My Johnny Is An Average, Active Child, Right?

Is your child extremely active, loves to run and play all of the time? Does he or she find it difficult to sit still or have quiet moments? Does he or she like to talk and ask questions continuously, perhaps interrupting you before being answered? Isn't this what childhood is all about? Don't we want our children to be active and curious? So when does tolerable childhood activity become intolerable? Over the years there seems to be an increase of ADHD diagnosis, in children, so what does that mean?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is defined as an age inappropriate lack of concentration, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. It involves a wide range of symptoms and is therefore it is difficult to pinpoint which child is a true sufferer of ADHD. Learning disabilities or emotional problems often accompany this disorder. A child with ADHD experiences an inability to sit still in class, pay attention to what is being said and is often disruptive.

What Are The Symptoms Of ADHD:

Hyperactivity

Often fidgets with hands or feet, or squirms in seat
Often gets up from seat
Often has trouble enjoying quiet activities
Often runs or climbs where not appropriate
Often talks excessively

Impulsivity

Often blurts out answer before questions have been finished
Often has trouble waiting his or her turn
Often interrupts others

Inattention

Often makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
Often has trouble focusing on tasks or activities
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Often has trouble organizing activities
Often does not follow instructions
Often loses things needed for tasks or activities

Does This Mean MY Child Is ADHD?

Although many children display some behaviors for ADHD, they may not have the disorder. An ADHD diagnosis requires that these behaviors have been persistent for a minimum of six months, that some symptoms began before age seven, that symptoms are present in two or more settings such as school and home. They must cause significant impairment in social or school functioning.

There are medical treatments often utilized for this condition such as the prescription drugs considered stimulants.

Long-Acting Stimulants which include:

• Adderall XR amphetamine 10-12 hours
• Metadate ER methylphenidate 6-8 hours
• Ritalin SR methylphenidate 6-8 hours
• Ritalin LA methylphenidate 8 hours

Short-Acting Stimulants which include:

• Ritalin amphetamine 3-4 hours
• Adderall amphetamine 4-5 hours
• Dexedrine amphetamine 4-5 hours

There are dietary approaches that have been found to be helpful.

Salicylates are chemicals found naturally in plants and is the major ingredient in aspirin. This component has been proven to provoke hyperactivity. Knowledge and avoidance of products which contain salicylates has showed pronounced improvement in behavior. Some items that contain salicylates follow:

Fruits such as:

apples, avocados, blueberries, dates, kiwi fruit, peaches, raspberries, figs, grapes, plums, strawberries, cherries, grapefruit, and prunes.

Vegetables such as:

alfalfa, cauliflower, cucumbers, mushrooms, radishes, broad beans, eggplant, spinach, zucchini, broccoli, and hot peppers.

Some cheeses.

Herbs, spices, and condiments such as:

dry spices and powders, tomato pastes and sauces, vinegar, and soy sauce, jams, and jellies.

Beverages such as:

coffee, orange juice, apple cider, regular and herbal tea.

Nuts such as:

pine nuts, peanuts, pistachios, and almonds.

Candies such as:

peppermints, licorice, and mint-flavored gum and breath mints.

Ice cream, gelatin.

In Addition:

Fragrances and perfumes, shampoos and conditioners, herbal remedies, lotions, and skin cleansers, mouthwash and mint-flavored toothpaste, sunscreens or tanning lotions, and many other items. It is best to check the labels for salicylates.

Synthetic additives, dyes and chemicals in processed food. Yellow dye tartrazine is known to provoke symptoms. Sugar also aggravates aggressive and restless behaviors.

Many foods are commonly implicated in triggering hyperactive behavior and allergic reactions in children. These include chocolate, cow's milk, eggs, oranges and wheat.

Other Nutritional Considerations:

Adding more fiber to a child's diet to help manage adrenaline levels and keep them even. High- fiber foods include berries and other fruits, whole grains, and oatmeal.

Approximately 25% of children with ADHD seem to have lower serum levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. A combination of flaxseed oil and vitamin C improved restlessness, impulsive behavior in a significant percentage of children studied.

Evening primrose oil has been found beneficial in controlling symptoms.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) have produced improvements in cognitive function and behavior problems.

Vitamin B6 supplementation has been found beneficial in patients with low neurotransmitter levels of serotonin.

L-carnitine may improve behavior.

Magnesium supplementation will address a possible deficiency found in ADHD sufferers.

When choosing the right treatments for your child, it is important to isolate the possible food allergies and supplements that may contribute to the condition or help to control symptoms. With patience and experimentation, most of the behaviors can be modified.

As with any treatment regemin, always check with a physician for guidance and advice, proper milligrams to be administered and his experience with diet control.