son

Question
I have a 10 year old son with ADHD.  He is on meds.  He couldn't sit still or focus but he has never had energy for activity.  Just wondered what I can do to make him or help him be more active.  on the meds or not, he NEVER wants to exersise or play sports or anything.  I have tried everything!  Swimming, playing in the snow, treadmill, Wii fitness games etc...  No luck.  Even if I make him, it's hell and it doesn't give him any energy.  His doctor said that it's just the way he is.  I cannot accept this.  I don't want him over weight!  Is there a supplement that will help??  HELP!


Answer
Hello Tammy,



Their is quite a bit that can be done but diet is essential to change.

Below are my notes on from where I spoke on ADD/ADHD. I do offer phone consults as well.

Sounds like the adrenals need to be addressed and may be the underlying issue. Please see info below. Without a consult and specific information it would be difficult to guide to you the specific forumal. A basic phone consult is $45.



I would start with:

Focus Attention

Energ-V

Super Omega 3

Ionic Minerals

These can be found on my website.

After that I would need to know much more info about your child

To order any of the herbal below you can go to my website at www.YourHerbalHealthSolutions.com



ADD & ADHD is not new.  Medical text in the early 1900?s described the children brought to a doctors office because they were unable to sit still.  Today it has become an epidemic.  

The diagnosis of ADD is based on the presence of 6 of the following symptoms for at least six months.

1. Failing to give close attention to detail.

2.Difficulty sustaining attention in task or play

3.Often not listening when spoken to

4.Often not following through on instructions and failure to finish a task

5.Difficulty organizing tasks and activities

6.Avoiding tasks that require sustained metal effort

7.Often loosing things needed to complete tasks

8.Easily distracted

9.Forgetful in everyday activities



ADHD diagnosis is based on the presence of 6 of the following symptoms for at least six months.



1.Fidgets with hands or feet, fidgets in seat

2.Gets out of seat when expected to stay seated

3.Runs and climbs inappropriately

4.Difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities

5.?On the go? constantly.

6.Talks excessively

7.Blurts out answers before question is completed

8.Difficulty waiting turn

9.Interrupts or intrudes on others.



About 5 million children from ages 3-17 years of age have a learning disability. 80% of these children will continue to have these issues in adolescents and 70% as adults.



EFFECTS OF RITALIN





More than 2 million children are currently taking Ritalin for ADD/ADHD.   

Ritalin is sold as a street drug for $3 to $15 per pill.  It is crushed and inhaled for its ?speed like properties?

Ritalin is almost identical to cocaine.  Drugs like Ritalin work because they mimic a neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system called epinephrine. This stimulates the sympathetic nerves and calms the parasympathetic nerves and brings balance to the body.

The US military refuses to accept recruits who used Ritalin to change or modify behavior according to the San Antonio Express news 11-28-96.

Those with a history or diagnosis of Touretts should not use Ritalin.

Suppression of growth and height, as well as weight gain or loss is reported with long term use.

ADHD doctor?s visits increased 90% between 1989 and 1996 and ? of those received prescription drug treatment. Many health care professionals believe about 90% don?t need medication to control symptoms.

A diet, which reduces sugars, grains and fluids except water is often sufficient to reverse the abnormal glycemic issues ? blood sugar ? patterns related to ADHD behaviors according to Townsend letters for Doctors and Patients 4/2000



FIRST YOU WANT TO DETERMINE IF YOUR CHILD IS TRULY ADD



A TRULY ADD/ADHD CHILD  IS CONSIDERED EXCESS PARASYMPATHETIC/DEFICIENT SYMPATHETIC

1.Good digestion

2.Good stamina but person may be lethargic

3.Blood pressure on the low side

4.Small pupils

5.Sweats easily

6.Generally sensitive to noises and touch.  Noises bug them. Parasympathetic opens you up to too much sensory impute coming in. The person?s brain is on overload.  It is  more impute than they can handle.

7.Mental confusion

8.Hard time concentrating

9.Restless sleeping

10.Urination at night

11.A lot of ADHD children and adults fit into this category



Use gland balancing herbs and herbs for the nervous system

Natures-chi

1.We use to Ephedra which mimics epinephrine, which is a major sympathetic neurotransmitter.



