 7% of the control group. Additionally, 69% of parents of kids in the enriched group reported improvement, compared with only 31% of the control group. Researchers are now conducting a larger study that includes girls with autism. Click here to read more about this important and promising study.

At Brain Balance, sensory-motor stimulation and environmental enrichment are an integral part of each student’s individualized program! What’s the Brain Balance difference? The difference is that each child is assessed in more than 900 functions, then a program is custom designed for his or her specific needs. The results of this recent autism study underscore the effectiveness of the Brain Balance method. By combining sensory-motor, cognitive, and academic activities with nutritional guidelines meant to ease any behavioral symptoms caused by food sensitivities and/or allergies, we’ve established a multi-faceted, holistic approach that helps your child achieve optimum body and brain function without medication. We work with children who exhibit symptoms of ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, Asperger’s, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Contact us today to learn more!

Watch: Vista L.A. Showcases Brain Balance Program

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:28:25 +0000

Vista L.A. on ABC Channel 7 in Los Angeles, CA recently aired a piece showcasing Brain Balance Achievement Centers. The piece shares how our program improves or corrects the underlying communication issue at the root of neuro-developmental disorders like ADHD and autism leading to a reduction or elimination of behavioral symptoms. It also highlights some of our in-center sensory-motor activities and the role proper diet plays in fostering optimal health and wellness. Enjoy the video below!

More About Brain Balance Achievement Centers
Did you know that the brain can change and improve throughout a person’s lifetime? This phenomenon, called neuroplasticity, is at the heart of the Brain Balance Program®. At Brain Balance, we begin by conducting a two part Comprehensive Assessment of your child’s brain and body function that includes sensory-motor, bilateral movement, and neuro-academic testing of more than 900 functions. Once we understand the uniqueness and severity of your child’s challenges, we custom design physical, sensory-motor, and cognitive activity plans to help establish proper neural connections and improve the brain’s rhythm and timing. As brain communication improves between and within the right and left hemispheres, symptoms of learning and developmental disorders are reduced or eliminated. Additionally, our program includes nutritional guidelines and dietary support for a whole-child approach to improving behavior and functioning. Our proprietary, non-medical program has helped thousands of kids reach their physical, social, behavioral, and cognitive potential. Children who benefit from our program exhibit symptoms of ADHD, Dyslexia, Processing Disorders, Asperger Syndrome, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Contact us today to learn more!

Kids With Autism Detect Movement Twice As Fast As Other Kids

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:20:25 +0000

Kids with autism can detect simple movements twice as fast as kids who don’t have the disorder according to new research from the University of Vanderbilt and the University of Rochester. This information may help explain why people with autism are uncomfortable in certain environments, particularly crowded or bustling ones. A recent NPR article about the results of the study states the following:

“One can think of autism as a brain impairment, but another way to view autism is as a condition where the balance between different brain processes is impaired,” says Duje Tadin, a co-author of the study out this week in the Journal of Neuroscience. “That imbalance could lead to functional impairments, and it often does, but it can also result in enhancements.”

To read more about how researchers quantified this substantial movement perception difference in people with autism, click here. This study lends further support to Dr. Robert Melillo’s theory of Functional Disconnection as it applies to neuro-developmental disorders in children. A well functioning brain communicates between both hemispheres and within each hemisphere at lightning speed. These communications are like runners in a relay race: They connect, pass information, and release, repeating this process millions of times a minute. In a poorly functioning brain, these “runners” are often out of sync, missing each other or passing on only partial information. At Brain Balance, we call this miscommunication Functional Disconnection Syndrome, and our program works by improving or correcting this underlying communication issue.

Once we understand the uniqueness and severity of your child’s challenges through our Comprehensive Assessment, we then custom design physical, sensory-motor, and cognitive activity plans to establish proper neural connections and improve rhythm and timing. As brain communication improves, symptoms of learning and developmental disorders are reduced or eliminated. We also offer nutritional guidelines and dietary support for a whole-child approach to improving behavior and functioning. Our proprietary, non-medical program has helped thousands of kids reach their physical, social, behavioral, and academic potential. We work with children who exhibit symptoms of ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, Asperger’s, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Contact us today to learn more!

