| umber of children being diagnosed with ADHD has | | | | have been done over the last two decades. Many |
| exploded over recent years. The American Society of | | | | parents have reported that hyperactivity is reduced in |
| Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) believes | | | | as little as eight weeks when they limit consumption of |
| that 10% of boys and 5% of girls suffer from this | | | | sugar, foods with chemical additives and refined foods |
| disorder. While the United States is responsible for 5% | | | | in their children’s diets. They claim their child is |
| of the world population it uses 90% of all the Ritalin | | | | more focused and less disruptive when given a diet |
| manufactured in it. Even children under the age of 5 | | | | high in whole grains and vegetables with a controlled |
| are being given these drugs for ADHD. Between 1991 | | | | amount of protein. In light of the current problem with |
| and 1995 the increased usage for this age group has | | | | childhood obesity this choice of a more healthy diet |
| grown a jaw dropping 107% for girls and 78% for | | | | can help with weight control also. |
| boys. Many people are staring to be concerned about | | | | Natural Herbs |
| the sometimes harsh side effects these drugs exhibit. | | | | There are a number of herbs that are known to calm |
| So it is no wonder that parents are seeking alternative | | | | the nervous system. Some of these include St. Johns |
| treatments for their children. | | | | Wort, skullcap, hops, passion flower and lemon balm to |
| The most common medications prescribed for ADHD | | | | name a few. These can be taken safely as long as |
| are Ritalin and Adderall. These drugs are known as | | | | you remember that a child’s dose should be |
| psychostimulants. While many children taking these | | | | one forth to one half of the adult dose that is |
| drugs experience improved focus better grades in | | | | recommended by the manufacturer. |
| school and generally feel better about themselves they | | | | Take a Break from Technology |
| do come with side effects. These include insomnia, | | | | We all know how much time our children spend on |
| weight loss, abdominal pain, headaches and depression. | | | | computers, cell phones, and watching television each |
| In 2007 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued | | | | day. This constant exposure to electronic stimulation |
| warnings of side effects like stunted growth and | | | | does two things. It fragments their attention span and |
| psychiatric problems. So it is not surprising that parents | | | | exposes them to unhealthy levels of EMR |
| are looking for alternative therapies. We have listed a | | | | (electromagnetic radiation). When a child is sensitive to |
| few natural ways that you can treat this condition. | | | | EMR it can cause agitation to the nervous system. |
| Get Your Child into a Routine | | | | Some of the side effects from this are memory and |
| Children with ADHD have a natural tendency toward | | | | attention problems, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, |
| chaos. They find new activities and adventures | | | | dizziness and headaches. It is suggested that you limit |
| appealing. The fact is that they are balanced by the | | | | exposure to one hour per day. |
| exact opposite. You want to create a nurturing | | | | In conclusion, you need to work with your child. They |
| environment for them. Creating a set time to do | | | | need to feel loved and part of this new routine. |
| homework, eat meals, exercise and go to bed each | | | | Suggest that he or she have a nutritional snack instead |
| day provides them with this. | | | | of a sugary one. Or playtime includes the new remote |
| Make Sure Your Child has a Healthy Diet | | | | control car they have instead of a computer game. By |
| At this time the current medical standing is that there is | | | | doing this you and your child will be much happier in the |
| no link between food and ADHD. This is stark contrast | | | | long run. |
| to numerous studies that suggest the opposite which | | | | |