Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Drug Free Treatment and Prevention of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The number of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) continues to grow each year. In parallel, the use of prescription drugs in treating the disorder has increased too, even amongst very young children. This understandably causes concern from loving parents who do not want to see their children subjected to drug use, knowing that drugs used in the treatment of this "disorder" can themselves have unwanted side effects. Many parents are also aware that such drugs can have close similarity to "speed", a street drug which is itself illegal in most countries. Many have seen this as no more than a sham and exploitation by psychiatry and the pharmaceutical industry.

The good news is that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is both preventable and treatable with natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Many of the causes of ADHD relate to diet, intestinal problems, as well as the introduction of toxic chemicals into the body which can affect children's behavior. Earlier this year The Lancet in the UK published the results of a study which showed that food dyes, plus the preservative sodium benzoate (which is found in many soft drinks and fruit juices) cause many children to become significantly more hyperactive and easily distracted. This study also found that food additives and dyes can do as much damage to children's brains as lead in gasoline. Such an impact on a child can lead to them being diagnosed as being ADHD. However, it doesn't mean that they have a mental illness, it's simply and allergy or sensitivity to certain food products.

Not all children are the same, but some easy steps to take may well reduce the child's chances of being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. All foods that contain artificial colorings, preservatives and any other manufactured chemicals should be removed from the diet. Always watch out for a child's reactions to each food, as they may be intolerant of a food, especially common allergens such as wheat and eggs. Having fewer unhealthy carbohydrates, such as processed sugar, in the diet may also help.

Many of the supermarket foods today do not provide sufficient nutrition for the body's requirements and are full of these additives that have no value to the body whatsoever, but act simply to preserve the life of the foodstuffs.

Here's where the need arises for food supplementation, especially if the child is deficient in magnesium. Valerian root extract has also been found to be helpful in dealing with this disorder. Some types of exercise also seem to have a beneficial effect on sufferers, especially balancing exercises and sports such as surfing, skating and snowboarding. These type of activities are rarely seen in modern schools today.

Take a look at this ADHD: A Common Sense Guide