Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food -Hippocrates

In the US, other than prescribed medications, there are no other federally-approved treatments for ADD/ADHD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is still supporting drug therapy as the treatment for this disorder. Findings of many studies point to availability of “natural” treatments; therefore, a rising number of health professionals are proposing behavioral and dietary interventions to supplement.

What can be said about prescription medication is that it is still new to the practice of medicine but plant extracts and other holistic remedies have existed before our time. Modern medicine possesses the wondrous capability to alter natural substances to form a chemical derivative that has absolutely nothing to do with the original material in its final form.

It is, however, very interesting that it was the advent of chemically-based foods, sweeteners, additives, and, yes, medications that signaled the advent of the ADD/ADHD “epidemic”.

Are there any possible connections?

ADD/ADHD is a result of the appearance of chemical substance which has the ability to produce biochemical reactions within the body. It is then capable of altering the body’s functioning to elicit unnatural symptoms. All this of course is the result of changes in the environment change the natural bodily function.

The rise in cases of ADD/ADHD have risen in concurrence with the widespread usage of chemical additives, preservatives, and substances. This further testifies that natural malfunction of the human body is cannot the major cause of ADD/ADHD most cases. The toxin environment created by unnatural substances is what causes failure in for the body to function properly.

As the use of chemicals has increased, so have the rates of ADD/ADHD diagnoses.

The reality is that some individuals are more sensitive to extraneous toxins than others. Just as some people are more prone to reacting to allergens whereas others are not affected by them at all, some people are simply biologically programmed to have a more severe reaction to toxins than others.

The body of a highly sensitive individuals can react in a way such as developing symptoms like fidgeting, distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity, forgetfulness, and behavioral problems when placed in a toxin environment but if these individuals are removed form the environment then the symptom can be reduced or even disappear completely.

The issue of ADD/ADHD treatment is that many people knows that the toxin effecting sufferer of ADD/ADHD must be removed from them and this goes for removing the individuals from the toxic environment too but the vast number of us are still unclear about how to go about doing that. With the many non-medication method available today, prescribed medication should be the last choice in anyone seeking out ways to deal with this disorder.

These are the issues that needs to be addressed and have proven to help control a great number of ADD/ADHD cases:

- the nutritional needs of the individual

- any existing behavioral issues

- toxins present within the individual’s environment

Not many have found the need for medications, even if it is during emergencies.

Many researchers suspect, and are now investigating, the correlation between food allergies and behavioral problems. These researchers have gone so far as to suggest that more than 60% of individuals suspected of having ADD/ADHD might be “cured” by eliminating such toxins as sugar, artificial colors and preservatives, soy, milk, chocolate, wheat, some citrus fruits, and eggs from their diets.

Elimination diet is one of the most recommended method of stabilizing ADD/ADHD like behavior. Here is a short guide for implementing elimination diet.

1. Begin by eliminating foods, or food groups, that might be responsible for the symptoms. If dairy products are suspected, eliminate all dairy products. Should the symptoms improve, dairy can be added back into the diet, one food at a time. When and if symptoms return, the food, or foods, that were most recently introduced are the probable culprits.

2. You can start eliminating food such as diary, wheat products, sugar, eggs, nuts, soy products, corn, and citrus fruits and juices because they are usually the type that are responsible for these symptoms.

3. Try to carry out food elimination for two weeks and during that time, breathing, and general health should be closely monitored.

4. Foods should then be introduced one at a time and for the period of three days minimum. Introducing food should be done at three days interval until a reaction appears.

5.Make sure to read food labels! Some products contain the offending foods as an ingredient and will produce a reaction.

Food diary is another method that can be used to detect food allergies. This method is done by recording all foods, beverages, snacks, candies, etc. that are consumed. This is also extended to inoffensive substances as gum, medications (even over the counter meds), and candies. Don’t forget to record down breathing, and general health in the diary as well as sleeping patterns, activity levels, and attitude. Patterns should be detectable according to what was ingested at the end of the month.

Elimination diets and food diaries are now being used to uncover toxins that may be responsible for such conditions as Autism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, general food allergies, Fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, and even depression!



By: Jimmy Brownen

About the Author:

The full form of ADHD is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a psychological disorder which is related to the hypersensitive psychological state of mind.

The most common symptoms in an infant are extreme restlessness, crying, they also show a very poor sleep patterns. The older children have poor concentration they posses week memory, impulsiveness they are in a hurry to do everything, generally lacks self esteem.

Weak short term memory and they suffer from some abnormal sleep and appetite problems. There are also different degrees of severity. To overcome this disease usually the relaxant drugs are provided to the children. There are many drugs available in the market for this disorder which is prescribed by the psychologists.

What are the medications available against this disorder?

There are mainly two types of treatment which is generally used to cure the ADHD types of treatment for ADHD; pharmacological and non-pharmacological. It is been found out in various studies that 70% to 80% children are benefited by the stimulant drugs.

