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.
Holistic means addressing the entire system to diagnose and handle disorder. This includes physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, social, and environmental analysis. For instance, a child might 'act out' in school because of stress at home or because of like lead paint in their bedroom. Some children have food allergies that lead to a lack of concentration, or they may suffer from vitamin insufficiency. Some sort of abuse - either at home, at school, or during after-school hours - could trigger problems.
Simply prescribing a calming drug does not address any of the above issues. Such medication might be the best approach, but every person and every situation is different. A one-size-fits-all philosophy may be only a temporary fix, leaving underlying problems to continue or worsen.
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.
Many who have tried eliminating all artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors report that it works wonders. They say they can tell as soon as their kids get home if they've eaten something not all-natural. Often the children will have traded food with other kids or shared in a birthday treat. Many doctors also advocate allergy-testing for hyperactive kids; common allergens are wheat, nuts, and dairy products.
Supplements have been shown to be helpful. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are hard to obtain in western diets, have shown to be so helpful that many doctors now recommend them for their patients. These are naturally present in cold-water, wild-caught fish (farming reduces the levels and warmer waters hold more pollutants), good oils like organic olive and flax, and nuts. However, taking a daily dose in pill or liquid form is an easy way to ensure dietary sufficiency.
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.
Holistic means addressing the entire system to diagnose and handle disorder. This includes physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, social, and environmental analysis. For instance, a child might 'act out' in school because of stress at home or because of like lead paint in their bedroom. Some children have food allergies that lead to a lack of concentration, or they may suffer from vitamin insufficiency. Some sort of abuse - either at home, at school, or during after-school hours - could trigger problems.
Simply prescribing a calming drug does not address any of the above issues. Such medication might be the best approach, but every person and every situation is different. A one-size-fits-all philosophy may be only a temporary fix, leaving underlying problems to continue or worsen.
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.
Many who have tried eliminating all artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors report that it works wonders. They say they can tell as soon as their kids get home if they've eaten something not all-natural. Often the children will have traded food with other kids or shared in a birthday treat. Many doctors also advocate allergy-testing for hyperactive kids; common allergens are wheat, nuts, and dairy products.
Supplements have been shown to be helpful. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are hard to obtain in western diets, have shown to be so helpful that many doctors now recommend them for their patients. These are naturally present in cold-water, wild-caught fish (farming reduces the levels and warmer waters hold more pollutants), good oils like organic olive and flax, and nuts. However, taking a daily dose in pill or liquid form is an easy way to ensure dietary sufficiency.
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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