The term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is well-known today. This problem affects both children and adults; people don't always 'grow out of it'. Schoolchildren, especially younger ones, may have trouble settling into a classroom environment, which requires concentration, sitting still, and being quiet. School officials routinely recommend medication for disruptive students, but parents are turning more and more to holistic ADHD treatment in New York City and other districts.
Faulty nerve connection in the brain is said to cause this disorder, but many people believe that outward factors are to blame. In other words, ADHD kids are made, not born. Children who cannot focus are asked to sit still, be quiet, and learn the Three R's - and many of them simply can't do it. This causes disruption in the classroom and frustration for both teachers and students.
Holistic means addressing the entire system to diagnose and handle disorder. This includes physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, social, and environmental analysis. For instance, a child might 'act out' in school because of stress at home or because of like lead paint in their bedroom. Some children have food allergies that lead to a lack of concentration, or they may suffer from vitamin insufficiency. Some sort of abuse - either at home, at school, or during after-school hours - could trigger problems.
Simply prescribing a calming drug does not address any of the above issues. Such medication might be the best approach, but every person and every situation is different. A one-size-fits-all philosophy may be only a temporary fix, leaving underlying problems to continue or worsen.
Although research is ambivalent on the value of food restrictions and proper diet, informed mothers of ADHD kids are not. They try to avoid sugary, high-carbohydrate snacks. To this end, they may discourage teachers from handing out candy at school and try to make sure their kids have a special snack for class celebrations. They build meals around good quality protein, fresh vegetables, and whole grain products.
Another dietary restriction that has won mothers' hearts is eliminating all artificial food colorings, flavorings, and preservatives from their children's diets. For this reason, many ADHD children eat a all-natural diet. These kids also do better on a high-protein, complex-carbohydrate regime of whole foods and fresh vegetables. Allergy testing is helpful, since allergic reaction can include hyperactivity.
Supplements have been shown to be helpful. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are hard to obtain in western diets, have shown to be so helpful that many doctors now recommend them for their patients. These are naturally present in cold-water, wild-caught fish (farming reduces the levels and warmer waters hold more pollutants), good oils like organic olive and flax, and nuts. However, taking a daily dose in pill or liquid form is an easy way to ensure dietary sufficiency.
Testing for zinc, magnesium, and other minerals has shown that these children are often low in vital nutrients. A lack of physical activity and too much 'screen time' is considered harmful. This helps explain the popularity of after-school martial arts programs. Mild calming herbs like chamomile may help. Pharmaceuticals might be necessary, but it makes sense to try a natural approach first.
Faulty nerve connection in the brain is said to cause this disorder, but many people believe that outward factors are to blame. In other words, ADHD kids are made, not born. Children who cannot focus are asked to sit still, be quiet, and learn the Three R's - and many of them simply can't do it. This causes disruption in the classroom and frustration for both teachers and students.
Holistic means addressing the entire system to diagnose and handle disorder. This includes physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, social, and environmental analysis. For instance, a child might 'act out' in school because of stress at home or because of like lead paint in their bedroom. Some children have food allergies that lead to a lack of concentration, or they may suffer from vitamin insufficiency. Some sort of abuse - either at home, at school, or during after-school hours - could trigger problems.
Simply prescribing a calming drug does not address any of the above issues. Such medication might be the best approach, but every person and every situation is different. A one-size-fits-all philosophy may be only a temporary fix, leaving underlying problems to continue or worsen.
Although research is ambivalent on the value of food restrictions and proper diet, informed mothers of ADHD kids are not. They try to avoid sugary, high-carbohydrate snacks. To this end, they may discourage teachers from handing out candy at school and try to make sure their kids have a special snack for class celebrations. They build meals around good quality protein, fresh vegetables, and whole grain products.
Another dietary restriction that has won mothers' hearts is eliminating all artificial food colorings, flavorings, and preservatives from their children's diets. For this reason, many ADHD children eat a all-natural diet. These kids also do better on a high-protein, complex-carbohydrate regime of whole foods and fresh vegetables. Allergy testing is helpful, since allergic reaction can include hyperactivity.
Supplements have been shown to be helpful. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are hard to obtain in western diets, have shown to be so helpful that many doctors now recommend them for their patients. These are naturally present in cold-water, wild-caught fish (farming reduces the levels and warmer waters hold more pollutants), good oils like organic olive and flax, and nuts. However, taking a daily dose in pill or liquid form is an easy way to ensure dietary sufficiency.
Testing for zinc, magnesium, and other minerals has shown that these children are often low in vital nutrients. A lack of physical activity and too much 'screen time' is considered harmful. This helps explain the popularity of after-school martial arts programs. Mild calming herbs like chamomile may help. Pharmaceuticals might be necessary, but it makes sense to try a natural approach first.
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