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.
Faulty nerve connection in the brain is said to cause this disorder, but many people believe that outward factors are to blame. In other words, ADHD kids are made, not born. Children who cannot focus are asked to sit still, be quiet, and learn the Three R's - and many of them simply can't do it. This causes disruption in the classroom and frustration for both teachers and students.
A holistic approach to any disorder, including acute or chronic illness, seeks to find the physical, mental, or emotional cause for problems rather than addressing the symptoms. Environmental issues and allergies also enter into the picture. A 'space cadet' might have high levels of lead in their blood or be reacting to something in their diet. Abuse of any kind can also make kids 'act out', as can the stress of divorce or abandonment.
Drugs can produce artificial calm, but they have side effects, not the least of which is a reduced ability to learn or to interact well with peers. Even conventional doctors are beginning to recommend stress-reducing techniques, supplements, and dietary restrictions. The best approach might include a variety of alternative methods.
It's interesting that, although much research pooh poohs dietary causes, mothers of ADHD children swear that elimination of certain foods works wonders. For instance, such mother's have learned that allowing their children to consume sugary, high-carbohydrate snacks sets off hyperactivity. They may ask teachers to avoid rewards of candy or special occasions like birthday parties with cake and ice cream at school without advance notice. Then they can provide an acceptable alternative for their kids, so they can participate without harm.
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.
Research has shown the benefits of some supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids have been proved to be both lacking in the diets of many problem kids and beneficial for attention disorders. These are present in food, notably cold-water wild-caught fish like salmon and cod (farmed fish have almost none of this nutrient in their flesh). To get enough of this essential nutrient, it is often taken in supplement form.
Low-levels of zinc and magnesium are common in attention-deficit disorder. When magnesium is low, people have even more trouble coping with stress and may not get enough quality sleep. Limiting screen time spent in front of television and computers is important, as is making sure kids get a lot of fun physical activity. All of these things are combined in a natural approach to treating ADHD.
Faulty nerve connection in the brain is said to cause this disorder, but many people believe that outward factors are to blame. In other words, ADHD kids are made, not born. Children who cannot focus are asked to sit still, be quiet, and learn the Three R's - and many of them simply can't do it. This causes disruption in the classroom and frustration for both teachers and students.
A holistic approach to any disorder, including acute or chronic illness, seeks to find the physical, mental, or emotional cause for problems rather than addressing the symptoms. Environmental issues and allergies also enter into the picture. A 'space cadet' might have high levels of lead in their blood or be reacting to something in their diet. Abuse of any kind can also make kids 'act out', as can the stress of divorce or abandonment.
Drugs can produce artificial calm, but they have side effects, not the least of which is a reduced ability to learn or to interact well with peers. Even conventional doctors are beginning to recommend stress-reducing techniques, supplements, and dietary restrictions. The best approach might include a variety of alternative methods.
It's interesting that, although much research pooh poohs dietary causes, mothers of ADHD children swear that elimination of certain foods works wonders. For instance, such mother's have learned that allowing their children to consume sugary, high-carbohydrate snacks sets off hyperactivity. They may ask teachers to avoid rewards of candy or special occasions like birthday parties with cake and ice cream at school without advance notice. Then they can provide an acceptable alternative for their kids, so they can participate without harm.
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.
Research has shown the benefits of some supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids have been proved to be both lacking in the diets of many problem kids and beneficial for attention disorders. These are present in food, notably cold-water wild-caught fish like salmon and cod (farmed fish have almost none of this nutrient in their flesh). To get enough of this essential nutrient, it is often taken in supplement form.
Low-levels of zinc and magnesium are common in attention-deficit disorder. When magnesium is low, people have even more trouble coping with stress and may not get enough quality sleep. Limiting screen time spent in front of television and computers is important, as is making sure kids get a lot of fun physical activity. All of these things are combined in a natural approach to treating ADHD.
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