A tic is a sudden, rapid, recurrent, non-rhythmic, steroetyped motor movement or vocalisation. These movements or vocalisations can occur spontaneously, although certain triggers (like stress) may be associated with increases in tic behaviours. The amount of control over these behaviours is very limited, and they are performed subconsciously. Tics are relatively common in children, yet less common in adolescents and adults. One review of the scientific research revealed that between 4 and 18 percent of children exhibit some form of tics during their development, and in the vast majority they disappear by adolescence.
Recent research has uncovered that the following complementary agents assist in treating tics:
1. Lecithin: is a naturally occurring fatty substance referred to as a phospholipid. It is naturally found in certain foods, including egg yolks, soybeans, nuts, wholegrains and organ meats.
2. Choline: is partly an essential nutrient that is usually grouped within the Vitamin B complex. Although not a standard amino acid, it is a natural amine found in lipids that make up cell membranes. Choline-rich foods include egg yolks, soy, organ meats (of particular note, liver). Individuals presenting with motor or vocal tics have been shown to have reduced levels of choline in various regions of the basal ganglia (one area of the brain responsible for movement). Standard dosage is set between 5 and 6.4 mg/kg/body weight.
3. Vitamin B6: is an important coenzyme involved in many biochemical reactions, including amino acid metabolism, and proper protein synthesis. Vitamin B6 is widely available in foods, including meat, potato, avocado, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, tomatoes and sunflower seeds. New research has shown that children aged between 7 and 14 yrs of age, diagnosed with tics, experienced a significant reduction in either their motor and/or vocal tics via a combined treatment of Vitamin B6, at 2 mg/kg/body weight per day, mixed with 6 mg/kg/body weight per day of magnesium.
If you have any questions regarding the information in this post, please contact Mark Hinchey on 0432234822
