Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) has gotten a lot of attention in recent decades, as more and more schoolchildren are put on pharmaceutical drugs to help them acclimate to the classroom. However, good results are being seen with holistic ADHD treatment in New York City and all across the country.
ADHD is believed to originate in the brain, where nerve cells that control the ability to focus are unable to connect properly. This means that children with this disorder may not be able to cope with the regular school environment, which involves long periods of quiet sitting and concentration. This is more of a physical problem than one of discipline, but it makes it hard for teachers to control a classroom.
Holistic medicine seeks to pinpoint the cause of illness, rather than treating the symptoms of it. The practice looks at mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental factors, as well as physical problems and manifestations. Children may be reacting to issues the teacher knows nothing about, like stress at home or problems interacting with peers. Environmental factors can include lead paint toxicity, for instance, while emotional imbalance could stem from abuse, fears of divorce, or grief over the loss of a parent. Physical reasons could include vitamin or mineral shortages or food allergies.
Obviously a one-size-fits-all calming drug will not help these kinds of causes of unusual behavior. This is why even conventional doctors are turning to the field of natural or alternative medicine for best results. Often a combination of pharmaceuticals and alternative methods achieves success.
All parents know that sugar jazzes kids up. The effect is magnified with hyperactive kids. Many parents severely limit or eliminate sugary treats and foods high in refined carbohydrates (which turn to sugar in the body). They avoid school lunches, ask teachers to not give out candy and cookies, and send in special snacks for their children if a class party is scheduled.
Many who have tried eliminating all artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors report that it works wonders. They say they can tell as soon as their kids get home if they've eaten something not all-natural. Often the children will have traded food with other kids or shared in a birthday treat. Many doctors also advocate allergy-testing for hyperactive kids; common allergens are wheat, nuts, and dairy products.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which the human body cannot produce internally and which must be obtained from the diet, are especially important for over-active children and adults. This disorder may be better controlled as people age, but it does not disappear. In fact, supplementing fish oils works so well many conventional doctors recommend it for their patients.
Minerals may also be helpful. Testing has shown that affected kids are often low in magnesium and zinc, for instance. Magnesium also helps deal with stress, when combined with adequate brisk exercise and restriction of 'screen time' (TV and computer). There are many mild, calming herbs, like chamomile. Trying a natural approach first only makes sense, with drugs used as a last resort.
ADHD is believed to originate in the brain, where nerve cells that control the ability to focus are unable to connect properly. This means that children with this disorder may not be able to cope with the regular school environment, which involves long periods of quiet sitting and concentration. This is more of a physical problem than one of discipline, but it makes it hard for teachers to control a classroom.
Holistic medicine seeks to pinpoint the cause of illness, rather than treating the symptoms of it. The practice looks at mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental factors, as well as physical problems and manifestations. Children may be reacting to issues the teacher knows nothing about, like stress at home or problems interacting with peers. Environmental factors can include lead paint toxicity, for instance, while emotional imbalance could stem from abuse, fears of divorce, or grief over the loss of a parent. Physical reasons could include vitamin or mineral shortages or food allergies.
Obviously a one-size-fits-all calming drug will not help these kinds of causes of unusual behavior. This is why even conventional doctors are turning to the field of natural or alternative medicine for best results. Often a combination of pharmaceuticals and alternative methods achieves success.
All parents know that sugar jazzes kids up. The effect is magnified with hyperactive kids. Many parents severely limit or eliminate sugary treats and foods high in refined carbohydrates (which turn to sugar in the body). They avoid school lunches, ask teachers to not give out candy and cookies, and send in special snacks for their children if a class party is scheduled.
Many who have tried eliminating all artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors report that it works wonders. They say they can tell as soon as their kids get home if they've eaten something not all-natural. Often the children will have traded food with other kids or shared in a birthday treat. Many doctors also advocate allergy-testing for hyperactive kids; common allergens are wheat, nuts, and dairy products.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which the human body cannot produce internally and which must be obtained from the diet, are especially important for over-active children and adults. This disorder may be better controlled as people age, but it does not disappear. In fact, supplementing fish oils works so well many conventional doctors recommend it for their patients.
Minerals may also be helpful. Testing has shown that affected kids are often low in magnesium and zinc, for instance. Magnesium also helps deal with stress, when combined with adequate brisk exercise and restriction of 'screen time' (TV and computer). There are many mild, calming herbs, like chamomile. Trying a natural approach first only makes sense, with drugs used as a last resort.
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