ADHD Alternatives

kind2creatures · � #1 � 02-03-2012, 10:48 AM

Some possibilities of alternatives for the treatment of ADHD...

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The medicinal portions of plants and trees can come from bark, flowers, leaves and even the rhizomes or roots. There�s a sort of pragmatic beauty in nature. Many of the therapeutic components of plants are parts that humans typically don�t eat. After all, how many of us have snacked on the inner bark of a French maritime pine tree or ordered a fillet of salmon with a side of wilted ginkgo or gotu kola leaves? There are however certain exceptions to this rule. Green tea and turmeric are perhaps two of the highest profile examples of this phenomenon.

One of the more challenging aspects of raising a child is deciding when it�s absolutely necessary to use medications. There are many factors to consider especially when the condition that needs treatment isn�t life threatening. One example is a disorder referred to as ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). There are several controversial and potent medications currently being used to manage ADHD symptoms. However, many allopathic physicians and parents are unaware that there are some natural alternatives that may also make a difference.

A study published in the October 20th issue of the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy may offer hope to those looking for a more natural and safer option to the drugs generally used to address ADHD. This fascinating research focused on the role that certain trace minerals play in the manifestation of ADHD symptoms. A group of scientists administered a pine bark extract (1 mg/kg/day) or a placebo for 4 weeks to 65 children and adolescents with ADHD. 56 healthy youngsters were used as a comparison group. Blood samples were taken pre and post trial that quantified the levels of copper, iron, selenium and zinc.

Lower concentrations of zinc and higher levels of copper were found in the young participants with ADHD.
Iron (measured as total iron, ferritin and transferrin) and selenium levels were comparable among those with ADHD and without.
Pink bark extract supplementation was shown to reduce copper and total iron levels in the young ADHD patients.

The authors of the study concluded that pine bark �modified trace element status, normalized total antioxidant status through a decrease of Cu (copper), Fe (iron), and Cu/Zn (zinc) ratio and improved clinical symptoms of ADHD�. The improvement in the copper/zinc ratio may be an important piece to the ADHD puzzle. A separate study from April of 2009 found that adding 15 mg of zinc to the diet of 218 �third grade students� reduced symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity. (1,2)

Another newly published trial did not find the same level of success as the previously mentioned inquiries. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran. It tested the effects of a ginkgo biloba extract in a group of 50 boys and girls with ADHD. Over the course of 6 weeks, the young subjects were administered the ginkgo extract or a conventional ADHD medication (methylphenidate). A standardized index known as the Parent and Teacher Rating Scale was used to determine changes during the treatment period. Both groups showed some degree of improvement in the �Parent ADHD Rating Scale�. But those receiving the conventional medication improved to a significantly greater extent. The changes, as assessed by teachers, were dramatically more evident in the methylphenidate students. These findings indicate that ginkgo biloba extract, given at dosages ranging from 80-120 mg, is probably not as effective as conventional medical treatment. However, there are a few points that need to be made. Not all ginkgo extracts are created equal. It�s possible that other ginkgo extracts may perform in a more satisfactory manner. It�s also important to note that there was a higher level of reported side effects in those using methylphenidate. The adverse reactions included �decreased appetite, headache and insomnia�. (3)

Source: https://www.healthyfellow.com/402/adh...er-protection/

4Peanuts · � #2 � 02-03-2012, 12:09 PM

Research shows link between lead exposure and ADHD diagnoses

The first of Dr. Nigg's recent studies looked at lead levels found in 236 children between the ages of six and 17 diagnosed with ADHD. When these measurements were compared to those of a control group of children without ADHD symptoms, the researchers found that the children diagnosed with hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms (not inattention) had slightly higher levels of lead in their blood. In a second study, the research team concluded there was a much stronger link between blood lead levels and whether children were reported by parents and teachers to have ADHD symptoms.

According to the press statement, Dr. Nigg has an explanation for how lead could cause ADHD. Bottom line: he thinks lead attaches to sites in the brain's striatum and frontal cortex where the metal causes specific genes to turn on or remain inactive. This disrupts brain activity and alters psychological processes supported by these neurons, he theorizes, and contributes to hyperactivity and lack of vigilance.

Learn more: https://www.naturalnews.com/028175_le...#ixzz1lLoLVpUP

Lead in Drinking Water

More Lead Resources

Consumer Information
1-800-424-LEAD

Safe Drinking Water
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1-800-426-4791

Technical Information
202-554-1404

More Information on Lead

Lead, a metal found in natural deposits, is commonly used in household plumbing materials and water service lines. The greatest exposure to lead is swallowing or breathing in lead paint chips and dust.
But lead in drinking water can also cause a variety of adverse health effects. In babies and children, exposure to lead in drinking water above the action level can result in delays in physical and mental development, along with slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. In adults, it can cause increases in blood pressure. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.

https://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm

*Remember, blood testing for lead is unreliable and only gives results of recent exposure. Accurate test is urine (provoked).

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