- In spite of apparent improvement in concentration and behavior, studies have shown
that there is no significant improvement in long-term academic performance, delinquent
performance, or poor emotional adjustment. (Weiss, 1975).
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a class 2 controlled substance and thus is listed
in the same category as cocaine, codeine, morphine, and amphetamines. In fact, Ritalin
is being sold on the black market as a form of speed.
- Class 2 drugs can be addictive and cause some individuals to develop tolerance.
This means 5 or 10 milligrams might be enough now, but as time passes, they may need
larger and larger doses to produce the same effect.
- Some of its potential side effects are: nervousness and insomnia, anorexia and
nausea, blood pressure fluctuations, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, abdominal pain,
dermatitis and other skin rashes, growth retardation, motor tics, and depression.
- Addictive drugs cause withdrawal symptoms when they are not taken on a regular
basis. If Ritalin is stopped too quickly, or sometimes even if it is gradually decreased
and stopped, it is possible that it can cause fatigue, disturbed sleep, depression,
Tourette's Syndrome, psychosis, or suicide.
- Ritalin does not appear to have any long term therapeutic value. With possibilities
of wrong diagnosis, poor follow-up and potentially harmful side effects, concerned
parents are looking toward safer choices. A non-profit organization Parents
Against Ritalin has been set up to help educate parents and the public.
NEVER stop taking Ritalin or other drugs without first consulting your
doctor. If you feel that Ritalin is not for you or your child, get yourself educated,
and if necessary, bring the information to your physician. There are excellent resources
available. Please check out "What about drug-free, natural approaches" for more details. Please note that some individuals truly have medical
problems that can only be controlled by drugs.
NATURAL APPROACH TO HEALING
The
natural approach holds that ill health is brought about by imbalances in our body.
The aim is to get to the root causes (if possible) of the problems and then provide
the body with the right non-toxic approaches so that it can heal itself.
WHAT ABOUT DRUG-FREE, NATURAL APPROACHES
There are many causes of ADD / ADHD and as many
safe and non-toxic solutions. Remember that each individual is unique and getting
to the root cause of the problems can be like solving a puzzle. Read and get informed.
The more you know, the more equipped you will be at solving the puzzle to good health.The information provided here is centered on basic nutritional support. We hope to
provide you with a head start in your research. Please check out the many excellent
books available on this subject.
Below are some of the most popular approaches :
Clean up the Diet
Although many authorities
have discounted the role of diet in ADD /ADHD (and in many other health problems),
you only have to talk to observant parents to receive information to the contrary.
remove
or reduce from the diet :
refined white sugar(sucrose),
artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin),
artificial colors,
preservatives,
caffeine, and
phosphates
These ingredients not only have poor or no nutritional values
but can bring about health problems for the sensitive individuals and those with
poor immune systems. Read food labels carefully. Choose wholesome sweeteners like
pure juice/fruit juice concentrates, maple syrup, honey, brown rice sugar, barley
malt, stevia (an herbal sweetener) etc., whole grains and foods that are minimally
processed.
The amino acid "Glycine" can be very effective in removing
craving for sugar (ref: Control Hyperactivity A.D.D. Naturally by Billie Jay Sahley,
Ph.D.)
Many excellent books are available to show you how to choose healthier
food for better health. For example,
"Rx Prescription for Dietary Wellness"
by Phyllis & James Balch explains the good and the bad in the foods we normally
eat. Contains lots of wholesome and healthy recipes.
"Help for the Hyperactive
Child" by Dr. William Crook, M.D. is an excellent book teaching you the basics
in diet management and candida control.
Vitamin, Mineral and Food Supplements
Enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids work synergistically to maintain proper functions
of body and mind. A deficiency or imbalance can bring about poor health which may
manifest itself as inability to concentrate, fatigue, irritability.....
Ideally we should be getting all the nutrients we need from our daily foods. Unfortunately,
few of us eat well, especially kids. Even for those who try hard to eat a well-balanced
meal, the grains and vegetables may be low in trace minerals due to poor soil conditions.
A healthy body begets a healthy and calm mind.
Many people have benefited from taking well balanced multi-vitamin formulas, trace
mineral drops and super green foods like blue green algae. When taking single supplements,
it is important to take a multi-vitamin with it too, as certain vitamins, minerals
and amino acids have to work together for best results.
Below are some of the food supplements being used with good results.
