1.Xylitol Xylitol is a sugar alcohol derived from xylose - a crystalline sugar found in birch bark. Sweet like sugar but with only 40% of the calories, xylitol is fast becoming the preferred sweetener of health-conscious consumers. Low-carb dieters will find xylitol appealing, with less than a quarter of the carbohydrates found in cane sugar. It also stands apart from synthetic sweeteners thanks to its natural origins. Besides birch trees, xylitol is found in the cellular structure of fruits like raspberries, and in vegetables like the corn-cob. Even our bodies produce xylitol (between 5-15 grams per day) during normal metabolic processes. With a glycemic rating of 13, xylitol is metabolized around eight times slower than regular sugar, making it a safer choice for diabetics. Unlike sugar, which provokes the release of insulin in response to its consumption, xylitol is metabolized independently of insulin in the gut. It metabolizes slower and steadier than sugar, making it a much safer sweetener for hypoglycemics and the sugar-sensitive. 2.Raw honey Identified as containing more than 181 health-promoting substances, raw honey converts the vital, healing energy of plants into a medium that is perfect for human consumption. Rich in phytonutrients (nutrients absorbed from plants), raw honey is renowned worldwide for having powerful anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Raw, unfiltered honey is very different from the pasteurized product you find on most grocery store shelves. Nearly all commercially-produced honey is heated to kill potentially harmful bacteria, reduce crystallization, and improve product flow. Unfortunately, this process also kills the vital, living enzymes and good bacteria which make raw honey one of the world's oldest-known superfoods. The bacteria in raw honey serves as a prebiotic: a substance containing helpful microorganisms that aid in the process of digestion. When consumed raw, honey's natural enzymes aid in the breakdown and assimilation of the many nutrients it contains.

Vitamin D insufficiency is a pandemic affecting nearly half of the people worldwide, while one billion people are classified as vitamin D deficient. Hypovitaminosis D, or vitamin D deficiency, is an independent predictor of total mortality in the general population, and, conversely, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to be protective against mortality. Vitamin D enhances absorption of dietary calcium and phosphorus by 30-40% and 80%, respectively, but its physiological functions extend well beyond mineral assimilation and balance. Vitamin D is known as a pleiotropic hormone, meaning it elicits diverse, multifaceted effects. In fact, local vitamin D production governs the expression of up to 200 genes. That vitamin D receptors are found in so many organ systems, including the muscles, intestines, pancreas, and nervous system, illustrates its expansive and far-reaching effects. In particular, vitamin D regulates the cell cycle, suppressing cell division and inducing terminal differentiation to generate specialized, organ-specific cell types. It likewise regulates the pathway of cell suicide, known as apoptosis, promoting programmed cell death in neoplastic cell lines to prevent cancer. Vitamin D exerts various endocrine effects, such as inhibiting renin and stimulating insulin secretion. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects and enhances host defense against both invading pathogens and tumor development. The vitamin D receptor complex regulates 3% of the human genome, and about 10% of human genes are directly or indirectly responsive to vitamin D. The effects of vitamin D are far-reaching, as demonstrated by the fact that a multitude of human cells, including bone, blood vessel, brain, breast, colon, immune, muscle, prostate, and skin cells express the enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1 alpha-hydroxylase. Also known as cytochrome P450 27B1 (CYP27B1), this enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the hydroxylation of calcifediol to calcitriol, the bioavailable, metabolically active form of vitamin D that elicits effects at a cellular level. Regarding vitamin D production, researchers state, “… extrarenal intracrine and paracrine 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis may critically affect the activities of many tissues and organs.”

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition in children and adults characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The exact reason why some children develop ADHD is not fully understood. Experts believe that genetics, neurological differences, and environmental exposures can all play a role in the development of ADHD. Many children with ADHD also experience emotional dysregulation, causing them to endure big highs and lows and feel sensitive to criticism. They also tend to have quick tempers and can be challenging to calm down. Omega-3 fatty acids provide the brain with adequate eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to help support focus. Studies found increased fish consumption yielded improvements in the cognitive abilities of pre-school aged children. Most children lack a diet rich in fish oils. Therefore, supplementing with fish oil can provide substantial health benefits. Zinc and magnesium are two important minerals that help regulate mood and improve sleep. Zinc aids in regulating dopamine levels. Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitters like GABA and dopamine. Both of these neurotransmitters play a key role in mental clarity and cognitive function. Micronutrients such as iron, zinc, choline, iodine, and B vitamins have been proven to be valuable for cognitive development. Vitamins A and D to Manage Symptoms of ADHD Adequate levels of vitamin D have been found to regulate neurotransmitters that may help reduce ADHD symptoms. A study looking at 82 children with ADHD noted that the majority had low serum levels of Vitamin A and D. Supplementing with both could provide benefits for the central nervous system, brain function, and quality of sleep. Hemp Oil Benefits for Managing ADHD The transition back to school can place increased demands on learning, memory, emotional regulation, and stress management in children with ADHD, highlighting the relevance of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in these processes. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates and controls many bodily functions, such as learning, memory, mood, inflammatory/immune responses, pain, and body temperature control. While the ECS contains many cellular receptors, research shows cannabinoid receptors CB1 dominate this landscape. The cannabinoid receptors are stimulated by endocannabinoids that our body naturally produces. In fact, the cannabis plant produces molecules very similar in structure to our endocannabinoids and can bind to these receptor sites. CB2 is a second type of cannabinoid receptor that exists mainly in our immune tissues and helps to control immune functioning and inflammation.