Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a term many parents and educators are familiar with. This condition affects people of all ages, but it is especially noticed when children begin to attend school. Many schoolchildren are placed on medication that is designed to help them with focus and self-control. However, parents often choose to follow holistic ADHD treatment in New York City and other areas.
ADHD is believed to originate in the brain, where nerve cells that control the ability to focus are unable to connect properly. This means that children with this disorder may not be able to cope with the regular school environment, which involves long periods of quiet sitting and concentration. This is more of a physical problem than one of discipline, but it makes it hard for teachers to control a classroom.
A holistic approach to any disorder, including acute or chronic illness, seeks to find the physical, mental, or emotional cause for problems rather than addressing the symptoms. Environmental issues and allergies also enter into the picture. A 'space cadet' might have high levels of lead in their blood or be reacting to something in their diet. Abuse of any kind can also make kids 'act out', as can the stress of divorce or abandonment.
Obviously a one-size-fits-all calming drug will not help these kinds of causes of unusual behavior. This is why even conventional doctors are turning to the field of natural or alternative medicine for best results. Often a combination of pharmaceuticals and alternative methods achieves success.
Although research is ambivalent on the value of food restrictions and proper diet, informed mothers of ADHD kids are not. They try to avoid sugary, high-carbohydrate snacks. To this end, they may discourage teachers from handing out candy at school and try to make sure their kids have a special snack for class celebrations. They build meals around good quality protein, fresh vegetables, and whole grain products.
There's not a lot of research to back up negative reactions to food additives, but millions of mothers firmly believe they are among the culprits of this disorder. These mothers are convinced that artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors contribute to poor concentration and hyperactivity. Many processed foods, candies, and desserts are loaded with these additives. Informed parents try to give their children plenty of good protein, whole-grain products, and fresh vegetables, and replace sodas with pure water. Additives, as well as certain foods, can trigger allergies that result in hyperactivity.
Supplements have been shown to be helpful. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are hard to obtain in western diets, have shown to be so helpful that many doctors now recommend them for their patients. These are naturally present in cold-water, wild-caught fish (farming reduces the levels and warmer waters hold more pollutants), good oils like organic olive and flax, and nuts. However, taking a daily dose in pill or liquid form is an easy way to ensure dietary sufficiency.
Minerals may also be helpful. Testing has shown that affected kids are often low in magnesium and zinc, for instance. Magnesium also helps deal with stress, when combined with adequate brisk exercise and restriction of 'screen time' (TV and computer). There are many mild, calming herbs, like chamomile. Trying a natural approach first only makes sense, with drugs used as a last resort.
ADHD is believed to originate in the brain, where nerve cells that control the ability to focus are unable to connect properly. This means that children with this disorder may not be able to cope with the regular school environment, which involves long periods of quiet sitting and concentration. This is more of a physical problem than one of discipline, but it makes it hard for teachers to control a classroom.
A holistic approach to any disorder, including acute or chronic illness, seeks to find the physical, mental, or emotional cause for problems rather than addressing the symptoms. Environmental issues and allergies also enter into the picture. A 'space cadet' might have high levels of lead in their blood or be reacting to something in their diet. Abuse of any kind can also make kids 'act out', as can the stress of divorce or abandonment.
Obviously a one-size-fits-all calming drug will not help these kinds of causes of unusual behavior. This is why even conventional doctors are turning to the field of natural or alternative medicine for best results. Often a combination of pharmaceuticals and alternative methods achieves success.
Although research is ambivalent on the value of food restrictions and proper diet, informed mothers of ADHD kids are not. They try to avoid sugary, high-carbohydrate snacks. To this end, they may discourage teachers from handing out candy at school and try to make sure their kids have a special snack for class celebrations. They build meals around good quality protein, fresh vegetables, and whole grain products.
There's not a lot of research to back up negative reactions to food additives, but millions of mothers firmly believe they are among the culprits of this disorder. These mothers are convinced that artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors contribute to poor concentration and hyperactivity. Many processed foods, candies, and desserts are loaded with these additives. Informed parents try to give their children plenty of good protein, whole-grain products, and fresh vegetables, and replace sodas with pure water. Additives, as well as certain foods, can trigger allergies that result in hyperactivity.
Supplements have been shown to be helpful. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are hard to obtain in western diets, have shown to be so helpful that many doctors now recommend them for their patients. These are naturally present in cold-water, wild-caught fish (farming reduces the levels and warmer waters hold more pollutants), good oils like organic olive and flax, and nuts. However, taking a daily dose in pill or liquid form is an easy way to ensure dietary sufficiency.
Minerals may also be helpful. Testing has shown that affected kids are often low in magnesium and zinc, for instance. Magnesium also helps deal with stress, when combined with adequate brisk exercise and restriction of 'screen time' (TV and computer). There are many mild, calming herbs, like chamomile. Trying a natural approach first only makes sense, with drugs used as a last resort.
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