-
Well balanced multi-vitamin and mineral formula
- Super blue green algae or Spirulina
-
Calcium and Magnesium - Calming effect. Needed for the nervous system.
- Zinc-
especially useful in the case of copper toxicity or deficiency as well as immune
system support.
- Ginkgo Biloba - Increase blood circulation to the brain. Helps memory.
- Evening Primrose Oil - Aids in transmission of nerve impulses and brain
function.
- Vitamin B Complex - Important for brain and nerve function, food absorption
and anti-stress. Helps the body tolerate foods that produce low blood sugar reactions.
- DMG (N,N Dimethyl Glycine) - Carries oxygen to the brain. Important for normal
brain and nervous system function.
- GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) - research
shows that it reduces hyperactivity.
- Valerian - acts as a sedative.
- Rescue
Remedy - All purpose Bach flower remedy. Brings on peace and calmness during times
of stress.
Recommended readings:
"Prescription for Nutritionally Healing" by
James Balch and Phyllis Balch. If you are looking for a GOOD book about vitamins,
minerals, herbs and food supplements, this is the one.
"Control Hyperactivity
A.D.D. Naturally" by Billie Jay Sahley, Ph.D. is a excellent book detailing
the role of amino acids in the treatment of ADD.
Food & Environmental Allergies
Most
people recognize itchy eyes, runny noses and hives as allergies. These are typically
accepted forms of allergy. However, there is another form that is not easily, recognized,
suspected or even agreed upon. It can affect any part of your body from inability
to concentrate, fatigue, inability to fall asleep, joint pains, bed wetting, ear-infections
(check that milk intake !), asthma (check that milk, dust mites and the family cat
!) etc. to ADHD. Any foods can cause allergies, even healthy ones like apples and
pears. Some of the biggest culprits are cow's milk, wheat, and artificial colorings.
Some common environmental allergens are dust mites, molds, cigarette smoke.
"Is This Your Child" by Dr. Doris Rapp is an EXCELLENT book about food
allergies, including information on supplementations for ADD / ADHD.
The Yeast Connection
Yeast (Candida Albicans) normally lives in
healthy balance with other bacteria and yeasts in our body. An upset in the balance
can be caused by eating too much refined carbohydrates or taking ANTIBIOTICS. Antibiotics
kills the good bacteria in the gut but does not affect the yeast leading to an excess
of yeast which produces toxins. The symptoms are varied and include headaches, inability
to concentrate, depression, mood swing, hyperactivity etc. These symptoms often overlap
those of food allergies.
Candida can be controlled through proper diet, which
is sugar-free, yeast free and more. Many good books are available on the subject.
"Help
for the Hyperactive Child" by Dr. William Crook, M.D. is an excellent book on
this subject.
"The Body Ecology Diet" by Donna Gates is very helpful
in teaching you how to control yeast and to restore the inner "ecosystem' by
using food-combining and sound nutrition. Gives an all round approach to the problem.
Food supplements used to control candida:
- Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Acidophilus
-
Garlic
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
A
high intake of refined carbohydrates will cause a sudden raise in blood sugar. Insulin
is produced to counteract this. As the blood sugar drops, hormones like glucagon,
cortisol and adrenalin are produced to bring the sugar level back to normal. This
can bring about symptoms like fatigue, light headedness, irritability, depression,
.....This drop in blood sugar also produces a craving for food, esp. foods which
will help raise the sugar levels again. So the cycle repeats.
Eat several small
meals a day that are higher in complex carbohydrates and protein. Avoid refined carbohydrates,
caffeine and other unwholesome foods.
Important supplements : Chromium Picolinate
and B-Complex.
Recommended Readings
The following
books are extremely useful reference for anyone interested in a drug-free approach
to ADD /ADHD.
- Is This Your Child by Dr. Doris Rapp
- Help for the Hyperactive
Child by William Crook, M.D.
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James and
Phyllis Balch
- Rx Prescription for Dietary Wellness by James and Phyllis Balch
-
Control Hyperactivity A.D.D. Naturally by Billie Jay Sahley, Ph.D.
To locate a holistic physician near you, check with your local health food store.
They
usually are a great resource. "Parents Against
Ritalin" is working on a list. 1-800-469-5929
GOOD LUCK and LIVE WELL NATURALLY.
© 1997 copyright Living Well Naturally,
Inc.
most recent update 11/03/97
