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Applying Integrative Medicine to ADD/ADHD. The Source of Wellness Starts Here...
What is ADD/ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is used to describe three main kinds of problems:
* Overactive behavior
* Impulsive behavior
* Difficulty paying attention
Young children tend to have lots of energy and tend to be very active. Young children also have a short attention span- they soon get tired of an activity and want to move onto something new. But if your child is very active and getting into trouble in school or at home because of it, your doctor may "diagnose" them with ADD/ADHD. It's important for parents to understand that in some cases, the child is not the one with the problem. It may be the parent who is high strung, impatient, or overly anxious.
They may have a hard time coping with the normal, energetic behavior patterns of their child and may want to medicate (subdue) the child in order to control their behavior. In this case, I would encourage the parent to seek the advice of a medical practitioner since the problem is more with the parent than with the child. Once this is ruled out, it is then important to proceed in a manner that helps the child get the help they need.
Children with ADHD often find it difficult to fit in at school because they are overactive and impulsive. Research suggests that ADHD occurs in approximately 5% of school-age children and approximately 2-4% of adults.
Symptoms
The main characteristics of ADHD are:
* Short attention span, inattention, difficulty concentrating, easily distracted, restless,
* Disorganized, difficulty completing a specific task, difficulty in sitting still,
* Hyperactivity - overactive, high activity levels,
* Impulsive behavior, suddenly doing things without thinking, little sense of danger
Learning problems due to lack of attention, language and speech problems, although ADHD is not related to intelligence, and delayed social skills, difficulty making friends, disruptive in play, find it hard to await their turn in games
Some children have significant problems concentrating and paying attention but not necessarily overactive or impulsive. These children are described as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
The main symptoms of ADHD, such as attention difficulties, may improve as the child gets older, but behavioral problems such as disobedience or aggression may become worse if the child does not receive help.
It has been difficult to identify the cause(s) of ADD/ADHD in kids and adults. Regardless of the underlying cause of the problem, it's important to know that drugs are a very common treatment approach used in our society. Unfortunately, withdrawal from certain medicines such as Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderall may cause irritability, nausea, brain fog, and other symptoms which means if you stop taking them, the problems come back.
Furthermore, this class of medications (derivatives of amphetamines) is highly addictive, have many side effects, and a high abuse potential. The shortcomings of this class of medications are why we are offering products to act as supplements to the drugs. Over time, we hope you can work with your doctor to taper off the drugs. With help for tapering off the drugs you may go to www.theroadback.org.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Lifestyle Modifications - Transcendental Meditation
How Does It Work in relation to ADD/ADHD?
Transcendental Meditation is a mental technique that allows the mind to settle down. When the mind settles down, the body settles down. Settling down is one of the problems of kids who suffer from ADHD. I see this as having a tremendous impact for helping children and adults.
I practice TM twice daily and am amazed by its miraculous ability to calm the mind and keep the mood elevated. The transcendental meditation practice is easy to learn, an enjoyable practice, and it enriches all areas of life. There are more than 600 studies documenting the benefits of the TM program. Go to www.tm.org for more information on how to formally learn the transcendental meditation technique. For another approach to centering and calming the mind, go to www.centerpointe.com for a free demo CD.
Nutritional Modification/Healthy Eating Habits
Many studies have shown a very strong correlation between symptoms linked with ADD/ADHD and nutrition. If you or your child have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and have been told that drugs are the way, then you definitely want to make sure the amount of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and artificial flavorings are kept to a minimum. Furthermore, it is important to rule out heavy metal toxicity such as mercury or lead as these have also been linked to a reduction in learning capability. Just do what I do. Consume more organic foods. For more information on the importance of nutrition in ADD/ADHD go to www.heall.com.
The Integrative Pharmacists Recommends The Following Products:
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How does it work?
The stimulant like nature of methylphenidate and other related psychostimulant drugs used to treat ADHD is of great concern to many researchers and physicians. A high quality fish oil high in essential fatty acids are particularly important in in brain chemistry.
Some small studies have concluded that children diagnosed with ADHD were more likely to have lower levels of DHA and arachodonic acid (AA) than controls. Other products on our package list help increase levels of glutathione, an antioxidant found predominanty in the brain which suggests that supplementing the glutathione levels with our products in this section may be of some benefit.
Children and adults diagnosed with ADD/ADHD should limit consumption of refined sugars in the form of candy, soda, and high fructose corn syrup. In addition, they should get plenty of rest and exercise (especially outdoors) and should be encouraged to eat more organic foods.
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