Articles
A NATUROPATHIC APPROACH TO ADD/ADHD
Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) with possible Hyperactivity (ADHD) is difficult. Misdiagnosed children may simply be bored and under-stimulated or use the mischievious behavior as a coping strategy to deal with family dysfunction. In addition, hearing loss, visual disturbances or dyslexia should all be ruled out before medication is administered.
Conventional medicine treats ADD with Ritalin (methylphenidate), a member of the cocaine family, as the drug of choice. Its side effects include temporary growth retardation, stomach aches, Tourette's syndrome and a chemical dependency.
The main issue is that most people are unaware of the potentially causative agents, which if identified and rectified can produce a vast improvement in symptoms. However, ignorance is not bliss when children must ingest drugs to facilitate the learning process and appropriate behavior.
Two aspects prevail in ADHD: hyperactivity and/or a learning disability. The majority of hyperactivity has been linked to food additives, food allergies and sucrose (sugar) consumption. Factors relevant to learning disabilities should also be considered in children with hyperactivity. These include chronic otitis media (recurrent ear infections), nutrient deficiencies and heavy metals.
SUCROSE (SUGAR)
A strong association exists between sugar consumption and artificial food dyes. However, the negative effect of sugar on behavior is explained by abnormal glucose tolerance, predominantly hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Eating sugar causes an initially high blood sugar level, which the insulin hormone decreases, resulting in a blood sugar level that is too low. This is termed reactive hypoglycemia (crashing after sugar consumption), which eventually results in hyperactivity as adrenaline is released to compensate for the low blood sugar level.
FOOD ALLERGIES & FOOD ADDITIVES
Food additives encompass a large range of chemicals, as in the USA 5,000 additives are used! Examples include anti-caking agents (e.g. calcium silicate), antioxidants (e.g. BHT & BHA), bleaching agents, colorings, flavorings, emulsifiers, minerals salts, preservatives (e.g. benzoates, nitrates & sulphites), thickeners and vegetable gums.
Elimination of only food additives from the diet is inadequate, since food allergies induce psychological symptoms such as hyperactivity, poor concentration, mood swings, anxiety, depression, fatigue and food cravings. Many clinical studies have shown that fifty percent of those that tried a hypoallergenic diet displayed a decrease in symptoms of hyperactivity.
state of the art technology, to test for both immediate and delayed food allergy reactions, is called the ELISA test (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay). It is available through a naturopathic physician and involves an individualís sample of blood, on which ninety-six different foods are tested, to provide accurate and reproducible results.
OTITIS MEDIA
Learning-disabled children have a current and early incidence of otitis media, twice as common as non-learning-disabled children. Therefore, prevention through identification and elimination of food allergies is key to dealing with chronic otitis media.
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES
Any nutrient deficiency can result in impaired brain function. For example, processing and preservation of foods results in losses of vitamins and trace minerals, as in refined carbohydrates (bagels, bread, pasta & baked goods). Iron deficiency is quite common in children, and is associated with decreased attentiveness, persistence and voluntary activity. Elevated levels of cadmium (found in second-hand cigarette smoke) cause zinc deficiency. These abnormalities are both prevalent in learning disabled children. Poor nutrition and nutrient deficiencies go hand in hand, so supplementation of B complex, calcium and essential fatty acids (omega 3 & 6) may also be beneficial in many children. It has also been demonstrated that correction of even subtle nutritional variables has a substantial influence on learning and behavior.
HEAVY METALS
Many studies have shown the link between childhood learning disabilities and body stores of heavy metals, particularly lead. General patterns of increased hair levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, copper and manganese characterize learning disabilities. Hair mineral analysis, available through a naturopathic physician, detects elevated levels of heavy metals, which are prevalent with poor nutrition, due to lack of food factors which either chelate the heavy metals or decrease their absorption.
HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathic remedies tailored to a child's genetic predisposition, physical attributes, mental and emotional differences account for a holistic, individualized approach. The child's specific constitutional remedy stimulates the body's inherent ability to heal itself.
Logically, the use of methylphenidate (Ritalin) should be a last resort, if other alternatives fail.
This article is for educational purposes only and do not advocate self-diagnosis. Due to individual variability, consultation with a licensed health professional, such as a naturopathic physician is highly recommended, prior to starting a natural treatment plan.
For further information, see Use of our Website. Call Dr. Jiwani to schedule an initial consultation, at 604-585-7786.
