Do you remember growing up with children who were called precocious or energetic?  Were you one of these children?  Children who act in this way now are labelled ADD or ADHD if they meet certain criteria.  Many of them are placed on medications to help them to focus.  But there are natural therapies that can treat the root cause of their inattention and provide lasting relief ...

Hyperactivity is usually diagnosed when a child starts school.  They may be extremely restless, easily distracted and fail to finish tasks.  Attention deficit refers to the inability to focus for an extended period of time.  It may occur with or without hyperactivity.  It is important to help these children because symptoms can carry on into adulthood and increases the tendency to criminal activity, depression, alcoholism, antisocial behaviour and relationship problems.

Chemical imbalances in the brain have been found in those who suffer from these conditions.  A lack of nor epinephrine causes dysfunction in the area of the brain responsible for ignoring unimportant things going on in our environment.  Low levels of calcium and magnesium have also been found in children with hyperactivity and attention deficit.  Poor nutrition, a diet high in refined sugars, food colourings, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavours or salicylates can exacerbate symptoms.  Aluminum or lead toxicity can lead to symptoms of ADD/ADHD.  Other suspected causes of ADD/ADHD are stress, emotional problems, birth trauma, premature birth and genetics.

Conventional treatment involves the use of amphetamine type drugs such as Ritalin and Dexadrine.  Although these drugs are meant to “speed you up” they help ADD/ADHD by increasing slow rate behaviours.  These treatments do not assess the root cause.  Side effects of these drugs include dependency, weight loss, insomnia, slowed growth, increased heart rate and blood pressure.  It may increase the susceptibility to Parkinson’s disease.

Behavioural therapy and other forms of counselling can be of significant help to many who suffer from ADD/ADHD.  Music and colour therapy as well as biofeedback have also been studied for this condition.  If heavy metal toxicity is suspected then it should be treated using natural therapies.

Dietary treatment of ADD/ADHD begins by an assessment of nutritional status and food sensitivities.  Deficiencies of nutrients can alter the functioning of the nervous system.  Balancing blood sugar is important because fluctuations cause ADD/ADHD type symptoms.  Avoid refined flour and sugar products and all food additives.  Use 100% pure fruit juices instead of soft drinks.  Ensure that the child eats a wholesome breakfast with protein to prevent a mid-morning attention drop.

Healthy snacks and school lunches will help them a maintain attention throughout the day.

Increase these foods:  fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds (especially pumpkin and flax), whole grains (especially oats), nutritional yeast, eggs and ocean going fish.

Proper brain development begins in utero.  Expectant and nursing mothers taking pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplements have been shown to have calmer babies.  The babies develop daily schedules more quickly then babies born to mothers who did not take fish oil.  Decreasing stress during pregnancy and limiting the intake of caffeine, alcohol and other stimulants also prevents ADD/ADHD symptoms from developing.

Dr. Jody Speaks on ADD/ADHD

ADD (Attention deficit Disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by an inability to focus/concentrate, and impulsiveness with or without hyperactivity (ADHD). It can affect children and adults, but most commonly with signs and symptoms begin to show at approximately 4 years old. The condition is not often diagnosed until children begin to struggle or fall behind well into their school years. ADD effects 3-5% of all school aged children, making it the most commonly diagnosed behavioural disorder in children. It occurs more often in boys than girls, and usually with a more pronounced hyperactive component. Girls tend to be more inattentive then hyperactive, and diagnosis can often occur later or missed altogether because of this.

The symptoms of ADD fall under three main categories: Inattention, Impulsivity and Hyperactivity. Not all children with ADD will experience symptoms from all categories. A diagnosis is made when symptoms are observed for a minimum of 6 months, are severe enough to cause significant difficulties, and in more than one setting. Children must exhibit at least 6 symptoms in the inattentive OR hyperactive categories, with at least come of the symptoms presenting before the age of 7. ADD can also be diagnosed in older children and adults, although it is more difficult to diagnose and the criteria are slightly different.

