Archive for the ‘ADHD’ Category
Research shows that in many cases, herbal ADHD treatments are just as effective as stimulant drugs. Different from prescription drugs, herbal remedies for ADHD don’t have the potential for serious side effects. In fact, there is no risk for side effects at all.
What is ADHD?
Those who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder usually exhibit a set of behavioral symptoms which can make it difficult for them to concentrate in school, make it difficult to comprehend simple instructions and when these behaviors continue, it almost becomes impossible for them to keep up with their peers in important things like learning and communicating.
Conventional Treatments
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, your doctor will more than likely prescribe stimulant drugs as the treatment of choice. These prescription drugs can help in managing the symptoms associated with ADHD, like hyperactivity and impulsivity.
But, and it’s a big but, the good comes with the bad. The possible side effects associated with the use of ADHD drugs are somewhat scary.
Do you know what these drugs are and what they do? The list of side effects is a long one. It ranges from not so serious things like headaches and stomach upset to anxiety, insomnia, liver problems, depression and psychosis.
One of the most alarming side effects of these drugs is the decreased appetite which in turn, results in weight loss. This might explain why we so many children diagnosed with ADHD weighing much less than their ideal weight range.
Being underweight poses a whole new set of health issues. Children with ADHD should already be paying more attention to their diet to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need. If they are deficient in essential nutrients how can they develop?
Herbal ADHD Remedies
Awareness about the adverse effects of prescription drugs is fast increasing amongst parents worldwide. Since they pose serious health issues to the children, herbal ADHD treatments can be used to treat the condition in children. Treatments with herbal remedies for ADHD are as effective as prescription drugs but with no side-effects.
Herbal ADHD medications, though take some time to build up in the system, they produce long lasting effects. Children undergoing these natural treatments, over a period of time show positive results with no complaints such as nausea, headache, stomachache etc.
This relieves a lot of anxiety to the parents as they are already undergoing a lot of pressure. Herbal ADHD medications include homeopathic remedies, vitamins and important supplements as part of homeopathic therapy.
Such kind of alternative therapies for ADHD are very much effective in containing the symptoms to provide the children more room to learn basic skills such as reading, writing, learning etc.
As natural treatments produce greater results without inducing any side effects, they are the safest choice of treatments for ADHD.
Now that the public is more aware of the serious side effects of Ritalin and other prescription medications for ADHD, many natural alternatives to stimulant drugs are available to ADHD sufferers. One of the most widely used natural remedies for ADHD is L-Theanine, an amino acid and analog of glutamate/glutamine that is naturally found in green tea, oolong tea, and black tea. Studies show that drinking tea with L-Theanine on a regular basis can improve attention and concentration, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and induce a calming effect without making you feel sluggish or drowsy.
How does L-Theanine work? Within thirty minutes of entering the digestive system, L-Theanine uses its molecular resemblance to glutamine to ride on the body’s amino-acid transporter, which carries it across the intestine and the blood-brain barrier. As soon as L-Theanine enters the central nervous system, it uses its glutamate functions to bind itself to different glutamate receptors on nerve cells. When this happens, the cell gets excited into greater activity, which increases the production of neurotransmitters and makes the brain more alert and functional. At the same time, it prevents the brain from getting too overworked, which makes it an excellent natural treatment for ADHD. L-Theanine triggers the release of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that counterbalances the hyperactive effects of glutamate. Its ability to release GABA is also related to the increase of norepinephrine and dopamine production in the brain, which is why L-Theanine has the potential to replace Ritalin and ADHD medications.
Additionally, L-Theanine regulates the production of serotonin and dopamine. Most children who suffer from depression have low levels of serotonin, whereas children with anxiety have high levels of serotonin. L-Theanine’s ability to balance out these neurotransmitters stimulates the production of alpha waves, which induces a state of mental alertness and deep relaxation similar to what is experienced during meditation.
Although green tea and oolong tea are natural sources of L-Theanine, the substance only constitutes 1-2% of the tea leaves’ dry weight. In order to receive the benefits of L-Theanine, you’d have to drink around fifty cups of tea! Fortunately, advances in technology have paved the way for an affordable means to produce L-Theanine. The best way to obtain L-Theanine is through capsules or powdered food supplements. The recommended daily dosage for children is 50 mg, while adults can take as much as 100 mg but not more than 1,200 mg. Since L-Theanine has a very mild taste, capsules can be broken and mixed with a glass of water or juice.
