ADHD Alternatives

May 25th, 2010 · 12:23 PM

My 8 year old daughter is currently being diagnosed w/ ADD/ADHD, and of course her doctor wants to put her on meds. We are wanting to go a more holistic way. The doctor has told me there is a recent study by AAP that has proven that over the long haul meds work better than alternative medicine. He is trying to humor me for the time being. But I am sure his patience is wearing thin. What can you share with me?

I view ADHD as describing a student that is a square peg who doesn’t fit in the round hole, bright above-average intelligence, difficulty completing and bored with ‘busywork,’ learning but not completing work, resulting in poor grades. The major long-term issue for her historically tends to be with low self-esteem (resulting from negative feedback in the classroom and/or home setting).

All neurologic conditions, including ADHD, are improved with a few key points.

1. All sugar, processed food, soda pop must be replaced with real food, preferably organic, as the pesticides will contribute to problems.
2. He (I use the word “he” in this instance, even though the question mentions a daughter, as most of those with this diagnosis are boys) needs to be on a potent multivitamin regimen which includes a B-complex and vitamin D additionally.
3. Omega-3 and omega-6 oils are also important for proper functioning of the nerves.
4. Some of the students do better on a gluten and soy-free diets. Any possible allergies need to be addressed.
5. Behavior modification programs need to be set up, either at public school or home school. Such programs encourage appropriate utilization of creative skills and interests, while teaching appropriate social behavior for expression.

In my view, these children need to be allowed to explore and learn about the exciting world surrounding them, and not be held back.

Tags: ADHD

5 responses so far ↓

1 Suz // May 25, 2010 at 12:42 pm

I agree with Dr. Gardner. I would also check to see if there is a dairy intolerance also or even if it’s just a pasteurized cow’s milk intolerance. Some people have better results with raw milk, goat or sheep milk.

If your local doctor isn’t working for you, I would fire him and/or find a holistic nutritionist who can give you nutrition recommendations that the doctor is incapable of making.

Doctors aren’t taught nutrition in med school and almost all of ADHD is about nutrition.
2 Gene // May 25, 2010 at 12:43 pm

All of my kids and grandkids were “diagnosed” adhd. Since I had an alcohol problem earlier in life, I was concerned about the addictive prospect of the meds. Our “problem” was solved with a rigourous exercise routine and home schooling.
3 Kathryn Mechling // May 25, 2010 at 12:52 pm

I agree with all of the above, raised a very ADHD son who is 21 now and doing great. Diet is so key in this, we never ate out, made our own foods, supplemented as above. Horseback riding therapy did wonders as did scouting, karate, etc. Find something that interests them that they can excel in. Love them and never give up! The payoffs will come.
4 Janet // Jun 4, 2010 at 5:18 pm

I am 73 years old and learned about 10 years ago that I have had ADD all my life, by being very fortunate to run across Dr. Daniel Amen’s book “Healing ADD: Understanding and Treating the Six Different Types of ADD”. In his book he explains how to tell which kind you or your child may have, the use of Spect scans in seeing what is really happening in the brain, and the use of alternative treatments as well as medications, so the patient or parents can choose to try whichever they would like. Dr. Amen has had wonderful success with alternative medicine as well as exercise. This book changed my life, after many years of struggle to feel of worth. You can find it at most libraries — Good luck!
5 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jun 7, 2010 at 10:23 am

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and reinforcing the power of alternatives to drugs in this challenging ‘disorder.’