Hyperactivity - ADD or ADHD

It's time to head back to school. Time to stock up on pencils, notebooks, lunch sacks and get ready for your fall schedule. Sadly, it is also a time to focus even more intently on an issue that more and more teachers, children and parents are becoming concerned about. That issue is Hyperactivity. Both parents and children need to be informed about all the healthful alternatives that can be used in the treatment of this disorder.

There are a significant number of cases that are diagnosed by physicians as being ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) that are in fact caused by the lack of proper nutrition and a useful, caring environment for the child. Do not assume that the child has ADD or ADHD if other factors have not been considered.

However, there are children and teenagers that may require additional medication in addition to healthful solutions. Any treatment that is required needs to be supervised by a physician or a qualified health care professional.

Hyperactivity is a disorder of mechanisms in the central nervous system. It primarily affects children and causes a variety of learning and behavior problems.

Hyperactivity may be characterized by one or a combination of the following:

Head knocking
Lack of concentration
A tendency to disturb other children.
Self-destructive behavior
Emotional instability; daily or hourly mood swings.
Disorders of speech and hearing
Temper tantrums
Impatience; difficulty waiting
Extreme distractibility
Forgetfulness
Absent-mindedness
Inability to finish tasks
Difficulty solving problems or managing time
Low tolerance for stress and otherwise ordinary problems
Learning disabilities
A tendency to become frustrated quickly
An inability to sit still for any length of time, even at mealtimes
Clumsiness
Sleep disturbances
Failure in school despite average or above-average intelligence

Not all symptoms are present in any one individual. Although hyperactivity is primarily a problem of childhood, adults can be affected, too. It is estimated that 15 to 20% of U.S. children suffer with ADHD. It is 10 times more common in boys than in girls.

Components to be considered in ADD or ADHD:

Mineral deficiency
Amino Acid deficiency
Certain vitamin deficiencies
Food sensitivities
Excess sugar intake

Supplementing with these nutrients may benefit those with hyperactivity:

Zinc.
L-Lysine
Magnesium
Manganese
B-Complex vitamins
Vitamin B-12
Ginkgo Biloba

Exercise, a natural diet (especially free of preservatives, artificial coloring and flavorings, such as MSG), sufficient rest, and essential fatty acids can also be helpful. Certain common problem food factors can include wheat (in all forms), and pasteurized dairy products.

With all of the challenges that children, parents and teachers face to learning in an increasingly complex world, they deserve to be able to make the most of every opportunity without the increased stress of having to deal with ADD or ADHD on top of it. Adopting a healthier lifestyle offers hope that this can be accomplished.

Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing. Julian Whitaker, M.D. Prima Publishing © 1996.
Linda Page's Healthy Healing. Traditional Wisdom Inc. © 2002.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing. James F. Balch, M.D., Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. Avery Publishing. © 1995.

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