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Natural Remedies for ADHD and ADD

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Melatonin
Posted by Tasha (Springfield, USA) on 04/20/2009

Hi all was wondering if anyone was sure if melatonin is safe for kids to take, I have heard that they can and some say they cant I am a mother of an 11 year old boy with ADHD and severe anger issues and need help. I have tried medicating and and decided to take him off the concerta and clonidine he was taking that to help him sleep, but he stays up till 2 and 3 in the morning which is really starting to affect him at school failing grades are a big issue right now, not to mention the phone calls from his teacher several times a week, So I am wanting to try the melatonin 3mg. to see if he gets some better sleep and hope maybe he will start doing better in school. Thanks for any feedback I am desperate at this point, Tasha

EC: Here's an article on medscape that might help:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/448467

... "While there is an enormous amount of anecdotal information available, there are few well-controlled studies that have examined safety, appropriate dosing including amounts and timing, use in special populations such as children or the elderly, side effects, or interactions with other products. However, the few published studies that have looked at use of melatonin in children have generally found the product to be safe, though most have focused on use in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

One study of 20 children with developmental disabilities found that children given melatonin fell asleep significantly more quickly, but did not experience overall longer sleep durations or wake less frequently.[4] A second slightly larger study of 46 children with neurodevelopmental disorders found that sleep improved in 34 of the children and none experienced side effects.[5] Only a very few studies have examined the use of this hormone in children without disability. For example, a study of 40 elementary school children without neurologic problems who were experiencing delayed sleep onset found that over the duration of the 4-week study, melatonin was relatively safe and significantly more effective than placebo in advancing sleep onset and increasing sleep. Of note, tests that examined attention span in these children found that, even in those whose sleep improved, measures of attention did not change.

The National Sleep Foundation[3] suggests that the product may be useful for teenagers who experience delayed-sleep-phase syndrome, an inability to fall asleep during the early nighttime hours that causes problems in awakening the next morning. However, appropriate dosing and duration of use in teenagers is not known."

Melatonin
Posted by Jerilyn (Mobile, Al) on 01/18/2011

My son has been on Melatonin for a few years now. We started at 3 mg and it did nothing to help him sleep. We are now on 5 mg. My pediatrician says that it cannot harm your child. It is completely safe. I have my child on FOCALIN 40 mg. We deal with ADD as well in the mornings.

I am just getting on board with homepathic remedies b/c I do not like the side effects of this controlled substance. We have been on it for a while and it has not made my life easier at all. My son deals with ticks/twitches, has anxiety and has trouble sleeping. I need some guidance in this aspect as well. I did want to comment on the MELATONIN though. My son is also on TRAZADONE at night to sleep. This was not working until I added teh 5 mg MELATONIN to it. I think it(Melatonin) is wonderful and start off low first then increase if need be. I just want my children to be normal...

Melatonin
Posted by Jquacken793 (Cathedral City, Ca) on 06/25/2012

My son tried the 3 mg of melatonin because he was staying up all night and it did put him to sleep, but he developed a rash on his body that really bothered him so he decided he's rather stay awake. He is 11.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/29/2008 490 posts

Here's more for Lehigh Sue. This came from Dr. William Douglas, ll's newsletter. She will find a lot of doctors agree with this.

"Dear Friend,

Consumer advocacy groups are working overtime trying to get the FDA to wake up to the dangers of artificial food colorings--especially for children. As usual, the FDA has turned a deaf ear. The consumer advocacy groups claim these additives could cause hyperactivity and behavior problems in some children.

As you know, I'm not the biggest believer in the ADHD/hyperactivity diagnosis in today's kids - I think it's overblown at best. But there's some convincing and long-standing research about certain dyes used in foodstuffs triggering behavior issues, and the fact that the FDA obstinately refuses to open its mind to these possibilities... well, it's just standard operating procedure for the slow-footed government bureaucracy.
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), studies conduced over the last 30 years have indicated that children's behavior can be altered by some artificial dyes. In fact, the British government is currently pressuring UK food manufacturers to switch to safer food colorings.
The FDA, on the other hand, continually ignores these and other findings. Instead, our "vigilant" FDA emphatically says that additives DO NOT cause childhood hyperactivity.
But if the FDA is wrong - and well, let's face it, they've been wrong before - imagine the consequences. There are no foods with more food coloring additives than children's foods. The dyes are used in vast numbers of products that are marketed to children: cereals, candies, sodas, and snack foods. According to Michael F. Jacobson of CSPI, "The purpose of these chemicals is often to mask the absence of real food, to increase the appeal of a low-nutrition product to children, or both - who can tell the parents of kids with behavioral problems that this is truly worth the risk?"
As a parent, I encourage you to be on the safe side and establish your own ban Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 3, and Yellow 6. I don't think something called "Green 3" occurs naturally.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Valerie (New York) on 12/09/2020

