Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Taking this into account we can then offer a number of options that will assist you.

1. Education of your condition.
2. Offering Natural alternatives to prescribed medication – providing you obtain consent from medical specialist.
3. Information concerning medications – including common side effects and dosages.
4. Complimentary medicines that minimise side effects of medication.

It is estimated that about 4.4% of adults suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder ADD, however, the condition often goes unrecognised in adults.

SYMPTOMS OF ADD

• Inability to concentrate or sustain attention, inability to regulatetheir focus on a situation or problem or overstimulation of non-relevant stimuli
• Limited organisational skills, trouble following instructions or listening, fidgeting
• Periods of inactivity followed by periods of hyperactivity
• Easily distracted, forgetful
• Periods of inappropriate aggressiveness and intensity of emotions.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS FOR ADD

• Liver function is an important consideration due to the livers role in detoxification of heavy metals and cleansing of the blood and digestive system.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases contributing to maldigestion of nutrients.
• Food allergies and sensitivities to foods such as wheat (gluten), soy, sugar, dairy, corn, shellfish, nuts, food additives and dyes and preservatives.
• Thyroid disorders
• Drug induced – high or repeated doses of caffeine and stimulants.
• Nervous system stress

SUBSTANCES THAT MAY CAUSE OR EXACERBATE ADD

• Excessive consumption of Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), excessive consumption of sucrose, food additive tartrazine in the diet
• Excessive mineral levels in the blood and brain such as lead and copper are associated with ADD
• A causative factor may be impaired blood circulation to their putamen (a region of the Cerebrum of the brain, this part of the brain is responsible for flow of information)
• Protein deficiencies

DIET TIPS FOR ADD

There is a very close association between diet and learning disorders and the symptoms can be minimised with some simple dietary changes.

• Avoid all preservatives, colours and additives in the diet
• Ensure adequate amounts of quality protein
• Ensure proper hydration
• Avoid sugar
• Avoid any allergic foods

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ADD

• Fish oil is the main supplemental source of omega 3 and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) which is an essential fatty acid needed by the brain for neurotransmitters to effectively exchange information from the brain to the nervous system. I suggest a dosage of at least 1000mg DHA/ day. The increased requirement for the omega-3 essential fatty acids in people with ADD/ADHD has been extensively studied
• Support liver function with herbal medicines such as Dandelion, St Marys Thistle and Glutamine
• Nutrients such as Zinc, Vitamin B6 , Vitamin B3, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Iodine, Folic Acid, Iron, Magnesium and Vitamin C are considered to be important to take also to provide nervous system and brain support
• Supplemental 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) or Sam-E may be beneficial due to its role as a precursor for the production of Serotonin, a Neurotransmitter that is commonly depleted in ADHD patients
• Glutamine may help the nervous system by improving nerve fibre conduction
• Tyrosine due to its ability to improve the metabolism of dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter that works in conjunction with Serotonin to normalise mental functions
• Phosphatidylserine and choline (lecithin) also nourish the nervous system and improve the conduction of information to the brain
• Probiotics may be of benefit to ensure high levels of friendly bacteria which have been found to be low in people with ADD. Many naturopaths see a direct relationship between the health of the gut and the brain
• Brahmi is a herb traditionally used to encourage brain function and circulation
• Ginkgo biloba is a herb that people with ADD respond extremely well to due to its effect on peripheral circulation. It is given to people to increase memory retention, concentration and alertness