Health

Facing Methodological Challenges, ASD Researchers Emphasize Biological Insights

Published

3 years ago

July 4, 2021

Autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities, yet widely misunderstood, both by medical professionals and the community at large. This is part of the reason many individuals with the condition do not receive a correct diagnosis until later in life, and too often fail to get appropriate support.

Such extreme variables make researching the condition difficult, as well. For example, from an insurance perspective, autism support is often limited to early behavioral interventions for children, occupational, speech, and physical therapy. In some cases, carriers allow coverage for talk therapy-style care for adults.

Unfortunately, in terms of research into these targeted interventions, methodological issues have left scientists with few answers and a lot of conflicting information.

Quality, Bias, and Other Concerns

In a meta-analysis of various early intervention studies, researchers uncovered numerous cases of bias, poor methodology, and other obstacles. These included studies that based their results on parental reports, those that exhibited a high risk of bias because the intervention provider was gauging treatment effectiveness, and still more.

Early intervention certainly seems to yield some benefit, but there are many different kinds of support available, practitioner skill varies, and other factors pose challenges to study, not to mention expensive, unreliable tools for families.

Emphasizing Basic Research

Instead of focusing on more variable and often subjective matters like early intervention therapies, researchers are instead turning their attention to basic research, an approach that looks at foundational biological mechanisms to understand bodily processes. This is critical, given that research supported by the Brain Research Foundation established a new baseline case prevalence of 2.64% of the population.

That’s more than the incidence of epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, and ovarian cancer, among many other conditions. Nearly everyone knows someone who’s autistic.

As part of the focus on basic research, scientists have been examining the impact certain genes associated with autism spectrum disorders may have on brain development. One, known as Cullin 3, is regarded as a high-risk gene that can lead to a number of neurological deficits, including poor coordination, as well as certain social and cognitive impairments associated with autism.

This seems to be linked to changes in brain cell migration during development. In turn, that compels certain cells, which should be part of higher-level functions, to remain stuck in other regions of the brain.

Gender Bias, Gender Differences

For many years, autistic women have been pointing to diagnostic bias as a key reason why many girls and women have been overlooked. The diagnostic standards, patients and other advocates have argued, are modeled on a particular subset of boys, which likely led to serious gaps in understanding and support.

Although there is strong evidence for this, it may not be the only issue in play, though. Other research suggests that autism actually develops differently in boys and girls – in a more strictly biological sense.

One of the most marked distinctions the new research has turned up is that, during social interactions, the differences in brain activity between autistic and non-autistic girls is not the same as the differences seen in autistic and non-autistic boys. Girls also showed a greater number of gene variants that may affect the development of the brain known as the striatum, also not seen in boys.

In some senses, these are almost distinct conditions, which makes this one of the interesting challenges with regard to study of multi-genic conditions.

We are still years away from a clear understanding of the biological mechanisms that underlie autism, but the better the condition’s processes are understood, the more targeted interventions and supports can be. Like so much other scientific research, this could be the start of a long journey with much more to discover.

Health

How Circuhealth Clinic’s Treatment Will Benefit You: A Comprehensive Guide

Published

2 weeks ago

July 15, 2024

Michelle Langton

Maintaining optimal health can be challenging in the modern world. Busy lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and the stress of daily life can all contribute to a decline in our overall well-being. Circuhealth Clinic Clinic, led by the renowned Nadia Nassif, offers a holistic approach to health by improving circulatory health through various advanced, non-invasive treatments.

The Importance of Circulatory Health

Circulatory health is fundamental to overall wellness. The circulatory system is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body and removing waste products. When this system is compromised, it can lead to a host of health issues, including chronic fatigue, poor skin health, and even cardiovascular diseases. Improving circulation can enhance energy levels, support organ function, and promote overall vitality.

Personalized Exercise Programs

One of the cornerstones of Circuhealth Clinic’s approach is the creation of personalized exercise programs. These programs are not one-size-fits-all; instead, they are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Personalized exercise programs can significantly enhance circulatory health by boosting blood flow, which delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues and organs.

For instance, regular physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps regulate weight. A tailored exercise program can reduce the risk of injuries, increase motivation by aligning with specific fitness goals, and provide consistent progress tracking for optimal results. This personalized attention ensures that you are not only getting fitter but also healthier in the most efficient way possible.

Detoxification Treatments

Detoxification treatments are another vital aspect of Circuhealth Clinic’s offerings. These treatments are designed to remove toxins that impair circulation, thus enhancing overall health. Circuhealth Clinic detoxification protocols include Hydration Therapy, Detox Diets, Herbal Supplements, and antioxidant consumption.

Hydration Therapy: Drinking plenty of water and hydrating fluids helps flush out toxins, promoting better circulation.
Detox Diets: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while avoiding processed foods and sugars, supports the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Herbal Supplements: Using herbs like milk thistle, dandelion root, and burdock root, known for their detoxifying properties, supports liver function and toxin elimination.

By incorporating these detoxification treatments, Circuhealth Clinic helps to ensure that your body is free from harmful toxins, thus improving circulatory health and overall well-being.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress can significantly impact circulatory health. High-stress levels increase cortisol production, leading to various health issues such as high blood pressure, weakened immune function, and poor skin health. Circuhealth Clinic employs several stress reduction techniques to help manage and reduce stress, thereby supporting circulatory health.

For example, the 54321 method is a grounding exercise designed to manage acute stress and reduce anxiety. This method involves identifying five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This technique can be particularly useful before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Other stress reduction techniques include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. These practices help calm the mind, reduce cortisol levels, and improve overall mental health, supporting better circulatory health.

Importance of a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is crucial for maintaining good circulatory health. Circuhealth Clinic emphasizes the importance of eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Such a diet can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve energy levels, and support overall health.

For those looking to manage hypertension, Circuhealth Clinic suggests a specific dietary approach:

10 Hours Before Bed: No more caffeine.
3 Hours Before Bed: No more food or alcohol.
2 Hours Before Bed: No more work.
1 Hour Before Bed: No more screen time.
0: Number of times you hit the snooze button.

This structured approach helps regulate blood pressure and promotes better sleep, both essential for good circulatory health.

Conclusion

Circuhealth Clinic Clinic, under the expert guidance of Nadia Nassif, offers a holistic approach to health that focuses on improving circulatory health through personalized exercise programs, detoxification treatments, stress reduction techniques, and advanced diagnostics. By addressing the underlying causes of health issues and providing tailored treatment plans, Circuhealth Clinic helps individuals achieve optimal health and well-being.

Whether you are looking to manage a chronic condition, improve your overall health, or simply enhance your quality of life, Circuhealth Clinic’s comprehensive approach offers a path to better health. Embrace these treatments and lifestyle changes to experience the full benefits of improved circulatory health and overall wellness.