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ALTERNATIVE APPROACH
Fortunately there are effective alternatives to medications.
A combination of herbs and nutritional support can often balance
brain chemistry naturally without side effects of medications. There are formulas available that are designed specifically to provide essential framework of lipids and fatty acids, natural hormones, as well as neural growth and synchronization factors quintessential for neural and glial cell generation in order to meet demands of increased neural "traffic" through reticular activating system.
Many herbs have been shown to provide relief from ADD/ADHD symptoms without side effects of prescription drugs. However, not all herbs are suitable for small children. They are best used synergistically in a reputable formula designed specifically for treatment of ADD/ADHD.
CONSIDERATIONS
AVOID SUGAR Research has shown that children with ADD and ADHD may not digest sugars properly. Sugar consumption has been linked to aggressive, restless behaviour.
IDENTIFY ALLERGIES Try to identify and avoid food allergens and neurotoxins such as artificial sweetners and food dyes.
AVOID SOFT DRINKS Both sugar-free and sweetened contain phosphates which displaces calcium/magnesium levels, causing exaggerated muscle activity.
GET PLENTY OF SUNLIGHT Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD. Occurring mostly in northern latitudes during winter months, SAD produces ADD-like symptoms. Consider exposure to full-spectrum lighting if unable to spend time outdoors each day.
REFERENCES:
Prescription For Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
12 Effective Ways to Help Your Add/Adhd Child: Drug-Free Alternatives for Attention-Deficit Disorders by Laura J. Stevens
THE LCP SOLUTION: The Remarkable Nutritional Treatment for ADHD, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia by Malcolm J. Nicholl
Transforming Difficult Child; The Nurtured Heart Approach by Howard Glasser
Cori Young is an author and herbalist living in the Pacific Northwest. Visit her website at http://www.WellnessWallcharts.com
