Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures

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Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« on: April 20, 2006, 06:46:17 PM » by Sonlight-Mommy

Ok, I don't like labeling my children, but. . . I do have one that exhibits the behaviors of ADHD. We haven't done any testing, but I'm sure that if he were in public school, they would want him on drugs. Can we open up a conversation about this?

I recently took this child to the dr. (naturopathic) and, among other things, had some food allergy testing done. He didn't have any major reactions to anything, but the ones that he did react to made the dr. think "candida." We didn't have the actual candida test done, and at this point we're not willing to pay for more tests. Instead, she put him on an anti-candida diet (Her words, "as much as you can.") He's been a month without sugar, honey, jam, hidden sugars in processed foods, etc. and I've been making baked goods with whole wheat pastry flour and stevia. He's also been off dairy. (I'm getting ready to challenge him on that one. We're ready to add back at least cheese, if he can tolerate it.) I can't believe how much this has seemed to help.

The doctor also put him on magnesium and cod liver oil. You know, I really think that the cod liver oil has helped more than anything else. Two weeks ago, we ran out of it, and I was without for about a week or so. I noticed such a difference! At this point, my gauge for how well he's doing is my frustration level. Within a few days of not having the cod liver oil, I found myself being more frustrated with his lack of attention, distractedness, etc.

Behaviorally, I find it helpful to tell him to stop, look at me when I talk to him, have him repeat my instructions back to me, and only give him one instruction at a time. Then I need to make sure to follow up on him to be sure the thing was done. Of course, some of this is common sense that we should do with all of our kids. (Making sure they really understood us, making sure they really followed through.) But it seems especially important with this child.

Another thing I do is not waste his time with "busy-work" at school. (There's another common sense thing for all the kids, but especially important for him.) If I'm pretty sure he knows how to do something, say double digit math, I have him give me the answers orally for a few, rather than making him sit down and write out the whole page. Then I let him loose to go run outside or hunt for bugs!

Anyone else want to jump into the conversation? I'd love to hear other people's tips. How do you deal with an "easily-distracted, nine-year old, normally-active boy." Or are there other nutrition/supplement things that have worked for you? Or. . . .?

« Last Edit: April 20, 2006, 06:48:16 PM by Sonlight-Mommy »
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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2006, 07:48:37 PM » by healthybratt

Not something I've had to deal with myself, but KUDOS to you for looking for healthy ways to treat it! Grin

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2006, 10:22:16 PM » by StephTallent

I baby sat a little boy for several years. His "symptoms" were off the charts. His energy levels were so high as to make him appear almost frantic all of the time and could not focus for more than two minutes on any one thing. They eventually put him on medication for it since his Mom and Dad worked full time and it was impossible to keep him in any traditional school setting.

Sugar of any sort had a horrible effect on him. Particularly chocolate of any kind. His system seemed particularly sensitive to caffeine.

They tried disciplining him through physical discipline (spankings) and it did nothing for him. He would forget the whole reason for it within five minutes and be back to doing the same behavior that got him the spanking in the first place. Like jumping on the couch, stacking the kitchen chairs on top of each other until one fell down, moving ant hills onto the porch etc. His Dad finally found a discipline/training tool that worked soooo well! Instead of spankings, depending on what he was doing wrong he got a set number of "laps" to run around their large back yard. The punishment lasted long enough that he actually remembered it and after the forced exercise that worked a lot of the extra energy off he was able to behave and focus much better for the next hour or so.

Ditto the Kudos for being willing to find out how to help your son other than putting him on medications!!

The meds do help remove the symptoms but I've seen it really change kids personalities and even seemingly lower their IQ. After working with a children's ministry and several labeled ADHD kids it is my personal belief that for the most part they are way above average smart and simply get bored very easily because their ability to grasp concepts is far advanced than that of their average age group.

« Last Edit: April 20, 2006, 10:24:23 PM by StephTallent »
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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #3 on: April 21, 2006, 02:36:39 PM » by Sonlight-Mommy

Quote from: StephTallent on April 20, 2006, 10:22:16 PM

Ditto the Kudos for being willing to find out how to help your son other than putting him on medications!!