I see a lot of myself in your son. I have a 129 IQ, so I am definitely capable, but feel my ADHD has held me back in many areas of my life. Has your son tried Occupational Therapy and/or Vestibular Therapy? I did both and they helped me in conjunction with medication and supplements. Only thing with vestibular therapy is that the first couple weeks it made my symptoms worse and then they started getting better, so try to be cognizant of that going in. Also, Vestibular Therapy is NOT the same thing as balance therapy. So make sure the script says ‘Vestibular Therapy' and make sure the place you're taking him to has a qualified Vestibular Therapist, not just a Physical Therapist or Balance Therapist. Hope this helps.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Sally307 (Clearwater, Florida) on 09/07/2012

go see a certified orthogonist/ a upper cervical Dr. neck issues can cause a lot of problems including adhd which can come from blood flow to the brain. Hope this helps it saved my life!

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/27/2008 490 posts

To Sue from Lehigh Valley: Hello Sue, you do have a battle ahead, but I side with you. When the doctor wrote a Ritalin prescription for my then 5 year old son - I took it in my hand, left, tore it in half and threw it in his waste can on the way out. If you and your son's father can sit down and talk - I mean really calmly discuss this situation without yelling and screaming and hurling accusations - do so. If not write him a letter beginning with "I know you love our son as much as I do and I think we both want to do our best to protect him and keep him healthy" then proceed to ask him to at least look at why you feel differently about medicating him than he does. Then either print out references your opinions based on or give him sites and topics to look up for himself if he has a computer and on line. One site I highly recommend is International Medical Veritas Association (IMVA) and the free down-loadable "The Terror of Pediatric Medicine". There are many web sites by doctors such as Dr. Mercola, Dr. Jonathan Wright and many others to gather information from. Printing out copies for yourself & your lawyer in the event that you do go to court will also be helpful. If you know the name of the medication he is wanting to put him on - be sure and get a complete report on it and any unwanted side effects, both for you and his father. You will also probably find helpful information on educate-yourself.com. I have seen many questionable medications for children - one of the most dangerous was when a mother brought her 6 month old in and showed me a prescription to start him on one of the hypercholesterol drugs for adults, and asked my opinion. After looking up the drug in the PDR, I told her about the possible side effects and after telling her that I wouldn't tell her not to do it, but if it was my baby, I definitely wouldn't give it to him. Hopefully you and co-parent look at why you have different opinions and what they are based on and make an intelligent decision and keep this child out of the courts.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/29/2008 490 posts

To Sue from LeHigh: Hello again Sue, I just left a site that I want you to visit. Mercola.com. He has something that you might find you really need in talking with the other parent. The head of the CDC admitting that vaccines can cause autism in subsets of children. Another one that will probably come in handy is the recent case where the federal government settled a claim for damages to their child from the vaccines. I don't remember when it was but it was probably in the last 6 months. Probably will turn up somewhere, if you just search on-line for autism. Dr. Mercola also mentions a book written by neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock about childrens' neurological problems related to vaccines. I have a lot of respect for this man and think if you do land in court, this book will come in very handy. In discussing this with the other parent, all the ammunition you can find to back up the fact that the vaccines recommended by the CDC is what caused the autism, should at least make him want to look a little deeper into less harmful ways of helpin his son to get better health through nutrition and other non-medicated routes, because there are no medicines without unwanted side effects. I think EC posted a release from health authorities in Atlanta (which was probably the CDC although they weren't named)a week ago and I found in our newspaper the next day. I think if you look at what they said and what I found wrong with this picture - it will make the other partner more willing to dig deeper and look at your opinion. Go to Mercola.com and click on autism, vaccines, and any other thing you find relevant. One very important question you might give the other parent to think about is "Have you ever heard or read about any autistic child who had not had the vaccines?" If anyone has ever asked that question, it nor its answer was not released. The answer to the question would definitely provide the answer as to whether the vaccines are the cause of it.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Crazydogjack (New Castle, Pa) on 02/22/2011

Thank you to Amazinggrace... I just went online and watched the clip on l-theanine. Just placed an order and I am hopeful that this will help my son with his ADHD. I will post my results.

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by toni (florida) on 01/28/2021

Eeore, correction. Abraham Hoffer is the Niacin fellow to research.

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 10/29/2011

Hi Eeore - You mentioned that your 26-year-old son was diagnosed with schizophrenia, as well as ADHD. Have you seen these pages on Earth Clinic regarding schizophrenia?

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/schizophrenia.html

Unfortunately, since you mentioned that your son consumes 1 large bottle of rum a day, I imagine any vitamins or diet would have limited impact. Is it possible for him to be admitted to a rehab facility? Once there, he will find others at rehab who are going through the same thing he is and he won't feel so alone. He may even find a buddy who can help him through life's up and downs when he gets out.

