Is there natural relief for ADD?

[SandyP]

My daughter was diagnosed with ADD about six months ago, since then we have been on roller coaster of medications. She would take one and get so sick she couldn't eat and loose a bunch of weight then she would take another and gain a bunch of weight. They seem to wear off fast and she would have to take them during school and feel embarrassed. I would like to find something that is natural and effective. Something she could maybe take and not have to worry about taking at school and not feel sluggish as many of the medications make her feel. Does anyone know of anything that might help or any suggestions?

[adhdmama]

I am pretty new to this whole thing too, so I won't have much advice to give you. But I do know that there's medications like Concerta that are once a day meds, long lasting, slow release... so your daughter could take ONE in the morning, and not have to take it again during school. As for natural stuff, these medications and natural supplements effect EACH child differently. We've seen naturopaths, homeopaths, tried herbal and native remedies, tried homeopathic remedies, elimination diets, the whole 9 yards. We didn't get results from any of it really... so NOW we're trying medications. I have been very resistant to try... but we are at the point now where my boy is being affected, self esteem, and I'm worried if we don't get a handle on this, that anxiety is going to become an issue, and the list could go on and on.

I really hope that you can find a way to help your daughter... I know how heartbreaking it is for us as parents!! Good luck !!

[addprogrammer]

Sandy,

Natural supplements do effect each person (child or adult) differently. adhdmama's experience is not unique. To add insult to injury so do prescription meds - that is - affect each person differently.

Given your daughter's wear-off-fast history with meds, I doubt if Concerta will give her 12 hour efficacy but it may give her 6 to 7 hours which would get her through most of the school day.

There is no reason you can't use natural supplements along with the meds - just be sure to consult with doctor or pharmacist for drug interactions.

Natural supplement selection seem to be contingent on which symptoms are most troublesome.

What works for me?

For restlessness/hyperactivity - A combination of C-complex (1150 mg - 3x day) and L-Tyrosine (500mg capsules; 3 caps/3x day). The calming effect is immediate. Most supplements take weeks or months to work but that combination does not. If it doesn't work within a few days it will not work at all. Move on to something else.

I would be remiss not to mention that the above doses are extremely high and well above what our bodies need. To the best of my limited knowledge the body simply eliminates what it doesn't use so presumably there is no toxic buildup.

Additionally, I am 56 years old. That means more than qualifying for senior coffee at McDonalds. It also means I need a lot more of anything than a child because of slowing metabolism. I also take a bunch of other supplements including fish oil. Whether they have any ADHD symptom reduction properties is a matter of conjecture in my case. At the very least "they do no harm" - better than can be claimed for prescription meds. Worse of all, my need for Ritalin is reduced but not eliminated.

For focus/concentration - A good ADHD diet, exercise and green tea.

Let's define a "good ADHD diet:" Low carbs, very low sugar, lots of veggies. Just be cautious about "low carbs." Low carbs does not mean no carbohydrates. For example, I may eat 1 piece of whole wheat toast with scrambled eggs for breakfast. Lunch may be tuna fish stuffed into a half a pita pocket (whole wheat of course) and supper may include a half of a baked potato with beef and vegetables dominating the fare.

Dessert? God help me. I miss it. For a kid, I'd try throwing in a little something so that deprivation doesn't become worse than the disorder.

Here comes the inevitable, "take back every thing I just said, results are not typical, this may not work for you" disclaimer: Nothing I suggested may work for you.

What to do? Keep experimenting with relatively safe natural supplements, diet changes and make sure daughter gets lots of exercise. Is there a nutritional consultant somewhere that understands the vagarities of ADHD? If such a person exists, consult with them.

Bob

[Jennita]

Nutrition definately factors in. Also exercise! There was an Australian study that won a prize that showed Fish oil and evening primrose oil combo to be of considerable help. Tutoring helped my nephew recently. My brother-in-law who is in his fourties now was greatly helped when he was a child by lack of pressure from his dad to have good grades(a psychologist figured it out after some time that dad's expectations were causing an unknown stress) back in the 70's.

So yeah, stress, nutrition, exercise, supplements, all helpful. I also personally had an idea awhile back: I was reading that regular tea has a stimulant similar to caffeine. But it is milder and it doesn't spike/fall quickly; it lasts for a long time. I wonder if it would be helpful as a natural stimulant for kids...but not in the evening, might effect sleep.

It would be cute if we all had children having tea and crumpets for breakfast, yes? Well, even if it didn't help, the antioxidant benefit in tea couldn't hurt! I'm glad to hear you are drinking your green tea addprogrammer