ADD/ADHD & Behavioral Problems: Nutritional causes, therapies, remedies & prevention

Acu-Cell Disorders - ADD / ADHD & Behavioral Problems

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ADD / ADHD & Behavioral Problems: Nutritional Causes, Prevention and Therapies

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have

become a medical craze of unparalleled proportions. As many as 20% of children (some estimates

are higher) - the majority of them boys - are now on any of a number of drugs marketed to treat ADD,

or ADHD (Adderall, Attenade, Concerta, Cylert, Dexedrine, Focaline, Metadate, Ritalin, Strattera, and

others). About 35% of all children referred to mental health clinics are referred for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder. It is one of the most prevalent of all childhood "psychiatric" disorders, although

ADD/ADHD is a common diagnosis for adults as well.

With Attention Deficit and Behavioral Problems sometimes running in families, some doctors are
convinced that a genetic component is driving this condition, while others believe that there may have
been damage to the brain during pregnancy or delivery, or from drug or alcohol use during pregnancy,
from infectious diseases, toxemia, overexposure to radiation, etc., while after birth, ADD may result
from meningitis, seizures from fever, head injury, encephalitis, or heavy metal toxicity.

Other practitioners disagree and cite lack of evidence for any of these claims, going as far as calling
ADD another example of "scientific medicine" inventing a psychiatric label when it cannot explain,

resolve, or find a physiological cause for specific medical symptoms. This may certainly be true with

another behavioral condition called "Oppositional Defiant Disorder" (ODD), which is marked by

temper tantrums, and a defiant, uncooperative and hostile conduct toward authority figures.

About 10% of children fall into that category where their disruptive behavior - including hitting, kicking,

and swearing - frequently gets them expelled from kindergarten or school. While psychiatric labeling

may take away the blame from a problem child or the type of parental upbringing, it still doesn't change
the fact that ill-behaved children have always been around (Proverbs 13:24 --- 29:15). However, they

either had to straighten up, or suffer the consequences of becoming a dysfunctional adult or ending up

with a criminal record, just to mention two examples.

Since there is no conclusive test to prove whether someone is suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder,

the diagnosis of either ADD or ADHD is highly subjective, although in 1998 the Eastman Kodak Co.

by chance discovered a novel approach to spotting the disorder: They found that the temperature in the

fingertips of ADD/ADHD patients fluctuates differently from non-ADHD patients, which may lead to the

commercial development of a more accurate diagnostic tool to better and faster assess this condition.

Proponents of drug therapy claim that symptoms of ADD are caused by neurological dysfunctions within
the brain and point to studies done with PET scans confirming that there is a definite difference in brain

functions between groups of individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, and those without it.

According to their theory, specific chemicals called neurotransmitters may be lacking in individuals with
ADD, and where subsequent to taking medication, brain activity appeared to be much more like that of

the normal group. They also claim that the areas of the brain in the ADD group with below-normal brain
activity are known to be associated with such functions as attention, concentration, as well as planning
and organization.

Those same proponents also stress the relative "safety" of these stimulant drugs, and that they are

unquestionably successful in decreasing hyperactivity, while at the same time improving attention span
in approximately 70% of those treated (maintaining that only 5-10% will get worse). As a result, these
drug-treated children supposedly feel better about themselves and enjoy better self-esteem, with no

evidence that being treated for years with stimulant drugs will have a greater likelihood of abusing drugs

or narcotics during their adolescent years.

However other research shows that many children who have taken drugs for Attention Deficit Disorder
or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder continually have drug addiction problems with either legal
drugs and/or illegal drugs for the remainder of their lives. One reason for this could be that they have
been conditioned to believe that taking drugs will solve life's problems and difficulties.

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is classified among Schedule II controlled substances, which have a high
abuse potential with severe psychic or physical dependence liability and in general, are substances

that have therapeutic utility. Schedule II drugs include amphetamine (Dexedrine), cocaine, morphine,

codeine, opium, oxycodone (Percodan), pentobarbital, and others. Ritalin has been sold on the black
market as a form of speed.

