ADD Is A Gift

ADHD research is essential for responsible parents searching for the best treatments for their children. Prescription drugs? Natural remedies? You need to be informed before making a decision. So make sure you take the time to do your research first.

I am a natural health consultant with an ADHD son, and I’m convinced that natural remedies are your safest treatment. Treating your child with drugs not only has side effects, but it doesn’t even address the root of the problem.

Ritalin is the drug of choice for most psychiatrists but it only treats the symptoms of the problem and not the underlying cause. Studies have shown that when children are taken off the drug, symptoms of ADHD return. Also long term effects of prescription drugs, such as Ritalin, have not been determined and there is considerable controversy.

The following statements should convince you that natural remedies for ADHD should be considered first:

* ADHD facts state that common side effects for an ADHD drug such as Ritalin include sleep disturbances, insomnia, decreased appetite, depression, headaches, stomachaches, and high blood pressure. Do you want your child to experience these? That’s why I used natural ADHD remedies. It alleviates the symptoms without the side effects and without compromising your child’s health.

* According to ADHD research , prescription drugs for ADHD may stop some of symptoms of ADHD but did you know they also alter the way your child thinks? The drugs can suppress your child’s ideas, impulses, and creativity that are natural to your child.

John F. Kennedy, Jim Carey, and Nolan Ryan are just a few of famous people who coped with ADHD without prescription drugs. Natural remedies for ADHD will not take away the creativity of your child, but instead will restore balance to his overall health.

* Adhd facts also show that there is a much higher frequency of substance abuse for adults who took ADHD prescription drugs as kids. That is because some of the prescriptions are very addictive. No so with natural ADHD remedies, as they are not addictive and very safe to take with no side effects.

* ADHD research has revealed that billions of dollars are spent on ADHD prescription drugs. That can put a heavy burden on a family even if you do have good insurance. It’s also an indication that ADHD is being over-diagnosed. Natural remedies for ADHD are not only better health-wise, but much more cost efficient.

* ADHD facts have shown that the long-term effects of prescription drugs remain a mystery. Recent studies have shown higher incidents of depression and other psychological problems with people who took those drugs as children. Do you want to take that chance with your children? I didn’t, and my grown son is very well adjusted now. By using natural ADHD remedies when he was young, I’m not worried about any long term effects he may have developed later on in life.

So where do you go from here? If you’ve done your ADHD research you now know there is controversy with prescription drugs. Do you want to just cover up their symptoms with possible side effects? Or do you want to go to the root of the problem with no side effects.

If you’re like me, a concerned Mom, you’ll choose natural ADHD remedies and feel good about it because you’ve made an informed decision. Find a good natural ADHD remedy for your child and know you’re doing the responsible thing. After all, it’s your child’s health!

Diana Ketchen
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/prescription-drugs-for-adhd-better-do-your-adhd-research-first-718526.html

If my child takes herbal supplements for ADHD, it is natural so it must be good! This is a fictional belief in that it is superficial, to say the least. Herbal supplements for treating adhd must be approached with the same caution as that in using ADHD conventional medication.

FDA Warnings

When the FDA in 2006 told pharmaceutical companies to put warning labels on ADHD medicines, alarm bells started sounding in many parents’ heads. There ARE potential health risks and these can range from stunted growth, insomnia, mood swings and even cardiac arrest. It is a fact and if you do not believe me, try visiting the FDA site for a horror trip through the psychostimulant drugs jungle. Another alarming fact is that US doctors are three times as likely to prescribe these drugs than their European counterparts. A sad fact is that young people joining the Military in the US may not be accepted if they have been on ADHD medication up to a year before their application. They are regarded as second class drug users.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements for ADHD are one of the alternatives that worried parents are now taking much more seriously than before. They are no longer content to dose their children with powerful mind altering drugs. Herbal supplements have had a very long history - as old as man himself who sought relief from various ailments by extracting healing substances from the plant world around him. All the ancient civilisations from Egypt, China, Ancient Rome used herbs extensively in medication. Ayurvedic, Chinese and Native American medical systems all use herbs for medication purposes. Examples are valerian extract for insomnia, turmeric as an anti-inflammatory agent for arthritis and stinging nettle for enlarged prostate.

World Health Organisation

Even to-day, the fact that the majority of the world’s population are poor and have to survive on less than $2 a day means that up to 80% STILL use herbal medicine. This is a WHO estimate. What are the herbal supplements for treating ADHD? Skullcap, Ginkgo Biloba, Avena, Chamomile and Valerian have all been used to successful help children alleviate ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity, restlessness, fidgeting, inattention and limited concentration span.

