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Natural Remedies For ADD and ADHD
Help your children with natural remedies for ADD and ADHD.
Find out possible underlying causes.
Considering that there aren't any actual tests that diagnoses attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), what parents and doctors look
at are behavior and symptoms. Some kids don't have the hyperactivity component of ADHD, which would then diagnose them as attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Much has been written about ADHD; it has even been described as a childhood epidemic along with asthma, autism, and allergies.
It is estimated that 1 in 13 children have ADHD, with many of them
being boys.
Many children in the school systems are diagnosed with and are receiving medications for ADHD. These do not come without side effects. Natural remedies for ADD are often sought after by concerned parents.
The parents of these children may actually feel powerless to know what
to do about their children's behavior and learning difficulties.
Hopefully we can unwrap some of that by looking at
possible underlying causes and some natural remedies for ADD.
What are some of the symptoms of ADHD?
- Impulsiveness
- Mood swings
- Learning or speech disorders
- Short attention span
- Inability to concentrate
- Poor motor skills
- Restlessness
Many parents are becoming well versed
in the fact that diet may have alot to do with their child's problem.
Not all children will have the same underlying
causes but here are some common underlying causes and/or triggers that exacerbate ADHD.
What are some of the underlying causes of ADHD?
- Diet high in sugar and food additives
- Food allergies
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Gut problems
- Heavy metal poisoning
- Thyroid disorders
- Antibiotic overuse
- Pregnancy problems
- Genetics
The usual course of action for ADHD is medications.
These are obviously not natural remedies for ADD and ADHD!
Many of these medications are stimulants. There have been
reports of serious health implications and even death from taking these medications.
Obviously, not all
parents want or should have their child on these potentially dangerous drugs.
So, what is a parent to do? Working with a natural health care practitioner
or a DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) doctor is important
to determine the best course of action
for ADHD. Testing should be done to determine the underlying causes and what treatments and/or
supplementation is in order.
The treatments for autism and ADHD are similar so a doctor trained in DAN! will benefit a child
with ADHD.
Common Tests for ADD and ADHD Causes
- Allergy Testing - food allergies
- Blood tests - food allergies, nutritional deficiencies, blood sugar levels
- Elimination Diet - food allergies and sensitivities.
- Stool samples - intestinal flora balance
- Urine samples - intestinal permeability (leaky gut), toxic metals
- Hair samples - toxic metals
Natural Remedies For ADD and ADHD
Diet changes
One of the most natural remedies for ADD and ADHD is to change the diet. Don't make a special meal for your child but
the whole family joins in on eating a whole foods diet. This diet will benefit everyone! Eat grains that have been
sprouted or sourdough bread. These types of grains and bread are easier on the digestive tract as the gluten is broken down
before it even hits the gut. Many children with ADHD have a problem with handling gluten.
I've heard one health advocate state, "If it has a bar-code on it, stay away from it!" Foods to aviod would be
hydrogentated oils, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, sugar, and all refined junk. Read labels carefully if you are buying something packaged.
Learn to cook from scratch with whole, organic foods.
Eliminate Allergens
Many children have food allergies and sensitivities. Find out what your child's allergens are by following an elimination
diet. Common food allergens are: wheat, dairy, corn, chocolate, peanuts, citrus, soy, food coloring, and preservatives.
ADHD Essential Oil Blend
This blend will promote relaxation and concentration.
5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops sweet orange essential oil
2 drops mandarin essential oil
1 drop Roman chamomile essential oil
Use in a diffuser throughout the house
OR place in an aromastick for child to bring along to school (if school allows)
OR dilute 3 or 4 drops of the blend in a bit of honey or dried milk and add to a bath at night.
Essential Oils
Creating a blend of essential oils to diffuse in the room or to have in the bath before
bed can greatly increase learning
abilities or promote relaxation for sleeping.
Good ones to promote learning are lavender, lime, lemon, grapefruit, or peppermint.
Good essential oils to promote relaxation or sleep are lavender, mandarin, and chamomile.
These essential oils are wonderful natural remedies for ADD and hyperactivity!
Essential Fatty Acids
Supplementing with essential fatty acids is essential for any child.
They help with healthy brain functioning and healthy cell membranes. They are also anti-inflammatory.
These are healthy fats that
our children's bodies, or our own, do not produce but are vital to our body. They can be found in fish oils,
evening primrose oil, flax oil, spirulina, nuts and seeds to name a few.
Children's Multivitamin
Essential to a child for healthy brain and body function. Many ADHD children suffer from nutritional defeciencies and need the
extra nutrients plus some to help with body functions.
Probiotics
Most children with ADHD have gut issues. Undigested food and toxins leak into the blood stream causing brain dysfunction as well as other problems.
Healing the gut is important by eliminating the offending foods and also repairing the gut.
A gluten and/or casein free diet may be in order.
Restoring the gut's flora is essential as well.
Live bacterial yogurt is good for this purpose, however, most of the stuff you buy
in the store is full of sugar and additives. Learn to make your own nutritious yogurt if your
child doesn't have a dairy allergy.
Other Vitamin Supplements
Work with a natural health care provider to determine what other supplements are required.
Most common supplements are zinc, B6, B-Complex, calcium and magnesium.
Natural Schooling
Perhaps your child could benefit from natural schooling. Being by your side in a calm, relaxing home life.
It is difficult for a child with learning disorders and ADHD to fit into the regular classroom. Boys especially are
more of a late bloomer academically. If you'd like to consider this avenue of natural learning here are some
good websites.
Homeschool Curriculum For Life or
Workbox System.
Play
Limit stimulating activities such as TV viewing and video games. Help them exercise and play outside in the fresh air.
Comments?
Do you have any comments about these natural remedies for ADD? Or maybe you have other natural remedies that have helped someone you love with ADHD. We'd love to hear what you have to say!
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