Some side effects encountered with these stimulants include personality changes characterized by

a state of excitement, confusion, suicidal thoughts, depression or withdrawal, as well as restlessness,

irritability, sleeping problems, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomachache, headache, rapid or irregular
heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, and sometimes muscle twitches of the face and other parts of the

body, which could lead to Tourette's Syndrome. There is also some controversy of whether these drugs

cause suppression of growth.

Children / Adults diagnosed with ADD/ADHD may fit one or more categories:

• Vision or Hearing problems in children - when undetected - may sometimes lead to an inaccurate

diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder.

• Hyperthyroid or Hypothyroid problems can both trigger a number of attention-disruptive symptoms.

Serum levels may, or may not be within a normal lab range, however false positives or false negatives

with thyroid panels are not uncommon. While elevated / irregular pulse or nervousness are commonly

experienced with hyperthyroid functions, apathy, fatigue and trouble concentrating are some symptoms

encountered with hypothyroid functions. Spinal alignment problems at T4-T6 can also trigger similar

symptoms. Supplements such as PABA, magnesium, or manganese (as individually indicated) will

generally help with mild hyperthyroid activity, while iodine and/or Vitamin B6 may be helpful with very

mild hypothyroid activity.

Exposure to bromine-based fire retardants used in carpets, mattresses, upholstery, furniture and some

electronic equipment have also become suspect for causing a number of medical conditions, including

hypothyroidism. Animal research has linked behavioral problems, as well as neurodevelopmental and

attention deficit hyperactivity disorders to bromides. The European Union has already banned some

PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) compounds for these reasons. (see also Acu-Cell "Bromine").

• Food Intolerances or Allergies are high on the list of offenders to provoke ADD/ADHD or other

behavioral symptoms and problems. While milk, eggs, nuts, shellfish, wheat and soy products are

common triggers for people with food sensitivities or allergies, simple sugar(s) have more of an

effect on mood and hyperactivity than many other dietary factors, although some "experts" on ADD

or ADHD continue to challenge or dispute that fact. (see also Acu-Cell "Sugar & Glycemic Index").

Additional problem sources to consider include pets, mold, artificial food coloring and preservatives,

artificial sweeteners (aspartame), dust mites, caffeine, and tobacco smoke.

• Calcium and/or Magnesium deficiencies are very common causes of ADD and ADHD. Since they

are always accompanied by light and/or restless sleep, along with daytime sleepiness, they are easy

to spot and easily remedied through supplementation or a change in diet. (see also Acu-Cell Nutrition

"Calcium & Magnesium").

• High Copper and low Sulfur - with or without elevated Aluminum - represent one of the most

common causes of ADD/ADHD. Symptoms typically include a "foggy" mind, lack of concentration,

and poor memory. This particular chemical pattern is as common with kids as it is with adults, and

requires not only supplementation of copper antagonists (molybdenum, chromium, sulfur (MSM), or

Vitamin C - as individually indicated), but also avoidance of beverage or food sources high in copper

and aluminum. Copper sources include cocoa / chocolate products, coffee, tea, soy products, liver,

nuts, seeds, shellfish, wheat germ..., while aluminum sources include drinks packaged in aluminum-

lined containers (tetra packs) and certain (antacid / stomach) remedies. (see also Acu-Cell Nutrition

"Copper" and "Sulfur").

• Iron deficiency may be suspect with some forms of ADHD. In a study led by Dr. Eric Konofal, 84%

of children diagnosed with ADHD were found to have abnormally low levels of ferritin (an iron storage

protein), compared to 18% of children without ADHD. Low iron levels in the brain are also known to

alter dopamine activity, which is involved in controlling movement, and there is a link between iron

deficiency in infants, and slower brain development and poorer school performance later in childhood.

• Tyrosine is an amino acid that the body uses to synthesize dopamine and norepinephrine, the two

neurotransmitters believed to be involved in ADHD. Some studies have shown that children with ADD

may have lower levels of tyrosine, which can be increased through supplemental or dietary sources.

L-Tyrosine supplementation is contraindicated when on certain medications, or with specific medical

problems, so a consultation with a practitioner is important for proper evaluation.

