De-hyping ADHD
Q: My son was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. I don't want to put him on Ritalin if I can help it. Is there anything else I can do for him?
JVW: I've worked with dozens of children over the years who have been diagnosed with this condition (more commonly referred to as ADHD). And not a single one of them needed to be on Ritalin. There are several natural solutions to this problem, starting with a thorough allergy and sensitivity screening. Every ADHD-diagnosed child I've ever worked with has had significant allergies to foods (sometimes even healthy foods, although dairy products tend to be some of the primary culprits).
Also, all ADHD children are sensitive to some of the molecules naturally present in their own bodies, particularly neurotransmitters and hormones. To be perfectly honest, I have no idea why this occurs, but I have seen some remarkable improvements in so-called "ADHD" just from desensitizing to neurotransmitters such as serotonin, adrenalin, GABA, etc.
Another factor to consider is that some ADHD behavior can actually be triggered by fluorescent and other artificial lighting. While you don't have much control over what sorts of light bulbs your son's school uses, you can control what kinds you use in your own home. Try switching to "full-spectrum" fluorescent or incandescent lights.
You'll need to work with a physician skilled and knowledgeable in natural and environmental medicine to tailor a program to your son's specific needs. To locate one in your area, contact the American Academy of Environmental Medicine at (316)684-5500 or www.aaem.com.
What is...GABA?
GABA stands for gamma-aminobutyric acid. It is an amino acid found in the central nervous system that acts as a neurotransmitter to help control the nerve cells from firing too fast. Thanks to this action, GABA helps inhibit electrical signals that cause seizures and spasms. |