2.For younger children Energy-V (Barley grass, Bee pollen, Capsicum, Gotu Kola, Kelp, Licorice, Rose hips, Schizandra, Yellow doc)  helps the adrenals, which are closely tied in with the sympathetic nervous system, and helps to stimulate more of the sympathetic nervous system response. This is better for long term use.  A little more balanced.



ENERGY-V

1.Improves stamina and vitality by cleansing the body of metabolic by-products

2.Stimulates circulation to promote healing

3.Improves digestion

4.Reduces nervous tension

5.Helps with fatigue & depression

6.Improves immunity

7.Helps with memory

8.Barley grass, Bee pollen, Capsicum, Gotu Kola, Kelp, Licorice, Rose hips, Schizandra, Yellow doc





GINKO /GOTU KOLA WITH BACOPA

1.Poor memory & concentration

2.Increases oxygen and circulation to the brain

3.Regulates neurotransmitters

4.Antioxidant so it will removes free radicals which cause aging

5.Normalizes circulation in the body

6.Improve the blood brain barrier

7.Helps with Alzheimer?s Mega-Chel

8.Dizziness

9.Ringing in the ear

10.Bacoba ?(Ayurvedic)? Anti-anxiety, anti-fatigue and memory-enhancing effects.  Improves cognitive function, memory and helps with insomnia.



BRAIN PROTEX

1.Carries nutrients to the brain

2.Passes through the blood brain barrier

3.Good for Alzheimer?s

4.Good for circulation

5.Antioxidant

6.Protects what we have Brain Protex ? protect the neurotransmitters in your brain that produce the acydocoline which helps you remember things. Acedolcholine ? gets destroyed in Alzheimer?s disease ? preserves memory





*Essential oils from the citrus family like lemon also stimulate the sympathetic nerves and have a calming effect on ADD and ADHD



SYMPTOMS OF EXCESS SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS ACTIVITY AND DEFICIENT PARASYMPATHETIC  NERVOUS ACTIVITY?HOT

We wind up but we can?t wind down

1.Anxiety ? like response, high stressed people, like someone has scared you or a deer in the headlights

2.Enlarged pupils ? in the sympathetic mode your pupil dilates or opens up to let in more light.

3.High blood pressure

4.Sluggish bowel movements, constipation, digestive issues ? Excessive sympathetic shuts down the colon and digestive track.

5.Type A  ? nervous jittery, hyperactive, restless, ?on the go and stressed people

6.Tension headaches

7.Irritable

8.Elevated heartbeat with palpitations or weak pulse

9.Nightmares

10.Muscle tension

11.Insomnia ? due to the nervous system being wound up

12.Over-stimulation of adrenal glands



In this case we want to use herbs that activate the parasympathetic nerves or inhibit the sympathetic nerves, causing the body to relax.

These are nervines or antispasmodic herbs.

They help relieve spasms and cramps due to nervous tension

STRESS-J  with chamomile, passion flower, hops an chamomile

1.  Great for anxiety, excitability and nervous tension

1.Reduce pain & inflammation,

2.Muscle spasms in the respiratory and urinary track.

3.Irritable bowel

4.Stress affecting the body

5.Chamomile, Fennel, Feverfew, Hops, Marshmallow, Passion Flower

6.Passion Flower contains phytonutrients that appear to exhibit a sedative effect on the nervous system),



Hops, Skullcap, passion flower and lobelia ? activate the parasympathetic nervous system and suppress the sympathetic nervous system.  



*Herbs which calm most people will make a true ADD child worse



CHINESES STRESS RELEIF (STR-C)

1.A combination of Chinese herbs which calm the mind, body and emotions

2.Reduces stress on the body

3.The combination works with both mental and emotional health

4.Helps to lower blood pressure and strengthen heart function

5.Reduces pain and inflammation and shrinks swollen tissue

6.Relaxes muscle spasms and nervous tension



Use nervines ? Passion flower, skull cap, valerian and kava for insomnia when a person can?t relax and go to sleep. These inhibit sympathetic or stimulate the parasympathetic or a combination of the two.



