Natural options for attention and learning disorders
Scientists generally assume that the primary cause for ADD and ADHD appears to be genetic (inherited). However, the possibility that these conditions are inherited does not mean you have no control over whether you or your child develop them.
Other contributing factors, which could be considered triggers, include nutrition, food and environmental allergies, environmental contaminants, increased and repeated use of antibiotics and possibly physical problems such as spinal column misalignment.
What we consume can have an impact on behavior. Eating processed, refined and preserved foods high in artificial additives, salt, sugar and artificial hardened fats (as found in margarine, shortening, hydrogenated oils, and in processed and junk foods) and low in nutrient content. Our daily living patterns, with less emphasis on traditional family structures and more energy given to hectic work schedules, giving us less time to spend with our loved ones are also suspect. Others blame frequent use of television and video games that promote development of short and/or intermittent bursts of attention.
Our daily environment is a possible source of difficulty for people with learning disorders: contaminants such as chemical cleaners, insecticides, pesticides and heavy metals and mold spores that contaminate our air, food and water.
Many of these natural approaches are time consuming and can place great demands on parents and entire families to change dietary and lifestyle changes. But most people find the rewards well worth the inconvenience. Besides, diet and lifestyle changes will benefit your whole family, not just the ADD sufferer.
The first move towards enhanced well being is eliminating possible aggravating factors, including allergenic foods, food additives, yeast infections and environmental contaminants.
STEP ONE - Clean your body
WATER - drinking two liters of purified (filtered or distilled) water daily.
FIBER – ground up flax seeds (in cereals, muffins, shakes, salads etc.) and or psyllium husk power (on occasion or for short periods of time).
Avoid These Food Additives – READ THE LABELS
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Preservatives – Butylated hydroxy anisol (BHA) and Butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT)
Potassium nitrate, Sodium benzoate, Sodium nitrate, and Sodium nitrite
Sulfur dioxide – an irritating gas used as a bactericide and as a disinfectant.
Artificial food colorings
Artificial flavorings and Artificial sweeteners - acesulfame-K aspartame, saccharin, sucralose
Limit refined sugar intake (glucose, dextrose, corn syrup, etc.)
Soda pop – calcium and magnesium are reduced by too much phosphorous found in soda pop which are part of a group of minerals called “sedative minerals”
Aspirin
Salicylates and Phenolic Compounds (may affect some people)
Some studies have identified salicylates as aggravating factors. Salicylates are the material from which Aspirin is made and are found in many foods as: almonds, apples, apricots, berries, cherries, cherry bark, cloves, coffee, cucumbers, pickles, eggplants, grapes, mint and mint flavoring, nectarines, oranges, peaches, peppers (bell and chili), plums, potatoes, prunes, raisins, tangerines, tea, tomatoes, willow bark, wintergreen.
Sugar has been shown to decrease one’s ability to concentrate and increased restless behavior. A high salt intake can reduce levels of some important minerals for some people. If they are depleted by high intake of salt in your body, it can lead to hyperactive symptoms. Other contributors to ADD or ADHD symptoms is not eating often enough, skipping meals, not eating enough protein and complex carbohydrates and poor digestion.
KEEP A DIARY... It is a process of elimination. You are unique. Listen to your body.
WHAT CAN I EAT?
Fresh meat – in moderation
Poultry
Fish – especially cold water fish salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring.
Any vegetable – especially dark green vegetables. raw foods are easier to digest because they can be partially digested by their own enzymes.
Any fruit except the ones mentioned above and grapefruit
Whole grains – spelt, rye, kamut, quinoa, ammaranth, oat, barley, rice
Other foods to add: garlic, parsley, celantro, thyme, rosemary, flax seeds (ground up)
A good nutritional supplement that supports all of the links in the nutritional chain as well as a good blend of “omegas” that will help with concentration and building optimal health.
Seek the professional help of a Registered Nutritional Consultant to guide you toward a healthy lifestyle.
CJM HealthWorks
Charlotte LeBlanc, DHN, RNCP
Nutritional Consulatnt
(506) 863-9494
charlotteleb@rogers.com
This information is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose or treat illness.