Homeopathic ADHD Remedies

Homeopathic ADHD remedies are becoming enormously popular in that they are not addictive. When looking at the product ( and the small print!), you should be able to check if the actual ingredients are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. Is the product a registered OTC homeopathic remedy? You should also check the reputation of the company. You may be looking for guarantees and assurances that the products have not been rested on animals and also if they are gluten and lactose free. All these questions are answered in the link below which will reassure you that ADHD herbal supplements/homeopathic remedies are by far the best option around.

 
 

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/herbal-supplements-for-adhd-fact-or-fiction–713007.html

Is there really such a thing as ADHD natural medicine? Is it safe and effective? Before I answer these questions in this article, I want to point out that some 36% of Americans are turning to holistic/natural remedies to have a better quality of life. Millions of dollars are spent on ADHD conventional medications and it is an enormous business for many drug companies, despite the FDA warnings which seem to pop up every month.

Long Term Effects Of ADHD Drugs

The startling fact is that the long term effects of psychostimulant drugs have never been studied and yet they are prescribed for children in ever increasing numbers. People also argue that long term effects of natural medicine have not been studied either so they ask what is the big deal? The truth is that if there were nasty side effects from natural medicine, the drug companies lobby would have spent millions of dollars to get this information out to the general public. The fact that this has not happened is proof that natural medicine is much safer. My two cents!

Natural Can Do No Harm?

Natural ADHD medicine sometimes consists in dosing children with vitamins and minerals which will give them a balanced nutritional diet. Obviously, this has to be approached with caution as certain supplements in massive doses could be damaging for a child’s health. I often hear parents say that if is natural, well, it cannot have any side effects. This is only true if the correct dosage is given and indeed if the supplements themselves are manufactured according to the highest standards.

Is Sugar The Culprit?

By now everybody suspects that sugary snacks may increase hyperactivity. There is quite a lot of controversy about this. Some studies show that this is not the case although it is interesting to note that none of them tested candy with corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup which is so common in the US. Food additives and colourings have come in for a lot of criticism, and the European Union decided in June 2008 that synthetic food colourings must be labelled with the correct ‘E’ number but more importantly must contain the warning with the words ‘may have adverse effect on activity and attention in children’. Reduction in junk food, processed foods and fizzy pop will be a sensible approach - just think of your child’s overall health!

No Cure For ADHD!

As there is no cure for ADHD - any medication (natural or conventional) can only alleviate symptoms- we need to approach with caution anyone peddling natural ADHD medicines. We need to find out the answers to these questions:

1. Is there any guarantee that the product will work and if not, can you have your money back? The link below this article is for a company that has a one year guarantee ! This immediately inspires confidence.

2. Is there any recognition by the FDA that this company is a registered one with them (the FDA of course will not guarantee the actual products). If it is approved by the FDA, then that means that the herbs or ingredients are guaranteed to come from safe and unpolluted fields and that processing is subject to international regulations.

3. They should also have GMP accreditation.

If you decide to opt for ADHD natural medicine, you will want to know about what ingredients are used, dosage, guarantees, accreditation and of course price. All the information about these are in the link below this article.

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/how-safe-effective-is-adhd-natural-medicine-3-questions-to-ask-672498.html

If you have just seen the price tag on prescription medication for ADHD such as Ritalin, Risperdal or Concerta, then you may start having legitimate doubts about whether this is really the way to treat ADHD. Then, when you read the FDA warnings on the packets about possible side effects which range from drug dependency to heart problems and even sudden death, you may ask yourself if there are natural products for ADHD and what the reviews on these products are.

Research

Research has been done on the effectiveness of ADHD natural products and they score just as well as the psychostimulant drugs, but without all the nasty side effects. In one test, the natural products did as well, if not better than the drugs in helping the kids to focus and in improving their self control.

Natural Products?

If your child has been defined as a ‘brat’ or ‘disruptive’ or a ’space-cadet’ or ‘lazy’ by his or her teacher, you may be concerned that ADHD is a possibility. That will have to be diagnosed by a doctor or paediatrician. The main cause of ADHD is that the front part of the brain is only working at minimum efficiency - just ticking over. This is what causes the child to be fidgety, restless and lacking in concentration. So the brain needs stimulation but by giving kids psychostimulant drugs, there are some serious risks. But natural products can also stimulate the brain. You may be curious to know what is in these products. Omega3 fatty oils, Gingko Biloba and essential minerals like zinc an magnesium are in some natural products. But many of these substances can be found in a well balanced diet.

