Holistic ADHD Treatment In New York City

By Jocelyn Davidson


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.

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 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.

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.

Research has shown the benefits of some supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids have been proved to be both lacking in the diets of many problem kids and beneficial for attention disorders. These are present in food, notably cold-water wild-caught fish like salmon and cod (farmed fish have almost none of this nutrient in their flesh). To get enough of this essential nutrient, it is often taken in supplement form.

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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