Adhd - Mishawaka, IN

T.,
I have a 9 yr old son that was diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, a vocal tic, and a self esteem disorder.. after trying some of the ADHD medications that caused him to have major wieght loss and depression, we decided to try changing his diet rather than continue to putting him through the " maybe this one will work" merry-go-round with other medications. The change is amazing, just by eliminating as many artificle dyes and additives out of his diet as we could have made such a huge difference in him without the horrid side effects that drugs can cause. My son's diagnosis was later changed to Asperger Syndrome, but the diet change did still make a significant difference and still does.
Good Luck!

ADHD is part of the autism spectrum disorder. I have a grandson who was autistic and we had him on the GFCF diet and he is now considered ADHD. He now makes eye contact and goes to a regular preschool. Diet does make a difference.

ADHD and ADD are both extremely over diagnosed. Some of the best alternative treatments are to change their diet, there are some dyes in foods that trigger the behavioral problems. Another treatment is Infant or Childhood massage. there are many websites to find the proper techniques.

There was some one else who had a similar problem. My daughter was like that, but I don't like to medicate children unless there is nothing else you can do. Here's a natural solution that works. Mix half a cup of coffee, half a cup of milk, add some hoey to sweeten it. Get him to drink that first thing in the morning when he gets up. You can do that up to 2 times a day.But he should always have a rest day or 2 from any or all things such as this.Hope this helps.

Hi T. -

I know that the foods he eats can make a HUGE difference in his behavior. Your sister should check the library/bookstore for cookbooks dedicated to ADHD.

I have a friend who is Bipolar and hated taking her medicine - it made her like a zombie. She changed her diet and it keeps her under control.

Good luck!
A.

Hi T....

I'm glad that your sister is considering natural alternatives to medicating for ADHD. So many parents are putting these chemicals into our children and we don't know what the long term effects will be on their brains and bodies. The drug companies don't do the long term research - just the research that will make sure their drugs sell in the short term.

So far it looks like you have received a lot of good suggestions. I would reiterate that diet can be a major factor - especially eliminating glutens. Also, buying and preparing fresh organic foods can help (since they don't have the chemicals from pesticides and herbicides for our bodies to contend with). But I also believe that the indoor air pollution can be a factor - especially for very sensitive children (which kids with ADHD usually are). Also, the exercise suggestion is an excellent one - a gymnastics class a couple time a week could be helpful. And natural supplements certainly won't hurt - we miss many vitamins and minerals in our fast food, super processed diet nowadays.

On the whole, taking the natural approach will probably take a lot of time and energy, and a willingness to change many things about your sister's and her family's lifestyle. But in the long term, it will be a much healthier solution. And not just for her son, but for her whole family.

Good Luck!
L.

no i dont know any natural remedies but my daughter is taking metadate. it is great but she goes to the counsler.how old is he? ive got a 7 yr old that has the worst attitude there can be he does counslering to and i try to do things fun that he likes and that helps alittle i dont to far i dont want him to think he can get whatever he wants. try a rewards program with
hope it helps feel free to ask me if you have more questions

Many chiropractors and naturopathic doctors have had success with ADHD when they supplement with flax seed oil or any other oil that supplies/balances the essential fatty acids (aka omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9). I am not exactly sure of the whole way that it works, but I would suggest that your sister look into supplementing with it, as well as chiropractic adjustments. Good luck!

We tried "focus"... no adverse reaction, we also combined that w/ changing the diet. In the end it didn't do us any good. We modified our structure ALOT and ended up still going on a ADHD med. It's much safer, and very few side effects from 'wear off' ... it's called Methelyn Chewable Tablet... it comes in an oral solution as well. It's MUCH different then ritalin. It also reduces the agression, as well as the total hyper times when wears off.... one huge suggestion... Do NOT give medication holidays!!! ADHD med is kindof like glasses.... if you need them to see, then you wear them right? these kids need their 'glasses' for daily control and focus, it's unfortunatly a reality! You'd not take away their glasses on the weekends would you??? I was pro-homeopathic as well but we never found a fit that worked for us. I do know for a fact from experience that MORE reactions from meds occur when not taken consistantly. Good luck.

Hi T.,
My son was diagnosed 2 months ago with ADHD. He is 8. I refuse to put him on Ritalin so we decided to see a Naturopath. We found a wonderful dr and she is prescribing natural herbs and remedies for my son. I can not believe the difference in just 2 months and there are no long term side effects. We are so thankful to have found her. If you'd like to discuss further my e-mail is ____@____.com. L.

