Treating ADD and ADHD Naturally
By Cori Young
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ADHD / ADD Smptoms, Causes & Alternative
Treatment
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a dysfunction of the Central Nervous System
(CNS), most specifically the reticular activating system.The most well known
form of ADD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ADHD affects an
estimated 5% of school aged children in North America. It is the most common
neurological disorder among children in this country.
SYMPTOMS AND CHARACHTERISTICS
This condition is marked by learning disabilities, frequent forgetfullness,
impaired judgement, excessive talking/interupting, trouble concentrating,
shortened attention span, and orginization problems.
WHAT CAUSES ADHD and ADD?
Research shows the common factor in all forms of ADD and ADHD to be a
coordination failure in the reticular activating system of the brain. This area
of the brain helps coordinate external stimulus. A brain chemical,
norepinephrine, carries information between different regions of the brain which
allows certain areas to be activated while others are inhibited, allowing one to
focus on selected external information, while excluding others.
In the case of ADD / ADHD this neural coordination is impaired, causing
competitive stimulation from multiple external and internal sources -too much
visual stimulation, too much sound stimulation, too many internal feelings and
emotions, etc. When the limited neural network is overly taxed in this regard,
it becomes unable to "tune in" or focus on some stimulation, while "tuning out,"
or "turning down" (attenuating) other stimulation. The results can be
irritation, aggression and anxiety.
OTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
SUGAR CONSUMPTION blunts the brain's ability to respond to norepinephrine, thus
impairing brain coordination.
ALLERGIES Up to 90% of all children with ADD or ADHD are allergic to red,
yellow, and blue dyes found in food products. Other common food allergens
include, cow's milk, peanuts, citrus, and tomatoes.
FAMILY HISTORY
OXYGEN DEPRIVATION AT BIRTH
LEAD POISONING
DIETARY DEFICIENCIES
SMOKING DURING PREGNANCY
HOW CAN ADD/ADHD BE TREATED?
CONVENTIONAL APPROACH
Conventional treatment of ADD / ADHD most often includes the use of
psychostimulant or antidepressant drugs. Over time, however these drugs often
become ineffective and cause a sort of rebound effect where frustration and
anger return. Excessive use of stimulant drugs can cause lethargy and
depression.
ALTERNATIVE APPROACH
Fortunately there are effective alternatives to medications.
A combination of herbs and nutritional support can often balance the brain
chemistry naturally without the side effects of medications. There are formulas
available that are designed specifically to provide the essential framework of
lipids and fatty acids, natural hormones, as well as neural growth and
synchronization factors quintessential for neural and glial cell generation in
order to meet the demands of increased neural "traffic" through the reticular
activating system.
Many herbs have been shown to provide relief from ADD/ADHD symptoms without the
side effects of prescription drugs. However, not all herbs are suitable for
small children. They are best used synergistically in a reputable formula
designed specifically for the treatment of ADD/ADHD.
CONSIDERATIONS
AVOID SUGAR Research has shown that children with ADD and ADHD may not digest
sugars properly. Sugar consumption has been linked to aggressive, restless
behaviour.
IDENTIFY ALLERGIES Try to identify and avoid food allergens and neurotoxins such
as artificial sweetners and food dyes.
AVOID SOFT DRINKS Both sugar-free and sweetened contain phosphates which
displaces calcium/magnesium levels, causing exaggerated muscle activity.
GET PLENTY OF SUNLIGHT Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, is sometimes
misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD. Occurring mostly in northern latitudes during the
winter months, SAD produces ADD-like symptoms. Consider exposure to
full-spectrum lighting if unable to spend time outdoors each day.
REFERENCES:
Prescription For Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
12 Effective Ways to Help Your Add/Adhd Child: Drug-Free Alternatives for
Attention-Deficit Disorders by Laura J. Stevens
THE LCP SOLUTION: The Remarkable Nutritional Treatment for ADHD, Dyslexia, and
Dyspraxia by Malcolm J. Nicholl
Transforming the Difficult Child; The Nurtured Heart Approach by Howard Glasser
About the Author
Cori Young is an author and herbalist living in the Pacific Northwest. Visit her
website at
http://www.WellnessWallcharts.com
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No part of this article may be reproduced in full or in part
without express written permission of the publisher.
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