I wasn't looking for public kudos. (I once had an acquaintance make some comments to me after watching my son and I interact. She said, "Is your son ADD?" I said, "Well, we have no diagnosis, but..." She said, "You are doing wonderful with him. You are using some of the techniques that we teach teachers to use with their adhd kids." (She was a public school professional.) I had to stop and think, "Hmm. So, is this good or bad?" I chose to take it as a compliment.

) Actually, I think much of what I do is just common sense. And some of it was learned out of desperation! Interesting that even the professionals know some of this! Wink

If what I mentioned can help other moms, great! I'd also love to hear from other people of what they do. To me, some of it seems like, this is just how his brain works. How can I help him to overcome what needs to be overcome, and how can I help him to enhance what he has that is good? This is actually no different than any of my other children. They each have their "thing."

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #4 on: April 21, 2006, 02:46:09 PM » by Sonlight-Mommy

Quote from: StephTallent on April 20, 2006, 10:22:16 PM

This is a good point! I love my son just the way he is! He talks constantly (loudly!), and tells me everything on his mind. And he has such a great sense of humor. He's our family clown! After he had been on the cod liver oil and diet for a while, I asked my daughter if she thought she saw any improvement. (Because I thought that I did.) She said, "Well...He's out there working in the garden with me and he just can't quit chattering." I said, "But that's just the way he is. Getting better doesn't mean that he's going to stop being who he is." She then had to agree that he was still him, but better. (By the way, we had other health issues that we were dealing with also. The improvement in "ADHD" type of symptoms was almost a side benefit, which we are greatly enjoying!)

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #5 on: April 21, 2006, 05:38:47 PM » by Helen

I am very impressed that you are activlly seeking other ways to help besides meds! SMART MOMMY! not very many peopledo. Blessings

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #6 on: April 21, 2006, 07:02:31 PM » by TruthSeeker

I wish I would never have put my son on medication for his ADHD. I just couldn't take it anymore Embarrassed

The first doctor I took him to didn't do any testing of any sort. A couple of questions for me and here's a prescription. He actually said, "Try this. If you see an improvement than he has ADD, if you don't than he doesn't." What a joke! I took him to another doctor and he spent lots of time asking questions to both of us. Same thing though, here's a prescription. I knew that sugar affected him terribly so I really watched his intake. I didn't have any idea that eliminating certain foods might be helpful though. Unfortunately, we don't have any naturopaths around our area. So, we tried a couple of meds, which he didn't like. Said it made him feel weird. He lost some weight, was never hungry. Then they came out with a "non-narcotic" called Concerta. We put him on that and it made him violent! He talked of suicide for the first time. He didn't like taking any meds. Said I was trying to make him into someone he wasn't. Talk about gut wrenching! I felt horrible. We took him off meds and just decided to deal with it. This all happened within about 6 months. I noticed signs at an early age, but it became very apparant once he started school. By the end of 7th grade he got so sick of getting in trouble at school he begged me to homeschool him. I didn't want to because I knew my limitations Embarrassed

After praying about it I knew the Lord was telling me, "It's not about you, it's about him." So, we homeschooled during his 8th grade. Funny thing is I loved it and he hated it. He was so used to not having to do his work at public school that this was a real eye opener Shocked

Shortly after that he went to live with his dad. I miss him so much. I know he's eating horrible there and his behavior is a result of that. He was so out of control the last time he came to visit that we had to say, "No more." Now, we have to go visit him rather than him coming here. He gets the whole house in an uproar and we can't trust him around his younger brothers. He has no control over his mouth. Whatever he thinks, he speaks and it's usually very disrespectful. My #3 son (3 years old) just adores him too. It all makes me very sad. I know I haven't handled things right. But if I could give advice I would say RESEARCH alternatives to meds and experiment with different foods. What Sonlight is doing is great.

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #7 on: April 22, 2006, 09:48:17 AM » by Sonlight-Mommy

Quote from: TruthSeeker on April 21, 2006, 07:02:31 PM

I wish I would never have put my son on medication for his ADHD. I just couldn't take it anymore . . . . I knew that sugar affected him terribly so I really watched his intake. I didn't have any idea that eliminating certain foods might be helpful though. Unfortunately, we don't have any naturopaths around our area. So, we tried a couple of meds, which he didn't like. . . . . Said I was trying to make him into someone he wasn't. Talk about gut wrenching! I felt horrible. . . . . Shortly after that he went to live with his dad. I miss him so much. I know he's eating horrible there and his behavior is a result of that. He was so out of control the last time he came to visit that we had to say, "No more." . . . . It all makes me very sad.

