Input on "3 Steps to Conquering ADHD, Naturally"

We've been dealing with ADHD for a while, so I've been doing quite a bit of reading on it. I haven't heard of anyone having major success with alternative treatments, unless the ADHD is really mild. However, I think it's good to exhaust your options before trying medication. Have you done any behavioral therapy yet? That's what we did. When it was time for medication (which provided dramatic improvement), we were confident we'd done all we could on our own.

Good luck to you! ADHD is one very challenging and misunderstood condition, so hang in there.

EDITED TO ADD: If you haven't discovered it already, there's a great magazine called ADDitude that's devoted to ADHD. It's very neutral, covering all sorts of alternative treatments as well as medications. It's really well done; an easy read. I look forward to each issue. www.additudemag.com

M.

1 mom found this helpful

cut out refined foods and eat whole foods

I haven't read the book, but I have found alternatives to medication for my daughter. Mind you, her ADHD was mild to begin with. We've done a combination of behavioral therapy, omega 3-6-9, staying away from refined sugars (we allow it on weekends occasionally,) flower essences, and movement therapy. It has been about 3 years now, and WOW, she has really changed. We also took our kids out of public school and went to Waldorf where she is not seen as "ADHD." They actually understand her need for moving out energy when she has a hard time staying focused. In public school they would "bench" her which would only make it WORSE!!!

There are 2 books I have found useful for understanding how to work WITH ADHD rather than against it; "the Gift of ADHD," by Lara Honos-Webb, Ph.D and "The Edison Gene, ADHD and the gift of the Hunter Child," by Thom Hartmann

One of the greatest learnings she has gotten is using her abundance of energy to help others. My husband taught her the phrase, "How can I help?" She gets the attention she craves in a positive way and channels her energy for doing good rather than being destructive. Her teacher calls her the "Go To Girl!"

I am open to further questions. It is definitely a work in progress. Make sure you are taking care of your self in the meantime. It has been a huge test in my capacity for compassion and patience. Blessings on your journey...

Hello T.,
As a mother who has a son with adhd, I know its frustrating. My son has emotional, impulsive issues. We tried different medicines & he was uncooperative. My son is now 15, he has grown out of some of his bad habits.
He stole from me, lies but tells on himself. I haven't read the book, concerta did work for him. He made excuses not to continue taking them. A child with adhd may have it for the rest of their life. Sometimes they grow out of it.
I wish you lots of luck.

Hello
I am a licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist and Massage Therapist. I specialize in Pediatrics and Woman's Health. I have worked with kids at Children's hospital with Autism and spectrum disorders. ADD/ ADHD can be treated alternatively with Traditional Chinese Medicine. If you need a referral please contact me.

Thanks
Jennifer French
www.pearlmoon.us

DETOXIFY OR DIE:
http://www.amazon.com/Detoxify-Die-Sherry-Rogers/dp/18872...

Body Ecology Diet:
http://www.amazon.com/Body-Ecology-Diet-Donna-Gates/dp/09...

Love, G.. :0)
http://stemcellforautism.blogspot.com/

I read about: A little known vision disorder called "convergence insufficiency" symptoms overlap ADHD and there can be misdiagnoses. Dr. Granet offers a test: ask child to hold head up and watch tip of a pencil as you slowly bring it to their nose. If one eye swings out instead of in, eye exam is in order.

This condensed excerpt from Parents magazine

I am glad you are looking for medicinal alternatives.
Good luck with this!!

I have had significant results with some of the alternatives offered in "Twelve Effective Ways to Help Your ADD/ADHD Child: Drug-Free Alternatives for Attention Deficit Disorders". The book was recommended by our behavioral psychologist. Specifically, the things that have worked best for my daughter are the wheat-free/dairy-free diet, omega-3 supplements, and eliminating artificial flavors and colors. She also has been in occupational therapy addressing "sensory seeking" behaviors, which also has been very beneficial. It's a lot of work, but I do notice significant slips in her behavior when we get lax on any element of her treatment program. After sticking with the program for about a year, it has become much easier and somewhat routine. At 5, my daughter is learning how to eat well for her own health, and she recognizes symptoms when she has eaten something that she shouldn't have. I know that this approach does not work for everyone, but I much prefer it to having her on medication every day. Good luck!

There is another good book called Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride. Definitely worth reading!

You can control it, for the most part, with diet. Completely eliminate Red Dye and Refined Sugar from his/her diet. I am an adult that would have been diagnosed AHAD as a child if not for lack of medical knowledge, but I was also a sugar hollic.... ALL kids would benefit from this, I recognize a measureable difference in my kids behaviour.

Hi T.,

I went to a Child's Wellness Expo on Aug 2 and it was incredible. There were 13 doctors that came from around the country to educate how important it is to put your children in a healthier environment so they stay healthy.

There will be another event on Aug 23 in Santa Cruz with a few nurses and doctors explaining why we need to create this environment. They will talk about natural solutions for ADD/ADHD, Autism and other challenges we are faced with today.

If this is something that interest you let me know and I will send you a flier.

Wishing you well.

N. Marie
____@____.com

Have you read "Ritalin Free Kids" by Drs. Robert Ullman and Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman? They also have a website http://www.ritalinfreekids.com

I have not read the book, but your question reminded me of a very interesting article I just finished reading. It is in the July/August 2008 issue of Experience Life. Their website is www.experiencelifemag.com. It is the second part of a six part series on funtional heath. In it the doctor discusses the harsh effects of insulin overload and how they believe the inflammation it causes in the body is linked to many diseases. They are even going as far as catorgorizing Alzheimer's as Type 3 diabetes because of it's effects. They also mentioned ADHD in regards to the same effect.
Anyway, it might be worth reading, just to have more information to consider.

I have not heard of it...but would be interested in taking a look at it. Where did you find it?? I just also recently posted on here looking for tools and tips on dealing with ADD son. Would appreciate the info. Thanks :)

Hi T.! We've recently stumbled across a company that makes all-natural cooking spices and oils that will help with ADHD and ADD. My husband is ADHD, and although he'd never admit (he doesn't think he even needs meds, so won't take any), there has been an incredible improvement in his attitude and focus since switching to all-natural foods. The company was actually started by a pharmacist with children that had ADD and huge food allergies. Visit wildtree.com for more information. Also, make sure you check out the hyperactivity news articles in the About Us section.

Hope it helps!
~K.

Hi T.,

I am a customer of a health and wellness store and the first thing they always say is to take the chemicals out of the home. So make sure you are using safer products in your home for everything, from cleaning to bathing as well as taking vitamins. I have heard many customers that shop with them say that they have seen vast improvements with their children with ADD/ADHD once they got all of the toxic products out of their home. My daughter has eczema and it was amazing how it went away when we started using their healthier, safer products. Let me know if you interested in more information

Good Luck!