Most of the information we know about L-Theanine comes from Japan, where green tea is a staple drink and L-Theanine is considered to be a fifth flavor. Although experts still need to explore the effects of L-Theanine on children with ADHD, the evidence so far looks promising, especially when L-Theanine is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Consult a doctor, chiropractor, or naturopath before giving L-Theanine to your child, and ask about other natural treatments for ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become the single most common diagnosis for children with problems concentrating in school or who consistently misbehave. The medical treatment for this condition consists of prescribed doses of stimulants, which increase mental activity and slow down the impulsive outbursts associated with ADHD. However, it is estimated that this diagnosis is reached and medications are prescribed three times more often than is actually the case. Here, we will examine the misdiagnosis of ADHD and what it can mean to you and your family.
There are several problems associated with a misdiagnosis of ADHD. The first is that a child is often prescribed stimulants that are not necessary and carry the risk of serious health related complications. Taking these drugs when they are not needed can lead to heart disease, cause liver problems, create or enhance mental health problems such as anxiety disorder or depression, and much more.
The next issue is that a child who is misdiagnosed as having ADHD may not be receiving treatment for the real problem. Some things that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD include temporal lobe epilepsy, a form of epilepsy that causes “absence” seizures where it appears the child is simply daydreaming, depression, restless leg syndrome, learning disabilities, personality conflicts with a teacher, and even normal, high energy stages of childhood.
In all cases except that of this being a normal stage the child is going through, there are other medical and behavioral treatments and therapies that could eliminate the symptoms and address the child’s real problem without prescribing unnecessary stimulant medications.
Often, when a child is placed on medication for ADHD when it is not the real problem, the symptoms of ADHD go away, but so does the child’s personality. While this may be seen as an improvement to the behavior problems that led to the diagnosis, it actually harms the mental development of the child and inhibits the normal development of social skills that are needed later in life.
Many parents of children who have been misdiagnosed claim that their child is like a robot when taking the medication. He/she goes through the motions of every day life, but there is no spark or spontaneity to the child’s activities. These children often tend to play alone or to stop playing altogether.
Sadly, with so many homes where both parents have to work, these symptoms can go unnoticed for long periods. This means that the child often continues to take unnecessary medication for an extended time frame that allows for more damage to be done to the brain and organs of the developing child.
Looking for a plan for non medicinal treatment of ADHD? In this article, you’ll learn about a completely natural way to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder that is simple, practical and can help your child start doing better and behaving more appropriately at home and at school.
Essentially the plan for non medicinal treatment of ADHD involves a good diet, supplements and daily exercise. Although this may not seem like much, it is highly effective. Why? Because food, supplements and exercise are the way the body refuels, repairs and renews itself. Don’t underestimate the power of such a simple system.
First let’s talk about a proper diet. A good diet is full of protein and the phytonutrients that only come from fresh produce that is eaten in season. Think lean meat, fish, and other sources of protein like beans and nuts. Also, while whole grains are healthy, if your child has gluten allergy, eliminate wheat and other foods containing it from the diet.
If your child does eat junk food, then use what I call the substitution method to slowly wean your child from these unhealthy foods. Simply substitute healthy foods for processed foods by matching taste and/or texture. A good example is to switch potato chips for salted celery sticks because they are both salty and crunchy. Do this over a period of time, so your child doesn’t feel deprived. Be a good role model and make sure you are eating these healthy foods as well.
Following a program for non medicinal treatment of ADHD means eventually you want your child to avoid drinking soda and eating packaged foods that contain dyes, preservatives and other chemicals that could be adversely affecting brain function and making the symptoms of ADHD worse.
The next thing to do is make sure your child gets daily exercise. Although this is important for every child, it is particularly important for kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Exercise relieves stress and returns the mind and body to a balanced state, particularly exercise that is vigorous and fun. Think fun family activities like bike rides, hiking and even organized sports. Regular exercise will do wonders for your child. Try it.