Managing ADHD without Drugs

Drugs sales for the treatment of ADHD has skyrocketed over the last two decades.  Approximately 13 percent of children's prescription dollars are spent on this class of medications. Add to this the fact that sometimes, through over zealous evaluation and diagnosis, many children are being incorrectly diagnosed resulting in their taking medications that they don't need as well as being exposed to potential negative outcomes of medication side effects. Such facts are raising the eyebrows of concerned medical and educational professionals.

 Granted, some children need the medication which, along with counselling, may help them manage difficult behaviors.  However, a growing number of health care practitioners are voicing concerns about current treatment protocols and recommending as adjunct treatment some simple steps that could help manage  the disorder  resulting in a possible reduction or discontinuing of medication.  (Of course, the medical professional should make this decision along with the input of parents, teachers and the child study team).

This post will examine several treatments options for managing this disorder.

Minimize food additives

Additives such as food colorings and artificial flavors may trigger behavioral changes in sensitive, as well as trigger allergic reactions. Studies have shown that children given drinks containing artificial dye showed significantly higher hyperactive behavior within a few hours.  Try giving water and more natural fruit juices.

Consider an elimination diet

There are many children and adults who are sensitive to products such as wheat, MSG, soy, corn, gluten and dairy.  Studies have revealed that when these food items were removed from the diet for a period of approximately six weeks, the behaviors lessened.   Then, as the food items were reintroduced, the behaviors began again. It may be necessary to play detective, but many interesting changes may come as a result.

TV and ADHD

It is a known fact that  excessive TV and video games causes a worsening of ADHD.  It is a good idea to recommend outdoor physical activity for your youngster.

Organic Shopping

Try to buy produce in whole supermarkets. Hopefully this will eliminate some of the harmful chemicals and pesticides often found in conventional supermarkets.  Again, through studies, children who were found to have more pesticide residue found in the urine, were more likely to be diagosed with ADHD.

Iron Levels

Studies have shown that children diagnosed with ADHD were more likely to have lower iron levels.  Once supplementation was begun, the symptoms greatly improved to the point of adjusting or discontinuing medications.

Ask your doc to check serum iron and ferritin levels.

Sources:

Marshall, Lisa, Natural Approacfhes to ADHD"