When my five-year old daughter was diagnosed with ADHD, people came out of the woodwork to explain how she could be cured.

 

 “Take her off milk.  That’ll do it.”

 

 “Do the Feingold diet.”

 

 “It’s a food allergy.  Get her tested.”

 

 “You should get the toxins out of your home.”

 

With every solution came a success story.  I love success stories and I think they can point to some remedies that are worth trying, but these are actually cures for kids who do NOT have ADHD.  They might have received an inaccurate diagnosis…but true ADHD is not caused by allergies or toxins.

 

My research back then indicated that about 10% of US children were diagnosed with ADHD and of THOSE children, about 5% actually had allergies rather than ADHD (this was according to the CDC).  That being the case, it stands to reason that allergies (or more likely sensitivities) should be considered first.  I got the toxins out of my home (going to natural cleaners) and experimented with food sensitivities (keeping a food/behavior journal).  I just could not do the Feingold diet with our finances and work schedule!

This exercise proved valuable.  I found that artificial sweeteners (not sugar) sent her into a frenzy of activity (within 30 minutes), she benefited from a breakfast high in protein and low in carbohydrates, and the two-week dairy fast yielded no results.  But, she remained unable to sit still, keep her hands to herself, be quiet, and complete tedious tasks.

 

So, moving on . . . can nutritional support help kids with ADD/ADHD?  Well, according to several studies . . . yes.  A high percentage of kids with ADHD were found to have the following deficiencies:

 

•            Magnesium – the most prevalent (up to 95%)… along with calcium.

•            Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) – also common.  EFA’s protect against “leaky gut” and are needed to develop brain tissue

•            Probiotics –  Dysbiosis, which occurs when the natural flora of the gut is thrown out of balance (often due to antibiotics, has been linked to food sensitivities, asthma, eczema, immune dysfunction, and ADD.

 

 

 

In addition to these deficiencies, nutrients that are essential for proper brain function are:

 

•  Protein – for growth and cell repair. Stabilizes blood sugar, which is critical to the brain.

• DHA – for the brain. Supports memory, concentration, and vision.

• B-Complex – for the brain and nervous system. Helps combat fatigue and nervousness; improves mood and concentration.

 

 

 

 

 

When my daughter was just starting school, we could not afford all these supplements…but we had insurance, so our finances dictated our approach.  We knew that behavioral intervention along with nutritional support would bring the best outcome, but while we were fighting the battle (to get the services and education she needed) we were losing the war.  As the years passed (and we battled with the school), our joyful, eager-to-please little girl was realizing that kids didn’t like her and teachers were frustrated with her. She became discouraged and started viewing herself as “bad”.  So, we reluctantly started her on medication.  We provided the best nutrition we were able and continued to work for appropriate interventions and educational support.

 

I believe that our daughter would have benefited from a complete nutritional program along with more innovative teaching.  It should not be that difficult to get the services needed for a kid with ADD/ADHD! And insurance companies would probably SAVE money if they covered products that would cure and/or lessen a condition like ADHD. But, we have accepted that we did our best with the situation we were given.

 

 

The following is a quote from Shaklee.com and I feel it sums things up, “Depending on how severe the symptoms are, parents may choose either a pharmaceutical or natural approach. Sometimes a combination of the two will offer the best effects in managing the symptoms. Regardless of the path of treatment, the single most important element that a parent or teacher can offer is patience. This is not always easy because it requires a daily commitment to helping the child and the family deal with behaviors that are disruptive. Nevertheless, patience and support are fundamental.”

 

I could not agree more!