Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a name given for disorders happening in the central nervous system. Both ADD and ADHD are the fastest childhood disorder growing in America affecting 9% to 10% of all school-aged kids.
ADD and ADHD can be found in adults but they are mostly childhood disorders and boys are 10 times more diagnosed with ADD and ADHD than girls. ADD and ADHD can cause learning and behavioral problems and a child with ADD and ADHD has often an IQ of average or above average.
There are many factors that can contribute to ADD/ADHD like allergies, anxiety, oxygen deprivation at birth, environmental pollution or stress, injury, infections, hyperinsulinemia, artificial additives and preservatives in foods, junk foods like GMOs, sodas, pesticide ridden foods and lead and mercury poisoning (most lipstick have lead and most vaccines have mercury in them).
Some of the symptoms of ADD are lack of goals, emotional instability, daily or hourly mood swings, sleep disorders, lack of concentration, difficulty solving problems or managing time, forgetfulness, speaking or hearing problems, difficulty finishing or organizing tasks, procrastination, absentmindedness, learning disabilities and procrastination.
ADHD on the other hand is a hyperactive-impulsive behavior and the symptoms are lower stress tolerance, failure in school despite an intelligence of average or above average, clumsiness or awkwardness, a tendency to become frustrated quickly, self-destructive behavior, impatience, disruptiveness in the classroom, low stress tolerance, inability to sit still for any length of time, impulsive and unpredictable behavior, tendency to talk too much, tendency to disturb other kids and problem adapting to new things.
Diagnosing a child with ADD is harder than a child with ADHD since inattentiveness is less obvious than hyperactivity.
Herbs:
These herbs should be taken based on the recommended dosage for the age:
- Ginkgo biloba is helpful for concentration and brain function.
- Ginseng or mullein oil can be helpful for memory.
- Valerian root extract has been used for ADD and ADHD with great results and no side effects.
- Other herbs are chamomile, gotu kola, kava kava, hops, lemon balm, licorice, lobelia, oats, passionflower, skullcap, thyme and catnip and can be beneficiary for hyperactivity.
Recommendations:
- Include at least 50% to 75% raw organic fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet.
- Follow a diet high in protein. Include wild sockeye salmon and fish oil in your child’s diet. These foods are great source of hexanoic acid (AHD), essential fatty oils and vitamin B12 and can promote proper brain formation, increase intelligence and reduce depression. Avoid high mercury fish like tuna and farmed fish. Avoid red meat or meat that is not free range and foods that have arsenic, rBGH growth hormones and antibiotics. Avoid GMO livestock fed on GMO corn and soy.
- Make sure your child is getting enough foods that contain complex carbohydrates and cut down simple carbs. Organic fresh vegetables and fruits and natural whole grain are good source of fiber and complex carbs. Avoid simple carbohydrates found in most processed foods, fructose, sugar products and refined grains.
- Dairy products have been known to cause ADHD/ADD, so cut down on all dairy products.
- Completely remove refined sugar and junk food from your child’s diet. Eliminate all processed foods, foods that have artificial coloring, preservatives and flavoring, monosodium glutamate (MSG), yeast, preservatives, all manufactured foods, GMOs and pesticide ridden foods.
- Avoid bacon, butter, most chocolates that have preservatives and soy in them, GMO corn, GMO soy, pork, salami, wheat or sausage.
- Avoid carbonated beverages that have phosphate in them. High levels of phosphates and very low levels of calcium and magnesium can cause hyperactivity and seizures.
- Most vaccines have mercury in them and have been related to ADD and ADHD.
Related Articles:
http://seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/ADD-ADHD.php
http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/autism-facts.php
http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/autism-children.php
