Treating ADD and ADHD Naturally

Author: Cori Young

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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Treating ADD and ADHD Naturally

Article : Treating ADD and ADHD Naturally