It must be very difficult for you - don't give up. Your son probably feels that the doctors let him down (sounds like they did) but I hope he is open to getting the professional help he so desperately needs. Take care, Bess

Fish Oil and Primrose Oil
Posted by Brooke (Montgomery, Tx, Usa) on 12/17/2010

I have two boys and when they were young, people told me they should get checked by a Dr. And me, being all into natural remedies, I told them they are crazy! I would NEVER put my boys on anything other than vitamins or minerals! I found that Vitamin B, D, folic acid, fish oils, primrose oil, and Castor oil rubbed onto their tummy under their diaper, or later - under their pj's did the trick. They are now 12 and 11 and they are both wonderful, beautiful boys that are healthy and have no problems! They are A, B students with no signs of hyperactivity! And no - I did not mix it into their food - when they where little, I got the liquid forms and put it into orange juice or any other type of juice, and now they take them in the pill form.

I feel that kids should not have any caffeine through drinks or chocolate and they should be on a high vegetable and fruit diet, with meats. You can ask your health food store for the vitamin mixes that can be added to juice, they have them in liquid form and some, like calcium have them in chewable form. We still give them a calcium in chewable because they always liked the taste - it tastes like vanilla. I would never put my child on to a drug to cure hyperactivity though!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susanne (Easton, PA) on 08/27/2008

How much apple cider vinegar and how often? My son needs constant redirecting his attention and focus in school. Thanks.

Fish Oil and Primrose Oil
Posted by Sauron (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 06/04/2012

I am unable to take fish oils due to the high Vitamin A content ( anything with high Vit A leaves me stiff and in a wreck *it's a long story*) so I thought of giving evening primrose oil a try for the ADD that I have. At times, I am just disorganised and distracted and spend the entire day idling instead of doing what I have to do. I would be so much more accomplished but for my focus.

How does EPO fit in to this need? Thanks in advance.

Fish Oil and Primrose Oil
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile , Tn) on 05/16/2017

HI U SYRENA,,,,,,,,, there is a new protocol that the medical folks are using with our vets and their mental situation. It is called IASIS and my wife has just had her first scission. If it helps her insomnia, then I'm the next in line. The scission takes about an hour. I suggest that you research this protocol. There are few doctors in this field because it is too cheap and too effective. Our allopathic's have to pay for their schooling so they are no help. You will have to find an integrative doctor.

I wish you well.

======ORH=====

Cod Liver Oil
Posted by Sal (Roodepoort, Gauteng, South Africa) on 08/24/2011

Hi there..... what are your views on cod liver oil? more specifically for treating ADD.

MSG Link to ADHD
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 08/15/2011

Debbie, I think that flavors can contain MSG or not, that is the misleading bit. In the book Excitotoxins the author includes a few lists of what is indeed MSG and what may contain it so in the end unless they really state it with its real name there is not really a way for you to know. The best thing is to eat as little processed food as you possibly can.

MSG Link to ADHD
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 08/16/2011

Hi Debbie, you are right, MSG seems to be everywhere nowadays. My question is why? Does anyone have any idea why they are doing it? Someone must have a lot to gain from it? And why can't these people be stopped? As far as yogurts go I make my own. I agree that one can try to eat healthily only to discover one is not. Sad world..... It is an ongoing worry, what to eat, what to drink, where to live...... Trying to protect oneself from all the attacks. We will be moving to the countryside soon but don't think that we will be in paradise. Searching for a house in a not too polluted place, a bit away from all the pesticides, etc was a pain. We will have a lot of sun flower crops near the house though but they don't seem to spray a lot of stuff. We just hope for the best, nothing more we can do! I would have prefered to be somewhere in the woods but we liked this house. And to think that we are supposed to live in the free world.... We are maybe free to worry!

MSG Link to ADHD
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 08/17/2011

Hi again Debbie, the problem with wheatgrass is that it is something not really known in Europe. At least I have never found any seeds or anything and I have access to four countries (France, Germany, Switzerland and Britain). I wouldn't know where to start although my juicer, an Oscar, does make wheatgrass juice.

You are probably right about the poisons in foods and everywhere but then, why are they so keen on saving people in the third world? My husband says that they do it in order to make sure they will have enough slaves to mine mineral resources. Why are they seemingly always searching for cures for illnesses? Yesterday I read an article in a paper suggesting that if you take Paracetamol every day you will have a lot less chance of dementia and men will have a lot less chance of prostate cancer. Such an article is enough to have hundreds of thousands of people heading for the pharmacy with no regards of the side effects of constantly taking such a drug for the rest of your life (yes, because you are not going to stop if you know you will get dementia or prostate cancer?). Just imagine the profits.... Not only Big Pharma but also pharmacies and the governments through taxes on all of them and on us and moreover the treatment of all the illness that will come from the excessive taking of medication! One such article is the equivalent of a gold mine!

MSG Link to ADHD
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 08/18/2011

Hi Francisca. Are they so keen to save people in the third world? How long have these poor people been without infrastructure. What about desalination plants for water? The country is on the sea.

