Add - Wesley Chapel,FL

Updated on May 03, 2010
J.C. asks from Lutz, FL
15 answers

Has anyone tried any natural methods with a child that has ADD? Any recommendations? What are ways I can help me child stay focused in class?

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

A.F.

answers from Orlando on

I have my son on a nutritional line that has made a great change.

Email me for the particulars.

____@____.com

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

No, we went with medications because they're government regulated and well researched. The "natural" methods aren't regulated in any way and we just couldn't risk that with our son. The medications designed for this condition have made a life-changing, positive difference for our son.

ADDitude magazine recently did an overview of the alternative treatments for ADHD, so I would go to their website and track it down. It gives realistic, neutral analysis of which ones work and to what degree. www.additudemag.com

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Columbus on

Nope, but I know lots of people who swore that they saw results and had to admit later that they wasted a whole bunch of money because of thier desperation, and there are plenty of folks out their willing to take your money. Buyer beware. Standard treatment works, and it is hard work and effort from you, therapists, schools, and medical doctors.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

A healthy diet and daily strenous exercise (30-60 minutes minimum) has been shown to be very helpful for children with ADD. There is a book called "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain" by John J. Ratey and Eric Hagerman (who are doctors that have also written about ADD/ADHD) that goes into detail about the effects of exercise on the brain and how daily exercise has been shown to be as effective as medication for depression, anxiety, and many other conditions.

Having said that, in some cases, diet and exercise are helpful but not enough to address the problems associated with ADD. Then medication in conjunction with these other measures can help.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi J.,

My daughter's ADD/ADHD was completely man-made and we were able to get rid of the diagnosis. I believe a lot of children that are diagnosed with neurological problems are simply reacting to the environment around them. We detoxed our home, put her on an absorbable multivitamin, Omega 3s, and the diagnosis was removed at the next doctor visit.

I detoxed my home because I was scared that my father with dementia was going to get into the chemicals. When I saw it helped my daughter's behavior (almost immediately) and schoolwork (within 8 weeks she was on grade level), I put her on the vitamin and the Omegas. She, at 14, has told me that she actually knew the work then but just couldn't get her brain to articulate answers to problems. It was like it was scrambled.

Detoxing is easy and quite inexpensive if you do it the way I did it. I'll be glad to elaborate if you're interested.

God bless,

M.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Tampa on

I have no idea how old your child is, but my brother gives my niece coffee in the morning. She doesn't have ADHD, just ADD, and the caffeine helps her to consentrate. She was 10 when the doctor told them to try it. They have also tried to put the more difficult classes at the begining of the day and right after lunch (they pack something with a higher caffeine content for a drink in her lunch). This seems to help her.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Tampa on

Wow 2 Fiengold questions in a row- super- check out Fiengold, also WestonPrice- then with the proper nutirtion - focus is great.
best, k

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

Jesse,
Shaklee makes a chewable supplement called Mighty Smart for kids. Let me know if you want info about it. I can also direct you to a free website that has health audios you can listen to.
Victoria

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

Yes. I found that food allergies played a big part. Also, Provex Plus from Melaleuca helped my older kids.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi J.-

Our son is 4 and has ADHD and we also decided not to medicate...we found a book online called "3 Steps to Conquering ADD-ADHD" by Jon Bennett that pretty much convinced us to try supplementing first. You can read the entire thing online for free, and all of the suggestions are things you can buy at any natural foods store. There was one product they recommended by name (which made me leery) called Neu B Calm'd and I thought I'd hold off on it and see how the other supplements went...since we saw such a great improvement from the other stuff, we never looked into the Neu B Calm'd...anyway- basically what we did was put him on Fish Oil, a Magnesium supplement (the one we got is called CALM for Kids-I've seen the CALM for adults at Whole foods, but the Kids version I haven't been able to find anywhere but online, its cheap though-like 15 bucks and a container will last like 6 months, you only use like a tsp a day), a good multivitamin and protein at every meal. The CALM, fish oil and protein were key...we saw a DRASTIC improvement. I'm not saying he doesn't still have his moments, (get him some protein FAST! lol) but he is much, much better. I have my sweet little boy back. I am also planning on trying some natural cleaning products and see if it makes a difference. And we are also trying to limit artificial dyes and high fructose corn syrup in his food. Good luck and hang in there. Feel free to msg me if you have any other questions.

