Help for ADHD Without Medication
ADHD is currently estimated to affect 5 to 10% of school aged children. This means we all know a child or adult with ADHD whether that be a son, nephew, husband or brother who suffer from ADHD. Boys are affected 3 times more than girls. The standard treatment for ADHD is stimulant medications such as Ritalin, Adderal, Vyvanse, Concerta and Dexetrine. Stimulant medications are effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in approximately 70% of children and adults. But the stimulant medications have side effects such as trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, mood swings, anxiety, irritability, heart palpitations, headaches, upset stomach, slower growth and weight gain and repetitive movements or sounds (tics.) Many parents do not want their young children on medication and many are trying to avoid the aforementioned side effects. Additionally, if the medications work for 70% of those suffering with ADHD then it stands to reason that 30% of children and adults do not respond to this treatment. A new study in Lancet determined that use of a restricted elimination diet improved symptoms of ADHD in78% of children. The children were ages 4 to 8 and had an ADHD diagnosis. The study was notable as a relatively large testing sample, 100 children participated in the study. The results come as no surprise to those of us that use these types of interventions to treat children with ADHD and learning disabilities but it is nice to have some validation. The study did not find that measuring IgG (antibodies) levels for food sensitivities were helpful but practitioners who supervise parents introducing these types of treatments find that IgG food sensitivity test are useful and help guide parents in what may be a difficult diet to implement, particularly at first. My experience has found IgG food sensitivity tests to provide a considerable amount of direction and comfort to parents. The testing period may have been too short to see a significant change in IgG levels in this particular study. Therefore, if you have a loved one who suffers with the frustration that is ADHD, be aware of the elimination diet as a tool to help your child get off of the stimulant meds, or perhaps achieve greater reduction of symptoms for those having success with the stimulants. This of course may be of greatest benefit for the 30% for whom stimulant medication is ineffective. If you are interested in this type of approach consult a physician who treats ADHD and is familiar with dietary and nutritional interventions.