Attention Problems Plaguing Children May Be Treatable With Natural Supplements

In recent years fewer disorders affecting children havebrain, DMAE helps to regenerate and strengthen
received more publicity than ADD and ADHD. ADDacetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is involved in
(Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficitcarrying messages between brain cells and plays a
Hyperactivity Disorder) are essentially the same; alarge roll in learning and memory. Taking supplements
biological condition based in the brain. New findingsof DMAE has been shown to raise levels of this
show that managing this condition may be as simplecrucial neurotransmitter in the brain and leads to
as a natural supplement and nutritional balance.increased memory, concentration and focus. In studies,
Parents and teachers alike have been at a loss over70% of patients who took DMAE experienced
the behavior of children and their inability to focus. Theimprovement in attention span and learning ability.
incapacity to complete schoolwork and behavioralStudies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids are vital
problems disrupt the learning process of the individualfor brain function. One such omega-3 that has proven
as well as other students in the classroomeffective for ADD/ADHD is DHA. DHA is found in cold
environment. Estimates are up to 5% of schoolwater fish and can be found in seaweed as well,
children, more than two million, are affected by ADDwhich is used for vegetarian supplements of DHA.
ADHD.DHA is necessary for proper brain function, and the
Since their recognition and initial research, ADD andWestern diet generally does not provide the
ADHD has been treated by using pharmaceuticals withnecessary levels. Fish oil supplements contain DHA
varying results. Complaints of sleeplessness, paranoia,and are recommended for the treatment of ADHD.
anxiety, weight loss and many others comprise theDiets high in copper and low in zinc create excessive
side effects of these medications. These medicationsaggression and behavioral challenges. Zinc
are not designed to treat or cure ADD/ADHD, only tosupplements were given to children diagnosed with
lessen symptoms. There is a growing body ofADHD in Tehran and after six weeks all showed
evidence that these drugs may lead to long termimprovement. A number of studies point to a definite
dependence, causing issues in school and thelink between zinc deficiency and ADD/ADHD.
workplace. Preliminary studies suggest stimulantChildren with ADD or ADHD are found to nearly
medications such as Ritalin could be carcinogenic.always have a magnesium deficiency as well. This
Doctors and researchers are looking into naturalmineral is needed to metabolize sugar and in turn for
treatments and gentler options for the relief of ADDproper brain energy and to fight mental stress. A lack
ADHD symptoms and potential causes. What hasof magnesium almost always leads to hyperactivity
emerged is the importance of nutritional support forand aggression. Researchers find that magnesium
brain function and how essential nutrients can alleviatetaken internally can lead to a nearly immediate
symptoms. In turn, helping children focus with thedecrease in ADD or hyperactive behavior.
benefit of supplements may be the breakthroughPhosphotidylserine has performed well in clinical trials to
needed to give parents and school systems a muchtreat ADD and ADHD. It promotes cell integrity and
needed reprieve.balance in the brain, leading to active and increased cell
The importance of nutrition and the balance of ourto cell communication and improved receptor function.
bodies has increasingly become the focus of medicalStudy participants were more lucid, possessed better
study. Researchers look at deficiencies to find whatmemory and were better able to cope while taking
plagues us. Everything we ingest, and equally asphosphotidylserine.
important, what we don't, has an impact on how ourAs more studies are done, the findings reveal that
minds and bodies behave.many of the potential triggers of ADD and ADHD lie
Giving the mind and body a fighting chance iswithin the brain chemistry. A diet containing too many
imperative to thinking well, which is just one of thesimple carbohydrates and not enough protein or
reasons Grape Seed Extract is gaining steam as anutrient intake can often induce symptoms mirroring
promising treatment for ADD. Grape seed extract isthat of ADHD. Additionally, additives and preservatives
an antioxidant with twenty times the working power ofin quick-fix foods often served at schools and by busy
vitamin C and more than double that for vitamin E.parents can aggravate the symptoms of ADD and
Investigation into supplements such as DMAE, DHA,ADHD. It is important to remember that supplements
grape seed extract, magnesium, phosphatidylserine,are not like drugs; they won't deliver an immediate
and zinc has also proven to be promising.result and other health factors must be considered
Acting as an anti-oxidant against free radicals in thealong with their intake.