I have a 21 yr. old son who is ADHD and the BEST thing that I found for him was a blood pressure medicine. It was awesome, no side effects and no roller coaster effect. As far as natural remedies? I have no clue as I never used them. But as far as ritalin is concerned I have HUGE issues. First off it is a methamphetemine. Why would we want to give that to our children?? Yes, I realize that it has a reverse effect on ADHD kids but still that is not good enough for me. The roller coaster side effect is enough for me to say no. When my son was 1st diagnosed and before I did my own research I agreed to try ritalin what a HUGE mistake. After school when it wore off I was in for a rough night! Not only was he moody and his behavior unacceptable but in the night he would get up and eat anything sweet that wasn't nailed down. It was an absolute nightmare to say the least. I finally said enough is enough and went on the search for a better answer. I kept going to specialist (not family drs) until I found one who would listen to me and respect my feelings on the issue and finally found one in Cedar Rapids, Iowa that came through and told me about the blood pressure medicine that not very many people know about or are told about. What a relief. But no matter what meds that they are on it has to be taken consistantly or it does not/will not work. But you also have to remember that no matter what the med, it is a tool to help NOT cure it and there also has to be structure and discipline to go with it. Not just threats but real consequences for behavior and EVERYONE involved needs to be consistant with the discipline but also must recognize good behavior and praise/reward them for it. I wish you the best of luck. Raising an ADHD kid is very trying and has many challenges but they are in reality very intellegent with very sensitive feelings human beings.

I am seeking similar info -- please pass on what you get

good books: The AD/HD Book by Beth Ann Hill

good website www.chadd.org

article (have not read yet) -- by Eugenia Chan "The role of complementary and alternative medicine in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder" Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Feb 2002; 37-45

I have three sons with diagnosed ADHD. All have been to specialists so I know that I have followed correct diagnostic procedures. THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS HAVE FOUND NO EVIDENCE THAT HERBAL MEDICINES HAVE ANY EFFECT ON ADHD!!!!!!!
I have heard this countless times from people who are not trained in way other then what they have read on the back of herb bottles. The caffine would work to a limited extent because it effects the brain the same way that ritilan does. PLEASE DON'T BE FOOLED, HERBS DO THE SAME THING TO THE BODY THAT OTHER TRADITIONAL MEDICATIONS DO EXCEPT THAT THEY ARE NOT REGULATED. The caffine doseage would have to caculated then every day it would have to be the exact same amount. Then what are they going to do when the child grows? Yes these boys can be out of control, but has any body suggested that maybe his diet is off. Sometimes these kids have allergies to certain dyes that other kids can consume with no problem but it sends these kids out of control. My sons cannot have any drinks such as gatorade or kool-aid because they go beserk. Try this before taking him off his med.

Deal with the issues. It is more important for him to behave in school.

Yes, actually!
My stepson is currently being tested for ADD and I work with a company that makes all natural products and we've been giving him the recommended vitamins and supplements for ADD/ADHD. So far so good! He's better able to focus and he's much healthier for it, too.

Terri
My son's doctor said she didn't advice natural remedies.My son tested when he was 4 and they said he was ADD and now he is 16
and he is ADHD and bipolar.My son has to take his meds on weekends and summer he can't go with out no time.Also my son now makes good grades .He feels better too taking meds on the weekend.But he takes Strattera which works much better than
ritalin.(FOR MY SON IT WORKS BETTER)Also my son's doctor thought the meds needed to stay in his system 7 days a week ,and belive me it made A BIG DIFFERENCE!!!!!

Hi T.,
Have you tried caffiene? My mother is a 4th grade teacher and has seen this work for quite a few kids and they have been able to quit meds alltogether. Give him a caffiene drink every am - you should know within a week if it works. Either it does or doesn't at all - evidently no inbetweens. Good luck.

T.,
My son also had ADHD, and he is on Concerta. I do the same as your sister, only give it to him during the school week, summer and weekends he doesn't take it. I have thought about the natural remedies, but before she does try it make sure that she understands, that it will not work right away. It is going to take time possible weeks to months for it to get into his system, and that transition is going to be HELL!!! I have even talked to his doctor about it, and he suggested trying a different diet, no sugar, good healthy food. Has she tried a routine schedule at home? I found that works pretty good with my son. He knows what has to be done, and how long he has got to do it. They need complete structure. Weekends for my son are a different story - he needs a break to so that is his time. Tell her that I feel her pain!! I have been dealing with this since daycare and he is now 10. He was just taken out of public school b/c they wanted to label him as emotional and behavoiral diabled. B/c he doesn't fit the mold of a perfect, quiet, obident child, they can't deal with him, so the wanted to put him in remedial classes. He is by no means stupid, he is very smart, just can't focus and stay on task.
Good luck - and if she needs someone who can relate - I am an e-mail away!
B.

