Stop the Panic - ADHD and ADD Alternative Medicine

ADHD and ADD Alternative Medicine Treatments

These chemicals are referred to as neurotransmitters. Many doctors believe that these chemical imbalances can lead to ADD or ADHD. According to the Ritalin website, side effects of Ritalin use can lead to hypersensitivity, dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the face and body), cardiac arrhythmia, abnormal liver functioning, toxic psychosis, and weight loss, among a host of other side effects. Other commonly prescribed ADD medications are Adderall and Strattera, however both of these drugs have side effects similar to those of Ritalin.

Many medicated patients complain that they feel like “zombies” after taking their medication. In other patients, the exact opposite reaction occurs. They feel ill at ease, restless, and unable to relax. Tics and muscle twitching are common among patients due to the side effects of their medications.

It is imperative that you discuss treatment options for your child with your doctor. While traditional medications may help, there are many side effects that can occur from taking medications such as those described above.

Following is a list of questions you should ask your doctor.

• Is there anything I can do better in terms of parenting techniques and discipline?
• Should I discuss my child’s ADHD with his or her teachers?
• How do I know whether my child’s actions are normal or whether they are produced by ADHD?
• How long will it be before we see results from medications?
• How long will my child have to take medicine?
• Is my child’s ADHD chronic?
• What are some ADHD and ADD Alternative Medicine?

ADHD and ADD Alternative Medicine

Oriental, Indian, and Native American Indian healing systems incorporate three essential beliefs. They are

• that wellness is a state of balance between spiritual, physical, and mental and emotional “selves”
• imbalances of forces in the body cause illness; and
• herbal and natural remedies, when used in conjunction with nutrition and exercise, can correct this imbalance.

An inadequate intake of nutrients can result in deficiencies in neurotransmitters that are important for the brain to function well. A disruption of acetylcholine activity (a neurotransmitter) may play a part in ADD/ADHD. Many people in developed countries have serious nutritional deficiencies based on eating mostly fast foods that have little nutrition. By changing one’s diet through the consumption of healthy foods and herbal supplements, a person with ADD/ADHD can create substantial benefits to their overall well-being.

With adjustments to their diet and nutrition, many people have experienced beneficial results towards helping manage the symptoms of mental illness. Therefore, it is no surprise that many researchers have hypothesized dietary links to ADD/ADHD. ADHD and ADD Alternative Medicine Clinical studies have shown that by eliminating certain products (such as milk and wheat), there are a number of effects that can be mitigated, including symptoms of hyperactivity. Several studies conducted by the American Dietetic Association indicate that most children’s diets do not meet the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) designated for them. A study conducted in 1997 found that only 1% of children met the RDA standards for vegetable intake, and most of these consumed just one vegetable: potatoes in the form of French fries.

ADHD and ADD Alternative Medicine Studies have revealed that the same glycemic index dietary principles that are good for weight loss can have a major positive effect on ADD/ADHD patients. Iron, zinc and magnesium deficiencies have been linked to the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. These can usually be alleviated by taking a daily multivitamin.

General poor nutrition such as a Western diet with high sugar, high saturated fats, food additives and without omega-3 fatty acids seems to aggravate the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended that people and children with ADD avoid sugary, fatty and artificial foods, and instead eat whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Symptoms of attention deficit disorder closely resemble those of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, and further research has shown that in some cases omega-3 supplementation (specifically with EPA and DHA) may be helpful for ADD/ADHD patients. ADHD and ADD Alternative Medicine options include a fish oil supplement with at least 1000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids is recommended. Be sure to only use omega-3 supplements that contain EPA and DHA since these are the best omega-3s.

Lifestyle Changes for ADD/ADHD

Exercise is important in developing general well-being, especially for children and adults with ADD/ADHD. But other lifestyle changes are equally important. In the United States, children with ADD or ADHD often qualify for free services at their schools and may be eligible to receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Parents must communicate effectively with a child’s teacher(s) and receive daily report cards to coordinate a plan to reward good performance in school. Again, in the US, Summer and Saturday programs at school, special classrooms that use intensive behavioral modification, and specially trained classroom aides are all a part of the overall treatment plan for those with ADD or ADHD.

If you suspect that your child may have ADHD or ADD, make an appointment to see your doctor, psychiatrist, or behavioral pediatrician. You should also talk to other parents who have ADD/AHDH children but, although difficult, be patient with your child. Progress may not happen overnight. Emphasize your child’s talents and feelings of self-worth. ADHD and ADD Alternative Medicine in addition to prescription medications may be the key balance for treatment.

Scientists have actually been able to photograph and pinpoint differences in the brains of ADHD versus non-ADHD patients. The use of herbal remedies is one of the important components (along with other lifestyle changes) in changing one’s lifestyle to alleviate symptoms of ADHD.

In a report released by the Center for Science in the Public Interest in 1999 referred to as “Diet, ADHD, & Behavior: A Quarter-Century of Review”, it was concluded, based on 17 clinical studies, that food dyes and certain foods can adversely affect a child’s behavior. A few weeks later, Georgetown Medical School held a conference, referred to as “ADHD: Causes and Possible Solutions.” The evidence presented at the conference encourages the use of nutrition to treat ADHD. Presenters and participants also discussed the harmful effects of low-level exposure to chemicals, food additives, delayed hypersensitivity to some foods, and the effects of consuming junk foods.

In order to treat ADD/ADHD, certain lifestyle changes must be accepted including limiting the intake of artificial flavoring, coloring, and other food additives. ADHD and ADD Alternative Medicine should include the avoidance of processed sugars and sufferers should consume as many natural foods as possible.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has reviewed clinical studies and reports and has stated that many ADHD children did very well with behavioral therapy alone. Clearly, the overall consensus is that there are several methods that can be implemented independently or in conjunction with other methods to combat ADHD including lifestyle changes, discipline, diet, nutrition, medication and/or herbal remedies. ADHD and ADD Alternative Medicine Behavior Therapy is, however, as most parents would agree, one of the most difficult alternatives to implement without other traditional treatment methods.

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