how can i help my son who I suspect has ADHD without drugs?

Answers:
ADHD Natural Remedies: Finding the Best Herbs for Hyperactivity

by Tess Thompson

If you are like many parents, deciding how best to medicate your child for ADHD is not an easy task. Along with the increased prescription of stimulant drugs for children has come a heightened awareness of the risks these medications can pose, and more and more parents are searching for natural alternatives.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, the manufacture of stimulant drugs has increased by more than 500 percent since 1991, and over 50 percent of the prescriptions for these drugs are written by pediatricians. Unsurprisingly, these alarming statistics have raised questions about whether some doctors and parents are too quick to medicate children, and whether it might be worthwhile to try homeopathic remedies for ADHD before turning to stimulant drugs.

The reason drugs like Ritalin and Adderall can be successful in treating ADHD is because they stimulate brain activity. While extra stimulation may seem like the last thing a hyperactive child needs, the heightened activity in fact helps the brain to focus and pay attention.

There are several herbal ingredients which act similarly to stimulate the brain, and can be used as part of an effective child ADHD treatment plan.

Among these ingredients is Brahmi, an herb that has long been known to enhance cognitive function. Brahmi can help increase learning abilities, and according to research, it provides another healthful benefit of protecting the brain from damage from free radicals.

Ginko Biloba is well-known herb that is often found in natural medications. It is popular for it's ability to generate increased blood flow to the brain, as well as increased neurotransmitter levels, helping the brain to focus. Perhaps one of the best qualities of Ginko is the tendency of its positive effects to become permanent, eliminating the need for its continued use.

Centella Asiatica, which is also called Gotu Kola, is a natural ingredient that has been shown to reduce anxiety levels and enhance memory and brain function. Recent research has also suggested that it helps to increase blood flow to the brain and improve general circulation.

Siberian Ginseng is another natural brain stimulant that increases endurance and concentration. This particular herb also moderates the release of body energy and normalizes body function. Similarly, Panax Ginseng, a Chinese herb, has been shown to reduce stress and fatigue, strengthen the immune system, increase motivation and also normalize body function.

There are effective herbs for hyperactivity, and the herbs mentioned above have all been used successfully in treatment for ADHD.

There are a wide variety of herbal remedies available that are created by experts in the field, and combine multiple ingredients that both stimulate and soothe for the best effect.

Since many herbal stimulants have effects on the brain that are similar to the effects produced by prescription stimulants, the two types of medications should never be taken together. It is essential to consult a doctor before trying any new medication or before stopping any medication, and if you do ultimately decide to try ADHD natural remedies, remember to give them at least a few weeks to take effect.

You might be among those who find it is a healthy and effective alternative to prescription stimulant drugs for your child.
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ADHD and Diet: Is There a Link Between Sugar and Hyperactivity, and Is There Really an Effective Diet for ADHD?

By Tess Thompson

In the 1970's, Dr. Ben Feingold developed what came to be known as the "Feingold Diet" after he thought he noticed a link between certain foods and hyperactivity in children.

The ingredients he flagged to avoid were mostly food additives which he thought were causing allergic reactions in some of his patients, but sugar was also on the list.

For years following, Dr. Feingold's theory grew in popularity and acceptance, but the theory was based only on his patient's testimonials, and a link between sugar and hyperactivity has yet to be proven in studies.

While there is not overwhelming conclusive evidence that any particular food will cause or prevent hyperactivity, a well-balanced diet that is rich in a variety of brain-healthy foods will benefit anyone, and some preliminary studies have found certain food types to have a positive effect on children with ADHD.

Contrary to Dr. Feingold's theory, some recent studies have shown that large amounts of sugar can have a numbing effect on children and can actually induce tiredness.

These days, most doctors agree that while limited amounts of sugar are acceptable in a diet, large amounts can be harmful in a variety of ways, even if sugar has not been shown to have a particularly negative effect on ADHD and treatment of it.

One study by the George Washington University School of Medicine found that children who ate a protien-rich meal performed as well or better afterwards in school than children without ADHD. Foods that are high in protien include meat, fish, milk, yogurt, beans, peanut butter and eggs.

There is also various research, including a study done by Oxford University in London, which suggests that including Omega-3 fatty acids in hyperactive children's diets will moderate their ADHD symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids are often lacking in the average American diet, but can be found in salmon, mackarel, sardines and flax oil.

Both protiens and omega-3 fatty acids should be a part of everyone's diets, and it is important to remember to moderate your child's intake of any one food group. In general, green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protiens and healthy fats should all be included in your child's daily diet.

Removing as many simple and refined carbohydrates as possible from your child's diet could have a positive effect as well. These kinds of carbohydrates include candy, cake, white bread, potatoes, white rice, and pasta, and are broken down very quickly by the body, often causing surges and dips in energy.

Instead of white bread and white rice, try substituting whole grain versions of the foods, and give your child fruit instead of cake or candy.

While it might be impossible to eliminate all of the suggested items from your child's diet, it should be possible to moderate them in favor of healthier foods.

Although there is no specific diet proven to be an effective child ADHD treatment, a healthy mix of fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fats and protiens promotes general well-being and will also help eliminate the possibility of your child suffering from a nutritional deficiency that might be affecting his or her behavior.

