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DESCRIPTION
Growth problems usually occur when the pituitary gland fails to function as it should. The pituitary gland distributes hormones, including the growth hormone somatotropin, to various parts of the body. Somatotropin stimulates the growth of muscle and bone in growing children.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
The signs and symptoms depends upon the type of growth disorder. A child with a growth problem needs to be evaluated by a health care provider to determine the underlying health issues involved.
CAUSES
Either overproduction or underproduction of this hormone can cause growth abnormalities. The secretion of too little growth hormone by the pituitary causes dwarfism while too much causes the body to grow in an exaggerated fashion, resulting in abnormally large hands, feet, and jaw. Some cases of malfunction of the pituitary are caused by the growth of a tumor on the gland.
In some cases, growth problems are caused by the failure of the thyroid gland to function properly. The thymus gland may also be involved. If the thymus gland of an infant is damaged, development is retarded and the child has a greater than normal susceptibility to infection. Nutrition can also play a significant role in the growth and development of a child.
SOME TYPES OF GROWTH DISORDERS
DWARFISM
Dwarfism is a condition characterized by abnormally short stature. In some cases, individuals are very small, but normally proportioned; in others, the limbs are short as compared to the sized of the rest of the body. Causes of dwarfism include unrecognized or untreated congenital hypothyroidism (once known as cretinism), Down syndrome, achondroplasia, hypochondroplasia, and spinal tuberculosis.
ACHONDROPLASIA
Achondroplasia is a primary bone disorder caused by chemical changes within a single gene. People with achondroplasia have large heads and arms and legs that are short in comparison with the length of the trunk. They usually also have a large forehead, a flat area between the eyes, and a protruding jaw. Often, the teeth are crowded together. In most cases, intelligence is normal, although motor development may occur a bit more slowly than normal. Both children and adults with achondroplasia must be particularly attentive to diet and nutrition, as obesity can be a problem. People with achondroplasia are at greater than normal risk for a number of other health problems, including certain neurologic and respiratory problems, orthopedic problems, fatigue, and numbness or pain in the lower back and thighs.
CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM
Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by the absence of sufficient quantities of thyroxine, a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. In most cases, this is a result of the absence of a thyroid bland, an inborn defect. If congenital hypothyroidism is not detected and treated within a very short time, a number of developmental abnormalities may result, including short stature, disproportionately short arms and legs, coarse hair, and mental retardation.
GIGANTISM
Gigantism is a growth disorder characterized by an abnormally great height, usually due to excessive cartilage and bone formation at the ends of the long bones. Pituitary gigantism is the most common form of this condition. It is a result of the pituitary gland secreting excessive amounts of growth hormone. See more information about Gigantism under Rare Disorders.
NUTRITIONAL IMBALANCES & OTHER PROBLEMS
Nutritional imbalances, delayed puberty, obesity, and certain diseases (including congenital heart disorders and chronic kidney failure) can be other factors involved in growth problems. If you are concerned about your child's growth rate, you should have him or her examined to determine if there is a problem and, if so, what the exact nature of the problem is. It is important to remember that some people are just naturally shorter or taller than average.
TREATMENT
CONSIDERATIONS
When evaluating a child's growth, it is the overall growth pattern, rather than size, that is important. If a child seems to "fall off" a previously steady growth curve, he or she should be evaluated for possible nutritional deficiencies and other underlying health problems.
There is currently no treatment to promote growth in people with achondroplasia. Therapy is directed toward prevention and treatment of complications.
Surgery is now being performed on an experimental basis to lengthen the arms and legs of those with achondroplasia. It is an arduous procedure, often involving many complications.
The addition of iodine to public drinking water supplies has shown a decrease in the occurrence of neonatal and congenital hypothyroidism in some areas of the United States.
If growth is slowed because of insufficient growth hormone production, a health care provider may prescribe growth hormone therapy.
If growth problems are the result of a tumor of the pituitary gland, surgical removal or treatment of the tumor with drugs or by other means, may be recommended.
Kwashiorkor is a protein/calorie deficiency disorder that causes children to grow slowly and have very little resistance to disease. It is most common among very poor people in developing countries. However, it can occur anywhere if a child's protein and/or calorie requirements are not met over a period of time. If detected early, it can be treated. Malabsorption syndromes, such as that associated with celiac disease, can cause similar problems even though nutritional intake appears to be adequate.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Celiac Disease
High levels of lead, a toxic metal, may cause growth problems. A hair analysis can be done to rule out this metal toxicity. See Lead Poisoning and Hair Analysis for more information.
A large amount of research is being done on growth problems. Interestingly, some studies have indicated that shorter people may live longer than people of average height.
HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
HERBS
Alfalfa is a valuable source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that promote the proper functioning of the pituitary gland. It can be taken in tablet or capsule form, as well as be eaten in a natural form such as alfalfa sprouts. Alfalfa promotes pituitary gland function.
Herbal Remedies: Chlorophyll With Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 90 Caps
Chlorophyll is a unique substance found in all green plants and is sometimes called the blood of plant life. Identified as sodium-copper chlorophyllin, this water soluble extract is derived exclusively from alfalfa through a natural process.
Herbal Remedies: Alfa max, Alfalfa Extract, Nature's Way, 525 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Alfa Max Alfalfa Extract capsules is a 10X extract of fresh green alfalfa leaves.
Herbal Remedies: Alfalfa, NOW Foods, 650 mg, (10 Grain), 500 Tabs
NOW Foods Alfalfa tablets deliver excellent health benefits. Alfalfa is a rich natural source of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and protein which supports a healthy colon.
Herbal Remedies: Alfalfa Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) is useful to generate energy and endurance; a tonic for the whole body, due to its highly nutritive value.
Herbal Remedies: Alfalfa Leaf Root (Medicago Sativa) Powder, Kosher, 4 oz. Bulk
Alfalfa's deep root system pulls valuable minerals from the soil. With the aid of sunlight, nutrients including beta carotene and chlorophyll are made available to the body in a usable form.
Herbal Remedies: Alfalco (Alfalfa Tonic), Homeopathic Boericke & Tafel (B&T), 8 fl. oz.
Alfalco, Alfalfa Tonic, relieves fatigue, stress & sleeplessness and is a natural homeopathic.
Herbal Remedies: Alfalfa Leaves, Nature's Way, 405 mg, 100 Capsules
Nature's Way Alfalfa Leaves are organically grown by Trout Lake Farm, Washington, and Certified Organically Processed in accordance with Oregon Tilth standards and the California Organic Foods Act of 1990.
Herbal Remedies: Alfalfa Powder, Whole Food Supplement, NOW Foods, 1 lb.
Alfalfa Powder is a supplement which can be blended into vegetable juices or used in baking or in vegetarian dishes. It is 20% protein and 15% fiber; plus it contains 16 amino acids, 13 trace minerals and 13 vitamins. Alfalfa Powder is a whole food supplement highly valued for its nutrition.
Herbal Remedies: Alfalfa Supplements & Products
NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Eat a well-balanced diet high in healthful sources of protein. Protein is necessary for growth.
Include in the diet foods high in the amino acid arginine. Arginine is used in the body is used by the body to synthesize another amino acid, ornithine, which promotes the release of growth hormone. Good food sources of arginine include carob, coconut, dairy products, gelatin, oats, peanuts, soybeans, walnuts, wheat, and wheat germ.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for adults over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended dose. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended dose.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or your child has have symptoms of a growth disorder. Medical evaluation will be required to determine underlying health issues.
HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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