Hi T., my daughter has ADD and the doctor first had put her a 5mg dose of ritalin, and it did work for a few hours. when i picked here up from school and the medicine would wear off she was like a crazy person. It was like she was comming down from a drug high. it would scare me. she would lie on the floor and throw fits, kick, and scream. It just wasnt her anymore. anyways i went back to the doctor and I talked with him and, he put her on a new med.. I would suggest she take him back to the doctor and tell him or her what the med. does to her son. Good luck I know its hard! T. H.

She needs to consult a natropathic doctor. They could help her with natural remedies, and also diet changes that they can make to help him. Some cases of ADHD are simply food allergies that can be easily corrected without medication, and of course if she can it is always best to treat naturally instead of with medication. that is where I would start.

T.,
Hi! I am a mother of two with ADHD and I have tried just about everything that you can think of between my two boys. There are several different alternatives to this issue you are requesting help with it will all depend on what works best for him. I will list them below. As far as her only giving him the meds during the school wek that is not good for him at all. I did the same thing and the doctor told me that it is not in his best health interrest that I don't give it to hime on a daily basis due to the meds being so strong and withdrawls and side effects from these meds are very harsh. However if you feel he needs a break such as I did with mine, he can come off of it for the summer months but I was also advised from out doctor that it was not a good idea. We take our children to the Greenville Childrens Hospital over at Patewood Behavorial Pediatrics. Dr. Weathers and Dr. Natale are both excellent. Not only do they help with the right medication for the child but also gives ideas and advice on how to make the home life better for boththe child and mother/father while in the home and not just at school. I have an In-Home Childcare and I have 6 ADHD children in my home all at once and due to what I have learned by visiting our doctors you would never know that these children have such a disability while in my care. I have decided to take on such a challenge to not only help the parents but also to let other children see taht thay are not alone in this disease.
The following alternatives are:

Attentive Child (GNC)
Omega 3 (GNC)
Coffee
No Sugar or complex carbs/ High Protein Diet
Lavender Air Freshner
and you can also ask the doctor to prescribe a secondary that is not so strong for him to take mid day so that it will last until bedtime.

I hope that I have helped if you need to talk more feel free to contact me at anytime. My contact information is on my website. www.freewebs.com/chunkybleusplayhouse

Hi T.,
I don't pretend to know all the complexities of an ADHD child. However I have read that they need LOTS of extra exercise to help use up all that energy, especially if they don't want to take medication!
I have read a little bit about it because I have a 3-yr-old boy who is super energetic, such that I have a difficult time keeping up with him. I wondered whether he might be ADHD, but have ruled it out based on several factors. I think he is just a typical little BOY, and as a parent, I just have to do my best with him!
Good luck,
M. :)

Hi T.! I work from home with a wellness company that has natural vitamins for adults and children. My son is super hyper and can't concentrate at school. I put him on the vitamins and they have worked wonders. It doesn't change their personality, but it gets them the vitamins and minerals they are lacking. Now he doesn't act like he can't stand to be in his own skin. They are Wonderful!! If you would like more information email me or give me a call!
Thanks, R.

http://rlangford.themomteam.com/
____@____.com
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I know that pain. My 7yr old is on Concerta for school and yes it has made all the difference but once it wears off, hes in trouble again. Of course at home he doesnt have any other children usually to play or well fight with, but still the back talk and disobeidient behavior is terrible. Iam sure some of it is a stage, but if you find ur answer, PLEASE let me know. Thanks so much
J.

My babysitter who is also a nurse, gives her daughter Omega 3's and she said she is just wonderful! She also suggests "focus" but the omega 3's is what she uses. Good luck!

My suggestion: Contact Jude Boutwell in Carmel, Indiana -
She is great to work with children like this...and helps in working with a childs diet - and there ARE natural herbs/etc that can help...
Jude can be reached at: ###-###-####

Thanks! S. E. - Fishers, Indiana
ps. This does usually have to do with allergies - food & others...