Healthy Bites: May Is Celiac Awareness Month

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:22:11 +0000

In our May 2013 edition of Healthy Bites, the diet and nutrition newsletter for health-conscious families from Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we’re discussing Celiac Disease and its connection to ADHD symptoms. Find an excerpt below, and stop by your nearest center for a copy of our full newsletter and for more information about The Brain Balance Program.

Healthy Bites
May 2013
May Is Celiac Awareness Month
By Christie Korth, CHC AADP

May is Celiac Awareness Month
About 10 years ago, I recall walking into a health food store and seeing the words “gluten-free”. At the time, it was so new no one really understood what it meant. Today, of course, we know that gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, oats and barley. In some ways it is like glue, providing that elastic texture and chewiness we find in breads, pastas and cookies. Read below to learn more about Celiac Disease and how it may be contributing to symptoms of ADHD in your child.

What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac Disease can be defined as a permanent intolerance to the gliadin fraction of wheat protein and related alcohol-soluble proteins (called prolamines) found in rye and barley. Celiac Disease occurs in genetically susceptible individuals who eat these proteins, leading to an auto-immune disease where the body’s immune system attacks normal tissue. This condition continues as long as this food protein is in the diet. The inflammation and atrophy of the intestinal villi caused by continued gluten exposure results in poor absorption of critical vitamins, minerals, and calories. Signs and symptoms of the disease classically include diarrhea, short stature, iron-deficiency/anemia, and lactose intolerance. However, many patients will also present with “non-classical” symptoms, such as abdominal pain, “irritable bowel”, and osteoporosis.

Celiac Disease and ADHD
Many doctors and nutritionists have questioned a possible link between Celiac Disease and ADHD. Current research, however, confirms that there is a connection. If your child has a learning disability or signs of neuro-developmental issues, discuss a screening with your health professional. In a study conducted by the Department of Child Psychiatry, Psychiatric Hospital of Rodewisch in Rodewisch, Germany researchers concluded that Celiac disease is markedly overrepresented among patients presenting with ADHD. A gluten-free diet significantly improved ADHD symptoms in patients with Celiac disease in this study. The study included 67 subjects aged 7 to 42 years (mean = 11.4 years) and a gluten-free diet was initiated for at least 6 months in these Celiac-positive patients with ADHD. After initiation of the gluten-free diet, patients (or parents) reported a significant improvement in their behavior and function compared to the period before Celiac diagnosis and treatment. This was further quantifiably confirmed when retested for ADHD. If your child has been tested for Celiac and the results are negative, he or she may still be sensitive to gluten. Many health professionals understand that even gluten sensitivities can contribute to inflammation, bloating, cramps, skin issues, auto-immune disease, weight gain, and more. Consider an elimination diet for a minimum of 30 days to see if you detect any changes or improvement in your child.

Recipe Of The Month
Almond Butter & Jelly Breakfast Pizza
Free of: gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, fish,
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yields: 6 servings
1 cup ground flax seed
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon coconut oil, (for batter)
1 teaspoon oil coconut (for greasing skillet)
1/2 cup of almond or cashew butter
1/2 cup of jelly of your choice
1/2 toasted coconut flakes
Fresh fruit like banana or berries

Preheat a skillet to medium high. Melt oil in skillet. Mix 1st four ingredients. Drop into skillet to make pancakes. Cook for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Once the pancakes are completed, spread almond butter over the pancake as if you were adding sauce on a pizza. Add jelly over nut butter. Top with toasted coconut flakes to look like cheese. Top with sliced banana to look like pepperoni. Get the kids involved. Serve and enjoy!

Contact us today to learn more about the Brain Balance Program and the connection between diet and developmental disorders.

