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young as age three or four. Many factors contribute to this situation, including genetic and
congenital factors, family and school stress and poor eating habits.
Causes Of Childhood Exhaustion
Many children are born with nutrient deficiencies and excessive levels of toxic metals. Poor
post-natal nutrition in many children adds to the deficiencies. Feeding formulas are often
unbalanced and may contain toxic metals. Breast milk from mothers eating the average American
diet is not the perfect food, either.
Additional stress from birth trauma, medications for infections and vaccinations further
deplete vital nutrients. Psychological stress in the home may also be important.
Is Genetics The Cause?
Genetic factors are those involving genes, chromosomes and DNA. Medicine often blames
children's problems on genetics. This is half true. It ignores the fact that genes are activated by
nutrients. It is known that many genetic defects can be prevented by adequate nutrition.
Sometimes a genetic condition such as Down's Syndrome can be improved through scientific
nutrition programs.
The mother's diet and lifestyle, her emotional state during pregnancy and the condition of her
body chemistry all influence her baby.
Some day prenatal care will begin as soon as a woman reaches her childbearing years. To
pay attention to prenatal care once one is pregnant is too little, too late.
Symptoms Of Childhood Burnout
Common symptoms in exhausted children include failure to thrive, impaired learning ability,
anti-social behavior, impaired growth, chronic or recurrent infections, poor appetite or fussy
eating habits, allergies, asthma, fatigue, irritability, low self-esteem, depression and even suicidal
tendencies.
Children may compensate for fatigue and exhaustion through aggressive behavior, violence,
or compulsive habits. In some cases, energy levels may fluctuate, causing surges of energy
followed by periods of fatigue.
Hair Analysis Indicators Of Burnout
Children in burnout typically have one or more of the following:
• Low sodium/potassium ratio, often less than 1:1. It is not uncommon to see a ratio of 0.5:1 or
even lower in some children.
• The oxidation rate is abnormal. Young children are usually fast oxidizers. A child who is in
burnout may have an extremely fast oxidation rate with a low sodium/potassium ratio. In other
cases and more often, the oxidation rate is slow.
• Toxic metal levels may be high, most commonly cadmium, copper and aluminum. In some
children, lead or other toxic metals may also be elevated. Which toxic metals are elevated
depends upon the geographical location, parent's occupations, diet and water supplies.
• Trace element levels may be very low. This can indicate congenital deficiencies, poor diet or
inadequate absorption of nutrients due to food allergies, stress, or other nutrient deficiencies.
Low zinc, for example, is quite common. Zinc is needed for appetite, growth and digestion
and has a calming effect upon the nervous system.
Hair mineral patterns reflect the child's overall situation. Which of the above factors is most
important in any one case varies from child to child. The more factors that are addressed, the
more successful will be the outcome.
Diet
Diet is very important for children. A diet of fresh, organically grown food is best. Home-
cooked meals eaten in a friendly, relaxed, peaceful environment assures the best absorption of
nutrients and development of good eating habits.
Children who are fast oxidizers need more fats and oils in their diet. They will often crave
butter, peanut butter, meats and other fatty foods. Not allowing a child to have these foods for
fear of high cholesterol or other reasons will aggravate tendencies to irritability, hyperkinesis and
hypoglycemia.
Most children's cereals are not only refined, but laden with chemicals and sugar. Fast food
that so many children eat also contains many chemicals and is often not the best quality.
Unfortunately, most of our food today is not very nutritious and, for this reason, not even very
tasty.
Hypoglycemia
Many children crave sweets. This may be due to a diet low in protein or fats, deficiencies of
chromium, manganese or zinc, or some other factor.
Sweets will aggravate the exhaustion condition. Children have less ability to control the
energy swings and mood shifts that occur from overloads and drops in blood sugar. Correcting
body chemistry will often improve appetite and reduce cravings.
Forcing children to eat properly, however, can cause resentment. A balance must be struck.
Setting a good example for children is very helpful.
Children's Supplements
Supplements are necessary for many children in burnout. If there is a difficulty swallowing
pills, they may be ground up and placed in strongly-flavored food such as yogurt, peanut butter,
apple sauce, or spaghetti sauce. Pills may be blended in smoothies.
Parents, set an example for your children. That is the best way to encourage good eating
habits and a willingness to take supplements. Some ask us for liquid vitamins. Most liquids that
are available are not potent enough or complete enough and are often loaded with sugar. You
are better off making your own liquid supplements by blending them in a drink.
Copyright © 1996
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