• Recreational Activities have a major impact on brain chemistry. The types of videos watched, or the

type of music listened to are just two examples of stimuli that have the ability to shape or affect mood,

personality and behavior. Research has started to find connections between children playing violent

video games, followed by measurable aggressive behavior. The increase in dopamine production

in the brain during video game play is no different than smoking marijuana, or a person being injected

with amphetamines, or the ADD drug Ritalin. The change in brain chemistry is the first hard evidence

that video game playing is addictive, like a dose of speed. Accordingly, these kids are addicted to

raised dopamine levels, and can't concentrate on anything without them.

Studies have attributed similar effects on the brain when listening to music, particularly in regard

to learning and studying. Classical music, with an average 50-70 beats per minute was optimal for

learning. Interestingly, it also provided health benefits such as lower blood pressure, lower muscle

tension, and a slower pulse rate. In every one of several human and animal studies done of having

subjects listen to Mozart versus Hard Rock, the effects of classical music were in comparison to the

control group consistently of a calming, soothing nature, while the Hard Rock group invariably lead to

an aggressive, or even violent behavior.

It is not difficult to understand how the influence of the hypnotic rhythm and beat of Heavy Metal Rock

music induces a drug-like effect that removes inhibitions, morals, and incites rebellion and aberrations

of conduct.

Statistics are even more convincing: In different experiments, mice listening to classical music ran a

maze from 25% to 70% faster than those who were not listening to any music. "Modern" music (Punk
Rock, Rap...) had them run the maze anywhere from 20% to 300% slower! Another study showed that

listening to the classical music of Mozart can improve an IQ score by up to 13 points, while "Rock and

Roll" has a reverse effect.

• Lack of Parental Discipline is what many people believe to be the most widespread cause of ADD,

ADHD, and other behavioral problems, and they may not be too far off the mark. While this will hit a

raw nerve with those parents whose children can do no wrong (no matter how ill behaved they are), it is

very obvious that most kids nowadays lack a respect of authority, and they all seem to very much know

their rights - particularly that governments protect the action of children through various legislations and

even step in against those parents who see fit to teach their kids some rules and hands-on discipline.

* * *

Times have certainly changed... particularly in regard to mental health! Visiting shopping malls, hair
salons, or even many of the better dining establishments can be quite an awakening experience in the
way many of them see fit to musically entertain their customers. Emphasis used to be on providing a
relaxing atmosphere with ambient 'elevator-type' of background music to enhance that shopping or
dining experience. Now, one establishment is trying to outdo the other by greeting the customer right

at the door with their canned heavy-metal beat, which is only challenged by the tinted sports car driving

by with its mega-watt entertainment system creating a sonic boom within a mile radius.

In most cities, searching from one end of the dial to the other, one is hard-pressed to find a radio station
that still caters to normal, well-adjusted, non-medicated adults, who prefer to get through the day without
having their brain tortured with that driving beat.

Likewise, videographers used to pride themselves in applying every possible skill to stabilize their
shots and trying to provide smooth video footage for their audience. Now, their pieces of "art" consist
of rapidly zooming in and out a minimum number of times per minute, tilting their cameras side to side,

while continuously moving around as if suffering from an 'Ants-in-the-Pants' syndrome.

In turn, video editors complement these "master pieces" by trying to utilize every possible strobe effect,

bright, flashing light and head-spinning transitions their editing equipment has to offer. What used to be

an excuse for amateur home video has graduated into acceptance with many commercial TV stations.

The reward for sitting through these news, commercial, documentary or Hollywood-style video exhibits

could be a pounding headache for those who still enjoy the possession of an unadulterated brain, while
the sound-enhanced flashing of animated cartoons is just waiting to give some kids the ultimate trip in
form of a brain seizure - as happened to hundreds of Japanese children some time ago.

I guess, spending "quality time" with kids to some parents means a healthy dose of interactive video

games, or an afternoon of watching "educational" TV, where dragons and space invaders annihilate
one another.

Just like a change in life style is preferable to numerous dietary attempts when trying to lose weight, a

change in life style / recreational activities, and nutrition - if indicated, is also preferable to drug therapy

with children (and adults) when dealing with ADD, ADHD & ODD. Admittedly, with the cult-like following

the video, music, and motion picture industry enjoys, and considering the number of prescriptions that

are written for mental health problems every year, this seems like a difficult - if not impossible task. ¤

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Acu-Cell Disorders: ADD / ADHD & Behavioral Problems

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