KAVA -  Helps person to relax and unwind.

1.Relaxes the muscles but keeps the bran alert

2.For general anxiety and stress

3.Works with the limbic system of the brain, which deals with feelings, emotions, instinct and drives.

4.Like alcohol but dose not dull the brain or destroy the body

5.Polynesian cultures use this herb

6.A powerful muscle relaxant



Nutri-Calm

1.Contains B-Complex and C vitamins and adaptagens that help feed the nerves and reduces stress response

2.Relaxes the nervous system

3.For high-strung people who have a hard time sitting still

4.Can give you a calm relaxed energy and not a hyper energy.

5.This is an adaptagens, which whips the body adept to stress.





The B?s & C?s feed the adrenals



These people should avoid:

1.Caffeine

2.Stimulants

3.Ephedra

4.Alcohol



These people need to get more:

1.Rest

2.Sleep

3.Exercise

4.Deep Breathing

5.Bach flowers



Supplements good for either parasympathetic or sympathetic

According to Dr. Block, a medical director in Texas,

1.90% of individuals with this condition have yeast overgrowth, - Probiotics are important

2.50% have a bacterial invasion of the wrong kind, - blood work would help to determine this

3.25% have parasites. Black Walnut, probiotics, quality fibers and parasite parasite homeopathic would be a good choice here

4.Supplements

5.B- Vitamin deficiencies ? which helps with the nervous system.

6.Magnesium deficiencies  - which is the spark plug for the adrenals, this mineral helps to displace aluminum in the brain, aid in bowel movements and aids in calming the nervous systems.

7.Calcium deficiencies.

8."GABA plus" for brain function. GABA reduces the number of neurons firing in the brain, thus calming brain activity.

9.L-Glutamine ? Glue ? To ? The- Mind. This serves as fuel for the brain and calms the central nervous system.

10.Spirulina or Super Algae

a. are rich in a variety of nutrients,

b.including protein, antioxidant

c.cardioids?

d.race minerals

e.Contains RNA/DNA to allow the energy to move correctly thoughout the body

f.Vitamin B12

g.It builds the blood, increases brain function, boosts immunity and supports healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels.





11.Amino Acids ? free form ? vital for proper neurotransmitter function in the brain. Algae or Spirulina is a good choice here

12.Ginkgo and or Gotu Kola ? helpful with concentration, memory and overall brain function.

13.Antioxidants like Mangosteen, grape seed  -increases brain function, classroom performance and attention space.

14.Probiotics ? provides billions of beneficial micro-organisms that help support immune system.

15.Colloidal Minerals ? essential for every body function including memory.

16.Omega 3 ? supports brain function and the circulatory system.

17.DHA is also a good essential fatty acid for the brain.

18.Licorice for sugar cravings



We need three basic nutrients to build our nervous system.

1.B vitamins,

2.Essential Fatty Acids

3.Minerals which we use to get from our whole grains but have now been stripped out.



NSP?s Focus Attention  ontains Melissa Officinalis, which has been approved by the German Commission E for its ability to soothe the nervous system, along with Gingko Balboa, well known for its support of brain function and circulation. Another ingredient is DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) which is a biodynamic nutrient used for memory and learning enhancement. It also quenches damaging free radicals. Next is Slippery Elm which aids nutrient absorption and is used as a soothing and cleansing herb for the digestive system. ? This combination also contains Grape seed extract, high in proanthocyanidins.  This is a highly active compounds that can readily neutralize brain damaging free radicals caused by toxins.

EXERCISE

Brain Gym

Interactive exercise ? like soccer





BLOOD SUGAR ISSUES

One of the major causes of both learning problems and behavioral difficulties in children is hypoglycemia.  When there is too much sugar in the brain, children are agitated and over stimulated. When blood sugar levels crash, self-control is lost.  

Glandular issues can play a major role in ADD so looking at adrenal burnout, hypoglycemic or blood sugar issues is also very important.