A Homeopathic Remedy?

Friends of mine with hyperactive children have opted for a homeopathic medicine and they have had excellent results. The ingredients are Hyoscyamus, Verta alb and Arsen iod. These remedies help to calm restlessness, temper outbursts and generally calm kids down. They are also effective in bringing emotional stability and have a soothing effect on the children’s nerves. You have to make sure that they are made by a company which is registered by the FDA.

Parents Over The Moon!

I found parents were enthusiastic. Some used to dread the school reports but after their kids were on this natural ADHD product, even for a short while, they were getting great grades and excellent reports. Kids are quieter and easier to manage and even loveable again!

Other parents were at their wits’ end and feared for the stability of their marriage as disruptive kids ran amok in the house- so much so that there was constant screaming and shouting. Now that they are on this natural product, calm has been restored and one of the children ,once labelled as a ‘disruptive brat’ by his teachers, will sit quietly and read a book. Bliss!

If you want to check out natural products for ADHD which will not make you bankrupt and above all are safe for your child’s health, visit the site below for more information.

Robert William Locke
http://www.articlesbase.com/adhd-articles/adhd-natural-products-what-reviews-have-been-done-670171.html

This scared me to death: WARNING – Possible side effects of ADHD Medications. This may include: long-term effect on the developing brain with ADHD medication; heart-related problems; psychiatric problems, or potential for abuse.

What if I told you that there was also a wide variety of alternative therapies. Now do not get me wrong. There is a time and place for prescriptions for treating many diseases.

I checked online and the suggested Pharmacological Treatments for ADHD included antidepressants, Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall (amphetamine), mood stabilizers and a variety of other drugs. Are you really sure this is what you want for yourself, or even for your child?

You might disagree, but hear me out on this. There are several classes of ADHD medications. With luck, you may find a doctor that will work with you and prescribe one with the least amount of side effects.

Let’s first discuss the traditional treatments with ADHD medication. Until recently, most doctors prescribed Ritalin. Ritalin is supposed to increase blood supply to the frontal lobes of the brain. Ritalin is the most inconsistently absorbed. Some adults and children absorb as much as 80-90% of the medication, whereas others only absorb 30-40% of a medication dose.

Facts About Ritalin

Ritalin is rapid: 20-30 minutes. It has the shortest duration of action of 2-4 hours. Many children only have a benefit of 3 hours.

Possible Side Effects

Inability to fall or stay asleep, nervousness, headaches, depression and anxiety. In children, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss during long-term therapy, inability to fall or stay asleep, and abnormally fast heartbeat are more common side effects.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) “However, information on the long-term effects of all treatments is lacking, as is knowledge of the effects of long-term use of ADHD medications in children…”

Another drugs prescribed is Adderall (amphetamine). Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness).

In 2005 Canadian regulators suspended sales of the once-daily version of Adderall after 20 deaths (a possible side effect).

Adderall is still prescribed as a ADHD medication in the US. The FDA said it has examined the same study data as the Canadian health authorities but had not concluded the risk of sudden death was “strong enough” to justify suspending sales of the drug.

What about alternative therapies. Have you considered nutritional and dietary therapies, exercise, biofeedback, herbal treatments, meditation, Chinese medicine, homeopathic remedies, or possibly bach flower remedies.

Even when you are armed with all the facts, you as a parent must decide whether or not an ADHD medication is the right choice.

Do yourself a favor and research all the Pharmacological Treatments and the possible side effects of ADHD medications. Then compare those results with the health benefits of natural remedies.

Wayne Mcdonald
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/dangerous-side-effects-of-adhd-medications-678400.html

This scared me to death: WARNING – Possible side effects of ADHD Medications. This may include: long-term effect on the developing brain with ADHD medication; heart-related problems; psychiatric problems, or potential for abuse.

What if I told you that there was also a wide variety of alternative therapies. Now do not get me wrong. There is a time and place for prescriptions for treating many diseases.

I checked online and the suggested Pharmacological Treatments for ADHD included antidepressants, Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall (amphetamine), mood stabilizers and a variety of other drugs. Are you really sure this is what you want for yourself, or even for your child?

