5 Ways to Fight ADD Naturally
By: Leanne Holcomb
Always look for all natural supplements from reputable, reliable sources. Never give supplements to a child or drastically alter diet without consulting your physician or trusted natural health care professional! Make intelligent, informed decisions concerning your health and the health of those you love.
1. Fish, Flax Seed, and/or Evening Primrose Seed Oil, natural sources of essential omega 3 fatty acids, feed the brain and aid attention. Essential omega 3 fatty acids are not naturally produced by the body but necessary for good health and must be supplied through the diet. This deficiency is exacerbated by the current low fat, or “fake fat” diet craze. Omega-3s have membrane-enhancing capabilities in brain cells and help the brain to repair damage by promoting neuronal growth.
2. Magnesium and Vitamin B6 may help calm the central nervous system. Studies published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition have shown that children with ADHD have significantly lower red blood cell magnesium levels than controls, and that intervention with magnesium and vitamin B6 reduced hyperactivity, hyperemotivity/aggressiveness and improved school attention. Magnesium is found in foods like green vegetables, seeds, nuts (especially almonds and cashews) and whole grains. Foods containing B6 are meats (lean beef and pork), chicken, fish (salmon, tuna, trout), potatoes, leafy green veggies, potatoes, sunflower seeds, garbanzo beans, fortified cereals and bananas. Magnesium and B6 are also widely available supplements.
3. Phosphatidylserine (PS), a phospholipid nutrient, is essential for normal neuronal cell membrane function. Thousands of published research papers and over 60 clinical trials have established that phosphatidylserine can rejuvenate your brain cell membranes, aiding concentration, increasing attention, improving mood, and decreasing stress (among other benefits). PS may be found in fish, green leafy vegetables, soybeans and rice, and is also available as a plant-based, nutritional supplement.
4. Theanine is an amino acid which reportedly crosses the blood-brain barrier and therefore is considered to have ‘psychoactive’ properties. Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress and can produce feelings of relaxation and “minimal sedation”. Theanine increases brain serotonin and dopamine levels (Seratonin and dopamine deficiencies are speculated in ADD patients.), and also promotes alpha wave production in the brain. There is no evidence that theanine causes any harmful psychological or physical effects, even in high doses. Theanine is commonly found in tea (white tea, green tea, oolong and black tea). It is also available as a nutritional supplement.
5. Test for Allergies. CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington D.C. and Ontario, Canada, is a reputable, non-profit group of scientists advocating nutrition, health, food safety and other important issues since 1971) reviewed 25 years of studies and issued a report in 1999 concluding that ADHD can be caused by foods and/or food additives. An unbelievable number of parents (and I personally know a few of them myself) testify that dietary changes drastically improve symptoms in their ADD child/children. It should also be noted that many, if not most doctors will disagree that food allergies/sensitivities can be responsible for ADD behavior. There is a raging dispute over the authenticity of research, tests and studies from both sides, but it is an undeniable fact that there are studies that show some people do react to certain food dyes (Especially Yellow #5! I can attest to this as I personally had a severe allergic reaction in 2001 to the Yellow #5 in an over-the-counter fiber drink). Other considerations are sensitivities to preservatives and foods including (but certainly not limited to) sugars and wheat. You may also experiment with food eliminations to pinpoint sensitivities. Eliminate one food for at least six weeks before moving on to another. This should be an adequate amount of time to reveal any changes/improvements. Start with dairy or refined sugar! And remember, you don’t have to rely upon allopathic (conventional) medicine as the final word on any condition. Be strong and trust your instincts. Do the research, seek out and communicate with others in your situation, and decide for yourself.
References: Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 23, No. 5, 545S-548S (2004); Autism Research Review International, Vol. 1 (4), 1987 For more information about natural health, herbs, organic gardening and how to easily and inexpensively convert your household to eco-friendly, non-disposable cloth, visit Leanne and Melissa at www.herbaluna.com.