The term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is well-known today. This problem affects both children and adults; people don't always 'grow out of it'. Schoolchildren, especially younger ones, may have trouble settling into a classroom environment, which requires concentration, sitting still, and being quiet. School officials routinely recommend medication for disruptive students, but parents are turning more and more to holistic ADHD treatment in New York City and other districts.
ADHD affects nerve centers in the brain that control focusing. Children with this disorder have trouble concentrating, and the frustration of being in a classroom does not help. Many are not old enough to sit still for long periods, which contributes to disruptions, and learning research shows that some have to move, even if only their hands, to absorb knowledge. This fidgeting can drive teachers crazy and distract other students.
Holistic means addressing the entire system to diagnose and handle disorder. This includes physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, social, and environmental analysis. For instance, a child might 'act out' in school because of stress at home or because of like lead paint in their bedroom. Some children have food allergies that lead to a lack of concentration, or they may suffer from vitamin insufficiency. Some sort of abuse - either at home, at school, or during after-school hours - could trigger problems.
Simply prescribing a calming drug does not address any of the above issues. Such medication might be the best approach, but every person and every situation is different. A one-size-fits-all philosophy may be only a temporary fix, leaving underlying problems to continue or worsen.
It's interesting that, although much research pooh poohs dietary causes, mothers of ADHD children swear that elimination of certain foods works wonders. For instance, such mother's have learned that allowing their children to consume sugary, high-carbohydrate snacks sets off hyperactivity. They may ask teachers to avoid rewards of candy or special occasions like birthday parties with cake and ice cream at school without advance notice. Then they can provide an acceptable alternative for their kids, so they can participate without harm.
Many who have tried eliminating all artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors report that it works wonders. They say they can tell as soon as their kids get home if they've eaten something not all-natural. Often the children will have traded food with other kids or shared in a birthday treat. Many doctors also advocate allergy-testing for hyperactive kids; common allergens are wheat, nuts, and dairy products.
Research has shown the benefits of some supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids have been proved to be both lacking in the diets of many problem kids and beneficial for attention disorders. These are present in food, notably cold-water wild-caught fish like salmon and cod (farmed fish have almost none of this nutrient in their flesh). To get enough of this essential nutrient, it is often taken in supplement form.
Testing for zinc, magnesium, and other minerals has shown that these children are often low in vital nutrients. A lack of physical activity and too much 'screen time' is considered harmful. This helps explain the popularity of after-school martial arts programs. Mild calming herbs like chamomile may help. Pharmaceuticals might be necessary, but it makes sense to try a natural approach first.
ADHD affects nerve centers in the brain that control focusing. Children with this disorder have trouble concentrating, and the frustration of being in a classroom does not help. Many are not old enough to sit still for long periods, which contributes to disruptions, and learning research shows that some have to move, even if only their hands, to absorb knowledge. This fidgeting can drive teachers crazy and distract other students.
Holistic means addressing the entire system to diagnose and handle disorder. This includes physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, social, and environmental analysis. For instance, a child might 'act out' in school because of stress at home or because of like lead paint in their bedroom. Some children have food allergies that lead to a lack of concentration, or they may suffer from vitamin insufficiency. Some sort of abuse - either at home, at school, or during after-school hours - could trigger problems.
Simply prescribing a calming drug does not address any of the above issues. Such medication might be the best approach, but every person and every situation is different. A one-size-fits-all philosophy may be only a temporary fix, leaving underlying problems to continue or worsen.
It's interesting that, although much research pooh poohs dietary causes, mothers of ADHD children swear that elimination of certain foods works wonders. For instance, such mother's have learned that allowing their children to consume sugary, high-carbohydrate snacks sets off hyperactivity. They may ask teachers to avoid rewards of candy or special occasions like birthday parties with cake and ice cream at school without advance notice. Then they can provide an acceptable alternative for their kids, so they can participate without harm.
Many who have tried eliminating all artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors report that it works wonders. They say they can tell as soon as their kids get home if they've eaten something not all-natural. Often the children will have traded food with other kids or shared in a birthday treat. Many doctors also advocate allergy-testing for hyperactive kids; common allergens are wheat, nuts, and dairy products.
Research has shown the benefits of some supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids have been proved to be both lacking in the diets of many problem kids and beneficial for attention disorders. These are present in food, notably cold-water wild-caught fish like salmon and cod (farmed fish have almost none of this nutrient in their flesh). To get enough of this essential nutrient, it is often taken in supplement form.
Testing for zinc, magnesium, and other minerals has shown that these children are often low in vital nutrients. A lack of physical activity and too much 'screen time' is considered harmful. This helps explain the popularity of after-school martial arts programs. Mild calming herbs like chamomile may help. Pharmaceuticals might be necessary, but it makes sense to try a natural approach first.
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