Scientists know all about excitotoxins and how toxic they are for the brain. That will cause dementia for sure but they are not warning people about it. Google "Abstract Excitotoxins" to see all the studies that have been done.

The author of the book I read said that reporters attempting to write about Excitotoxins are fired or demoted. Why? People need to research for themselves.

MSG Link to ADHD
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 08/18/2011

Francisca, you can easily grow wheatgrass in Europe. I have. Just buy wheat (the grain itself, that IS the seeds! ) in a health food store and grow it! I did it in earth and cut the young grass with a scissors, and I also did it without earth, by sprouting - only water (soaking, then rinsing a few times a day).

MSG Link to ADHD
Posted by Linda (San Francisco, Ca, Usa) on 02/24/2012

This message is for Francisca from Michelbach-Le-Bas: Francisca, Wheatgrass is grown from Wheat Berries, the same grain which is ground into flour to make bread.

Hard Red Winter Wheat is the best to grow wheatgrass from, but if it were me, I'd grow whatever I could get. Surely someone near you has got it, even if you go to an animal feed store, or maybe a bakery.

Barley is another grain which grows a highly nutritious grass which you can juice the same way.

The grass juices are very healthy, and Wheatgrass takes about 9-10 days to grow from seed to juicable harvest.

Wheat and Barley for grass-growing can also be ordered online. There is an excellent and informative website called "Sprout people" which should explain how to do this further.

Or you can google "how to grow wheatgrass"

I grow my Wheatgrass in cafeteria trays in the kitchen.

It's a great and easy thing to do, especially if you have an electric juicer to juice it.

Regards, Linda

MSG Link to ADHD
Posted by Al (Alvena, Sk., Canada) on 11/18/2012

To everyone talking about wheatgrass, while it is excellent for you, the greens from barley or barley grass is even better. Barley greens contain every enzyme known to man. I came across that when I was researching for natural cancer cures and I grew it in my basement under lights and cut it with scissors and just put it in my blender with whatever else I was using. At that time I was on the "Budwig Diet" and it cured my cancer. Unfortunately, I carried on with chemotherapy after and became disabled by that for a substantial period of time. I would urge you all to try grape seed extract for ADD/ADHD but start with small doses - no more than one mg per pound of body weight per day.

MSG Link to ADHD
Posted by Kathy (the USA) on 11/19/2012

I thought I would make you aware that I cannot ingest any capsules because I am highly sensitive to hidden sources of MSG and one capsule can be 11-13 mg. of MSG. I have to open all capsules and takes dry ingredients either with water or sprinkle on unsweetened applesauce. Whatever the amount, it is still a toxin. Minute amounts can accumulate so by the time you have a reaction you don't recognize it as an MSG reaction.

Sleep
Posted by Susie (Anonymous , Michigan) on 05/11/2013

As far as the sugars go, would natural sugars be ok. I buy REAL honey from the natural food stores for my daughters herbal teas. And we do push for fruit. Are natural sugars ok?

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Gigi (Edison, Nj) on 09/05/2012

If your son has a high IQ maybe he is just bored. Maybe that school is not for him. My experience is that it's not always the child.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Tracy (Mississauga, On) on 09/09/2012

Vic Sondhi in Mississauga is a NUCCA (upper cervical) chiroprator, he is the best of all Upper Cervical chiropractors out there, I have been going to him for years...... He never rushes a treatment so don't be surprised if you have to wait awhile some days and he has a wonderful personality. You will be in good hands..... kids love him because there is no cracking involved, my daughter tells me when she needs to go for a adjustment.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Sue (Lehigh Valley, PA) on 08/27/2008

Parents have separate opinions on medicating their autistic ADHD son. I know medicating my son is my choice and no one can tell me to do so. I do not want to medicate him and my ex spouse wants to in a bad way. He is trying to get documentation to his advantage to get ready to take me to court because he says I am neglecting to do what is best for him by not medicating him. HELP!

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Deirdre (Atlanta, GA) on 08/27/2008

Sue, I am not sure how helpful this will be for you, but there's a book called NonViolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg that I want to suggest. There may be some techniques to help you with your situation. Funnily enough, I heard one of the guests on Charlie Rose last week (the mayor of Denver, Colorado re the Democratic Convention) talk about how he deals with an angry person and sure enough, it was an NVC technique. Charlie Rose asked the mayor to give an example of how he would respond to an angry person he encountered in the public and the mayor's response was exactly how Rosenberg would have you do it - to repeat back what the person just told you (which validates that you heard everything they just said). It has an instantly calming effect in most cases. Anyway, that's just one of several NVC techniques, but I thought it was quite remarkable to hear it employed by a public figure!

Please keep us updated...

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/29/2008 490 posts

From Dr. Jonathan Wright's Health e-tips for Sue from Lehigh Valley:

"Many of your kids or grandkids probably headed back to school this week. And on that first day back -- and every day since -- half of his or her classmates probably made a trip to the nurse's office for their daily dose of Ritalin or Adderall.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become such a common diagnosis and the drugs are looked at as such a cure-all that it seems like both are taking over the school systems in this country.

