Let's Talk Health: Facts About ADD/ADHD

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone..
So, let's chat a bit about health and facts about ADD/ADHD. I pray this shines some light on this subject and answer questions that many of us have in regards to this subject.
But let me say this, it always amazes me when I see a child eating a lot of junk food, packed with sugar and drinking soda or some other sugary drink, passed off as 'juice'..Juice is made from fruit, not water, sugar, food coloring, other things, other things, other things and a teeny weeny bit of fruit juice..I mean, ya might as well give them water and sugar..and then wonder why they bounce off the wall..heck if I eat too much sugar, I bounce off the wall..lol..but anywho, I have hope that we will get it together soon, for GOODNESS SAKE..literally!!

What Is It:

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a group of disorders in the central nervous system. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that between 3 and 5 % of children in the US have ADHD. Three times as many boys are diagnosed with ADHD, but the disease is being increasingly diagnosed in girls as well.  Experts estimate that as many as 8 million adults may be affected, but 80% of them do not realize it.

ADHD in Adults:

ADHD is a more complex disorder in adults. It manifests itself not so much as problems with the ability to pay attention or impulse control, but a problem with self regulation. Without this self control, an adult's ability to do tasks is impaired, because not only must the tasks be done, but they have to be scheduled, organized and placed in proper perspective. The condition can lead to marital conflicts, substance abuse, and financial problems. Infidelity is common because ADHD adults easily become bored with things--including spouses.

ADD/ADHD in Children:

Although the ADD/ADHD child is often labeled as having a learning disability, the child usually is of average or above average intelligence and is also highly creative.

Facts About ADD/ADHD:

  Factors that have been linked to the development of ADD/ADHD include:

• Heredity
• Anxiety
• Allergies
• Smoking During Pregnancy
• Hyperinsulinemia
• Oygen Deprivation at birth
• Environmental Stress
• Artificial Food Additives
• Injury
• Infection
• Lead Poisoning
• Prenatal Trauma

     Recent research suggests that watching too much television, with its fast paced visual images, may permanently rewire the developing brain and case ADHD like symptoms. This is especially true in the first two to three years of life.

     In recent years, more emphasis has been placed on the role of diet in ADD/ADHD. Many people with these conditions react to certain preservatives, dyes, and salicylates in foods. These items can throw off the balance in the chemistry of the brain, often producing undesirable changes in behavior

What Determines If A Person Has ADD/ADHD??

1. The person has either 6 inattention symptoms or 6 hyperactivity an impulsiveness symptoms.

      Symptoms of inattention include:

• Does not pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
• Has trouble keeping attention on activities.
• Does not seem to listen when spoken to.
• Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks.
• Has difficulty organizing tasks ad activities.
• Avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to do tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
• Loses things necessary to do tasks or activities.
• Is easily distracted.
• Is forgetful in daily activities.

     Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness include:

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in his or her seat.
• Leaves his or her seat at times when remaining seated is necessary.
• Feels restless or, as a child, inappropriately runs about or climbs excessively.
• Has difficulty taking part in leisure activities or quiet play.
• Is 'on the go' or acts as if driven.
• Talks excessively.
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
• Has difficulty awaiting his or her turn .
• Interrupts conversations or intrudes on others activities.

2.   Symptoms continue for at least six months and are more frequent and severe than normal.
3.   Symptoms cause significant damage to social, academic, or work function.
4.   Some damage to function occurs in at least two settings, such as home, work, or school.
5.   Some damaging symptoms occur before age seven.
6.   The symptoms are not due to another disorder.


ADHD produces hyperactive, restless, impatient and impulsive behavior. Despite this, children with ADHD can have the ability to pay attention and complete assignments, often spending hours doing things that interest them. Adults with ADHD seem to constantly be going and getting things done, but they often grow inpatient easily and have a tendency to lose their tempers quickly. The combined form of ADD/ADHD can be the most debilitating. Children with this type of the disorder often have low self-esteem, are impatient, do not follow rules or act responsibly, are often clumsy, think that they are always right, do not want to accept change and do not adapt well.

With the enormous increase in the number of recently diagnosed cases of ADD and ADHD, many researchers feel that it is being overdiagnosed. It is difficult to diagnose accurately because many of the symptoms appear in normal healthy children at many times during childhood. What may be creativity or a high energy level can be misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD. A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD should be made by a team of specialists who are experts in the disorder, and it is wise to get a second opinion.

Nutrients Found To Be Helpful:

Calcuim and Magnesium                                                    Has a calming effect
Efalex Focus from Efamol or Kyolic                                   Helps to maintain eye and brain function
Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)                                  Calms the body much in the same way as
                                                                                           some tranquilzers, without side effects

Herbs Found To Be Helpful:

• Gingko Bulova
• Ginseng or Mullein Oil
• Valerian Root extract
• Catnip
• Chamomile, 
• Gotu Kola, 
• Hops,
• Kava Kava, 
• Lemon Balm, 
• Licorice, 
• Lobelia, 
• Oats, 
• Passionflower, 
• Skullcap, 
• St. John's Wort, 
• Thyme,
• Wood Betony...

These are all beneficial for hyperactivity.

Finally...

• Include in the diet all fruits and vegetables plus breads, cereals and crackers that contain only rice and oats.
• Include cold water fish such as tuna, salmon, and herring in the diet.These are all good sources of DHA.
• Follow  high protein diet.
• Limit dairy products if you notice behavioral changes.
• Use natural toothpaste from health food stores.
• Avoid carbonated beverages, drinks that contain lots of sugar and high fructose corn syrup
• Limit exposure to television, video and electronic games and very loud music. Instead encourage outdoor physical activity to expand creativity.
• Remove refined sugar from the diet.
• Try to include healthier snacks into your child's diet

Happy Healthy Day!!

info found at:  Prescription For Nutritional Healing..you can purchase this book at your local health food store, herb shop, Barnes and Nobles, www.amazon.com