The author, publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage suffered by individuals as a result of following advice in this article.
Other contributing factors, which could be considered triggers, include nutrition, food and environmental allergies, environmental contaminants, increased and repeated use of antibiotics and possibly physical problems such as spinal column misalignment.
What we consume can have an impact on behavior. Eating processed, refined and preserved foods high in artificial additives, salt, sugar and artificial hardened fats (as found in margarine, shortening, hydrogenated oils, and in processed and junk foods) and low in nutrient content. Our daily living patterns, with less emphasis on traditional family structures and more energy given to hectic work schedules, giving us less time to spend with our loved ones are also suspect. Others blame frequent use of television and video games that promote development of short and/or intermittent bursts of attention.
Our daily environment is a possible source of difficulty for people with learning disorders: contaminants such as chemical cleaners, insecticides, pesticides and heavy metals and mold spores that contaminate our air, food and water.
Many of these natural approaches are time consuming and can place great demands on parents and entire families to change dietary and lifestyle changes. But most people find the rewards well worth the inconvenience. Besides, diet and lifestyle changes will benefit your whole family, not just the ADD sufferer.
The first move towards enhanced well being is eliminating possible aggravating factors, including allergenic foods, food additives, yeast infections and environmental contaminants.
STEP ONE - Clean your body
WATER - drinking two liters of purified (filtered or distilled) water daily.
FIBER – ground up flax seeds (in cereals, muffins, shakes, salads etc.) and or psyllium husk power (on occasion or for short periods of time).
Avoid These Food Additives – READ THE LABELS
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Preservatives – Butylated hydroxy anisol (BHA) and Butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT)
Potassium nitrate, Sodium benzoate, Sodium nitrate, and Sodium nitrite
Sulfur dioxide – an irritating gas used as a bactericide and as a disinfectant.
Artificial food colorings
Artificial flavorings and Artificial sweeteners - acesulfame-K aspartame, saccharin, sucralose
Limit refined sugar intake (glucose, dextrose, corn syrup, etc.)
Soda pop – calcium and magnesium are reduced by too much phosphorous found in soda pop which are part of a group of minerals called “sedative minerals”
Aspirin
Salicylates and Phenolic Compounds (may affect some people)
Some studies have identified salicylates as aggravating factors. Salicylates are the material from which Aspirin is made and are found in many foods as: almonds, apples, apricots, berries, cherries, cherry bark, cloves, coffee, cucumbers, pickles, eggplants, grapes, mint and mint flavoring, nectarines, oranges, peaches, peppers (bell and chili), plums, potatoes, prunes, raisins, tangerines, tea, tomatoes, willow bark, wintergreen.
Sugar has been shown to decrease one’s ability to concentrate and increased restless behavior. A high salt intake can reduce levels of some important minerals for some people. If they are depleted by high intake of salt in your body, it can lead to hyperactive symptoms. Other contributors to ADD or ADHD symptoms is not eating often enough, skipping meals, not eating enough protein and complex carbohydrates and poor digestion.
KEEP A DIARY... It is a process of elimination. You are unique. Listen to your body.
WHAT CAN I EAT?
Fresh meat – in moderation
Poultry
Fish – especially cold water fish salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring.
Any vegetable – especially dark green vegetables. raw foods are easier to digest because they can be partially digested by their own enzymes.
Any fruit except the ones mentioned above and grapefruit
Whole grains – spelt, rye, kamut, quinoa, ammaranth, oat, barley, rice
Other foods to add: garlic, parsley, celantro, thyme, rosemary, flax seeds (ground up)
A good nutritional supplement that supports all of the links in the nutritional chain as well as a good blend of “omegas” that will help with concentration and building optimal health.
Seek the professional help of a Registered Nutritional Consultant to guide you toward a healthy lifestyle.
CJM HealthWorks
Charlotte LeBlanc, DHN, RNCP
Nutritional Consulatnt
(506) 863-9494
charlotteleb@rogers.com
This information is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose or treat illness.
The author, publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage suffered by individuals as a result of following advice in this article.
Written by: Charlotte LeBlanc at 10:06 AM
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