Treating hyperactivity in children – no drugs necessary
Worlds Collide
Watch an 8-year-old hit the playground and you might think he’s an entirely different species from you and me. Shouting and laughing with friends – up and down, over and all around the play sets – his energy seems boundless.
Then the bell rings and he returns to class, expected to sit still in a hard chair and give his undivided attention to multiplication tables.
When these worlds collide, you can guess what happens.
Every year, thousands of parents are told there’s something wrong with their kids – they have hyperactivity disorder.
In fact, for many of these children a disorder really is at work. But it’s not a neurological disorder, it’s a dietary disorder, prompted by poor nutrition and unfortunate menu choices. But in too many cases, dietary issues are ignored in favor of drugs that force young brains to calm down and focus.
One HSI member named Vichich responded to that recommendation with a firm, “No.”
Shedding some light
Vichich: “I would love to see something on ADD/ADHD. This is a wide spread diagnosis among the children. Perhaps a recommendation as to what supplements would work best or even a new formulation to help with symptoms. I have tried a number of different products. Any light you can shed on this issue would be greatly appreciated.”
I’ve discussed hyperactivity treatment in a number of e- Alerts over the years. A quick review of highlights should help guide Vichich and others faced with the same problem.
In the e-Alert “The Kids are Alright” (7/10/06), I told you about an Australian study that tested dietary supplements against a placebo in a cohort of more than 130 children who had been diagnosed with ADHD.
About half the group received 3 grams per day of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 from fish oil and omega-6 from evening primrose oil), along with a multivitamin (including vitamin E) and mineral supplement. After 15 weeks, parents of children in the intervention group reported significant improvements in hyperactivity, impulsivity, and behavioral problems compared to reports from placebo group parents.
Further tips about supplementing with fish oil can be found in the e-Alert “Oil Change” (5/2/07).
Meanwhile, what’s removed from a child’s diet can be just as important as what’s added.
In the e-Alert “How to Dismantle an ’89 Ford” (6/3/02), HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., explained how parents can go about determining chemical sensitivities and food allergies in hyperactive children.
Dr. Spreen: “While testing the foods, go through the pantry and dump anything with artificial colors, flavors or additives. If we just emptied your kitchen you’re probably on the right track.”
Dr. Spreen also discusses diet deficiencies, with recommendations for supplementing with fish oil, vitamin E, magnesium, and amino acids.
Calling attention
Parents who accept a pediatrician’s recommendation to use drugs to treat hyperactivity are often unaware of the grave dangers involved.
In the e-Alert “Rough Ride” (9/3/08), I looked at a controversy that flared up when American Heart Association officials recommended that children receive electrocardiogram testing before they begin using Ritalin and other stimulant drugs. The logic behind the recommendation was obvious: ADHD drugs have been shown to increase blood pressure and heart rate while boosting risk of sudden death in kids with heart problems.
More recently, the sudden death issue also stirred controversy.
In the e-Alert “Erring on the Side of Caution” (7/6/09), I told you about a study that came to a very disturbing conclusion: Ritalin may increase risk of sudden death by as much as six times!
FDA officials responded by urging caution in putting too much emphasis on the results of the study, even though the research was partially funded by the FDA!
But the researchers stuck to their guns with a statement that concluded: “Our findings draw attention to the potential risks of stimulant medications for children and adolescents.”
I wanted to draw attention to those potential risks too, so I followed up that e-Alert with a short video titled “Critical Alert about Ritalin and Your Child,” which is now posted on YouTube.
I hope you’ll take a moment to watch the video and share it with friends and family who may be unaware that thousands of children could be at risk of sudden death just because they happen to behave like normal, active, healthy kids.
Source:
“Effect of Anemia and Comorbidity on Functional Status and Mortality in Old Age: Results from the Leiden 85-Plus Study” Canadian Medical Association Journal, Published online ahead of print 7/27/09, cmaj.ca