In the ADHD normally the psycho stimulants drugs are used; they are prescribed for both children and adults with severe ADHD but the dose of the psycho stimulants is different. The psycho stimulant drugs which are generally used are Ritalin. Concereta some non-stimulant drugs are also used with these stimulant drugs such as Starterra as well as amphetamines, such as Dexedrine and Adderall.

Your doctor can advise a daily dosage which can be short or long acting. After this initial dosage your doctor may feel a need to increase or reduce the dosage for the drug to give you the desired effect.

The side effects which generally occur due to this medication:

Some adverse effects have been seen in the children after these medications. The most common side effect of these medications is change in the appetite, sleeplessness and anxiousness.

The younger children may loose some weight from these therapies Other side effects of these psycho stimulants drugs includes irritability, stomach pain, hair loss, headache, depression, hallucinations, and lack of spontaneity.

What are the drugs prescribed by psychologist for this disorder:

There are mainly two types of treatment which is generally used to cure the ADHD types of treatment for ADHD; pharmacological and non-pharmacological. In the ADHD normally the psycho stimulants drugs are used; they are prescribed for both children and adults with severe ADHD but the dose of the psycho stimulants is different.

These drugs have been intensively studied and used by the psychologists but there are serious concerns with long-term use of these drugs. The psycho stimulant drugs which are generally used are Ritalin.

Concereta some non-stimulant drugs are also used with these stimulant drugs such as Starterra as well as amphetamines, such as Dexedrine and Adderall. Your doctor can advise a daily dosage which can be short or long acting. After this initial dosage your doctor may feel a need to increase or reduce the dosage for the drug to give you the desired effect.

The possible side effects of the ADHD drugs

All stimulants have a number of side effects: The most common side effect of these therapies maybe the change in the appetite, sleeplessness and anxiousness. The younger children may loose some weight from these therapies Other side effects of these psycho stimulants drugs includes irritability, stomach pain, hair loss, headache, depression, hallucinations, , and lack of spontaneity.



By: Paul Hata

About the Author:

Most doctors, when they encounter a case of ADHD, turn to stimulant or anti-depressant drugs to counteract most of the disorders symptoms. However, in taking these drugs the effects are short lived and the medication needs to be constant. There is also the possibility of various side effects to contend with too. Because of this, it is only natural that parents try to find alternatives. Most parents are attracted by natural alternatives ADHD children can take as opposed to prescribed drugs mainly because they are considered to have less side effects. Here are some natural alternatives for ADHD that have shown promise:

1) Caffeine - Caffeine is a stimulant, just like the prescription drugs are. This means that caffeine perks up a person who is feeling a bit drowsy. It is ironic that stimulants seem to have a reverse effect on people with ADHD. People who have used caffeine as a natural alternative to ADHD report being able to calm down and think clearly and yet have no trouble with hyperactivity.

Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soda and some chewing gums. However, with everything moderation is key. Children should be okay to have 2.5mg of caffeine for every kilo they weigh a day. Just like stimulant drugs, this treatment is not for everyone and be aware of the sugars and other ingredients in soda that can have detrimental effects on health.

2) DMAE - This is a compound that occurs naturally in the body and in some fish. Making use of DMAE as a natural alternative or complement to ADHD prescription medicines has been shown to be effective. Studies carried out in the 1970’s looking at the effects of DMAE on people with ADHD showed results that where comparable to taking Ritalin. You will find DMAE supplements available, however there is a risk of some side effects, notably headaches, insomnia, depression, irritability and restlessness. So it pays to be careful with dosages.

3) Essential Fatty Acids - These are also found in fish and some plants. Essential fatty acids have been linked with improved mental capability and even cardiac health. Essential fatty acids can be obtained by eating deep-sea fish regularly. However, you should be careful because deep-sea fish can also have high levels of mercury in their meat. An option you can consider is cod liver oil and other fish oil supplements, although be sure the source of the fish is stated and that its mercury free. Fish oils have long been marketed as a great supplement for improving focus before people thought of using it as a natural alternative to ADHD medication.

4) B vitamins - Research shows that treatment with the B-group vitamins, especially Vitamin B6 & B12, helps a child with ADHD remain focused. There are a lot of food sources of this vitamin. However, you should keep in mind that you may not get enough of these vitamins from food alone and so taking a B-complex supplement can help.

For more tips and advice on choosing natural alternative ADHD treatments sign up for the free newsletter below

The natural alternative ADHD sufferers can make can make a difference to ADHD behaviors. However, it may take some experimentation to find the ones that are most suitable. Discussing these options with your doctor is essential before starting on any new regime and never stop taking prescription medication without first seeking medical approval.



By: Sue Perkins

About the Author:

drcandelwood asked:

http://www.adhd1.net/free-adhd-help.html Dr. C, Elwood & Friends sing the ADHD song.