Pay Attention, Please!!

Over the years, the number of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been rising at an alarming rate. Why is this condition so common? Many of the signs used to diagnose ADHD are vague and have been experienced by all of us at one time or another. They include poor concentration, a short attention span and hyperactivity.

This leads to the issue of whether this diagnosis is being overused. There are cases that warrant this diagnosis, but there are also milder cases that are placed in this group that may not belong there.

A study published in February 2000 in JAMA found that from 1991 to 1995, the number of two to four-year olds on Ritalin doubled. Children under the age of five using Clonidine for ADHD rose 28 times. Don't we owe it to our kids to find the cause for their behavior and help them heal?

Lack of attention and hyperactivity can be caused by a number of issues. Sometimes children are put in classes that are not stimulating enough. Other times, kids don't comprehend what is being taught. These issues need to be explored and changes should be made as appropriate.

Poor nutrition also plays a role. Low levels of nutrients like vitamin B6, zinc and magnesium can cause these symptoms. Replenishing these nutrients often reverses these symptoms. ADHD children also have low levels of omega-3 fats. Giving fatty acids like DHA from fish can increase attention and improve behavior.

Food allergies can trigger these symptoms. Removing allergenic foods from the diet can benefit many kids. Earlier, sweets and refined sugars were thought to be the main cause of hyperactivity. More recent research has found that artificial additives are the more likely cause. These are often found in highly processed foods.

Frequent ear aches in childhood are correlated to being diagnosed with ADHD. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat the infections. They kill off good bacteria in our digestive system and allow bad bacteria and yeast to overgrow. The yeast release toxins that can have effects on behavior. Treating this problem is helpful at reducing ADHD symptoms in many children.

As parents, we owe it to ourselves to find the cause of our child's distress. Exploring these areas of treatment can have immense benefits for our children. Ritalin and other drugs are best used for severe cases and for short time periods. Finding and treating the actual cause is the only true cure. Medicating kids for life is not a solution, but only serves to perpetuate the problem.

Dr. Qureshi is a naturopathic physician specializing in the treatment of chronic health issues. He currently practices at Pacific Highway Natural Medicine in SeaTac. Appointments can be made by calling (206) 923-7600.