But the fact is, these drugs are powerful stimulants that mimic things like speed, which I'm positive most grandparents and parents would do anything to keep their little ones away from. The good news is, you can keep the kids in your life away from these medications and improve, if not completely reverse, their ADHD....For nearly 30 years, Dr. Wright and his colleagues at the Tahoma Clinic have been using natural approaches to help parents do just that. In the upcoming September issue of Nutrition & Healing he outlines the various approaches they've used with such tremendous success over the years. It's an issue no parent or grandparent should miss, so keep an eye out for it to arrive in your mailbox soon. (And if you're not already a subscriber, visit www.wrightnewsletter.com for details on how you can become one).

Yours in good health,

Amanda Ross
Editor
Nutrition & Healing

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Susan (Ohio, Il) on 01/21/2010

My son has autism spec. Disorder. I have taken him to every specialist imaginable. Psych neuro chiro holistic I found the most benefit was from a center where the biologically balance. Lots of blood urine stool hair was taken and the results showed he had pyroll disorder. We went gluten Carsin free. We cannot eat or drink sugars even in juice. We take melatonin to sleep. A vitamin was made us for his personal needs. He takes ltyrosine acetyllcarotine primrose oil pro dha insitol cal/mag liquid insitol methionine

The most dramatic results occured with injections of b methalcobalamine. This allowed him to make sentences. He receives ot and speech. To address his sensory integration disfunction. He still suffers from auditory processing disorder which causes him to have significant learning disability. GABA did not work for him nystatin helps his chronic internal yeast I fection most of the time. We also use enzymes with meals. He is able to attend school and was down graded from profound autism to his separate ailments. It is costly but very beneficial to determine the weak spots in an individual bio chemical make up.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Rhonda (Columbus, Ohio) on 01/31/2011

My son dealt with Add his school years. Most people with this are low on EFA. Take evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil is good too. B complex helps, as well as melatonin 5 mg TR (time release) at night. Its hard to relax and wind down at night, this will help you sleep and keep you sleeping all night but not too much to wake up in the AM. Good luck and I hope this helps.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Amazinggrace (Yucca Valley, Ca) on 02/14/2011

I saw a special on CBNnewschannel.com where l-theanine was used to replace drugs to treat ADHD. The testimonies were very convincing.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Tracy (Olympia, Wa) on 07/08/2011

Be careful trying Theanine, for my son it caused him to be groggy(sp) and grumpy - you know like when a child is overly tired. He may have been calmer after taking it but like a tired child he was not able to function emotionally. Someone else wrote on this site that for ADD/ADHD stimulants (like caffine) usually work better than calming remedies (such as theanine) and that is what I have found as well. Green and Black tea both have theanine in them. I wonder, since they both contain caffine too, if it wouldn't be better to try that instead of the theanine supplement.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Donna (Walnut Creek, Ca) on 01/11/2012

Very interesting post Ted, and thank you for the advice! Another great site with information about ADHD, including how to use a symptom rating scale, can be found at onlineceucredit.com/edu/ADHD-td. I found it very helpful!

To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Posted by Carol (Cumming, Ga) on 04/16/2014

Our family too has been trying many ADHD therapies over the years for our son who is now 15. Some of the therapies we have done are: eye therapy, after doing a free questionnaire @ cookvisiontherapy.com and an appointment with Dr. Cook it was found that our son had convergence insuffiency in the left eye, after nine months of eye therapy his eyes were 100% corrected. Yet he still couldn't read well enough to get passing grades. A hearing test by an audiologist confirmed Auditory Processing Disorder. We did 40 visits of Brain Core therapy which is biofeedback. The changes were slight. He was put in an online therapy for auditory processing called fastforword by gemm learning. This is a good reading program but our son still struggled so much. After reading 'Disconnected Kids by Dr Millello' we had an evaluation done at Brain Balance. The results showed the left hemisphere of his brain was under developed. It was explained that the right hemisphere was doing the work of both sides, on some levels he was at second and third grade. He is currently doing 36 weeks at Brain Balance therapy. We do therapy at home and bring him in 3 times a week. Basically the idea is to stimulate the senses on the right side of the body to effect the left side of the brain to grow and change, (or stimulate the left side if the right brain is weak). Along with diet changes, eye therapy, suppliments, drastically cutting back on screen time, adding movement during the day. During his sessions they have him do physical therapy first immediately followed by academic work. We have high hopes. The testimonials for autistic children are really good. I wish I had known about this when my son was younger, I may not have chosen the other therapies.

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by G Clark (Phiadelphia, Pa, Usa) on 04/14/2011

Thank you Theresa for your insite and personal experience with ADHD. I am currently having the same issues with my son. They are trying to diagnosis him with ADHD/ODD. He is hyperactive as well and doesn't listen to the staff at his school. After reviewing your post. I decided to do research as well as take your advise and Ted suggestions. I have cut out the sugar, processed food and artifical flavors. You don't say how often and how much of a dosage that was given to your son. Please give me any advise or further instruction that would help.

