Many people are looking for treatment beyond conventional medicine for complex conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The terms often used for these optional choices are "alternative," "holistic" and "naturopathic" medicine. Such a decision could supply permanent answers and solutions to curtailing chronic symptoms and, in fact, actually repair the cause of the problems. Looking beyond pharmaceutical treatment involves treating the person as a "whole person," which many people are now recognizing as essential for optimal health.
Behavioral Techniques
Behavior techniques are good first steps towards health improvements for ADHD suffers. These can be utilized by children and adults and cost nothing, yet they support calming of the mind and regulation of behavior.
One of these techniques is to establish routines. Setting a regular routine or schedule can help a person with ADHD develop focus and concentration. Establishing patterns and routines for activities such as going to work or school and developing a routine for getting to bed are important. Consistency will help reduce confusion.
Practice in maintaining eye contact during conversation and responding to the person speaking in a calm manner is another good behavior technique to develop. Learning how to meditate is also useful for the ADHD person, as well, since this technique requires focus and attention.
Avoiding situations that produce excessive information is helpful to support the ADHD person in remaining balanced. Most people with ADHD have slow brain processing speeds so the overload of information may produce a stimulating effect.
Correct Nutritional Deficiencies
Doctors are now finding that ADHD symptoms, as with other chronic illnesses, may be related to nutrient deficiencies. Of the vitamins, specifically the B vitamins seem to be of most importance for reducing ADHD symptoms because of the support they provide the nervous system. A B1 (thiamine) deficiency can cause symptoms of nervousness, irritability and sensitiveness to noise. B6, as well as vitamin C, are essential in helping the body produce brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, which when in balance help provide protection from hyperactivity and lack of concentration and focus.
A deficiency in minerals can also produce symptoms related to ADHD. Of those, magnesium, iron and zinc seem to be the most important. Low levels in each of these have been implicated in ADHD children.
Essential fatty acid (EFA) oils may be perhaps even more important to an ADHD person's diet than the vitamins and minerals. Some ADHD diagnoses may actually be EFA deficiencies and adding them to a diet may prove to be beneficial. Learning disabilities have improved when a low level of these oils have been repaired. Sources of fish oil can come from supplements or deep-sea, cold-water fish such as salmon, herring and tuna.
Avoid Food Dyes and Additives
Once dietary deficiencies have been regained, a careful review of other food choices for potential allergens is important. High on the list is white processed sugar. Doctors who treat ADHD claim it is the most harmful of all foods for ADHD sufferers. The surge in blood sugars and the related behaviors associated with the high and low blood sugar changes are those seen in this condition. This can be avoided by using a natural plant-based sweetener, called stevia, instead of sugar. By choosing stevia, the avoidance of artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, can also be achieved.
Other food additives to avoid include monosodium glutamate (MSG) found in Chinese food and canned soups, sodium benzoate and nitrate found in processed meats and hot dogs, and food dyes that are labeled with FD&C numbers.
References
- Life Extension Disease Prevention and Treatment; Melanie Segala; 2003
- Is This Your Child?; Doris Rapp, MD; 1991