TruthSeeker, I read this and my heart broke for you!!! Cry

I know how hard it is to get an older child to change his diet. I have a 15 year old, and he won't do it. It has to come from them wanting to. I put my 9 year old son on the diet the dr. gave him, and he just obeys. My 13 yod chose to do it with him, but my 15yo said, "No way!" He tried a few of the stevia things I've made, but says he doesn't like them. Now he asks, "Is this that special stuff?" and maybe will, maybe won't, even try it.

I'm sorry you don't have an ND around. We have several to choose from just in our small city. I really like the one we see. I think our state is one that has stricter licensing and regulations, too, so I feel like I can trust her more.

Well, I mostly just wanted to sympathize with you, and send you a hug (((TruthSeeker))) I also wanted to let you know that after reading this, I lifted you up in prayer, asking my God to shower his blessings of mercy and grace upon your son and your family.

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #8 on: April 22, 2006, 10:03:18 AM » by Sonlight-Mommy

First a question, then the thinking behind the question:

How do you teach your children to "bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ"?

Here's why I'm thinking of this. I've recently come to the conclusion that my son's brain just works so much faster than the rest of us. That's why he just blurts out his thoughts, or takes action, without thinking. Sometimes he says things that we think are unrelated and we just laugh at him. (Rather, I should say we laugh with him. He loves to be the clown.) I think it's because his brain has gone so many steps ahead of us and he's on to the next subject while we're still trying to process what he just said. My husband and I feel like this is the root of why he displays these ADHD behaviors. (Oh, how I despise those letters, but there's no other way to really communicate the concept.)

Occasionally, he will wake up in the middle of the night having had a bad dream. When that happens, he has a hard time falling back asleep. This happened last night. He said he just couldn't stop thinking about the bad dream and "couldn't get a good dream into" his head so he could fall back asleep. I told him that he needs to take every thought captive and submit it to Christ. Think of a Bible verse and train his head to think of pleasant thoughts.

Another thing I've tried is telling him to imagine windshield wipers in his head. Whenever he thinks of his "bad dream" he can imagine the wipers coming on and wiping it away so he can think of something else.

Anyone have any additional thoughts. You know, this is something that we need to teach all of our children. I'm just now reminded that this is the good thing about "ADHD." I know what this boy is thinking so I can be aware and teach him. Grin

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #9 on: April 23, 2006, 09:14:09 AM » by TruthSeeker

My ADHD son also struggled with bad dreams that he couldn't let go of. When he was very small we started praying every night when I tucked him in, "Lord, please send angels around our house to protect us all from bad dreams and evil thoughts." He rarely had a bad dream when we prayed that. Some nights he would fall asleep before we could pray and he would have a bad dream. He would say,"It's because you didn't pray." He knew the power of God even at an early age. Wink

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #10 on: April 23, 2006, 03:12:11 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: Sonlight-Mommy on April 22, 2006, 10:03:18 AM

take every thought captive and submit it to Christ.

Maybe it's just me, but this is a pretty broad concept for a child. It's a pretty broad concept for me really. Maybe you could simplify it for him a bit and if he's having trouble with something in particular, limit his exposure to it, whatever it might be.

Studies have shown that even children diagnosed with ADHD can sit still and concentrate on somthing they enjoy. Find something complex for him to really dive his over-active mind into. Buy him some models to build, or create a terrerium or a ship in a bottle. Buy, or build an ant farm. Get him some MENSA puzzle books. He may not be a genius, but he's showing genius traits. Give him something to sink himself into. Go to the library and bring home a couple dozen books all on different topics and find something that facinates him to no end. Jet planes, biochemistry, whatever. Thoughts and actions go hand in hand. Get him doing something productive and he'll think about it all the time.