Thank you!! Best wishes!

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by G Clark (Philadelphia, Pa) on 04/15/2011

Thanks for the advise Debbie. I have taken a look at the GAPS diet. I may give that a try as well. There seems to be a lot of perparing involved. I really appreciate the advise. Thank you!

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 04/15/2011

G Clarke yes the GAPS diet is a lot of hard work. I am wanting to start my son on it as he has a developmental delay (will probably do it myself). I am trying to find the green coconuts. I just found some grass fed beef (to help make the broth).

Here are some amazing stories of people who have had great results:

http://gapsguide.com/about/gaps-results/

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 04/15/2011

Hi Debbie and G Clarke,

I have been following your thread and wanted to mention some things that might help you both in your journey. Besides the GAP diet there is amazing info by Donna Gates and her Body Ecology diet. She has a whole group dedicated to turn autism and ADD around through her diet. I have heard her speak and she is amazing and dedicated to this mission. She has been at it for over 10 years. You might want to go to her site and read about it. There's lots of really good info there. She offers recipes and you can get her book The Body Ecology Diet which I use myself and have given it as gifts to friends. She also recommends fermented foods. You can watch her making them on youtube.

I know you both are referring to ADD but this info might be very pertinent to you. I know Debbie that you mentioned you were trying to get green coconuts. Is that to make fermented coconut water? Donna's products are made in Australia and I know she is the only one to offer unpasteurized fresh coconut water which is bottled. It is offered here in the US at health food stores in the frozen section so you might want to check into that. Her group she has for families incorporating her diet, BED is called BEDROK. It's a support group for helping implement fundamental diet changes to families. Anyway, I hope this info helps you.

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by G Clark (Phiadelphia, Pa, Usa) on 04/28/2011

Hi!!

Thanks Debbie and Lisa for your feedback and updates. I am going to start with the supplements and I will decide which diet that would be more suitable for me to start. I look forward to hearing any more updates and improvements. I will also post updates.

Best wishes! G Clark

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Eeore (Sydney, Australia) on 10/29/2011

My son has ADHD, refused drugs, tried diet as teenager taken cannabis and developed schizophrenia went to doctors and the drugs started till he had put on heaps of weight and got type 2 diabetes. They then decided his time with them was finished and they changed their diagnosis ( after 2yrs) He has taken to alcohol ( lge qty - bottle rum a day- straight ) to cope and refuses all drugs even his diabetic meds and insulin. He now refuses to eat any vegetables and I try to make food with veggies grated in to disguise when he eats with us. He is 26 now - he has no friends as refuses to go out- and does not want to even talk to us. Any ideas from anyone that I might be able to suggest to him?

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Jennifer J (Denham Springs, La) on 03/22/2012

Theresa, I am so so glad I found your blog!!! I have been fighting the schools, Dr.s, myself, etc on drugging my child. This whole process started in Nov 2011. I finally gave in and took my son to a Nuro Dr who diagnosed him with ADHA, High Focusing Difficuilty, Lack of Impulse COntrol and ADD. So we went thru the entire list of drugs till we found Dexa something that does work. However, IT'S A DRUG! And it scares me to death. I am in the begining stages of finding a healthier way to treat him. He is seeing his PCP tomorrow and I will have him tested for delayed food allergies as you suggested. I just wanted you to know that I am glad I found you and your story. I want the best for my child and I do not think that the doctors know best for our kids. Thank you! -Jennifer

Remedies for Poor Concentration
Posted by FH (UK) on 06/21/2023

ADD and ADHD are the same condition - ADD is just an antiquated term for it (someone used to be diagnosed with ADD, with or without hyperactivity). It was officially replaced with the term ADHD in 1987 in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), which is the "bible" of all psychiatric, psychological & brain disorders. It's not been a legitimate label for the condition for 36 years! It wasn't "lumped" into anything. It was updated and replaced. I've seen professionals still refer to it as ADD, and I lose faith in anything they have to say about it if they haven't even updated their understanding enough to use the correct term nearly 4 decades after it changed.

In fact, ADD only existed as an official term for the condition for 7 years (1980-87). Since then, you can be diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type, hyperactive type, or combined type (both).

Fluoride Related
Posted by Native Born Citizen (Virginia Beach, Virginia) on 11/23/2012

Regarding ADHD, Dr. Oz just had a show on ADHD in adult women. The sympoms are different for women and can vary in intensity from person to person. Adult women with ADHD tend to be tired, anxious, unable to organize, are distracted, and can't focus. These phenomena tend to interfere with their relationships and work.

