A Natural Approach to Health
Living With Spina Bifida
I had a question the other day about spina bifida.
Spina bifida is a type of birth defect called a neural tube defect.
It happens when the bones of the spine don’t form properly around part of the baby’s spinal cord.
Spina bifida can be mild or severe.
The mild form is the most common.
It usually doesn’t cause problems or need treatment.
You can’t see the defect, but some people may have a dimple, birthmark, or hairy patch on their back.
Most people with this form don’t know they have it until they get a back X-ray for another reason.
A rare and more severe form is meningocele.
In this form, fluid leaks out of the spine and pushes against the skin.
You may see a bulge in the skin.
In many cases, there are no other symptoms.
The most rare and severe form is myelomeningocele.
It’s what most people mean when they say “spina bifida.”
Part of the spinal nerves push out of the spinal canal, and the nerves are often damaged.
You may see a bulge in the skin.
In some babies, the skin is open and the nerves are exposed.
The exact cause of this birth defect isn’t known.
Experts think genes and the environment are part of the cause.
Women who are obese or who have diabetes are more likely to have a child with spina bifida.
Most children with the mild form of spina bifida don’t need treatment.
Children with meningocele may not need treatment either.
But children with the most severe form usually need surgery.
Sometimes surgery to correct severe spina bifida can be done before a baby is born.
Physical therapists and occupational therapists work with children who have severe spina bifida.
The work starts soon after the child is born.
These therapists can teach parents and caregivers how to do exercises and activities with the child.
Some children may need a brace, a wheelchair, or other aids.
As children with severe spina bifida grow, other treatments and surgeries may be needed to manage problems that arise.
To deal with spina bifida it’s beneficial to:
*Adopt a regular stretching and exercise program
*Check your skin each day for cuts, bruises, and pressure sores
*Have your vision checked regularly
*Eliminate or decrease your use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
*Eat more foods high in vitamins, magnesium, and calcium
*Stay well hydrated, drink 6-8 cups of purified water daily
*Breathe deeply to oxygenate your cells.
*Increase EFAs (essential fatty acids) with Omega 3, flaxseed oil, olive oil, etc., because these help decrease inflammation
*Increase B-complex, Lecithin, Cal/Mag, and VitalMag because these support nerve function.
*Maintain a healthy weight.
Recommendations:
It’s essential to take: Vita-Lea, Protein, Calcium/Magnesium, Alfalfa, B-Complex, VitalMag, Pain Relief Complex.
It’s important to take: OmegaGuard, Lecithin, Vitamin D, Vivix, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, CoQHeart, Zinc.
It’s beneficial to take: Performance, Joint Health Complex, Stress Relief Complex, CorEnergy, Gentle Sleep Complex.
email: lenay@dickandlenay.com
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