Three months ago the concerned parents of a 12 year old girl, who had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD),brought their daughter to my office to inquire about the possible side effects of the Ritalin that she had been prescribed. They wanted to know if there were any alternatives to the drug therapy that she was currently undergoing.
The girl was extremely hyperactive, had trouble concentrating, and was causing both her parents and her teachers a great amount of distress. After a through examination and case history, I identified several foods and substances in her environment to which she had allergic reactions. After just one month of treatment, this child (who was once on the maximum recommended dosage of Ritalin) was no longer symptomatic. She was drug free, symptom free, no longer hyperactive, and able to concentrate.
You may think that this case is an exceptional one, but it is not. A proper understanding of ADD provides for many viable alternatives to the traditional drug treatments.
The incidence of Attention Deficit Disorder seems to be rising at an alarming rate in Canada. It is a frustrating problem for the parents, the teachers, and for the child. The increasing incidence of this condition should cause us to ask ourselves several questions:
Why
has the rate of this condition increased so drastically in the
last decade?
Are
current solutions for this problems a viable solution long term
solution
Are
there alternative solutions that can provide a drug-free approach
to the treatment.
There is considerable literature to support the concept that environmental toxicity is the underlying cause of this condition. For the first time in human history, we face daily exposure to a vast arsenal of antibiotics, chemical by-products, and environmental pollutants. Our homes are full of toxic chemicals.
Conventional treatments for hyperactive children include the prescription of Dexedrine or Ritalin. These drugs are symptomatically effective but have many side-effects. When environmental toxicity is the underlying cause of ADD, then pharmaceutical intervention can only add to the problem.
We need to step outside of the traditional methodologies, and focus on the toxicity in the child’s environment, the type and quality of nutrition, and the child’s sensitivities to food. Children with ADD are rarely evaluated in these areas.
Let us look at a recent British study that demonstrate the effect of diet on hyperkinetic behavior. In this study, 185 hyperkinetic children went on a low allergy diet of water, chicken, lamb, rice, potatoes, bananas, pears, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, celery, and carrots. The diet was supplemented with calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins. Out of 185 children, 116 of them responded positively to the dietary changes. In fact hyperkinetic behavior was eliminated in these children as long as the offending foods were avoided.
This study (along with many others) tells us that children need to be tested for allergenic hypersensitivities before pharmaceutical intervention is used.
There are several programs of environmental and nutritional management that we can recommend for patients who are suffering from ADD.
To manage ADD problems on a long term basis we must address the following areas:
The
elimination of allergenic foods from the child’s diet.
Recommendation
of effective nutritional support to ensure tissue repair of all
affected areas.
Elimination
of all allergens from the child’s environment.
Most elimination diets start by excluding products that contain milk, gluten, citrus fruits, nuts, seafood, and eggs. Complete avoidance is often necessary for many children. Even low levels of these substances can cause severe problems. In fact, it has been found that intermittent exposure to the above substances is often more allergenic than taking the substance on a regular bases.
After two to four weeks (depending on the reaction of the child) foods of a questionable allergenic nature can be re-introduced on a rotational basis. Leave at least four days between each food before re-introducing the next possible reactive substance. This gives the parent an opportunity to monitor the reaction, or lack of reaction, to each food. It is advisable to completely eliminate foods that cause a re-occurrence of symptoms since this may indicate a possible allergenic source.
Each child is a unique individual. Due to this, it is important not to apply generic protocols in the treatment of ADD. The diet of each child must be tailored to support growth and development but must also address the child’s individual allergenic reactions.
The integrity of the child’s gastro-intestinal tract must also be considered a critical element in all treatment protocols. Toxicity often affects the gastrointestinal tract by disrupting the normal flora and causing irritation and inflammation of the gastrointestinal walls. This inflammatory process leaches calcium, magnesium and several other elements from the child system. It is interesting to note that calcium and magnesium are fundamental to the maintenance of normal cognitive behavior. I have found that in many cases the replacement of these specific elements brings about fast results. The results are so profound that teachers will often comment on how well the child is now doing.
Allergenic sources in the child’s environment should be checked, and if possible, eliminated. Common causes of sensitivity include mold, spores, dust, dust mites, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and household chemical products that contain aerosol.
The list of common allergenic sources found in every home are substantial and include detergent, soap products, fabric softeners, perfume, certain fabrics or fibers, and chemicals associated with synthetic petro-chemicals.
Just at each of us are individuals, each case of Attention Deficit Disorder must be treated on an individual basis. In many cases, behavior that appears to ADD is nothing more than reactions to environmental sensitivities. Positive results can be achieved by removing allergenic foods and other reactive substances from the environment.
The understanding of the role that toxicity and nutrition play in ADD is fundamental to its effective treatment.
Dr. Brian Abelson graduated in 1992 with an award for clinical excellence from Palmer College of Chiropractic West, California. He currently practices in Calgary, Alberta. Dr. Abelson regularly teaches courses in nutrition and alternative and complementary medicine for the Calgary Board of Continuing Education and the Rocky Mountain School of Massage.
You can contact Dr. Abelson at his Internet site: abelsonb@home.com.
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Disclaimer The medical information and procedures contained in this web site are not intended as a substitute for consulting your physician. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner. We accept no responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site. Please do not use the information in this web site if you are not willing to assume the risk. All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your doctor. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment. |
Author: Dr. Brian
Abelson
Co-author and Editor: Kamali Abelson, Rowan Tree Books Ltd.
Kinetic Health®
Bay #10, 34 Edgedale Drive N.W.
Calgary, Alberta, T3A-2R4
For more information, please call our clinic or send an E-mail
to the following address.
Phone: 403-241-3772
Internet: abelsonb@home.com
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Disclaimer This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner. We accept no responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility. All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment. The information provided by or linked to on this site may or may not reflect the opinions of Dr. Brian Abelson. It does not represent the opinions of the Alberta Chiropractic Association or other affiliated associations. |