The Ritalin War
Fried, Frazzled and Flipped Out
By Kimberly D. Balas, PhD, ND

Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) have become common household words. More than 8 million American children are taking the prescription drug, Ritalin (as many
as 50% of the children in some school districts). The problem has reached epidemic proportions.

ADD isn't really a deficiency of attention at all. It is an abundance of attention in too many directions alternating with the ability to hyper-focus at times. It results from a disturbance of the central nervous system—-a brain disorder with a biological basis.

ADD/ADHD sufferers normally have above average intelligence and may be superbly gifted. These individuals, labeled with inappropriate behavior, have no obvious cause of the condition that can be found in any lab analysis. Early research, done as far back as the 60s, is still being used to assess the condition. This research relies on faulty information suggesting that ADD is related to schizophrenia and that there is a genetic marker that is responsible. The drug companies have yet to actually produce evidence to prove this is a genetic disorder and no brain chemical testing has been developed that would determine a specific brain chemical imbalance.

What is actually going on in the body is related to the function of adrenals and the nervous system. Most people have a dominant sympathetic nervous system. This means that they have normal reactions to sound, visuals, etc. They are able to filter their sensory input and process it normally.

ADD/ADHD sufferers are functioning in more of a parasympathetic mode. This means they are less able to filter sensory input. Sounds, sights, etc. become over-whelming to their systems. They becomes hyper-sensitive to the tiniest of things. As a result, their adrenals are always functioning in a hyperactive state trying to deal with the excessive input. It's the same sensation you have when someone jumps out and scares you.

Ritalin

The quick fix being offered is to advise and in some case even force parents to place their child on a behavior modifying drug, as popular today as aspirin, called Ritalin.

This drug is a class II narcotic, essentially a form of legalized cocaine. Ritalin is fast becoming one of the most popular street drugs being sold because of its "speed" qualities and fast action on the nervous system when snorted through the nose.

Ritalin treats the symptoms and does nothing for the cause. Teachers are gaining the power to demand this medical intervention for difficult students, a tactic which leads the parents to believe that medication is the only answer. Parents seeking solutions to their child's disruptive and inattentive behaviors may be persuaded to medicate without having a chance to explore their options.

Once on Ritalin, the child may be less unruly in school but is more prone to outbursts at home. He or she may also suffer from anxiety and heart palpitations or other side effects. So it's great if a child gets an A in school but not when that A stands for Anxiety, where they have to struggle just to breathe sometimes.

Mood-altering drugs, like Ritalin, have a long list of side effects. The Physician's Desk Reference lists more than 25 possible reactions to Ritalin. These are just a few of the more common reactions: chronic rash, stunted growth, weakened immunity, anorexia, nausea, headaches, weight loss, anemia, depression, anxiety, insomnia, withdrawal, and acne. Some children develop bizarre compulsive behaviors, such as insistent biting of their fingers and nails until they bleed, elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure and symptoms of Tourette's Syndrome. Ritalin may induce withdrawal, depression, inability to laugh or play, repetitive involuntary movements or tics, or even more violent and irritable patterns of behavior.

Why should a child have to endure the abnormal consequences of a synthetic toxin? As the negative, long- term effects of this drug are becoming known, parents are waking up and taking their power back to search for natural, safer alternatives. The long-term solution is one that restores balance, rather than just masking the symptoms by covering them up with drugs.

Searching for Causes

Hyperactivity can be caused by many things. It can be toxicity related or a nutritional deficiency. Many times it's a combination of both. Another possible contributing factor can be postural stress caused by spinal or cranial misalignment. There are usually no complaints of pain with this. Spinal corrections remove blocks to allow normal nerve energy flow between the mind and body allowing life energy to flow uninterrupted.

Many things beginning at birth can cause stress on a child's body and create an imbalance. Things like not being breast fed, immunizations that cause major toxicity in the body, constipation, colic, the multiple use of antibiotics, gastroesophageal reflux where antacids are used to cover up symptoms, not sleeping well, frequent stomach aches or leg aches, and sinus congestion.

If the nose is stressed out, it runs. If the stomach is stressed out, it aches. When the brain is stressed out, it doesn't produce a rash but a distorted thought, an

Inappropriate feeling, or an inaccurate perception.