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Natural Remedies for ADHD and ADD: An Alternative to Prescribing Ritalin for Children

By Tess Thompson

When your child is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, deciding on the best form of treatment can be an extremely draining and intensely personal process.

Recent headlines about dangerous side effects of commonly prescribed drugs such as Ritalin and Concerta can leave parents feeling ashamed of their decision to give their children these medications.

It is important to remember that while some children who take these drugs do experience alarming side effects, many are treated effectively. But it is also important to be informed of alternatives, and to know about natural medications and ingredients that have shown to be both highly effective and safe.

In order to make the best decision about treating your child, you need to understand what the most commonly doctor-prescribed drugs are and what they do.

Stimulants (such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta) increase brain activity and tend to increase a child’s alertness and ability to pay attention.

The most common side effects of these drugs are:

mood changes,

headaches,

irritability,

insomnia and

loss of appetite.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration received reports that Concerta was producing more serious side effects such as psychosis, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts among some users.

Non-Stimulants, such as Strattera, increase attention and impulse control by monitoring a brain chemical believed to affect those behaviors.

Side effects similarly include:

moodiness,

fatigue and

decreased appetite.

Anti-depressants, such as Wellbutrin, relieve anxiety and regulate mood by altering brain chemical composition. These drugs are commonly prescribed to children suffering from both ADHD and depression.

Side effects can include:

dizziness,

weight loss and

suicidal thoughts.

Many natural remedies for ADHD and ADD have proven to be equally effective and can be excellent alternatives to prescribing Ritalin for children as the homeopathic medications do not produce the same disturbing side effects.

When researching natural remedies as a treatment for ADHD, look for ingredients which have been shown to be the most useful. One of these is Centella Asiatica (also called Gotu Kola), a natural ingredient known to reduce anxiety levels and enhance memory and brain function. Recent studies show that it may also help increase blood flow to the brain and improve general circulation.

Another popular ingredient, Green Oats (also called Avena sativa), acts as a nerve tonic whose calming effects grow with time and consistent use.

Panax Ginseng, a Chinese herb, has been shown in studies to strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and fatigue, increase motivation, and normalize body functions.

There are many natural remedies available that focus specifically on child ADHD treatment.

Native Remedies makes an al natural formula that many people find extremely effective. Get More Info on Focus ADHD for Children and Adults with ADHD

Every child is unique and will react uniquely to medication, so trust your instincts and give the remedy time to take effect.

As always, consult a doctor if you have questions, but you may find that homeopathic medications provide your child with a safe and natural path to an ADHD symptom-free life.
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THIS IS NOT A POST FROM ME - RATHER A POSTING I FOUND ON A MESSAGE BOARD I THOUGHT MIGHT HELP

Hi. This is my first post on this forum, but I want to tell you my experience.

My son is 5. He was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 4 (much too young in my opinion). I have a really hard time accepting that diagnosis. Yes, he has behavioral and at time attention issues, but they seem to arise when he is doing something that is difficult for him. I do believe he has sensory issues. These seem to affect his fine motor skills, and subsequently when he is asked to do some fine motor skill activities in preschool, his behaviors do spiral out of control. But, we also have noticed that its worse in certain seasons, etc. Its not an all the time thing.

Here are things we have done. 1. Changed his diet. We have eliminated dairy and artificial sweeteners, limited sugars, limited artificial colors, preservatives, etc. (as best as we can). We are trying to eliminate all of the white stuff and replace it with whole grains, etc.

2. We noticed his behavior spiraled out of control for the 2 weeks following his last flouride treatment at the dentist. His toothpaste is now a natural, non-flouride toothpaste.

3. Supplementation - We give him 1 tsp. of flaxseed oil daily. We put ground flaxseed on his peanut butter sandwiches. He takes a combination magnesium-calcium supplement. He also takes a daily multi-vitamin and another supplement that is for attention problems. It has more magnesium in it as well as grapeseed extract and some other things, but I can't remember exactly what at the moment.

4. He receives Occupational Therapy for his SI. We have found that a sensory diet of jumping on a trampoline, chewing bubble gum, regular heavy lifting really helps.

5. We just started a nightly massage using lavendar, sage, rosemary and chamomille. Not sure if this is helping, but he loves it and I figure its a great way to respond to him.

6. We went to a homeopath about a week ago and started a new remedy with him. I really have my fingers crossed on this one. But, it could take months to see the results from it. That's okay.

That's it in a nutshell. I can tell you that we immediately saw some improvement once we changed his diet. My ped (who lets the decision of meds come from us) said that as far as diet goes, there is no body of evidence supporting it, but its all on a bell curve so there will always be outliers who respond to that treatment. Personally, I do believe that diet plays an important part.

Other Answers:
You need to have him diagnosed with ADHD before you can make a definitely plan (for example, there are special diets for children with ADD and ADHD that help reduce their symptoms). In the mean time, cut down his screen time (computer and TV), get him outside and exercising lots. Sign him up for a sport where he has to work as part of a group and use concentration to succeed (martial arts is great for this). Make him healthy, home cooked meals and cut out all the junk and fast food you possibly can.
And sugar, caffeine, etc...
And even though you may try other things beside medication....it may not wrk...I went yrs before agreeing to try my daughters on medications....they are so happy ......they will tell you that they know it helps them.....they are not diff in personality just diff in the ability ti handle their emotions

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.

how can i help my son who I suspect has ADHD without drugs?

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