Brain Balance Creator To Speak At 2013 AutismOne Conference

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:38:11 +0000

Brain Balance Program creator, Dr. Robert Melillo, is scheduled to speak at the upcoming 2013 AutismOne Conference. This exciting event is scheduled to take place at the Intercontinental Hotel at O’Hare in Chicago, IL from Wednesday, May 22 to Sunday, May 26. Dr. Melillo will share his take on recent developments and research as it relates to diagnosing, treating, and preventing autism. To learn more about the conference and register for this event, click here.

More About Dr. Robert Melillo
Dr. Robert Melillo is an internationally known author, researcher, and clinician specializing in neurology, rehabilitation, and neuro-developmental disorders in children. He is a co-founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers and creator of the Brain Balance Program. Read more about Dr. Melillo here.

Dr. Melillo Share His Expertise With Moms
Dr. Melillo recently shared his take on preventing autism with Oakland County Moms. In this fascinating interview, he shares the following:

“What we’re talking about is that these environmental influences affect gene and gene expression. So, that means that before a couple is even pregnant, they can have genes that are turned off by different environmental factors. And, when they get together and conceive a child, those genes can be passed on to a child in the turned off position.”

Read the rest of this article about preventing autism through preconception strategies here. In his question and answer session with Akron Ohio Moms, Dr. Melillo shared the following when asked if autism begins at birth:

“According to Dr. Melillo, autism begins in the womb and results from a developmental imbalance in the right side of the brain. This often results in a learning delay. Dr. Melillo explained environmental factors are responsible for altering the brain, turning off genes that should turn on to build the brain properly. He believes the genes can be turned back on, however, with the correct approach.”

Find the rest of Dr. Melillo’s question and answer session here. To learn even more about neuro-developmental disorders in children and how The Brain Balance Program can help, contact us today!

No More Sensory Issues After Brain Balance

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:31:52 +0000

A grandmother from Plano, TX shares that her grandson is no longer experiencing sensory issues after completing The Brain Balance Program! Read her heartfelt testimonial below:

When A started pre-k in an exclusive private North Dallas school we were devastated when they called and said he was having issues in class. They suggested that it was a parenting issue and required that his parents hire a “super nanny” to observe him at school and at home to determine where they were going wrong.

Luckily, the nanny realized that there was nothing wrong with their parenting, but realized that there was something wrong with A. She observed that he was unable to hold the weight of his head for a long period of time. While sitting at his desk, he would lay his head on his arm while continuing to attempt to write on his paper. In group settings, he would slide away from the group to lean against the wall or just roll around on the floor. And while writing, his grip was all wrong for successful penmanship. All of these facts led us to a diagnosis of “sensory integration disorder”.

Unfortunately, the private school would not put up with his differences and expelled him from the school before Christmas break. We were left high and dry with no school for him. Fortunately we found a day care school with an open spot in their kindergarten program and a teacher who was fresh out of school and very in tune with A’s problem, as her younger brother also had the same issues. The following year he went into public school for a second year of kindergarten.

For 1 1/2 years A went twice a week for therapy. One day was OT for the fine motor skills and one day was PT for core muscle strengthening. He did improve somewhat physically but continued his ornery behavior and had a very difficult time socially. From there we decided, because of the high cost, to see how he did in first grade without therapy.

In 1st grade he hung in through Christmas break but after returning it was an immediate downhill slide. He was completely unable to focus , disruptive in class, argumentative with everyone and refused to do a lot of his work.

Then along came Brain Balance. His mother found an ad in a children’s magazine while searching for a non medical approach to address A’s focus issues. She looked up the web site and forwarded it to me on Monday morning. I finally had time to look at it on Friday morning. I was at the center picking up the book at 1:00pm and had it read by 4:00. When mom picked him up from my house after school, I told her that she and Dad were to have the book read by Monday morning and call for an appointment. Reading the book was like Dr. Melillo knew A personally. The most intriguing part was all the physical symptoms of a right brain weak child that A exhibited. He had difficulty breast feeding, he didn’t walk until 18 months and was a toe walker, he hated tummy time and currently has eczema, allergies and asthma. Amazing! A came for testing in mid January. He began therapy on Feb 2. He is 10 weeks into therapy and tomorrow he will receive a “special award” from the principal at an all school assembly for “the most improved student”.