I WAS TALKING WITH A MOM LAST NIGHT AT BASEBALL PRACTICE AND SHE SAID SHE GETS SOMETHING FROM GARNERS WHICH IS A VITAMIN AND HEALTH FOOD STORE. SHE SAID IT IS AROUND $21.00 AND IT COMES IN THE LIQUID AND PILL FORM.SHE SAID IT WORKS. YOU MAY JUST GO TO ANY HEALTH FOOD OR VITAMIN STORE AND ASK IF THEY HAVE ANYTHING FOR ADHD. MY SON IS ON CONCERTA BUT SOMETIMES IT MAKES HIS STOMACH UPSET WHEN HE TAKES IT SO I AM GOING TO TRY IT.

I have a son who is ADHD and is on concerta. There is definately a "coming down" period when the medication wears off. Imagine you have all this energy that is leveled off with medication- and then it comes screaming back all at once. Poor kids. One thing that is absolutely essential is a schedule. The more structured the evening is the less likely for out of control times. If the parent and the child know exactly what has to be done and when it has to be done by it helps both. I use a chart so my son can see it and hear it. There also has to be a very strict pre-determined set of consequences for unacceptable behaviors. Lastly be patient with these children, they are constantly being told how wild and out of control they are- but they can't help it. Remember- they are just kids- and kids with more energy and having one heck of a time doing what the "normal" kids do. It hurts- and when children are hurt and feeling out of place they are more likely to loose control.

T.,
hi my name is L. and I have done research on indoor air pollution and food allergies relating to many illnesses/diseases our children are facing.
1. Get the chemical cleaners out of the home. Fumes from detergents, dish soaps, body soaps, air fresheners- anything with a smell will irritate the senses and enhance problems. through away plug ins, lysol, bleach etc., etc. alot of toxins that we are exposed to from these cleaners get stored in the brain- our brain is made up mostly of fatty tissue and this is where many, many toxins live. We come in contact with many unsafe chemicals everyday- it is the cumulative effect that is causing so many children to have ADD/ADHD/Asthma/MS/Fribromyalgia/etc. www.saferforyourhome.com or www.totalfamilywellness.com can assist with some alternatives. If you want to get totally back to nature- baking soda and lemon work great. You can also make your own shampoos and soaps with Castile Soap, olive oil and water.
2. Remove gluten from the childs diet. gluten is a wheat protein that the body sometimes has a hard time digesting or is not able to digest at all. Heavy sugars can also be a problem. Look to more natural remedies- rice based products. Also try to have your nephew stay away from hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, red and blue dyes. All these are unnnatural ingredients many, many food companies add to our food to make it look more appealing. Fresh fruit and veggies are great alternatives to cookies.
Good Luck
L. M
Concord, NC
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Someone else mentioned a homeopathic med with "calm" in the name. That is Calm's Forte, by Hyland's. It can be bought at Wal-mart, or any pharmacy, in the sleep aid section. I used this in my private practice as a Stress Management Counselor for years, and have seen some dramatic results, although most are very gradual.

Many ADD/ADHD children have trouble sleeping. Getting more sound sleep will help them function better during the day. I have known some who could go off medication using this 2x/day (it doesn't make you tired, just slows the brain down, I don't know how else to describe it!)

It is inexpensive and can be taken with other medications- certainly worth a try in addition to diet changes and suppliments!

I used to work for the Vitamin Shoppe and this was a common issue-I learned a lot from Mom's struggling. They often bought fish oil (neuromins and EFA's contain DHA which help with brain function and mood), B vitamins (B6 specifically helps with bipolar and schitzophrenia) and certain amino acids...There are some combinations in the childrens section that contain many of these. Thee was also a homeopathic remedy that help to calm--I forget the name, but it had "calm" in it. Minerals work miracles-a liquid trace mineral supplememnt to add to water-unbeleivable. Anyway, the staff is super helpful and educated-just ask. They also have a Healthnotes computer where u can print out this info, or even acceess it off the VS website.

A. in Summerfield

Hi,

I am currently researching this myself because my daughter has a friend that I am very concerned about. When the child is on his med, he is completely different than when he isn't taking it. I have never dealt with ADHD before, so I find it quite shocking. I remembered someone that I met years ago saying that she went to the health food store and successfully got her son off of ritalyn by using natural supplements. So far, I have found that diet plays a role and there is a website that sells natural supplements. "ATTEND" is the ADHD recommended supplement from VAXA.COM. This is what I found on i-net research:

First, what NOT to eat for TWO WEEKS:

1) NO DAIRY PRODUCTS, especially cow's milk. This is the single most important restriction. Instead try Almond milk, Rice milk, or Better Than Milk. Drink water instead of milk. In fact, drink lots of water. The brain is about 80% water, and increasing your water intake to 7 to 10 glasses per day might be helpful all by itself. Sodas, Gatorade, teas, icees, etc., do not count as water. Water counts as water.