One other thing. I don't know how you deal with this personally, but I do know that many parents have a tendancy to talk about their children's "disorders" or "problems" too much. They talk to their friends and family in front of the kids and just assume that Jr. either isn't listening or doesn't understand or they figure Jr. really needs to know that he has a problem. I think this is a terribly enabling behavior on the part of parents. Even if you're worried that he has a problem, you shouldn't give him any reason to worry or even think about it. It's crippling and can cause them to begin to believe they can't help themselves and give them a permanent excuse to act inappropriately. Never reward negative behavior with attention, sympathy or anything else unless you want them to continue to behave that way.

« Last Edit: April 23, 2006, 03:19:20 PM by healthybratt »
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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #11 on: March 08, 2007, 03:45:12 PM » by JVasquez

I know of two families that are considering putting their children on medication for ADHD. I don't buy it, I think that doctors today are over medicating our children. Please help...if you know of any holistic sites that talk a natural approach. I don't know if they will try it but knowledge is power right!

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #12 on: March 15, 2007, 04:39:45 PM » by rachel87

Although as a teacher and a parent, I wholeheartedly concur children are overmedicated, please realize that every parent who puts their child on medication is not looking for a quick fix or lacking in knowlege.
My child is pharmaceutically treated for ADHD. It was recommended at age 4 and I was aghast. We changed diets, increased structure, tried supplements and cognitive training. During this time, he experienced frustration, low self-esteem and continued negativity. As he entered grade 3 - a VARIETY of standardized and aptitude tests placed him at a high level but he began to cry at night - too frustrated and wanted to return to grade 2. I decided to try medication. After 3 days, he took me aside and graciously thanked me. He explained how his mind moved so fast that he now was empowered to stop consider what he was doing. I knew this was the right move. However, I continued to watch and his stomach started to bother him and later we tried a different prescription. We never told him he was taking a prescription but instead a supplement - like he sees us take. We did not explain the term ADHD but we discussed how his brain moved and continued the cognitive training. The cognitive training, supplements nor diet had 10% of the impact of the prescription - according to parents, teachers and HIM. My strongest reason for going to the prescription is that the primary years of a child's life and education set a strong precedent for the future; therefore, as a parent, it is my job to find the best possible plan for a positive foundation of the primary years.
With all the difficulties and challenges we face as parents, other parents on high horses is just a distraction. Your irritated tone is judgement - not help. Sometimes holistic practices are as inefficient as pharmaceutical. As a teacher, I can tell you that kids are SO very different in behavior, ability, capability and confidence. Therefore, quickly judging parents for medicating is just as annoying as preaching holistic arrogance.
Life is a balance with unbalanced people.

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #13 on: April 10, 2007, 01:54:12 PM » by Mothers Medicine Cabinet

I have heard of people using pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils as a natural solution to ADHD. They diffuse the oil throughout their homes or even in school settings for calming the children.
Check out this link for additional information on essential oils.

http://www.anhonestbusiness.org/missing_link_to_modern_medicine.htm

If you'd like more direct information feel free to contact me:
Jessica@anhonestbusiness.org

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #14 on: April 10, 2007, 03:47:48 PM » by BJ_BOBBI_JO

Ever thought that maybe ADHD ands ADD is not a mental illness but just a differant sort of personality type? And the reason schools and society cant handle it is because the majority of people arnt wired that way?

I know our modern junky diets and lifestyles cause ADHD and ADD tendencies and behavories. But what about the person who truely has it? Maybe its not a mental defect but instead a type of person God made? I have read studies that say ADD/ADHD ppl are rather smart but it dont always show because of their disorganized rush rush nature. Often ppl missunderstand their actions and think they are missbehaving, lazy, depressed and so on.

I heard they are smart in other areas of life and can see the world with a differant outlook that can be helpful for them. I think there is a differance in the kid with real ADD and the kid with
diet/life style/envirnment induced ADD. Im talking about the ones with real ADD.

Here is a link that shows some famous ppl with ADD/ADHD.

http://www.adhdrelief.com/famous.html

PS- I been taking Vit E and C together and Ginkgo biloba for a week now to help my mind calm down so I can sort things out better because of my ADD and its helping. When I was a kid the school tried to get my mom to have me put on ritlin. She refused. Im a high functioning ADD'er so my parents turned me lose outside on our land and strictly corrected me.

