Tuesday 7 October 2014

By Jocelyn Davidson





Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a term many parents and educators are familiar with. This condition affects people of all ages, but it is especially noticed when children begin to attend school. Many schoolchildren are placed on medication that is designed to help them with focus and self-control. However, parents often choose to follow holistic ADHD treatment in New York City and other areas.



ADHD affects nerve centers in the brain that control focusing. Children with this disorder have trouble concentrating, and the frustration of being in a classroom does not help. Many are not old enough to sit still for long periods, which contributes to disruptions, and learning research shows that some have to move, even if only their hands, to absorb knowledge. This fidgeting can drive teachers crazy and distract other students.



Holistic means addressing the entire system to diagnose and handle disorder. This includes physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, social, and environmental analysis. For instance, a child might 'act out' in school because of stress at home or because of like lead paint in their bedroom. Some children have food allergies that lead to a lack of concentration, or they may suffer from vitamin insufficiency. Some sort of abuse - either at home, at school, or during after-school hours - could trigger problems.



Obviously a one-size-fits-all calming drug will not help these kinds of causes of unusual behavior. This is why even conventional doctors are turning to the field of natural or alternative medicine for best results. Often a combination of pharmaceuticals and alternative methods achieves success.



Although research is ambivalent on the value of food restrictions and proper diet, informed mothers of ADHD kids are not. They try to avoid sugary, high-carbohydrate snacks. To this end, they may discourage teachers from handing out candy at school and try to make sure their kids have a special snack for class celebrations. They build meals around good quality protein, fresh vegetables, and whole grain products.



There's not a lot of research to back up negative reactions to food additives, but millions of mothers firmly believe they are among the culprits of this disorder. These mothers are convinced that artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors contribute to poor concentration and hyperactivity. Many processed foods, candies, and desserts are loaded with these additives. Informed parents try to give their children plenty of good protein, whole-grain products, and fresh vegetables, and replace sodas with pure water. Additives, as well as certain foods, can trigger allergies that result in hyperactivity.



Supplements have been shown to be helpful. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are hard to obtain in western diets, have shown to be so helpful that many doctors now recommend them for their patients. These are naturally present in cold-water, wild-caught fish (farming reduces the levels and warmer waters hold more pollutants), good oils like organic olive and flax, and nuts. However, taking a daily dose in pill or liquid form is an easy way to ensure dietary sufficiency.



Testing for zinc, magnesium, and other minerals has shown that these children are often low in vital nutrients. A lack of physical activity and too much 'screen time' is considered harmful. This helps explain the popularity of after-school martial arts programs. Mild calming herbs like chamomile may help. Pharmaceuticals might be necessary, but it makes sense to try a natural approach first.









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