2) NO YELLOW FOODS. Especially Corn or Squash. Bananas are white. Don't eat the peel.

3) NO JUNK FOODS. If it comes in a cellophane wrapper, don't eat it.

4) NO FRUIT JUICES. Too much sugar content. One small glass of apple juice has the sugar content of eight apples. Later on you can have juice, but dilute it with water 50/50.

5) CUT SUGAR INTAKE BY 90%. If you can, cut it down to zero. Sugar is in just about everything, but give it a try. Do your best without going crazy.

6) CUT CHOCOLATE BY 90%. No more than a single piece, once a week.

7) NO NUTRASWEET. None. Period.

8) NO PROCESSED MEATS and NO MSG. Only get meats with labels that say, �Turkey and Water,� etc. If the meat has chemicals listed that you can't pronounce, don't buy it.

9) CUT FRIED FOODS BY 90%.

10) AVOID FOOD COLORINGS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. See if your child is sensitive to any particular colors, such as Reds, Yellows, etc. For now, though, avoid all if possible.

SUMMARY: Just eat foods that God made for a while. Eat like people did in the 1940's. Go to a used book store and get a Betty Crocker's Cook Book for recipe ideas. There really are about 10,000 meals that you CAN eat. Just not much in the way of �fast foods� or �convenience� foods.

AFTER TWO WEEKS begin adding these foods back into your diet, one food every other day. Eat A LOT of that food every day for four days. If you have a problem with one of the foods, you will see some kind of a �reaction� within four days. The reaction can vary from big red splotches on the body to ears turning bright red to explosive temper outbursts. If there's a problem, you'll know. If there's no problem, enjoy the food.
WHAT TO EAT TO FEED THE ADHD BRAIN:

1) FOR BREAKFAST SERVE HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CARBOHYDRATE MEALS. Say, �Good-bye,� to Breakfast cereals and milk. Serve 60% Protein and 40% Carbohydrates for Breakfast. Other meals should be 50% / 50%.

2) PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS might be needed to get the added protein for Breakfast. They are often very helpful in the afternoon as well. Here is our favorite recipe for a Protein Shake:

a) Make a cup of coffee, using one of General Mills' International Coffees, or something like that, with a flavor that you or your child will like (yes, I know I'm breaking my own rules here, as these coffees have dried milk and some sugar, but I'm trying to get your kid to actually drink the thing, and also get some caffeine mixed with the protein.). Pour the hot coffee into a blender with about 6 oz of ice. Turn on the blender for a bit.

b) Add a good quality protein powder. There are many good ones available. If you can't find one that you like, ask at your local health food store. Get protein powders that are mostly protein and very little carbohydrate. Add between 15 and 20 grams of protein to the cold coffee in the blender.

c) Turn on the blender again.

d) Drink it up.

This protein shake is helpful for a lot of people. For many small kids, and many adults, this recipe works about as well as a small dose of Ritalin (100 mg of caffeine is roughly the same as 5 mg of Ritalin). So many who might just take a small dose of Ritalin might get away with just doing this.

Don't forget, though, that even caffeine can have some side effects. Every once in a while we find someone that has problems with the caffeine in the coffee. Usually, though, the caffeine in the coffee helps the person to focus better. The protein helps to feed the brain. If you find this helpful, have one with Breakfast, and one around 3 pm. If it is not helpful, then don't bother with it.

3) MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS may be helpful. Colloidal Minerals or fully chelated minerals are the best. We like the MinPac from VAXA, but there are several good choices. Don't buy minerals in the grocery store. Get good minerals.

4) ATTEND, EXTRESS, or MEMORIN from VAXA. We recommend the "Attend" product for everyone. "Extress" is recommended in addition for those with problems with hyperactivity and temper, and "Memorin," in addition to the "Attend," for those with poor concentration or memory. These are strongly recommended. Here is more information on ATTEND, the amino acid based, homeopathic medicine that is a great alternative to ritalin.

5) FLAX SEED or PRIMROSE OIL. High sources of Omega oils. Borage oils and some fish oils are good as well. Very important. Mix about a spoonful a day into foods as you prepare them, or add to salad dressings, etc.

6) EAT LOTS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Avoid Aluminum exposure. Eat in a healthy manner.
Try it out and let us know what you think. Oh, before you email back and ask, �Well, what can we eat?� please look through your Betty Crocker Cook Book and you'll find hundreds of recipes that will fit. It's the convenience foods that are most of the problem. Re-discover the lost art of cooking!