A new school year is underway! As classes resume, children and parents are adjusting to new schedules and demands, including getting up early, completing homework and participation in a myriad of after-school activities. While this new schedule can be challenging for nearly anyone, if you have a child suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the challenges you face can be even greater.  

The Center for Disease Control (CDC), citing data from the 2010 U.S. Census, reports 5 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 as having either ADD or ADHD.  Rates of ADD/ADHD rose at an average of 5.5 percent a year from 2003 to 2007.  When journalist Mike Adams spoke at an elementary school he learned 60 percent of children were currently taking (or had taken) medications to treat ADD/ADHD, two-thirds of the teachers were taking these same medications, as well as over 40 percent of the parents. While shocking, these rising statistics are becoming commonplace in America.  Yet other countries are not seeing the same rise in ADD/ADHD statistics.  Why?

In America, ADHD is viewed as a disorder with a biological cause. This means there is a checklist of symptoms and behaviors that classify a person as having ADD/ADHD, such as:

• Difficulty staying focused/paying attention
• Easily distracted
• Overlooking details
• Forgetful
• Daydreaming
• Easily confused
• Difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
• Fidgeting/trouble sitting still
• Non-stop talking 
• Frequently interrupts
• Impatient

Typically, the first course of treatment is a psycho-stimulant medication, such as Adderall or Ritalin, which come with a frightening list of side effects. Sometimes only medication is used, or medication may be combined with behavior modification therapy. According to Dr. Daniel Amen, a double board-certified leading child psychiatrist who is well known for his research on the brain, this standard approach to treating ADD/ADHD has a very low success rate. He states in the United States, social circumstances, emotional traumas, food sensitivities and dietary factors are often ignored while medication is the preferred treatment. Dr. Amen points out the U.S. is the No. 1 prescriber of stimulant medications, representing 80 to 85 percent of the world’s consumption.

Other countries, such as France, opt for a more holistic approach. French doctors look for and treat the cause of the behavior problems by considering past emotional traumas as well as dietary factors.  As a result, studies show the French prescribe fewer stimulant medications and get far better results. 

Dr. Robert Mendelssohn author of “How to Raise a Healthy Child…In Spite of Your Doctor” notes: “No one has ever been able to demonstrate that drugs such as Cylert and Ritalin (Adderall) improve the academic performance of the children who take them. … The pupil is drugged to make life easier for his teacher, not to make it better and more productive for the child.”

As parents, teachers and doctors, we should do everything we can to keep children off these medications and, instead offer what their bodies truly need. As the French have discovered, diet plays a huge role in effectively treating ADD/ADHD. The fast food, junk food and processed food that make up most of the American child’s diet is devoid of nutrients, especially minerals, which are necessary to build a healthy brain and strong body. Refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives and chemical food additives can cause nutritional deficiencies and lead to ADD/ADHD symptoms.

Another important, and often overlooked factor, contributing to ADD/ADHD is lack of sleep. Studies have found children and teens who don’t get 8-10 hours of sleep each night will exhibit symptoms of ADD/ ADHD.

Taking a natural approach to the treatment of ADD/ADHD can make a positive difference in the life of the child, as well as teachers and parents. If we focus on just three things we can vastly improve the quality of life for our children:

• Eat a diet of “real” food instead of processed food, especially beginning the day with a healthy breakfast 
• Get at least 8 hours of sleep
• Regular exercise
  

Some top foods for attention deficit individuals are those high in B vitamins, which help maintain a healthy nervous system. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, B-6 is needed in the body to make and use essential brain chemicals including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Serotonin plays a significant role in sleep and is also related to impulse control, emotional moods, and aggression – all of which are symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Incorporate bananas, avocados, sunflower seeds, wild tuna and salmon or grass fed beef for improvement of ADHD. Trytophan is an essential amino that helps synthesize protein and aid in production of serotonin. 

For some people (especially those with ADHD) breakfast helps regulate blood sugar and stabilize hormones. It is very important to eat a healthy breakfast that contains at least 20 grams of protein in the morning.

Essential oils can also be used as a natural remedy for ADD/ADHD. The American Medical Association Journal published a study proving effectiveness of vetiver, cedarwood and lavender oils to improve focus and calm down children with attention disorders. A drop of these oils can be easily placed on the child’s feet before bed or before school. Peppermint and rosemary oil have been shown to improve alertness and enhancing memory.

Regular physical exercise and outdoor play time for children with ADHD can help balance hormone levels, reduce stress, burn excess energy and provide building blocks for healthy muscles and bones. Try engaging in something fun like dancing, martial arts, playing soccer or tag!

These recommended diet and lifestyle changes will help you conquer ADD/ADHD. The solutions are equally effective for children and adults.

Pathways to Healing specializes in holistic chiropractic care. Dr. Alyssa Musgrove draws on a variety of techniques, including chiropractic, kinesiology, nutrition, food allergy testing and lifestyle counseling to assist clients in achieving optimal health and wellness in one setting. In addition, the practice is committed to being a valuable source of information so that people can learn how to live a healthy lifestyle and prevent future illness. Pathways to Healing is located at 1022 Founders Row, Lake Oconee Village, Greensboro. The office can be reached at 706-454-2040.