You might disagree, but hear me out on this. There are several classes of ADHD medications. With luck, you may find a doctor that will work with you and prescribe one with the least amount of side effects.

Let’s first discuss the traditional treatments with ADHD medication. Until recently, most doctors prescribed Ritalin. Ritalin is supposed to increase blood supply to the frontal lobes of the brain. Ritalin is the most inconsistently absorbed. Some adults and children absorb as much as 80-90% of the medication, whereas others only absorb 30-40% of a medication dose.

Facts About Ritalin

Ritalin is rapid: 20-30 minutes. It has the shortest duration of action of 2-4 hours. Many children only have a benefit of 3 hours.

Possible Side Effects

Inability to fall or stay asleep, nervousness, headaches, depression and anxiety. In children, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss during long-term therapy, inability to fall or stay asleep, and abnormally fast heartbeat are more common side effects.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) “However, information on the long-term effects of all treatments is lacking, as is knowledge of the effects of long-term use of ADHD medications in children…”

Another drugs prescribed is Adderall (amphetamine). Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness).

In 2005 Canadian regulators suspended sales of the once-daily version of Adderall after 20 deaths (a possible side effect).

Adderall is still prescribed as a ADHD medication in the US. The FDA said it has examined the same study data as the Canadian health authorities but had not concluded the risk of sudden death was “strong enough” to justify suspending sales of the drug.

What about alternative therapies. Have you considered nutritional and dietary therapies, exercise, biofeedback, herbal treatments, meditation, Chinese medicine, homeopathic remedies, or possibly bach flower remedies.

Even when you are armed with all the facts, you as a parent must decide whether or not an ADHD medication is the right choice.

Do yourself a favor and research all the Pharmacological Treatments and the possible side effects of ADHD medications. Then compare those results with the health benefits of natural remedies.

Wayne Mcdonald
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/dangerous-side-effects-of-adhd-medications-678400.html

The cause of ADHD in your child can be traced back to the family. The condition is genetically based, which in simple terms, means your child may have inherited some of your nervous system genes. Even though conditions at home or school can contribute to it, they are not considered ADHD causes.

There have been many scientific studies that link physiological attributes to the cause of ADHD. These include gene makeup, absorbing toxic ingredients, trauma to the brain, and reactions to some food additives.

* The makeup of your genes:

Look at other members of your family. Did you know that even though three to five percent of kids are diagnosed with ADHD, twenty five percent of an ADHD child’s relatives will also have the condition. Scientific studies have even revealed the specific genes that have been linked to the cause of ADHD!

 * Toxic ingredients:

If you consumed alcohol or used tobacco products while you were pregnant, and you have an ADHD child, studies have indicated a possible link. A  fetus will absorb these toxic substances which certainly can’t be good. If your child has been around building structures that are old, he may have been exposed to lead poisoning. Some of these toxic ingredients have been labeled as potential ADHD causes. When I was growing up on a farm, my Dad exposed me to DDT which is now banned in the USA. Maybe that contributed to my ADHD, and then my son’s.

 * Brain trauma:

Most kids, thankfully, don’t fall into this category, but certain types of brain trauma can bring on ADHD symptoms. Scientific studies have shown that when an ADHD child and a NON-ADHD child had brain scans, or an MRI, there were some differences in certain areas of the brain. This would seem to show that the brain has something to do with the cause of ADHD.

 * Food additives:

About ten percent of ADHD children show reduced symptoms when their sugar and additive intake have been reduced. Now here is somewhat of a surprise. While most of us, including me, tend to associate sugar with hyperactivity, there was no difference when kids were given either sugar or a sugar substitute. That means that sugar doesn’t play a role in ADHD symptoms.

However, since a lot of people have it in their heads that sugar causes ADHD symptoms, they may see more symptoms after a child has some sugar. Studies show that parents who believe that their kids have been given sugar (when they have actually been given a substitute) are just as likely to say that ADHD symptoms have worsened as parents of children who are given actual sugar.

But even if it is only perceived, a reduction in sugar intake (or high fructose) can only be beneficial.

A very recent study has found that preservatives and food coloring, which can be found in soft drinks and junk food, greatly increase hyperactivity in children. So make sure you watch what they are putting into their bodies.

Remember, ADHD causes children to behave in unsatisfactory ways, but it doesn’t have to be this way. It is a highly treatable condition. There are prescription drugs that are effective for the symptoms, natural remedies which attack the root of the condition, dietary control, and behavioral therapy. Do your research and then do what is in your child’s best interest.