Music with a drum beat especialy fast drum beat music awaken my mind and help me think more clearly. Its rather refreshing to hear fast drumy music.

But I would not want to be rid of ADD 100% because it makes me who I am and thats who God made me to be! Besides being like everyone else bores me, they think to slow Wink

« Last Edit: April 10, 2007, 03:58:44 PM by BJ_BOBBI_JO »
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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #15 on: April 10, 2007, 04:32:46 PM » by dara

They say it's on the fringes of the autism spectrum. I'd sure love to be rid of it (maybe someday I can try mercury detox) because I'm sure that my personality and abilities would be that much Better without the hindrences I have because of it. Had one of those days yesterday, and it can be SO discouraging. I like to know I wasn't meant to be this way, and perhaps someday I can 'heal' a little (detox, etc. but I still have metal fillings....).

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #16 on: August 08, 2007, 05:55:00 PM » by kittyninja

Just wanted to share this. The front page of our sunday newspaper had this headline "Tonsil removal may cure ADHD behavior in kids". It talks about enlarged tonsils or adenoids causing sleep apnea in kids and effecting their behavior during the day.

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #17 on: August 12, 2007, 02:31:11 PM » by 4lilkeepers

post what they eat? I have recently come to the conclusion that my 4 yr old has a lot of the same symptoms. I don't believe in treating this sort of thing with drugs and refuse to even entertain the idea of going to a med. doc. with my suspicions. I just don't know where to start as far as helping her. I'mtaking her off of refined sugar, but wonder if I should do it gradually or quit cold turkey? any suggestions?

Thanks

4lilkeepers

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #18 on: August 12, 2007, 05:59:48 PM » by abbilynn

Quote from: 4lilkeepers on August 12, 2007, 02:31:11 PM

There's a great book called "Healing the New Childhood Epidemics - Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies" by Kenneth Bock. READ IT!! Grin

It is awesome, and it will answer a lot of your questions!!

abbilynn

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #19 on: August 12, 2007, 09:16:43 PM » by skelliott2

Quote from: rachel87 on March 15, 2007, 04:39:45 PM

My strongest reason for going to the prescription is that the primary years of a child's life and education set a strong precedent for the future; therefore, as a parent, it is my job to find the best possible plan for a positive foundation of the primary years.

I know this is an older post, but I just read it, and had to give a response. A very close relative of mine works for the prison system as a parole officer. He is in contact with many prisoners every day. He has noticed that a lot of them are just ordinary people, who are on medication. As long as they take their meds, they are just fine. They committed the crime that got them into prison on the the day that they didn't take their meds.

So, because I wholeheartedly agree with you that the primary years are so important, that's the reason I don't give my child medication. Right now, no one is depending on him for support, leadership, etc. Also, this is the time that he is learning how to behave in society. So, I believe that this is my son's only chance to learn to live without medications. So, hopefully, if he needs medication when he grows up, he will be able to control himself even without them.

Being a mom of a child with special needs, believe me, I know how hard it can be to live with that, but I want to know that I did everything in my power to give him a normal adult life, even if it was harder for me when he was young.

Also, thanks for the book suggestion, Abilynn. I'll have to get that one, it sounds good!

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #20 on: August 12, 2007, 09:49:11 PM » by abbilynn

Quote

Also, thanks for the book suggestion, Abilynn. I'll have to get that one, it sounds good!

No problem! It's definitely the best book I've read! We've been doing the biomedical stuff he talks about for the last year with my three boys and WOW what a difference. We are still battling some issues and working them out by doing the things he discusses, but they have come such a long way. It's a "MUST READ" and I'm sure you won't be able to put it down once you pick it up! LOL Cheesy

abbilynn

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #21 on: August 14, 2007, 10:39:17 PM » by mamaoffour

4lilkeepers: Children who are wired differently or are more sensitive to allergens, food additives, sugar, preservatives, and more can show symptoms of having ADHD. Please read my thread on Sensory Integration Disorder.