Retired neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock says that fluoride poisoning can cause profound neurolgical disorders including ADHD. Any treatment program must obviously address fluoride poisoning and how to keep it out of the system since fluoride is in pesticides, water, many drugs, and toothpaste. See:

http://www.thepeoplesvoice.org/TPV3/Videos.php/2012/07/13/dr-russell-blaylock-fluoride-s-deadly-se

Dr. Lendon Smith used to drug ADHD children; he later was against it. Instead he advised fish oil, B vitamins, multivitamins, sugar avoidance, avoidance of allergens like milk if ear infections present, and so on.

If you can't digest fish oil, take a digestive enzyme with it.

Fish Oil and Primrose Oil
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky) on 06/06/2012 2042 posts

Sauron, try some zinc to help your body utilize the Vit-A. Evening Primrose or Black Currant would definately be a step in the right direction BUT may need the help of Flax Seed Oil to get therapeutic results.

Phosphatidyl Choline
Posted by Diana (TX) on 12/25/2024

What is the long term update please?

Dietary Changes
Posted by Klraine (Memphis, Tn, Usa) on 08/31/2011

Hi Debbie, I appreciate the information. I am thankful that my kids don't do anything with aspartame but I think some yogurt has it~ so I do need to check on that. MSG is a bad one too and will keep that in mind. I have been trying to cut way back on any food with preservatives, artificial colorings and sweeteners etc. And fruit juices, sugar etc. I am eager to read this e-book and will get to that in the next day. Thank you!

General Feedback
Posted by Steph (Benton Harbor, Michigan) on 01/30/2011

You might want to do a search on pyroluria and it's relationship to ADHD. Taking vitamin B6 and zinc may be helpful to you.

General Feedback
Posted by Been There (Washington, Dc) on 04/04/2011

Michelle, this site is wonderful, and I would try the supplements and suggestions for AD/HD suggested here. However, I don't agree with the majority of opinions here that all AD/HD drugs are terrible. No one but you can make that decision, and if you've tried other things and they haven't worked (incidentally, does anyone realize how hard - no, impossible - it is for those of us with AD/HD to consistently stick to a routine?), go ahead and try pharmaceuticals. When I went on Vyvanse it changed my life. Not just in terms of completing tasks, but in so many other ways I just assumed I was "bad" or "weak" at -- setting boundaries in relationships, because I was no longer highly distractible and could no longer be railroaded by more focused people in my life; having the energy to have a social life, because I was no longer exhausted from the hamster-wheel of thoughts running around my brain; having people realize I was intelligent, because I didn't ramble on like a crazy person but could follow a thought to its logical conclusion; the ability to clean a kitchen counter from one side to the other without having to consciously think through every step, paralyzed over what to do first; actually having fun with my kids (imagine that! ) because I wasn't rattled by every single sound/action they did that distracted me that I could get it together to go somewhere and be in the moment with them. Etc., etc.

I'm not on it now anymore because I had side effects and I didn't want to increase my dose when the effects wore off -- so I'm hardly an evangelist for pharma drugs, and I agree they can be over-prescribed/falsely prescribed. But now, I know what my true "normal" is like. I know what to aim for. I've ended the cycle of shame and unmet expectations that's haunted me for all of my life. Currently I'm working the supplements, diet, sleep, exercise (3-5x aerobic exercise/week stimulates the same part of the brain the pharma drugs do) and it's working out fine for me. Also an AD/HD coach helps keep me on track (look for a therapist who works with AD/HD). All good, but don't let anyone judge you for cautiously, judiciously trying something to see if it works for you and your body. You've already spent your lifetime judging yourself and being frustrated on a daily basis.

General Feedback
Posted by Catherine (Wellington, New Zealand) on 01/28/2013

Hi, I have just read "NIACIN: The real story" by Abram Hoffer and there is a lot of info about ADHD and the benefit of niacin in treatment. Worth reading I think, you can get it on kindle from Amazon.. Best of luck

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/29/2011

Eeore for ADHD, research iodine supplementation. There has been great success with it. Also for schizophrenia Dr. Hoffer cured people with mega doses of Niacin. Go to Doctoryourself.com and search "schizophrenia Dr. Hoffer".

The iodine does need companion nutrients with it. Go to the remedies section here and read up on iodine - the companion nutrients are listed.

Maybe once the ADHD and the schizophrenia have been healed you can look at the vegetables.

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/30/2011

Eeore, Dr. Hoffer also had great success treating alcoholics with Niacin therapy so your son will be helped so much with the niacin alone. Here is a link to the article. Please research this website for Dr. Hoffer... Lots of great info. Also alcohol depletes your body of many nutients including Vitamin E so maybe you could add some to his diet and also colloidal minerals (liquid form).

http://www.doctoryourself.com/hoffer_niacin.html

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by L J (Los Angeles, California ) on 07/21/2014

People should know the negative effects of giving their children RITALIN.. It has been shown to give the child later an addiction to heroin and cocaine..current studies have surfaced linking Ritalin to drug addiction. It seems that after the RITALIN is ingested into the stomach it turns into a substance almost identical to that of heroin and or cocaine. Therefore creating a drug addicted child/teen from the effects of RITALIN. Parents beware of this pharmaceutical claiming to help fix your child..it's a crime that these prescriptions are even in existence. Xoxo L J

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Tricia (Inkster, Mi) on 03/03/2017

Thank you for sharing this is all I can say right now.