 

Diana Ketchen
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/the-cause-of-adhd-may-be-closer-than-you-think-724035.html

If you think prescription drugs are the only solution for kids with ADHD, think again! There are many ADHD alternative options that are just as effective but much safer. Not only that, there are no side effects and, as an added bonus, way lighter on your wallet.

Alternative treatment for ADHD goes right to the root of the problem, whereas prescription drugs only treat the symptoms. Alternative methods treat the whole body (holistic) and will fight the condition from various points of the body.With an ADHD alternative treatment you’re going to need to incorporate some lifestyle changes because, even though it would be fantastic, there is no easy single solution when it comes to treating adhd. In order for there to be permanent results, you’ll need to combine dietary modification, herbal and homeopathic remedies, and behavioral therapy.

* Dietary Modification:

One of your first considerations in an alternative treatment for ADHD would be to watch what you eat (or in a parent’s case, watch what your child eats). Ingredients found in foods that commonly contribute to ADHD symptoms can be found in (you guessed it!) junk food. Don’t bring it in the home! Other foods include fried food and dairy products. Don’t eat food with MSG on the label.

Watch out for food coloring such as the dreaded yellow dye #2 or any of the other dyes they put in foods and drinks for added color. Do a little research on your own and then you might want to consult a nutritionist to come up with a diet for your child.

Although a dietary plan is very effective, and a must, it alone will not be enough to be considered an ADHD cure all. Remember, for permanent results, you must incorporate all three types of ADHD alternative holistic treatment. There are no short cuts.

* Behavioral Therapy:

No parent wants to medicate their kid so much that their creative personalities come to a halt. A kid needs to be a kid! That’s why behavioral therapy is a popular choice. My son saw a psychologist for two years in a group setting. It really helped him with his social skills. Before therapy he wouldn’t and couldn’t relate to anyone. Most insurances will cover the therapy.

* Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies:

Combined with dietary modification and behavioral therapy, herbal or homeopathic remedies will be just as effective, but safer, as prescription medicines. The combination of the three make for an attractive alternative treatment for ADHD. A good herbal or homeopathic remedy will eliminate symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, squirming, talking excessively, interrupting others, and more. None of them are habit forming and they also have no side effects. This is because all ingredients are natural and and work synergistically to restore balance to the body.

So now you know what you need to do for your child if you want to try an alternative treatment for ADHD. I went the natural way with my son because nobody knows what the long-term effects might be from prescription medicines. There was also concerns about all the negative side effects associated with the drugs. Besides that, I wanted to get to the root of the problem and not just cover it up with a prescribed medicated band aid. Just remember this. It’s all about your child’s health.

Diana Ketchen
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/an-adhd-alternatve-treatment-is-better-for-your-childs-health-718516.html

I’ve had ADD/ADHD and Bipolar disorder since I was in elementary school. I’ve been on Ritilin, Strattera, Aderal, and more that I’m probably forgetting. None of them treated me ‘effectively’. There was always some bad side effect that made me miserable, with all the pills. Nausea, Vomiting, Depression.. but the worst part was I never noticed any change in myself, my mood or my attention span.. (especially with Strattera) and obviously my parents didn’t either as they kept taking me back to get my meds changed or to up the dose.

I’ve been off ALL medicine for about 3 years now (I’m 22) and I feel great. I’ve learned to manage my mental problems on my own and now have my own house, a good job and a stable relationship.. but most important: I’m HAPPY.

If the medicine works for you, great. If it doesn’t, ask about Aderal. My friend who was also ADHD takes it and swears by it. Tho it never worked for me much, but it did have less negative side effects than the others. Good luck

My niece was diagnosed as ADHD as a child. Now she has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Does one disease progress into another? Or is it a case of misdiagnosis? Is it hereditary? She has 2 children who act just like she did as a child.

They have similiar symptoms, so it can be difficult to diagnose properly. It can also be a comorbid situation, in which both are present in one individual.

I believe I have both conditions, but very mild Bipolar - most likely 2 or cyclothymia. What many people do not know is that a lot of people with Bipolar disorder often experience an overlapping, mixed mood state, which I am in most of the time.

I also strongly agree with others who have said to stick to a diet free of processed foods, and educate yourself on the importance of choosing wholesome, organic over conventionally grown and raised food, not only for those of us with disorders but anyone who cares about their health. It’s quite an eye-opener.