Here is the link to the free book download:

http://3stepsadd.com/download/3%20Steps%20to%20Conquering...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Miami on

There are a variety of natural approaches, such as stress reduction, brain balancing exercises, energy healing/energy balancing, diet change and nutritional support, family therapy, neurofeedback/brainwave entraining, and more. These work at addressing the actual causal factors that foster ADD symptoms. Suppressing symptoms with medications while not addressing the causes is dangerous and unwise. You can contact me for more details about the natural/holistic approaches. Each child is an individual so different protocols will be needed to be tailored to the unique needs of each person - so don't expect what works for one kid to be ideal or sufficient for every other kid with the same diagnosis.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

My brother is ADD. He was medicated in school, but as an adult, he controls it with diet and exercise. Non-natural sugars are a no-no, as are processed foods and many fats. Some friends have reported that eliminating glutan and/or dairy has helped, but my brother has not tried that. He works out daily, and is in fantastic shape, too! I have also heard that getting away from chemical cleaners and using natural cleaners can help (we use mostly baking soda and vinegar in our home, and it cleans just as well as 409).

Another important step - find out how your child organizes things in his/her mind. ADD kids need more structure and routine in their lives than other kids. They may find that they can pay better attention if their hands are busy with something, if they write everything down, or if they have a calendar with a specific layout. Find out what works for your child, and then speak to the teacher to help them understand.

However, depending on the severity of the ADD and your child's personality, you may need to medicate. I do not believe that true ADD is mind over matter - it is an actual disability, that the child cannot will away, and while I think many cases are over-medicated, when affected children go without the proper attention, they really suffer. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I don’t have experience with ADD myself, but I work in social services in adult foster care and do a lot of research in this area. Multi-vitamins can be really helpful in managing ADD. Almost all of our residents are taking multivitamins to maintain overall health and mental stability.
Also, there is a supplement call ProVex Plus that is made from grape seeds that is recommended to help people diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. Here is some information I found:
Researchers have found that in addition to strengthening your blood vessels, proanthocyanidins can attach themselves to important proteins, enhance visual acuity, and promote smoother skin.*
ProVex Plus contains a potent source of proanthocyanidins—standardized grape seed extract in a patented, chemical-free system that uses no sulphur dioxide that some people are sensitive to.
Proanthocyanidins, the active ingredients in ProVex-Plus, are found in grape seeds. These unique compounds help strengthen blood vessels. They also act as antioxidants to fight free radicals and contribute to your overall health.* (Free radicals are destructive molecules that can damage your cells.)

ProVex-Plus also contains ginkgo biloba, sourced from an ancient plant that helps you maintain mental sharpness and proper blood circulation. The last ingredient in ProVex-Plus is bilberry extract, a cousin to the blueberry that helps enhance night vision.*
ProVex Plus is an OTC medication that is safe for kids and doesn’t require a prescription. Let me know if you have any questions.

L.C.

answers from Kansas City on

there are actually good natural remedies for it, and kudos on trying those options before jumping to meds! a lot of ADD issues can be caused by a chemical sensitivity. eliminating caustic chemicals can really help. There are also really great vitamin supplements that can help with it too. check out http://www.HealthySafeAndClean.com there is more info there. You can even fill out an information request and just include in it that you want information on natural ADD alternatives and someone will give you a call to help explain options. i hope that helps! keep your chin up!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Miami on

Core work! Children who have weak cores do not have the deep muscles that allow one to sit still and focus. The body and brain are completely connected. See about OT for him, allergy elimination through NAET, and a diet free from artificial anything! Also Nordic Naturals DHA for Kids.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions