|
Alternatives to Ritalin
by Robert Levert
Hyperactivity, or attention deficit disorder (ADD), is ten times more common in
boys than in girls, but yet it is not considered a common disorder.
Hyperactivity, or attention deficit disorder (ADD), is ten times more common in
boys than in girls, but yet it is not considered a common disorder. According to
an article in the British Journal of Psychiatry, only 3 percent of children are
actually diagnosed with an attention deficit disorder. But if your child has
been diagnosed with ADD, it may well be your number one concern. Does your child
need to be on Ritalin to be able to attend school?
On his webpage breggin.com/ritain.html, Dr. Peter R. Breggin, M.D., associate
faculty at The Johns Hopkins University Department of Counseling, says that “our
society viewed with loathing those who "pushed" stimulant drugs on children. Yet
today there are more children taking Ritalin and amphetamine from doctors than
ever received them from the illegal pushers. Furthermore, the ready availability
of prescribed stimulants had led to their increasing illegal use by children and
youth. What has happened to our society's values? How can we be so blind to the
implications of the widespread prescribing of stimulants? Does a drug become
"safe" simply because it is prescribed by a doctor”?
In his book Why Your Child is Hyperactive (Random House, 1975), Dr. Benjamin
Feingold says that his study and clinical practice have convinced him that
eliminating all synthetic food additives from a child’s diet will resolve
hyperactivity.
A study cited in the journal Pediatrics reported that more than 50 percent of
hyperactive children show fewer behavior problems and had less trouble sleeping
when put on a restricted diet free of all artificial and chemical food
additives, chocolate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives, and caffeine.
Great quantities of sweets and refined foods can lead to hyperactivity.
Can dietary supplements and herbs help in any way? Here are just a few
suggestions that I heard in the field. One manager testified that she uses
Oregon Grape in combination Slow Release Ginkgo and Lecithin with great results;
another one uses Acidophilus/Bifidobacterium with success; another one uses
GraPine which proved effective also; and yet another one works on eliminating
parasites with black walnut. It is also wise to check for allergies.
Other products that have proved beneficial are Valerian, Passion Flower, Kava
Kava, Catnip & Fennel, STR-J, STR-C, HVS, Super Algae, Stress Formula, and
Herbasaurs Multi Vitamins plus Iron. In his book The ABC Herbal, Steven Horne
says that herbal minerals help with hyperactivity and sleep disorders, so you
may want to try Essentials Liquid Minerals. Some studies indicate that HTP may
help control hyperactivity in children. Give them a try; you can be sure these
natural products won’t harm your child, but may be beneficial. The Germans have
treated hyperactive children with valerian since the 1970s.
According to several sources, hyperactivity may be caused by an accumulation of
poisons and heavy metals in the body. If so, MC and Essentials Liquid Minerals,
which contain a variety of natural chelating substances, can be used to bind
with heavy toxic metals and rid them from the body. Blue Vervain (Verbena
hastata) extract in a glycerine base is a natural tranquilizer that has been
used for nervous disorders and insomnia. According to Dr. Edward E. Shook,
author of Advanced Treatise in Herbology, glycerine unites with many insoluble
poisons and various forms of heavy metals and will often dissolve them and carry
them out of the system.
Even though we don’t know for sure what causes hyperactivity or ADD, we do know
it is a disorder of certain mechanisms in the central nervous system which may
be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Consequently, calcium &
magnesium, the B-complex vitamins as well as the essential fatty acids (Super
Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Flax Seed Oil) are needed to help nourish and
balance the nervous system, promoting healthy nerve functions.
Yes indeed, there are alternatives to Ritalin!
Highlighted Products:
Acidophilus/Bifidobacerium, Bifidophilus Flora Force, Calcium Magnesium, Catnip
& Fennel, Essential Liq. Minerals, Evening Primrose Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Ginkgo
Biloba, Grapine, Herbasaurs Bifidophilus, Herbasaurs Elderberry Plus, Herbasaurs
Multi Vit & Iron, HTP Power, Lecithin, Magnesium, MC, Oregon Grape, Passion
Flower, STR-C, STR-J, Stress Formula, Super Oil, Vitamin B Complex, Zambroza
Search Our Site | Home | Blog |
Articles |
Products |
Services
Recommended Reading |
My Favorites |
Links | Contact Us | Site Map |
