Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are fast growing disorders in the US that currently affects 10 to 15% of all school children. This figure is expected to double in the next 5 years. It is very sad to see so many young children on Ritalin in spite of the very serious long term possible side effects. There are many other drugs being prescribed to young children for hyperactivity and depression such as Dexadrine, Cylert, Desoxyn, Adderal and Mellaril. The possible side effects on some of these are frightening. One might get immediate results with taking these, but not without a price that will eventually have to be paid.  

A growing number of parents and holistic doctors are turning to a more natural approach which include; special diet, supplements, herbs, homeopathics, counseling and of course the love and encouragement of their family, friends and teachers. They believe that medications merely mask the symptoms and do not address the true cause of the problem.

Many doctors, scientist and nutritionists believe that ADD and ADHD is a biologically based brain disorder rooted in a complex combination of nutritional deficiency, allergy and immune disorders that are compromised even more by vaccines, high sugar and refined carbohydrate diets, food additives such as artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners and preservatives and caffeine. Environmental toxins are also culprits such as exposure to chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, toxic cleaning products, smoke etc.

Dr. Lendon H. Smith, a pediatrician, has been an advocate for children’s health and nutrition issues for over 30 years. He has authored and co-authored 15 books that warn how sugar, white flour, additives and junk food contribute to sickness, obesity, allergies, hyperactivity and learning disabilities. He is very well known and has appeared numerous times on the Phil Donahue Show and the Tonight Show. Dr Smith believes that mineral deficiencies play a major roll in ADD and ADHD, especially calcium and magnesium. Our top soil has become mineral deficient since composting is practically obsolete except with some organic farmers. Other supplements that are essential to those with ADD and ADHD are essential fatty acids which can be found in flax seed oil, borage oil and cold fish oils. These oils aid transmission of nerve impulses that are needed for normal brain function.  An amino acid called gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) calms the body and has successfully been used (by young and old) in place of tranquilizers. Taurine is necessary for proper brain function and is being given to those with seizures and hyperactivity. Another amino acid, Tyrosine is known to naturally mimic the effects of Ritalin. Vitamin-B complex is helpful in relaxing the nervous system and improving mental function and concentration. Choline and Phosphatidyl Serine have been known to improve memory and focus.  There are various supplements available in liquid and capsule form that contains many of the above mentioned nutrients. They are also suitable for adults for many children do not grow out of this condition and carry it over in their adult lives.

In addition to using supplements, it is important to cut out the heavily processed sugary and high carbohydrate foods and beverages that are loaded with petroleum based colors and preservatives. Forget about fried foods which are all that is available on children’s menus…oh, except for the pizza and spaghetti. It is also important to completely eliminate artificial sweeteners, even the one that starts out as sugar.

How can our children focus and be well behaved while eating nutritionally depleted foods? The kids of today hardly have a chance to grow up healthy. Their immune systems are already shot, for most kids catch everything that comes along. If one is truly healthy, child or adult, they should be able to be in a room with sick people and never get sick.

 Let’s choose to eat what our creator put here for us and enjoy a greater quality of life.    

This article, provided by Mike Comeau, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease. Always consult your doctor when seeking medical advice.