Signs of inattentiveness
? Cannot focus or concentrate; easily distracted.
? Does not follow/pay attention to what he/she has been told
? Has a hard time finishing large or complicated tasks without frequent reminders to stay on track.
? Is not well organized; may appear forgetful or careless
? May daydream

Signs of impulsiveness
? Frequently interrupts and blurts out answers
? Impatient, cannot tolerate waiting, line-ups, can become extremely agitated.
? Unable to control impulses (acts and often speaks without thought – crosses the street without looking, makes rude comments, socially inappropriate).
? Over reacts, may not be able to control frustration or anger (very common in adults with ADD/ADHD, who have gone untreated.

Signs of hyperactivity
? Cannot play independently or quietly.
? Cannot sit still or fidgets when sitting for longer than a few minutes.
? Restless, jittery, and always moving
? Talks excessively, in a loud/inappropriate voice.

The cause of ADD/ADHD is still unknown. Studies have confirmed there is a genetic component. A child with ADD/ADHD is likely to have siblings that are also affected. Having a parent with ADD/ADHD triples one's risk of developing the disorder. Research is also showing that that the majority of individuals with ADD/ADHD that have been tested, have been shown to have an area of thinner brain tissue. This thinning is found in the areas of the brain responsible for attention. The finding is not permanent, and as the brain matter develops to normals thickness, ADD/ADHD symptoms have been observed to improve. Environmental factors have long been thought to play a role in the development of ADD/ADHD. Cigarette smoke, and alcohol use during pregnancy has been shown to affect the fetus negatively in a number of ways, one being higher rates of ADD/ADHD in childhood. Heavy metals, like mercury and lead has also been implicated in ADD/ADHD. Lead, often found in paint and plumbing systems of old homes has been linked to short attention span, and disruptive, even violent behaviours. Nutrition may also play a role. Poor nutrition, both of the mother during pregnancy, and in childhood, has been associated with a greater incidence of ADD/ADHD. Food additive and preservatives from processed foods, being the biggest group to avoid in terms of prevention. Although it is not well-supported, some theories suggest that a history of illness or infection and subsequent anti-biotic use early in life can also increase the risk of developing ADD/ADHD.

A commonly prescribed pharmaceutical medication for the treatment of ADHD is Ritalin (or Methylphenidate), one of the many pharmaceutical stimulant class of drugs used to treat the disorder. There is some controversy over the last 10 years, that these medications and being over and wrongly prescribed. Interestingly, the stimulant medications have a significant calming effect on individuals affected by ADD/ADHD. Those who are not, however, will notice these medications have an opposite effect, which some doctors, teachers and parents thinking that these individuals are simply being under medicated. These medications often cause a lack of appetite and can cause sleep problems (insomnia) in many children, as well. These being two hugely important factors in ensuring healthy growth and development, some parents find this a very challenging issue.

It is not uncommon for learning disabilities, conduct disorders, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders to co-exist in children with ADD/ADHD. It is still unclear whether these are separate but related issues, or whether they are caused by the disorder itself and the frustration and difficulty that these individual have in academic and social realms. Behavioural therapy, a form of psychotherapy, can be effective in helping to support better social connections and practical assistance with schoolwork and learning appropriate ways of dealing with emotionally difficult situations.

In terms of diet and lifestyle, a nutritious, whole foods diet is essential for the management of ADD/ADHD and its symptoms. Fast foods and processed foods should be avoided completely. Instead, focus on fresh organic fruit and vegetable, as well as adequate protein, fibre and healthy fats. A high quality, (sugar and colourings/dye free) multivitamin may help to supplement nutrient deficiencies with pickier eaters. Essential fatty acids, like EPA and DHA found in fish oils, as well as GLA from Borage and Evening primrose oils, have been shown to be vitally important for proper brain development. Ginkgo biloba and American ginseng are two herbs that are showing promising results in terms of natural treatments for ADD/ADHD, improving behaviour over a number of parameters. L-theanine is an amino acid present in green tea that can help to reduce anxiety, as well as improve concentration, mood and sleep quality and is gaining popularity for its use in ADD/ADHD treatment.

The following list of supplements can be used to correct acidosis and maintain proper ph.  (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS)