| A more sensible solution to ADD would be to examine | | | | salicylates |
| the core problem, and then treat the actual cause | | | | - Levels of salicylates are especially high in some |
| naturally. The following factors have been linked to | | | | herbs and condiments such as curry powder, paprika, |
| hyperactivity. Bear in mind that some of them are | | | | thyme, dill, oregano and turmeric |
| highly controversial and have contradictory findings in | | | | 2. Avoid carbonated beverages; these contain large |
| numerous studies: | | | | amounts of phosphates, sugar or chemical |
| - Genetics | | | | sweeteners or caffeine. |
| - Smoking during pregnancy | | | | 3. Eliminate food sensitivities or allergies. |
| - Oxygen deprivation at birth | | | | 4. Avoid sucrose and other simple carbohydrates. |
| - Environmental pollutants | | | | 5. If lead toxicity is suspected, facilitate chelation in the |
| - Artificial food additives | | | | way of vitamin C, pectin (apples), alginate (seaweed), |
| - Lead poisoning | | | | methionine, cysteine (beans, eggs, onions, garlic). |
| - Allergies | | | | 6. GABA is an amino acid used to make |
| - Preservatives and foods containing salicylates | | | | neurotransmitters that may aid brain function. |
| If you are asking yourself, - do I have ADHD- ? The | | | | 7. DMAE is an acetylcholine precursor, a |
| following characteristics or symptoms of ADD | | | | neurotransmitter that performs an essential role in the |
| generally prevail and are cited in order of frequency: | | | | transmission of nerve impulses. |
| - Hyperactivity | | | | 8. Vitamin B6 may increase levels of serotonin, a |
| - Perceptual motor impairment | | | | calming neurotransmitter. Vitamin B1 deficiency may be |
| - Emotional instability | | | | linked to impulsivity and hostile behavior. Vitamin B3 |
| - General coordination deficit | | | | deficiency can lead to learning disorders. |
| - Disorders of attention (i.e. short attention span, | | | | 9. A calcium deficiency can lead to irritability, sleep |
| distractibility, lack of perseverance, failure to finish | | | | disorders and inattentiveness. |
| things, not listening, poor concentration) | | | | 10. Chromium is essential for maintaining normal blood |
| - Impulsiveness (action before thought, abrupt shifts in | | | | sugar levels. Fluctuating blood sugar is linked to mood |
| activity, poor organizational skills) | | | | swings and inability to concentrate. |
| - Disorders of memory and thinking | | | | 11. Phosphatidylserine, a natural phospholipid found in the |
| - Specific learning disabilities | | | | brain, has been shown to improve behavior, cognitive |
| - Disorders of speech and hearing | | | | function, concentration, attention and memory. |
| - Equivocal neurological signs and | | | | It is not easy for anyone involved with ADHD, whether |
| electroencephalographic | | | | it be family, social or academic. Individuals suffering |
| To combat the symptoms of ADD and get to the | | | | from symptoms of ADD are often frustrated with their |
| core problem, the following ADHD alternative | | | | own behaviors and deficits. Those around them may |
| treatments or ADHD natural treatments have shown | | | | be pushed beyond their patience, and may react |
| to be of great benefit: | | | | punitively. Parents or loved ones simply want some |
| 1. Eliminate all foods that contain artificial colors, | | | | peace and quiet and want to do what is best for the |
| flavoring, or preservatives; processed and | | | | individual suffering from symptoms of ADHD or ADD. |
| manufactured foods; and foods that contain salicylates, | | | | Although we all want the quick fix in the way of |
| naturally or added, and phenolic compounds. | | | | pharmaceuticals such as Ritalin, this is not the long term |
| - Most fruits, especially berries and dried, contain | | | | solution. ADHD drugs are similar to amphetamines, |
| salicylates, prunes and raisins contain the highest | | | | causing chemical changes in the brain which moves an |
| amounts | | | | organism into a narrowly focused attention state |
| - Candy made of peppermint and licorice also contain | | | | accompanied by a sharp reduction in motor activity. |
| high amounts of salicylates | | | | This type of physical state helps those around them |
| - Nuts and seeds contain moderate amounts of | | | | but not necessarily the individual. |