| Health Concerns > ADD, ADHD | May 13, 2008 |
There are actually three forms of the disease. In addition to ADD, ADHD is simply ADD with hyperactivity. A "residual" type affects older persons. In this article about Dr. Smith's diagnosis of his own ADD, he uses "ADD" to refer to all three types.
Experts agree that ADD is multicausal. That is, in any one case there are usually several factors that contribute to the disease. These are: nutritional deficiencies, food allergies, chemical sensitivities, and toxic exposures (from food, air, water, chemicals, and drugs).
Symptoms
People with ADD are hyperactive: they have a hard time sitting still. They suffer from an attention disorder; that is, they are easily distractible, have short attention spans, and find it difficult to concentrate and listen. They are impulsive, may have disorders of memory and learning, or manifest specific learning disabilities. They may also have abnormal EEGs and specific neurological signs.Approach
Get tested. Functional testing can form the basis for drug free, natural therapies for ADD.Because most ADD kids have multiple food allergies, I recommend a Food Allergy Panel. (The best and most inexpensive of these is offered by Meridian Valley Labs in Kent, WA. 1-425-271-8689; www.meridianvalleylab.com.) All foods that cause even moderate antibody elevations should be eliminated.
Next, Get a Hair Mineral Analysis from Doctor’s Data Lab (1-800-323-2784; www.doctorsdata.com). This test is a "must" because a high percentage of ADD kids have significant body stores of certain toxic metals, especially lead, aluminum, and cadmium. These can be removed using nutritional medicines. Essential minerals may be deficient or elevated in ADD kids. The essential minerals copper and manganese are often elevated, while iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium are often deficient. Hair Mineral Analysis will show which toxics are present in excess and which essential minerals are deficient and therefore require replacement.
Fats play a significant role in brain biochemistry. Essential fatty acid imbalances have been closely linked with ADD. Essential fatty acids are necessary for nerve cell membrane integrity. The body makes locally acting hormones called eicosanoids from fatty acids. Eicosanoids help regulate sleep, act as natural sedatives, and ensure proper communication within the brain. The best test to assess fatty acid metabolism is the Great Smokies Diagnostic Labs' (1-800-522-4762; www.gsdl.com) Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acid Analysis. A variety of essential fatty acid products is available to restore balance.
In some children it is necessary to evaluate digestive function. Microbes manufacture toxins in the gut that can alter brain chemistry and adversely affect nerve cells. If there is evidence of yeast overgrowth, bacterial imbalance, or parasitic infection--or if there are intestinal symptoms of any kind--a Great Smokies (1-800-522-4762; www.gsdl.com) Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis should be done.
The first step in treatment should be to remove the Ritalin. Are kids with ADD suffering form a Ritalin deficiency? I don't think so! At best, Ritalin is a quick fix that masks the symptoms. At worst, it is a nerve toxin with unknown long-term effects. According to Lendon Smith, M.D., the famous pediatrician, "The nutritional approach may be slower, but it is much safer."
Diet is all-important, and should be focused on natural whole, unprocessed foods, free of additives, preservatives, and food coloring agents. Inadequate nutrition--in the form of a diet of refined, processed foods, deficient in essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes--will effectively damage nerve cell function. All known food allergens must be removed to reduce stress on the brain and immune system. Sugar should be avoided altogether. And a high quality multivitamin-mineral formula is essential.
Suggested Supplements
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of phytonutrient flavone compounds in treating ADD. Quercitin and other bioflavonoids, pycnogenol, ginkgo, grape seed extract, and other phytonutrients provide powerful antioxidant protection, support the immune system, maintain healthy blood vessels and capillaries, and promote proper liver function for detoxification.The omega-3 essential fatty acid DHA (docosahexanoic acid) has been found to be deficient in ADHD patients. Since DHA plays an important role in brain development and optimum cortical functioning, many experts have advocated supplementation. Because it fosters optimum brain development, it is recommended by the World Health Organization.
Research shows that many people with ADHD suffer from a dietary deficiency of fatty acids. When long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids like DHA are introduced into their diet they often show marked improvement.
Clinical trials, principally at Purdue University in the United States and the universities of Surrey and Oxford in the United Kingdom have clearly demonstrated that essential fatty acid supplementation can produce significant improvements.
As little as 480 mg a day of one of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can make a difference. In fact, research indicates that DHA supplements can be a viable alternative to Ritalin for children with ADHD.
Flaxseed oil, as a source of alpha linoleic acid, is also essential for optimum brain functioning and has been shown to benefit ADHD patients.
| ||||
Dr. Smith recommends the following supplements
for this health concern. Detailed infomation is
available by clicking on the product name.
|
|
|