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Asmaa (Vienna, Virginia) on 05/04/2017

Great job lady, I applaud you for work well done. I get inspired when I read such great stories. I love your dedication. Great job!

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Ava (Pa) on 02/16/2018

Jill, was very hopeful after reading your article. How is your son now doing? Our son is older. He struggles with organization. very stressed when it comes to school.

also at times depressed. Was wondering if you tried fish oils. I believe in l trytophan and melotonin. However he does drive.

Fish Oil and Primrose Oil
Posted by Lil_jin21 (Saugus, Ca, USA) on 08/07/2009

Hello, My eldest son is also very active. He's very hyper and constantly jumpy and fidgety and loud. I was wondering where you got your Fish Oil and Primrose? I'm searching online and cannot find it. Do I buy each separately and mix them together with his food? He is 4 years old. and I'm constantly getting hassle from my family about his hyperness. I took him to his doctor to review him, but he hasn't really given me an answer. I would like to try this in the mean time. Thank you. Melissa

Fish Oil and Primrose Oil
Posted by Sharon (Utica, Mich) on 12/17/2010

Try your organic store, or whole food store for the fish oil and primrose oil.

Fish Oil and Primrose Oil
Posted by Rhonda (Maryland, US) on 02/04/2015

I read a couple of articles about this study where this combination takes up to 6 months before it takes affect... It was done in UK. So seeing results in that short of time is interesting to know. My DS is 8yr and I want to try this. But wasn't sure of primrose needing to be the oil intake or a skin rub?? Or is it the same. Not sure if DS will take the softgel everyday :/ Oh that's right you mixed with food. Let me know the later results
Thanks

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Posted by Ruralady (Illinois) on 11/23/2024 99 posts
 ★★★★★

tDCS for ADD and ADHD

tDCS aka transcranial Direct Current Stimulation has a montage aka nodal placement for ADD and ADHD. This is non invasive and certainly no Rx but can be excellent treatment for this condition. Worth a try.

General Feedback
Posted by Michelle (Jerusaelm, Israel) on 01/30/2011

Need Advice

Ok so I am 19 years old and was just diagnosed with ADHD. Now my mother is a special education teacher and so never had me tested because she thought that it would just negatively affect me, since I was a straight A honor role student. The real issues started now that I'm in college; I failed some of my classes and 3 of my teachers recommended that I get tested independently, so I did. Turns out I have ADHD (like my mom, and 3 siblings) I was prescribed Ritalin for test/exam days and wanted to hear someone's opinion, I don't speak to my mother so asking her isn't really an option.

Everyone says meds for kids is bad and I agree with that, but what about for adults?

General Feedback
Posted by Michelle (Jeruaelm, Israel) on 01/30/2011

The thing is, I already take zinc supplements...

General Feedback
Posted by John (Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory) on 01/30/2011

I dont think ADHD is an illness. You are up on other people and I see it as a good thing. Find your own space and time and do your own things apart from others when and if necessary. Try balancing your chakras. Go to youtube and search for them. The singing bowl is soothing and great.

If I were you, I will not poison myself with doctor's prescription.

General Feedback
Posted by ~angel (Chi Town, Ill) on 01/28/2013

TO..04/04/2011: Been There from Washington, Dc

Amen to that!! best of luck to you.. your story just described my 27 year old son, who is now un treated (not by choice) & on a 24 hr roller coaster;/ thank you for your story;) it really touched me as so many other stories have...

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Diane (Prince George, Bc Canada) on 11/22/2011

There is an amazing success story of a family with severe mental illness (suicide, attempted suicides, homicidal tendencies, extreme behaviors) who cured the symptoms using vitamins and were able to become "normal" and eliminate all allopathic medications. They are marketing the vitamins "Empowerplus" or EMP.

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by Linda (Lalaland, Thecreek, Usa) on 12/10/2011

Eeore,

There is a book which should do you a world of good, "Alcoholism and Nutrition", written by Dr. Roger Williams, MD. It is an old book, mine is a paperback. Dr. Williams had great success healing alcoholism using the tasteless, colorless amino acid named L-Glutamine, often added into food or juice, etc.

According to Dr. Williams, L-Glutamine stops the "craving" for alcohol, making it easier to quit drinking.

You might have to find it in a used bookstore, but if you will, I am sure it will be tremendously useful for you and your son.

Kind Regards,

Linda

Dietary and Herbal Suggestions
Posted by ~angel (Chi Town, Ill) on 01/28/2013

05/06/2009: Michael from Spokane, Wa

Thank you so very much for sharing your story... You have no idea how reading it tonight was God sent for me! ;) thank you for making a difference..


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