Ritalin is not the answer! The real answer lies in modifying the internal and external environment. Removing toxins from our digestive system, balancing the adrenals, improving immunity and liver detoxification are the keys.

We have to improve the diet to properly feed the brain. This involves paying attention to the child getting a sufficient supply of amino acids and essential fatty acids. Diet has been proven to make a difference when combined with behavior modification. It is time for more natural alternatives to Ritalin to be mainstreamed into our society to help children heal. It is long overdue and we owe it to our children and their future!

All tissues in the body, including the brain and nerves, are composed of cells which are complete entities and are interconnected with all other cells in the body. Each cell sustains its own metabolism and may perform tasks beneficial to the whole body.

Cellular functions depend on over 2000 enzymes produced by the cells. If enzymes are destroyed by toxins which have been introduced into the body through the air, water and food we eat, metabolic functions will be impaired. This will cause a malfunction in body processes.

Many babies are born with toxins derived from the mother, and during the early stages of life more may accumulate due to heavy immunizations and ingesting food containing pesticides, chemicals and additives. Toxins interfere with cellular function and repair.

The brain and nerves are vulnerable because toxins interfere with enzymatic function needed to preserve
proper metabolic operation. Deficiencies and disruption of enzyme functions in the brain can cause mood swings, attention span problems, hyperactivity and other impairments to mental health.

Hence, a major contributing factor to ADD is cellular toxicity, specifically chemicals and metals. Many ADD characteristics can be eliminated, by cleansing and rebuilding, both herbally and nutritionally.

Unfortunately, too many of us feed our children nutritional deficient pseudo-foods, artificial colors, preservatives and allergens (wheat, dairy, etc.). We sit them in front of the constantly changing, stimulating images of television and video games. Then we expect them to sit quietly throughout the school day. Everything is tightly scheduled; never enough time for sleep, unregulated play, real relaxation and time to be a kid. In the end, when they become expressively disruptive, our society's answer— Prozac, Cylert, Atterol and Ritalin, the medicated life!

The Real Answers

When we eat fresh, organic grains, meats, fruits and vegetables; when we breathe fresh air, drink pure water and think positive thoughts, we are giving our mind as well as our body the things it needs to be healthy. Appropriate amounts of proteins, fresh vegetables and following the Blood Type Diet, as introduced by Dr. D'Adamo in Eat Right 4 Your Type, have helped parents achieve remarkable improvements in children's behavior. Such an approach gives both ourselves and our children the gift of a quality life. This nourishment to the brain is enhanced through the use of herbs and minerals, aromatherapy, stress relieving modalities such as yoga or medication.

The alternative to "better living through chemistry" (i.e., drugs) is to slow down, sleep more, eat "real" foods, change the way we educate our children, and enjoy life—a real life—not televised images of life-out-of- balance. We need to use herbs and nutrients to strengthen the nervous, circulatory and endocrine system. By detoxifying the body at a cellular level, we clean and strengthen the foundation. By cleansing the body of toxins and restoring vital nutrients to the body the underlying causes of ADD/ADHD can be removed. What follows are some specific suggestions that can help to achieve this goal.

Specific Remedies

Food Allergies
Food sensitivities play a large part in ADD. The consumption of refined sugar, refined salt, chemical dyes (red arid blue especially), red meat (nitrates), artificial coloring, artificial sweeteners (NutraSweet), artificial flavorings, sodas, and empty calorie meals are detrimental to our health. Food additives are  responsible for 40 to 50 percent of the hyperactivity in children according Ben Feingold, M.D„ a pediatric allergist with the Kaiser- Permanente Medical Center in San Francisco.

In 1985, Lancet published a study in which 79 percent of hyperactive children improved when suspect foods were eliminated from their diets, only to become worse again when the foods were reintroduced. In 1994, two medical journals—Annals of Allergy and The Journal of Pediatrics—reported studies, which concluded that food colors and additives were related to ADHD. If your child's behavior is related to food additives, you should see some results within one to four weeks after making the necessary changes in the diet. It is not a matter of debate anymore, it is a fact that food makes a difference.

