How to Help Children with ADD or ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficitorganic farmers. Other supplements that are essential
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are fast growingto those with ADD and ADHD are essential fatty
disorders in the US that currently affects 10 to 15% ofacids which can be found in flax seed oil, borage oil
all school children. This figure is expected to double inand cold fish oils. These oils aid transmission of nerve
the next 5 years. It is very sad to see so many youngimpulses that are needed for normal brain function. 
children on Ritalin in spite of the very serious long termAn amino acid called gamma amino-butyric acid
possible side effects. There are many other drugs(GABA) calms the body and has successfully been
being prescribed to young children for hyperactivityused (by young and old) in place of tranquilizers.
and depression such as Dexadrine, Cylert, Desoxyn,Taurine is necessary for proper brain function and is
Adderal and Mellaril. The possible side effects on somebeing given to those with seizures and hyperactivity.
of these are frightening. One might get immediateAnother amino acid, Tyrosine is known to naturally
results with taking these, but not without a price thatmimic the effects of Ritalin. Vitamin-B complex is
will eventually have to be paid.  helpful in relaxing the nervous system and improving
A growing number of parents and holistic doctors aremental function and concentration. Choline and
turning to a more natural approach which include;Phosphatidyl Serine have been known to improve
special diet, supplements, herbs, homeopathics,memory and focus.  There are various supplements
counseling and of course the love and encouragementavailable in liquid and capsule form that contains many
of their family, friends and teachers. They believe thatof the above mentioned nutrients. They are also
medications merely mask the symptoms and do notsuitable for adults for many children do not grow out
address the true cause of the problem.of this condition and carry it over in their adult lives.
Many doctors, scientist and nutritionists believe thatIn addition to using supplements, it is important to cut
ADD and ADHD is a biologically based brain disorderout the heavily processed sugary and high
rooted in a complex combination of nutritionalcarbohydrate foods and beverages that are loaded
deficiency, allergy and immune disorders that arewith petroleum based colors and preservatives. Forget
compromised even more by vaccines, high sugar andabout fried foods which are all that is available on
refined carbohydrate diets, food additives such aschildren's menus...oh, except for the pizza and
artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners and preservativesspaghetti. It is also important to completely eliminate
and caffeine. Environmental toxins are also culpritsartificial sweeteners, even the one that starts out as
such as exposure to chemicals, pesticides, herbicides,sugar.
toxic cleaning products, smoke etc.How can our children focus and be well behaved while
Dr. Lendon H. Smith, a pediatrician, has been aneating nutritionally depleted foods? The kids of today
advocate for children's health and nutrition issues forhardly have a chance to grow up healthy. Their
over 30 years. He has authored and co-authored 15immune systems are already shot, for most kids catch
books that warn how sugar, white flour, additives andeverything that comes along. If one is truly healthy, child
junk food contribute to sickness, obesity, allergies,or adult, they should be able to be in a room with sick
hyperactivity and learning disabilities. He is very wellpeople and never get sick.
known and has appeared numerous times on the PhilLet's choose to eat what our creator put here for us
Donahue Show and the Tonight Show. Dr Smithand enjoy a greater quality of life.    
believes that mineral deficiencies play a major roll inThis article, provided by Mike Comeau, is for
ADD and ADHD, especially calcium and magnesium.informational purposes only. It is not intended to
Our top soil has become mineral deficient sincediagnose, treat or cure disease. Always consult your
composting is practically obsolete except with somedoctor when seeking medical advice.