Immune System Response and Brain Hemispheric Dominance: Is There a Connection?
Children with behavioral, academic, social, or other challenges often have an imbalance where one hemisphere of the brain is dominant. As such, these children can exhibit unique learning and behavioral characteristics depending upon which side of their brain is stronger. Since the brain also controls the immune system, hemispheric dominance may also influence a child’s immune system response.
According to Dr. Robert Melillo, co-founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers and author of Disconnected Kids, the immune system resides in both sides of the brain but each side has a different functional role. The left side typically activates the immune system in response to illness or toxins, whereas the right side suppresses the immune system to prevent it from attacking itself (pg. 39-40).
Left Brain Delay and the Immune System
If a child exhibits left side weakness, immune systems will be down and he or she may be more susceptible to illness in relation to sinuses and the respiratory system. These children also tend to be more prone to ear infections. Some other common immune characteristics of left brain delay are:
- Prone to Benign Tumors or Cysts
- Catches Colds Frequently
- No Allergies
Right Brain Delay and the Immune System
On the other hand, if a child has a right brain deficiency, the immune system is in overdrive. While these children don’t typically catch every illness going around, they are more likely to suffer from autoimmune problems and chronic issues like food sensitivities, eczema, and allergies. Right brain delay immune characteristics may also include:
- Craves Certain Foods, Especially Dairy and Wheat Products
- Lots of Allergies
- Rarely Gets Colds & Infections
Correcting a Brain Imbalance
At Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we refer to this brain hemispheric imbalance as Functional Disconnection Syndrome (FDS) to explain the symptoms we see in a long list of neurological disorders, including but not limited to, ADHD, learning disabilities, Tourette’s syndrome, OCD, sensory processing disorder and Asperger’s. Thanks to a branch of science referred to as neuroplasticity, it is now believed that the brain can change, and because difficulties can be corrected, children suffering from Functional Disconnection can be greatly helped.
The Brain Balance Program® utilizes “same-timing techniques” to stimulate the weaker side of the brain and balance the two hemispheres for real-time integration. Our unique integrated approach helps your child achieve optimum body and brain function, which supports improved learning—academically, socially, and emotionally. Try our Online Assessment tool to provide some insight into your child’s functional strengths and weaknesses.
To learn more about why our whole-child approach is the most effective way to help your child, contact us online or find a center near you.
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Disclaimer: The information presented on this web site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment of specific medical conditions. Discuss this information with your healthcare provider to determine what is right for you and your family.