STAGES OF ADRENAL BURNOUT PROMOTED BY STRESS, LIFESTYLE, DIET AND TOXINS

?

1.Alarm stage ?

The body prepares for fight or flight.

Many of the stress-related illnesses such as heart problems or ulcers correspond to the alarm stage.

This plays havoc with the adrenals and nervous system.

The medulla in brain triggers sympathetic nervous systems and tells hypothalamus and pituitary to release ATCH to stimulate the adrenal cortex.

The brain tells adrenals there is alarm going on wake up and go to work

?



LOW BLOOD SUGAR INDICATIONS



1.Sugar Cravings



2.Sudden fatigue in mid-afternoon about 1-3



3.Moody

4.Irritability or confusion when food is not eaten regularly.  

5.Sudden coldness of limbs or nose

6.Hyperactivity or difficulty concentrating

7.Can't remember

8.Circulator problems

9.Easily tired in the summer

10.Excess hair, particularly in women, such as     

11.Facial hair.

12.Infertility

13.Decreased libido

14.Thirsty

15.Dizziness or shakiness

16.People who fly a lot

16.??? Mental illness

17.??? Bumpy itchy skin



TO SUPPORT THE BODY

Minerals ? chromium ? NOT ENOUGH MINERALS IN THE SOIL

Adrenal Tonics like: Licorice & Red Beet Root

Nervines like Passion Flower, Hops, Valerian,  St. John?s Wort & Schizandra

B?s & C?s ? Specifically B5, Algea



2. Resistance stage ? The body is in a hot or inflamed condition

The body is trying to adapt to the stress.  This occurs when the stress continues.

Nutrients become depleted, glands become weakened.

When the adrenals are constantly working you burn up your mineral supply.?

At this point your glands are constantly working and not getting any rest.

1.???????? High blood pressure

2.???????? High blood sugar

3.???????? Depress healing in the body

4.???????? Bone loss

5.???????? Lowered immune response

6.???????? Thinning hair

7.???????? Muscle wasting

8.???????? Development of abdominal fat

9.???????? Feeling of tension and stress

10.???? Anxiety

11.???? Shallow breathing

12.???? Muscle tension



TO SUPPORT THE BODY

Adapagens like Schizandra, Eleuthero, Suma  & Kava   

Rest & Sleep

Minerals

Adrenal Glandular ? SHORT TERM

Essential oils like Lavender, Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang



3. Exhaustion stage - Burnout begins.?

Issues like CFS, FM can begin to appear.?

The body becomes exhausted and nutrients are?depleted.?

The body now has low levels of DHEA and Cortisol

This often will often show up in issues?of?low?testosterone,& progesterone.

Impotence and no sex drive are often side effects as well as weight issues and issues digesting foods.



INDICATIONS

1.????? Low blood pressure

2.????? Low blood sugar

3.????? Heart palpitations

4.????? You want sweets and carbs

5.????? Poor memory and hard time concentrating

6.????? Insomnia - tired from the dreams

7.????? Nervousness & Irritability

8.????? Mental confusion

9.????? Fatigue

10.? Low sex drive

11.? Dark purple circles under the eyes

12.? The pupils may pulse or be very large

13.? The tongue will pulse

14.? Night sweats

15.? ADD

16.? Dry skin

17.? Low body temperate

18.? Cold hands and feet

19.? Can?t speak or articulate your feelings clearly

20.? Shell shock ? No way to unwind



TO SUPPORT THE BODY

Lots of rest and sleep

Lot of minerals ? High mineral foods

Protein

Lots of Green foods

Strong Adrenal Tonics



Foods to feed the adrenals:

A craving for salt is one sign of adrenal stress.  -Feed the glands with juices and foods that are high in organic sodium.



1)Beets

2)spinach

3)parsley

4)celery,

5)carrots.

Foods rich in pantothenic acid:

1)Mushrooms

2)split peas

3)perch

4)pecans

5)lightly cooked egg yolks

6)broccoli

7)cauliflower

8)kale

9)lecithin

These all stimulate the adrenal glands to produce hormones and increase output in response to stress.



