Makeripples

Approximately 6 million children in this country suffer from some type of learning disability Symptoms may include:

· Impatient, impulsive or constantly moving

· Some may be withdrawn or have difficulty communicating

· Aggression or passive behaviors may be present with any of the above

· Poor eating habits are generally present

· More than 2 million children are currently taking Ritalin for ADD/ADHD

· Ritalin is sold as a street drug for $3 - $15 per pill. It is crushed and "snorted" for its "speed like" properties.

· "The US Military refuses to accept recruits who used Ritalin to change or modify behavior."(San Antonio Express News, 11/28/96)

· "581,000 children and adolescents received a prescription for Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft in 1996. 2.5 million received prescriptions for Cylert, clonadine and Xanax" (Control Hyperactivity A.D.D. Naturally , by Billie Jay Sahley Ph.D. 1997)

· Patients with a family history or diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome should not use Ritalin.

· Suppression of growth, and height, as well as weight gain/ loss are reported with long term use of Ritalin.

· High sugar snacks make rapid blood sugar changes.

· Sugar variations may lead to outbursts when blood sugar is high as well as depression when it lowers. The sugar content in some common snacks include:

12 oz. Cola - 12 teaspoons

12 oz. Chocolate malt - 18 teaspoons

1 cup vanilla ice cream - 7 teaspoons

1 slice apple pie - 15 teaspoons

1 cup sugar coated cereal - 8 teaspoons

· Amino acids

· Vitamins and minerals

· Digestive imbalances

· Pesticides, chemical additives, preservatives, and artificial coloring should all be considered as allergens.

· Often indicated when behavioral/mood changes are frequent and extreme

· Child often has headaches, leg aches digestive disorders, muscle spasms or bedwetting

· Extremes fluctuations in energy levels

· Extreme behavior change after exposure to mold, pollen dust or chemicals

· Simple use of antacids may keep the stomach from killing parasites ingested on foods.

· Candida Albicans (systemic yeast Infection) is often indicated when many body systems appear weak.

· Parasites are common in any body system

· Dark circles under the eyes are usually an indication of food allergies. Frequent allergic foods include wheat, milk, eggs, sugar, peanuts, oranges and chocolate. It is possible to recognize allergens by taking a child's pulse before and ten minutes after eating a certain food. An elevation of 10 or more points per minute reflects a probable allergy.

· Another way to detect allergens is to eliminate favorite foods for 4 days. Add the foods back into the diet one at a time on an empty stomach and monitor for behavior changes after eating the suspected food.

The diet should ideally be high in foods that are high in nutrients. This would include vegetables, fruits and proteins. It is easy to see that a diet of foods with little or no nutrients and possibly filled with allergens will not allow room for high nutrient foods.

Eating raw fruits and vegetables encourages better digestion by using the enzymes that are present in that food, for better breakdown and nutrient absorption. Cooking foods to 122 degrees kills the foods digestive enzymes.

It is essential for everyone to drink enough water daily. The old rule of eight glasses daily hold true. Please realize that elimination of toxins of all types, from all routes of elimination depend on the presence of water.

One to three bowel movements daily are healthy. Constipation frequently increases hyperactive behavior, and the inability to excrete toxins may cause difficulty concentrating.

"Dry Brushing" the skin increases elimination of toxins, stimulates the nerve impulses and strengthens the immune system. Dry brushing consists of rubbing the skin with a dry, natural bristle brush for 3-5 minutes prior to showering.

Bee Pollen - for amino acid content (see below)

Spirulina - for amino acid and iodine content (see below)

Ginkgo Biloba - Shown to increase the IQ when taken with glutamine and Vitamin B6, also improves circulation.

Garlic - Improves circulation to the brain as well as strengthens the immune system

Green drinks or foods (Barley green, chlorophyll or alfalfa) - These are very high in nutrients, antioxidants and detoxifiers to the body.

Cat's claw (Una De Gato) - Strengthens the immune system which is often weak in children with ADD

Sea vegetables (Kelp, spirulina, and blue green algae) - These are a great source of usable iodine and much healthier for the body than "iodized salt type" sources of iodine which are not usually beneficial.

Oat straw or horsetail - Helpful for the silicone content, which is healing to nerve supply, improves mental attitude and fatigue in stressful job.

It also boosts the immune system.

Red Beet Root, Burdock, or Dandelion - An excellent source of iron that is used by the body to improve thinking, improve the detoxifying ability of the liver, and stabilizes energy levels.

Tryptophan (Unavailable separately, 5HTP may be used in its place)

· Tryptophan is essential to the formation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps control moods

GABA (Gamma Amino Butryric Acid)

· GABA helps the brain sort the random firing of excitatory messages.

· GABA has actually been shown to mimic the tranquilizing effect as Valium or Librium in the body, without the heavy sedative effects of these drugs.