The changes have been dramatic. He is now making friends at school instead of tattling on them. He is holding his head up while sitting at his desk. He is willing to do his school work and at group time does not pester the other kids. This week is the first week that he has completed all of his homework by Wednesday and had perfect behavior at school for all 5 days. He takes his vitamins and minerals with little or no fuss. He does his exercises easily in the morning before school and if he doesn’t finish is willing to complete them after school with no argument. He has made amazing progress and is a much happier child. This is the best money we could have spent on A and we pray for sustained improvement.

Thank You Brain Balance!!!!

-Nana/Grandmother, Plano TX

Click here to read more Brain Balance reviews from satisfied parents, grandparents, and even students! To contact the Plano, TX center directly, call 972-248-9482.

Brain Balance Creator: Autism Dos and Don’ts for ...

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:26:10 +0000

Dr. Robert Melillo, creator of The Brain Balance Program, recently shared some helpful dos and don’ts for parents of kids with autism and other developmental disorders with Expert Beacon, an online consumer advice magazine. Find his suggestions below, and follow the links for more specific information on these helpful dos and don’ts from the article:

Do

pay attention to motor milestones

gather specifics on your child’s disorder

restrict screen time

be aware of food sensitivities

Don’t

leave young children in front of the television

allow certain foods and chemicals

let older children eat alone

believe nothing can be done

For even more specific rules to help kids with neuro-developmental disorders like Asperger Syndrome and ADHD succeed, check out these tips from Dr. Melillo, which include daily rules for scheduling homework, screen time, physical activity and more!

More About Brain Balance
At Brain Balance, our program is based on improving the communication issues between and among the hemispheres of the brain that contribute to symptoms of neuro-developmental disorders like autism and ADHD. After completing a comprehensive assessment of your child’s brain and body function, our team integrates physical, sensory-motor, and cognitive exercises to correct or improve neural activity, which leads to a reduction or elimination of symptoms. These customized activities address issues with bilateral coordination and integrating primitive reflexes. In addition, our students and their families receive nutritional guidelines to promote optimal health and an at-home program for continued success. Each child’s program is tailored to his or her specific needs! Contact us today to learn more!

Is Autism Caused By An Imbalance In Brain Communication?

Brain Balance Achievement Centers — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:54:04 +0000

Is autism caused by an imbalance in brain communication? Dr. Robert Melillo’s theory of functional disconnection in the brains of kids with neuro-developmental disorders led him to create The Brain Balance Program, which has helped thousands of kids reach their academic, social, and emotional potential. Caryn Talty at Healthy Family recently interviewed Dr. Melillo about his theory of functional disconnection and how it relates to autism. Ms. Talty shared the following on her website:

“In his book as well as his practice, Melillo offers a fresh perspective on diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders. He believes the many conditions commonly considered causes of autism are actually symptoms of a left brain right brain imbalance. I was able to spend a great deal of time talking with Dr. Melillo about this theory of autism caused by a brain imbalance, including risk factors, preventative measures, and treatment options.

To Melillo the autism epidemic is the crisis of our generation and bold new perspectives are needed to push research into a new cutting edge direction. Melillo tells me that the preliminary research he’s done on his theories look promising. He hopes to change the way research is done in the field of autism. Today over 95% of autism research funding is devoted to finding a gene associated with autism. Melillo believes that autism is caused by genes being turned off and that those same genes can be turned back on again. This is the basis of his work. He also believes that environmental factors also contribute to the autism epidemic.”

To read this article in its entirety and to hear Ms. Talty’s podcast interview with Dr. Melillo, click here.

More About Dr. Robert Melillo
Dr. Robert Melillo is an internationally known author, educator, researcher, and clinician specializing in the areas of neurology, rehabilitation, neuropsychology, and neuro-developmental disorders in children. He is a co-founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers and created the Brain Balance Program, a multi-modal, hemispheric approach to the remediation of ADHD, dyslexia, Asperger Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, learning disabilities, and processing disorders. Read more about Dr. Melillo here, or contact us today to learn more about Brain Balance Achievement Centers!