We have struggled for a while with Noah's constant hyperactivity. It has actually gotten worse because of the mold and allergens in our house. This can be a causing factor in some children; they may not actually have ADHD, but there sensitivities to food or allergens can cause their brains to go haywire. This is the case with my son. When he gets a hold of corn, wheat, milk, eggs, sugar, food additives, mold, or any kind of food dye he goes wild! He was actually diagnosed with ADHD by a DAN Dr a few months ago. I really think his allergies cause him to have ADHD symptoms as well as autistic traits. We actually wanted to try corn again today to see if Noah would react to it, sure enough he reacted and started hand flapping, rolling around on the floor uncontrollably, talking really loud, not focusing, and just couldn't process much of what we were saying to him. Simple tasks were very hard for him to get done.

I would start by eliminating some of the most reactive foods and see if there is a pattern to his/her behavior. First things first: No food additives, no dyes, and no sugars. If you don't notice a change in behavior then take away milk and wheat and see if there is a change in behavior. Most ADHD kids improve significantly after removing these food choices.

You may have to dig even deeper into some other reactive foods. We noticed our son to be reactive to other things such as; bananas, coconut,tomatoes, peas, anything with sugar, and to mold. We are currently going through some extensive allergy testing to see what else he is reacting to. It has been a very long road for us. As soon as we find another piece to the puzzle something else stumps us. God has been good to us though, it's just a matter of time and God will completely heal our son from all of these sensitivities.

Oh yeah, don't forget that heavy metals can also cause ADHD symptoms.

Start out by reading these two books: Healing the New Childhood Epidemics Autism, ADHD, Asthma, And Allergies by Kenneth Bock(Abilynn mentioned in her post) and Is This Your Child? by Doris Rapp: This book is all about food intolerances and allergies. Both books are a great start. The first book will really get down to the root cause. I really think our son's problems were brought on by environmental toxins(see arsenic thread, that's also about our family dealing with arsenic poisoning) and also genetics. I hope this will help you a little. Just wanted to post and give my two cents. Bottom line, a clean diet can really make a huge difference for some ADHD kids.

« Last Edit: August 15, 2007, 01:09:09 PM by healthybratt »
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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #22 on: August 15, 2007, 07:09:53 AM » by 4lilkeepers

for that post. I have also read your comments on your son in other posts. You are such a good mom! I know that your family will win this battle. It's really astonishing to me that sooooo many, good parents, that I know, just don't take the time to research! I believe research is the biggest key to things! I don't have a lot of faith in Dr.s , especially after the birth of my last child, 6 months ago. treatments that they suggested, bothered me to the point, that I felt I HAD to research them thorughly before following through with them. AFter visiting this WONDERFUL board, I realized I didn't need to have a lot of them becasue they would harm me or my baby!

I have taken my 4 yr old off of sugar completely for the past 3 days, and I can't even begin to describe the change in her attitude and behavior. She is like a whole different child! She can stay focused, she is easily corrected, she doesn't go spastic and start screaming over the least little thing, etc..... Our household is peaceful for once.

Thanks for all you said, I may still try and take some other things from her diet.

I hope all continues to go well with your son.

4lilkeepers

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #23 on: August 15, 2007, 09:53:59 AM » by momma2boys

My son is ADHD/Asperger's Syndrome and we have successfully chosen to treat it naturally for 3 years now, after much research. What has worked for us began with the Feingold diet - www.feingold.org. This diet removes all chemicals from food and body products along with salicylates which are naturally occurring chemicals found in certain types of produce. We have also supplemented with cod liver oil, vitamin B6 and zinc. The results have been remarkable. He still is quirky and spaces out once in a while - but it's nothing like it used to be. And as an added bonus, he only gets sick about once per year and it's over very quickly! And I've learned how to cook from scratch, how to really read labels at the grocery store, etc.

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #24 on: August 15, 2007, 12:46:49 PM » by dara

I found some interesting stuff (for ADD) at clayforautism.com.

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #25 on: August 15, 2007, 01:10:43 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: 4lilkeepers on August 15, 2007, 07:09:53 AM

If she responds this well when removing sugar from the diet, it would suggest to me that she may have yeast. Removing sugar is the start, but you may need to get her on some good probiotics to replace the beneficial bacteria missing from her gut. Here's some more links related to candida(yeast) and how to treat it.