· Especially helpful with anxiety-prone individuals. This works well with both aggressive and passive ADD people.

· The third most abundant amino acid in the brain.

· It is a precursor to GABA in the receptor sites in the brain.

· Glutamine is an alternate fuel in the brain when blood sugars are low, it also remove ammonia waste from the brain. (A brain irritant that occurs naturally)

· Essential to normal development and health of the nervous system.

· Very helpful in controlling hyperactive and hyper kinetic movements, also has anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety properties.

· It also helps balance blood sugars.

· Helps overcome depression, and help the body deal with stress.

· Tends to reduce aggression. It has a sweet taste and could be used in place of sugar.

· It is safe to assume that in all ADD ADHD cases magnesium is a deficiency.

· It is the first mineral depleted when anyone is under stress.

· It has calming properties.

· It is necessary for the absorption of calcium, and vitamins B, C, and E.

· Low levels produce irritability; sleep disorders, anger, and inattentive behaviors.

· It also helps the body remove lead.

· Be sure to get calcium from a reputable source since many cheaper sources actually contain lead.

· Balances blood sugars and improves fatigue, alertness and wound healing, and loss of taste.

· Depleted by airborne pollutants. (cigarette smoke, auto exhaust)

· Deficiency contributes to: fear, depression, temper tantrums, anxiety, mood swings, inability to stand noise or confusing circumstances, withdrawal, listlessness and fatigue.

· Vitamin B6 helps the balance the serotonin levels in the brain, and is one of the greatest fighters of hyperactivity.

· Is also VERY important in the treatment of hyperactivity. It calms in much the same way as B vitamins.

· Vit. C may be upsetting to the digestive tract when large amounts are indicated. Ester C is neutral pH and seldom upsets digestion.

· Improves the ability to learn.

· It is always indicated for the ADD ADHD child with any skin disorders. (acne, warts, hives, eczema, herpes, and psoriasis etc.)

· Low levels of iron impair judgment, reasoning ability and all aspects of the left brain.(Math, language and writing)

· I suggest herbal or food sources since metal forms are hard to metabolize.

It is generally accepted that an essential oil will smell pleasant to those in need of it. You need not wear the oil, howeveryou may. It is effective even if only have the aroma in the environment.

Use of a plug in diffuser is very helpful. Simply inhaling it from the bottle as needed is also effective.

· Balances the nervous system, is antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

· A natural tranquilizer. It is soothing, nurtures and calms.

· Clears the mind and stabilizes emotions

Techniques such as acupressure, acupuncture, and Chinese massage are often helpful.

This therapy directly affects the central nervous system. It uses very gentle pressure on parts of the head and spine to make adjustments in the body energy.

The essence of several different flowers have been shown to have specific healing effects where emotions are concerned. They are generally diluted and taken internally. Some examples might be:

Chestnut bud for the child who repeats the same mistakes.

Clematis for daydreamers

Gentian for those discouraged one who gives up.

Larch if lacking confidence

White chestnut for persistent unwanted thoughts

Wild rose if lacking motivation.

Calming Essence for general stress

· Games that include eye hand coordination are especially helpful.

· Baseball in the dark with a glow in the dark nerf ball and a short bat

· Flash light tag

· Any games that stimulate only a limited number if incoming impulses.

No matter which area of treatment you pursue, it is essential to the success of the program that you make all members of the care team aware of the reasons you have made this choice. Even if they don't believe in what you are doing, ask them to follow the plan for at least three months to give it a chance to begin to work. ADD ADHD didn't happen overnight and therefore won't heal over night. The body will work to be healthy given the proper environment, but most important all involved MUST BE PATIENT!

The A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. Diet! by Rachel Bell and Dr. Howard Peiper

A.D.D. the Natural Approach by Nina Anderson and Dr. Howard Peiper

Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby by Allison England R.N.

Bach Flower Remedies for Children by Barbara Mazzrella

Control Hyperactivity A.D.D. Naturally by Billie J. Sahley, Ph.D.

Detecting Your Hidden Allergies by William Crook MD

The New Detox Diet by Elson Haas, MD

Help for the Hyperactive Child by William Crook MD

How to Raise a Healthy Child by Lendon Smith MD

Is Ritalin Necessary?: The Ritalin Report by Billie J. Sahley, Ph.D.

Is This Your Child by Doris Rapp, MD

The Natural Lunchbox by Judy Brown

Natural Treatments for Add and Hyperactivity by Skye Weintraub ND

No More Ritalin, Treating ADD without Ritalin by Mary Ann Block DO

Nutrition Almanac by Gayal & John D. Kirschmann

Raising Your Child Without Milk by Jane Zukin

Ritalin-Free Kids by Robert Ullman ND

What Every Parent Should Know About Childhood Immunization by Jamie Murphy