Health Intuitive

Alternative Medicine News

Attention Deficit Disorder Prevention

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and other kinds of childhood conditions may not be simply due to deficiency in neurotransmitters alone. Factors like heavy metal poisoning and food allergies can lead to inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity.  These may be the reasons why a lot of children on ADHD medication still show ADHD symptoms.  When a child with ADHD taking ADHD medications who is likewise intolerant to casein and gluten still drinks milk and eats cereal, for example, the child can still have difficulties in concentrating and paying attention even if the medication has relieved or lessened his symptoms.

Treating ADHD through natural means has been valuable for parents in addressing their child’s ADHD when medicines have failed; however, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.  If you find out that you have a family history of autism, ADHD, autism or other disorders, there are certain steps you can do to protect your child from the causes of these conditions.

Physical Activity

Unfortunately TV shows, video games and children go together. Video games and TV shows can be enticing but they compel children to live a sedentary lifestyle. A child needs physical activity which is essential to his neurological development. Therefore, you need to ensure that your child spends a lot of time playing outdoors. Give your child a maximum of an hour for watching TV or playing video games.

Stay Away from Food Additives

Few people are aware that preservatives, flavoring and artificial coloring can cause ADHD symptoms. Sadly, a lot of foods designed for kid’s consumption are loaded with these chemicals. Stay away from foods added with artificial additives, and limit junk cereals and candy to special occasions or weekends.

Avoid Vaccines

School officials and doctors often view vaccinating children as a must for their well-being.  Children may be at high risk to certain types of diseases, but it is now being revealed that vaccines are laced with mercury and other toxic substances that contribute to autism and ADHD. You need to do a thorough research on vaccines and infectious childhood diseases before deciding in having your child vaccinated.

Eat Organic Foods

Thorough washing of grocery bought vegetables with water does not guarantee that all traces of pesticides will be removed.  Pesticides kill insects by damaging their nervous system. However, the neurotransmitters of insects are the same as humans and even if human adults have a certain resistance to these pesticides, babies and young children can be affected by these poisons.  This fact should be an indication that organically farmed produce may be the best types of food for your family regardless if your child has ADHD or not. It is also advisable not to keep or use pesticides in your home.  Children can be very prone to contamination from domestic pesticides due to the amount of time they spend playing on the floor.

Breastfeed

Mother’s milk is the most nutritious food a baby can feed on. A baby fed on mother’s milk has very little chance of developing intolerance to casein (a milk substance suspected of triggering symptoms similar to ADHD) and food allergies. Breast milk greatly improves the child’s neurological development (as long as the mother has no nutritional deficits).  You can take omega-3 fish oil supplements and multivitamins daily if you are breastfeeding to keep your baby well-nourished and to keep you healthy and strong as well.

Scott Paglia is a licensed and board certified acupuncturist in Bellingham, WA and provides master level pulse diagnosis, Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture in Whatcom County, WA.

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