Candida / Yeast: Symptoms & Cures
Treating Children for Candida/Yeast
Candida Cleanse Without Supplements
Foods to Eat While Fighting Candida
Natural Antifungals
Fighting Candida w/o Sugar [Carb] Restrictions
Candida Albicans vs Other Yeasts: Are All Yeasts Created Equal
Die-Off from Candida/Yeast: Causes, Effects, Risks & Reduction
Leaky Gut: The Cause of it All?
I Think I Have Candida and/or Leaky Gut: What Now?

« Last Edit: August 15, 2007, 01:12:55 PM by healthybratt »
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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #26 on: August 15, 2007, 02:14:37 PM » by 4lilkeepers

Thanks HB,

I am going to read them, now. I was considering giving her some TTU, but she can't swallow pills yet and I think I read somewhere on here, that unless the probiotics survive your stomach acid, they can't get to your gut? Is that right? I don't wanna waist the TTU if it isn't doing her any good.

4lilkeepers

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Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #27 on: August 16, 2007, 11:59:53 AM » by healthybratt

Quote from: 4lilkeepers on August 15, 2007, 02:14:37 PM

some of them will get through if you just keep "pumping" them in. it's true that the pills will provide the most direct route, but you can put them in yogurt, kefir, pudding, or just sprinkle on the tongue. I wouldn't consider this wasting, but it might take a bit longer to get them there. Although, I'm not very familiar with it, some recommend probiotic enemas if you think it might be appropriate. Make kefir, yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut,etc and feed her this stuff daily as well.

If candida is the source of the problem, then replacing good bacteria is crucial. If you don't give probiotics daily (indefinately?), then the candida will return and the associated symptoms (and others) will also return.

« Last Edit: August 16, 2007, 12:01:34 PM by healthybratt »
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My favorite herb book!!

Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #28 on: August 16, 2007, 02:15:21 PM » by mamaoffour

Quote from: 4lilkeepers on August 15, 2007, 07:09:53 AM

4lilkeepers: Thanks for those kind words. It means alot!! I feel the same way you do about most conventional Dr's. Some don't help any with getting to the root cause. If we had listened to all of the Dr.s we brought Noah to, he would have been worse than he is now. We have healed some of his problems just from our research alone. Noah no longer has loose stools(unless he gets a hold of something he reacts to) anymore. He has had loose stools since he was 12 months. That's good news for us! Even if the changes are gradual, it's still something to look forward to for us. I know now that God gave Noah to us to help someone else who is going through similar things as we are. I look at it like this, God won't give us more than we can handle, even though some days it really feels too much to handle. Today is one of those days for Noah and me. We did more testing yesterday and found him extremely reactive to corn. His body is still trying to get rid of the corn; he has been sweating all day long and has been throwing lots of tantrums. It's been a rough day for him and me.

I'm so glad to see a change already in your daughter!! That's so awesome!! It's a start for you!! Keep a journal and right down what food she seems to react to everyday. It will make it easier on you when you are trying to investigate food culprits. Unfortunately, it isn't as easy for us with Noah, we have taken away all likely culprits from his diet and are still having major reactions from mold, pollen, and most likely arsenic again. We go to a Neurologist Aug.22nd and will most likely get a MRI scan done on his brain. We will also suggest a heavy metal screen test for Noah again. I think he is very toxic right now!! Once we get all of this squared away, I will chelate him for a while to see if this helps with his sensitivities and allergies. Keep up the good work mama. It's all in your hands now. Just like you said, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, AND RESEARCH SOME MORE.....Good luck with your daughter.

Misty

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"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it(Prov. 22:6).

Re: Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder [ADD/ADHD]: Causes & Cures
« Reply #29 on: August 17, 2007, 11:54:51 PM » by skelliott2

Quote from: abbilynn on August 12, 2007, 09:49:11 PM

Quote

Also, thanks for the book suggestion, Abilynn. I'll have to get that one, it sounds good!

abbilynn

I just got the book, and was wondering, abbilynn, if you had your kids tested for all of those tests he recommends?? We haven't ever gotten an official diagnosis for our son, since we weren't really going the medical route, and we are self insured. If you did get the testing done, how did you find a good doctor, and were they useful ? thanks!

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