Minerals
Usable, assimilatable minerals are in critically short supply in American soil. Our sources of drinking water are polluted. One ramification of long-term mineral deficiency is that the body will latch on to heavy metals in an attempt to satisfy itself. This may cause the body to store excess lead, aluminum, copper, etc. As suggested earlier, these minerals may interfere with "normal brain function.

When organic minerals are available, the body will dump the inorganic and choose the good minerals over the bad. Ionicl minerals can alleviate this problem and help to get rid of existing heavy metal deposits in the body. They can also help with brain cell communication and balancing pH in the body.

There are also specific mineral deficiencies that may be present in ADD. Low iron levels were found to impair judgment, reasoning ability, and all aspects of left brain activity, including scientific, mathematical, and spoken and written language skills.

Another mineral deficiency that may be present in ADD children is magnesium. Clinically, low levels of magnesium in blood plasma are associated with states of hyper- excitability and inattention in children.

Zinc deficiency has also been linked to certain behavioral problems. Zinc is a cofactor in numerous enzymatic processes and reactions.

Herbal CA is a good calcium source. Calcium is mandatory for proper functioning of nerve cells. It has a calming effect, improves cell permeability and enzyme action. It helps to sedate and soothe the nervous system.

Enzymes
Enzymes digest food and aid in tissue repair. Life depends on them. Without enzymes biological processes break down. This weakens the immune system and all other bodily functions. The body manufactures a limited supply of enzymes for digestion and the others must be supplied by foods. Only raw foods contain enzymes. Once a food has been cooked over 129 degrees, all enzymes are destroyed. Studies have been done to prove that cooked foods alone cannot sustain life. Enzyme supplementation can help here. Protease Plus or Proactazyme are the best choices for children and teenagers. Citrus Bioflavonoids also help to enhance absorption of nutrients.

B-Complex
The B-Complex vitamins are used in a variety of functions. They play a role in brain activity, balancing the adrenals, and circulation. They are necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, the chemicals our brain uses to communicate. Nutri calm contains both the B-vitamins and vitamin C, which is necessary for the production of ephinehrine and norephenephrine, two hormones from the adrenal glands that are appear to be deficient in people with ADD.

Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) are found in high concentration in the brain. The body cannot manufacture EFA’s and they must be obtained from foods or supplements. They are necessary for then clear transmission of nerve impulses and are essential for normal brain function. Since the brain is 60% fat, they are a major brain food. Flax seed oil contains the highest density of EFA's of any vegetable oil. Supplementation with
Omega-3 EPA may also be needed in some children.

Grapine
High potency Grapine (proanthocyanidin) and Super Antioxidant are powerful antioxidants with the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. These antioxidants help prevent cellular damage from toxins and promote healing. The result is greater mental clarity and emotional balance.

Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba is reported to restore memory and to increase concentration and focus by normalizing acetylcholine receptors in the hippocampus and increasing activity of neurotransmitters. Ginkgo has the ability to speed the rate of data transmission at the nerve cell level.

GABA & L-Glutamine
GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) is a non-essential amino acid that functions as an inhibitory calming neurotransmitter and helps keep the brain's chemistry in balance. Studies have shown GABA helps to calm the brain by dampening excess mental activity. It prevents anxiety and stress related messages from reaching the motor centers in the brain by filling its receptor site. Low levels of GABA promote excitatory neurotransmitters that increase restlessness and activity.

L-Glutamine is one of the most abundant of the amino acids. It is a non-essential amino acid but becomes very essential when the body is in a stressed state. It helps boost the production of GABA

Formulas
Focus Attention contains the neurotransmitter DMAE which helps in restoring neurotransmitter balance. This formula provides important nutrients for normal brain- stimulation levels. It helps modulate brain activity and energy levels. It also supports blood circulation and neurotransmitters in the brain.

Energ-V is a formula that I consistently get great results with in my practice. Don't let the name confuse you! This is a wonderful adrenal formula designed to combat stress and fatigue. It contains adaptogens to help the whole body adapt to physical and mental strain. I Find it very valuable for younger children who suffer from ADD/ADHD.

