ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder and is a problem growing among children today. In fact, ADD is the type of hyperactivity disorder most commonly diagnosed behavior disorder in children, but it can also be found in adults. It is believed to afflict more than two million children. For treatment Ritalin and other similar stimulating drugs are often prescribed. However, studies indicate use of these drugs may have long-term side effects on the brain long after its effective use is over. Because of this, many parents seek out use of natural or homeopathic remedies for treatment. Use of non mainstream treatments is heavily debated and studies showing effectiveness are largely inconclusive.
Diet
Diet modification is reported to have lasting positive results on children suffering from ADD. The popularity of this theory was developed by Dr. Benjamin Feingold who claimed the increase in children diagnosed with ADD is directly related with the increase in artificial sweeteners and preservatives in food. Reducing the amount of these in the diet can produce the desired result. Sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives and caffeine can all contribute to undesired behavior evident in children with ADD. Reducing the amounts of these types of food items will be beneficial and help with overall health as they have little or no nutritional value.
Vitamins
The increase of alertness, typical in children suffering from ADD, has been reportes as a consequence of using vitamins such as B6, though no conclusive studies have been accepted. Zinc is also a popular vitamin used to assist in reducing the behavioral effects of ADD. Currently, using multivitamins to enhance the diet is reported to be the best option.
Herbal Remedies
Certain mixtures and wrong doses of herbs can cause harm. Therefore, a consultation with a homeopath for advice on which herbs to use before treatment is highly suggested. Use of Pycnogenol, an extract of pine tree bark, is claimed to improve the attention span; however studies have been inconclusive. Improvements in attention, blood flow to the brain, cognitive retention and stress relief are reported to be available in certain herbs such as ginkgo, ginseng, brahmi, green oats and gotu kola.
Audio Visual Stimulation
Cases of great success have been reported using audio video stimulation. A process called brainwave entrainment is used to alter patterns of brainwaves. This method is not yet widely popular but has reported significant successful treatments. It is an inexpensive treatment; however it is not covered by most insurance companies.
You can find an example of ADD based on brainwave entrainment here:
http://www.mentallion.com/binauralBeats.action#40600
Research all available treatment options for ADD before committing to one. Using various herbs and drugs can have a negative effect, so use with caution and under the supervision of a physician or homeopath. With the growing frequency of ADD diagnoses, finding effective cures is of utmost importance.
Diet
Diet modification is reported to have lasting positive results on children suffering from ADD. The popularity of this theory was developed by Dr. Benjamin Feingold who claimed the increase in children diagnosed with ADD is directly related with the increase in artificial sweeteners and preservatives in food. Reducing the amount of these in the diet can produce the desired result. Sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives and caffeine can all contribute to undesired behavior evident in children with ADD. Reducing the amounts of these types of food items will be beneficial and help with overall health as they have little or no nutritional value.
Vitamins
The increase of alertness, typical in children suffering from ADD, has been reportes as a consequence of using vitamins such as B6, though no conclusive studies have been accepted. Zinc is also a popular vitamin used to assist in reducing the behavioral effects of ADD. Currently, using multivitamins to enhance the diet is reported to be the best option.
Herbal Remedies
Certain mixtures and wrong doses of herbs can cause harm. Therefore, a consultation with a homeopath for advice on which herbs to use before treatment is highly suggested. Use of Pycnogenol, an extract of pine tree bark, is claimed to improve the attention span; however studies have been inconclusive. Improvements in attention, blood flow to the brain, cognitive retention and stress relief are reported to be available in certain herbs such as ginkgo, ginseng, brahmi, green oats and gotu kola.
Audio Visual Stimulation
Cases of great success have been reported using audio video stimulation. A process called brainwave entrainment is used to alter patterns of brainwaves. This method is not yet widely popular but has reported significant successful treatments. It is an inexpensive treatment; however it is not covered by most insurance companies.
You can find an example of ADD based on brainwave entrainment here:
http://www.mentallion.com/binauralBeats.action#40600
Research all available treatment options for ADD before committing to one. Using various herbs and drugs can have a negative effect, so use with caution and under the supervision of a physician or homeopath. With the growing frequency of ADD diagnoses, finding effective cures is of utmost importance.
