ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

Description
* Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder of the nervous system that affects mostly children, however, about half of these children carry it into adulthood. Very little is known about the causes of ADHD and there is some controversy over the current conventional treatments offered to sufferers. ADHD or attention deficit disorder (ADD) is characterized by chronic inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

Causes
* There is no single known cause of ADHD. Recent research has shown links between ADHD and factors such as smoking, drug taking and alcohol abuse during pregnancy, artificial food additives, lead poisoning, allergies, heredity, oxygen deprivation at birth, and low levels of brain activity caused by lack of glucose in the areas that control attention.

Symptoms
* Sufferers may be affected by many or just a few symptoms such as restlessness, lack of concentration, clumsiness, learning disabilities, impatience, frustration, tantrums, mood swings, distractibility, forgetfulness, sleep problems, poor school results, difficulty in problem solving and time management, interrupting others, inappropriately speaking and self destructive behavior.
* Note that these symptoms are similar to those of some other disorders, therefore, a medical physician using strict criteria should be sought to diagnose ADHD.

Lifestyle symptoms
* It is important to note that not every individual will respond to the following lifestyle changes and methods of prevention, you may find that some suggestions work and others don’t. It is a matter of trying and waiting for a response. These are not cures, but changes that may reduce the severity and occurrence of the symptoms.
* Avoid Toxic Chemical Exposure – heavy metals have been linked with some of the symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended to have a hair test to look for possible heavy metal poisoning, which may be treated accordingly and this may reduce some of the symptoms.
* Tutoring – many children who have ADHD experience learning difficulties at school despite being of normal or above average intelligence, this sometimes results in symptoms such as frustration, anxiety, anger, mood swings and impatience. These children may benefit from the assistance of a tutor.
* Diet Changes – elimination of suspect foods has shown to reduce the severity of symptoms in some cases of ADHD.

Dietary changes to consider include:
– Eliminate refined sugar and all products that include refined sugar. Eliminate meat and meat products, especially ham, hot dogs, pork, bacon, meat loaf, sausage, and salami. Eliminate artificial colors, flavorings, or preservatives, processed foods, apple cider vinegar, margarine, butter, cucumbers, corn, apricots, tea, milk, prunes, cherries, oranges, salt, soft drinks, soy sauce, mustard, bacon, meat loaf, berries, cough drops, throat lozenges, commercial toothpaste, chilli sauce, catsup, tomatoes, sausage, plums, peaches, almonds, currants, salami, wheat, apples, and antacid tablets.
– Diagnose and eliminate any food allergies.
– Adopt a wholefood, plant based diet. Having healthy natural food will go a long way towards normalizing this condition

Treatment:
* Due to the fact that ADHD is a recently recognized syndrome, treatment is currently limited to drug therapy, this does not cure ADHD. Note that there may also be some side effects from these types of drugs including weight loss, loss of appetite, growth interruptions and sleep difficulties.
* Alternative therapies include counseling, emotional support from family and other ADHD sufferers, cognitive behavioral therapy, allergy treatments and changes to the diet.

SEE:

VITAMIN C – Helps to relieve symptoms of stress. 3,000 mg daily in divided doses may help. Natural sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, potatoes, brussel sprouts, parsley, dandelion greens, peppermint, nettle, rose hip, papaya, cantaloupe, fenugreek, broccoli and cabbage. Do not use more than 5,000 mg daily if pregnant. Use esterified vitamin C if you use aspirin. Large doses of vitamin C may cause diarrhea, may deplete the body of copper and may affect the reliability of oral contraceptives.

CALCIUM – With magnesium has a calming effect. Natural sources of calcium included leafy green vegetables, alfalfa, chamomile, cabbage, fennel seed, cheese, oats, lemon grass, sesame seeds, tofu, brewer’s yeast, dandelion, blackstrap molasses, fenugreek and peppermint. Take according to label instructions. Seek medical advice before taking calcium if you suffer from hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease or sarcoidosis, or if you are taking a calcium channel blocker for heart problems or high blood pressure. Increased calcium intake may require increased magnesium intake.

MAGNESIUM – With calcium has a calming effect. Natural sources of magnesium include cashews, molasses, apricots, alfalfa, lemongrass, licorice, fenugreek, tofu, grapefruit, bananas, parsley, peppermint, apples, figs, sunflower seeds, leafy green vegetables, wheat germ and soy beans. Take according to label instructions. High doses of magnesium may cause diarrhea. Consult your physician before taking magnesium supplementation if you have kidney disease.

CHAMOMILE MATRICARIA, GERMAN CHAMOMILE, ROMAN CHAMOMILE. – Used for nerves and as a sleep aid. Use according to label instructions. Chamomile should not be used for a prolonged period. Do not use if allergic to ragweed.

LAVENDER – Used for stress and depression. Essential oil may be used in massage to relieve symptoms. Use in carrier oil and massage onto the body, the essential oil should equal three percent of total oil. Lavender may also be used in a warm bath. Draw the water first and add six drops of oil. Lightly agitate the water and soak in the bath for at least ten minutes. Do not use soap or shampoo whilst soaking.

PASSIONFLOWER, MAYPOP – A mild sedative, used for anxiety, insomnia and stress. Do not use in high doses when pregnant.

SKULLCAP, SCULLCAP, MAD DOG WEED. – Used for insomnia, anxiety, hyperactivity, nervous disorders and stress. Use according to label instructions.

VALERIAN – A mild sedative used for anxiety, insomnia, nervousness and stress. Use according to label instructions. Do not use alcohol while taking valerian.

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