Super Algae is a green food that supplies all the essential dietary nutrients needed. It is a wild, whole food in a raw, synergistic form. It contains chlorophyll, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It builds the blood, increases brain function, boosts immunity and balances blood sugar levels. Green Zone has many of the same properties with antioxidants added and can be blended up with fruit to make a great smoothie for an after school treat. These two foods help supply the amino acids so essential for the production of neurotransmitters.

Sugar Problems
Another major factor in hyper- activity and behavioral problems is hyperinsulinism (which can cause a sugar craving) and hypoglycemia. Since sugar is the major food of the brain, imbalances in blood sugar can create a wide variety of behavioral problems. Excess consumption of sugar and other simple carbohydrates increases insulin production, which eventually causes low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. This creates confusion, irritability and mood swings.

Stevia is a natural sweetener that is 30 times sweeter than sugar and actually helps support the pancreas. It has been used in many South American countries to support the digestive system. It can be used as an alternative to sugar in children with cravings for sweets.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener. Available in Chocolate bars, gum and mints. Also toothpaste and mouthwash.

GTF Chromium is mineral that is a great help with sugar cravings. An herb that reduces sugar cravings and balances blood sugar levels is licorice. This adrenal- building herb is often helpful for hyperactive children with sweet-tooths.

Yeast & Parasites
Other possible causes of behavioral problems in children are parasites, yeast overgrowth due to Candida and heavy metal poisoning. Systemic yeast infections from antibiotics destroy the inner ecosystem of the digestive tract, creating nutritional deficiencies. In order to replace the good bacteria you must supplement with Acidophilus. A general cleanse and/or a parasite cleanse may be helpful with some children.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a wonderful and simple tool to use with children. It utilizes the vital, aromatic essences of essential oils. Essential oils have both a psychological and pharmacological effect on the nervous system and mind.

Aromatherapy's effects have been confirmed through the use of an EEG to measure brain wave activity. It is especially helpful with younger children who have a hard time with capsules.

Solar plexus response testing is the best way to work with ADD and ADHD and essential oils.  It involves observing relaxing or tensing responses that occur when an individual smells a particular oil. A relaxing effect, that promotes deeper breathing, is a positive effect on the individual. The opposite also holds true. If the oils cause tension and tighten up the solar plexus area then that oil is not right for them.

Most ADD/ADHD children, and adults as well, may have what is called an opposite inhibitor reaction. This means that an historically calming herb may cause excitability in someone with ADD/ADHD. It is always best to test by pulse point testing or muscle response testing before determining which oil to use. Lavender is usually an instant balancer to the central nervous system. It helps aid sleep. Its usually calming effects may help hyperactive children rest and feel calm, although it may react backwards with some ADD/ADHD children.

Most ADD/ADHD children are drawn to citrus scents. Orange is a natural tranquilizer—soothing, nurturing, and calming. Peppermint helps to clear the mind and stabilize emotions. It has the ability to create a feeling of calm vitality. Nervine tonics help strengthen the nervous system and can alleviate stress and tension. Some of these include Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Lemon, Peppermint and Rosemary.

Some excellent nervine relaxants include Roman Chamomile, Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Sweet Marjoram,  Neroli, and Sandalwood. Rosemary and Geranium were found to be either stimulating or sedating according to the individual's need. These oils are referred to as adaptogens. Conversely, oils such as Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang and Neroli can be nervine stimulants and yet, on a more subtle emotional level, they are soothing and relaxing.

Once you have found the appropriate oil for the individual, it is as simple as diffusing it in the room. In the case of children in school, place some oil on a cotton ball and have them carry it in their pocket. This way they can pull it out and smell it when needed. With smaller children, pin the cotton ball inside their shirt collar so they are getting the aroma frequently throughout the day.

It is important to let each child smell the oils and help make the decision as to which one is best for them. The nose-brain connection makes this choice based on the limbic system response. It also includes the child in the decision-making process, thus they learn to take responsibility for themselves.

We have the natural abilities to promote health and well-being. Yet, we must be patient and understand that healing usually takes time. If the natural way appears to be frustrating, stick with it and discover this path's truly awesome rewards—a healthy child!
 

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