Anti-stress hormones are also produced in vitamin C rich foods

1)hot and sweet peppers

2)kale

3)parsley

4)broccoli,

5)Brussels sprouts

6)red cabbage

7)rose-hip tea

8)citrus fruits

9)strawberries.



Those with adrenal problems:

1.????? Need Protein

2.????? Worst enemy is caffeine and sugar ? Caffeine whips the adrenals.

3.????? Hypoglycemia can also be related to alcoholism

4.????? Food allergies can affect blood sugar

6.     Need to eat 6 small meals a day and include protein

5.????? Need whole grains + B?s + C?s

6.????? Chromium or Colloidal Minerals will stabilize the blood sugar levels and reduce cravings for sweets

*The adrenals are not kind. When the adrenals go, they pull the thyroid with them.





DIETARY FACTORS ESSENTIAL FOR ADD CHIDLREN



1.Breakfast is a must ? No grains and be sure breakfast includes protein. Proteins which are good choices;  All meats, fowl, fish, cheese, nuts and nut butter. Peanuts are not a nut but a legume and can be very yeasty in nature



2.Pure carbohydrate meals increase vulnerability to attention problems. White carbohydrates are never a good idea (white flour, white rice, white paste, etc)



3.A fall in blood sugar tends to be associated with more violent acting-out behavior, as well as marked inattention.  This is why as high protein/low white carbohydrate diet is suggested with lots of good raw and steamed vegetables. Keep with low to medium glycemic vegetables and low glycemic fruit



4.Lots of good fats ? as the brain structure is mostly composed of fat. (Good fats include Super Omega 3, Flax seed oil, wild caught fish, olives, avocados,



5.Eliminate sugars,  bad carbohydrates (not fruits and vegetables), dairy, and food coloring (red dye #5 in Ketchup, colored soda?s etc.) and increase proteins, fresh vegetables and fruits. Use good sugars like Stevia, Xylitol and Blue Agave.



6.Studies have shown that organic foods contain more nutrients, so positive diet changes are very good choices





Low glycemic vegetables are your best choice. These can include artichoke, asparagus, avocado, beets,  black eyed peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplants, garlic, lettuce, spinach, squash, string beans, sunflower seeds, tomato. turnips, water crest.



Suggested fruits should be fresh and not to ripe as glycemic index goes up the more ripe a fruit is.



Apples, apricots, berries, cherries, fresh coconut, grapefruit, lemons, limes, mango, melon, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, tangerines



Suggested Unsweetened juices can be:

Apple, grapefruit, orange. Pineapple, tomato, vegetable



Allowable beverages



Herbal teas, sugar- free broth, reverse osmosis water



7.No artificial sweeteners.  Food additives, including aspartame, can be linked with hyperactivity and other behavioral disorders



8.Children with the most yeast in their bodies will take longer to heal.



9.In severe cases the gut-wall has been penetrated causing the candida to enter into the bloodstream. Depending on the severity, it can take from three months to a year to eliminate this. During this time absorption will start to improve.



Leaky gut



Inflammation of the bowel allows the gut to become too permeable and large molecules or irritating substances ?leak? into the bloodstream to bombard the liver. This creates feelings of agitation and aggression.  Since the gut produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, gut inflammation will upset the nervous system.  



a.Licorice, chamomile and kudzu can help to reduce gut permeability.

b.Mangosteen can be used to reduce gut inflammation.

c.Histablock (stinging nettles) helps with leaky gut

d.Small amounts of green tea.



The following should be avoided:

Sugar, honey, gum with artificial sweeteners or sugar as a sweetener, candy, chocolate, cake, pastries, pie, pudding, jelly, ice cream, caffeine of any kind.



Fruits

Bananas, dates, figs, dried fruits, grapes, persimmons, plums, runes, raisins,



Starches:

Macaroni, noodles, spaghetti, navy beans, kidney beans, red and white potatoes, rice, ravioli



No food dyes of any kind

No alcoholic beverages or caffeine medications.



10.Heavy metals can be another issue







This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose and treat diseases.? If you have any health problems consult a health practitioner before embarking on any course of treatment.