Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) has gotten a lot of attention in recent decades, as more and more schoolchildren are put on pharmaceutical drugs to help them acclimate to the classroom. However, good results are being seen with holistic ADHD treatment in New York City and all across the country.
ADHD affects nerve centers in the brain that control focusing. Children with this disorder have trouble concentrating, and the frustration of being in a classroom does not help. Many are not old enough to sit still for long periods, which contributes to disruptions, and learning research shows that some have to move, even if only their hands, to absorb knowledge. This fidgeting can drive teachers crazy and distract other students.
Holistic medicine seeks to pinpoint the cause of illness, rather than treating the symptoms of it. The practice looks at mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental factors, as well as physical problems and manifestations. Children may be reacting to issues the teacher knows nothing about, like stress at home or problems interacting with peers. Environmental factors can include lead paint toxicity, for instance, while emotional imbalance could stem from abuse, fears of divorce, or grief over the loss of a parent. Physical reasons could include vitamin or mineral shortages or food allergies.
Simply prescribing a calming drug does not address any of the above issues. Such medication might be the best approach, but every person and every situation is different. A one-size-fits-all philosophy may be only a temporary fix, leaving underlying problems to continue or worsen.
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.
Another dietary restriction that has won mothers' hearts is eliminating all artificial food colorings, flavorings, and preservatives from their children's diets. For this reason, many ADHD children eat a all-natural diet. These kids also do better on a high-protein, complex-carbohydrate regime of whole foods and fresh vegetables. Allergy testing is helpful, since allergic reaction can include hyperactivity.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which the human body cannot produce internally and which must be obtained from the diet, are especially important for over-active children and adults. This disorder may be better controlled as people age, but it does not disappear. In fact, supplementing fish oils works so well many conventional doctors recommend it for their patients.
Testing for zinc, magnesium, and other minerals has shown that these children are often low in vital nutrients. A lack of physical activity and too much 'screen time' is considered harmful. This helps explain the popularity of after-school martial arts programs. Mild calming herbs like chamomile may help. Pharmaceuticals might be necessary, but it makes sense to try a natural approach first.
ADHD affects nerve centers in the brain that control focusing. Children with this disorder have trouble concentrating, and the frustration of being in a classroom does not help. Many are not old enough to sit still for long periods, which contributes to disruptions, and learning research shows that some have to move, even if only their hands, to absorb knowledge. This fidgeting can drive teachers crazy and distract other students.
Holistic medicine seeks to pinpoint the cause of illness, rather than treating the symptoms of it. The practice looks at mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental factors, as well as physical problems and manifestations. Children may be reacting to issues the teacher knows nothing about, like stress at home or problems interacting with peers. Environmental factors can include lead paint toxicity, for instance, while emotional imbalance could stem from abuse, fears of divorce, or grief over the loss of a parent. Physical reasons could include vitamin or mineral shortages or food allergies.
Simply prescribing a calming drug does not address any of the above issues. Such medication might be the best approach, but every person and every situation is different. A one-size-fits-all philosophy may be only a temporary fix, leaving underlying problems to continue or worsen.
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.
Another dietary restriction that has won mothers' hearts is eliminating all artificial food colorings, flavorings, and preservatives from their children's diets. For this reason, many ADHD children eat a all-natural diet. These kids also do better on a high-protein, complex-carbohydrate regime of whole foods and fresh vegetables. Allergy testing is helpful, since allergic reaction can include hyperactivity.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which the human body cannot produce internally and which must be obtained from the diet, are especially important for over-active children and adults. This disorder may be better controlled as people age, but it does not disappear. In fact, supplementing fish oils works so well many conventional doctors recommend it for their patients.
Testing for zinc, magnesium, and other minerals has shown that these children are often low in vital nutrients. A lack of physical activity and too much 'screen time' is considered harmful. This helps explain the popularity of after-school martial arts programs. Mild calming herbs like chamomile may help. Pharmaceuticals might be necessary, but it makes sense to try a natural approach first.
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