How we manage ADHD without drugs.

[eilenej1]

Updated 10/19: More info on Feingold, added info on digestive enzymes and probiotics.

I reply to a lot of posts with this information, so thought I'd post it in a journal instead of hunting it down each time, or retyping it.  I have a 5 yob with ADHD.  He was recently diagnosed, age 5.  But if I had had him dx'd when he was 2ish, he probably would have been dx'd Aspergers or PDDNOS.  He has come a long way since he was 2 and I attribute a lot of it to dietary changes and supplementation. 

Here is what we do to manage his "moderate to severe ADHD with possible bi-polar" without meds - to the dismay of his psychologist (she's new to us, but will probably begin to see the light if she's willing).  These are listed in order of importance / cost, according to me and me alone!  ;)

• Remove all artificial junk from diet.  See the Feingold program for more details.  This made a big difference for my kids (me too, but I'm not 100% on it so it's not as effective as it could be for me). This permanently eliminates arfiticial colors, preservatives (TBHQ, BHA, BHT), flavors, and sweeteners.  It also temporarily eliminates "salicylates" - which many people are sensitive to.  These are added in one at a time to see if any cause a problem.  There are dietery adjustments beyond Feingold, but Feingold is a good start.
  
• Give a very high quality fish oil / Omega 3 supplement.  This is where you want to spend $$$ to avoid contaminated products.  I recommend Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega because it has high levels of EPA, which is noted as being more beneficial for ADHD'ers than DHA.  500 Mg or more per day EPA is a good level and Ultimate has 650 mg.
• If you suspect digestive problems (constipation, irregularity, diahreah, stool the wrong color, etc.) - try a good digestive enzyme.  Take a look at Enzyme Stuff's website.  My kids have used Houston No Phenol and Houston ZyCarb.  In a few days they'll start on Vegizyme, which is broader coverage than the other two.
  
• In addition to enzymes, try pro-biotics.  This is another one where you want to spend a little $$.  Look for products that guarantee a certain amount of live bacteria that are viable through an expiration date.  Don't buy it if is says it had a certain number at manufacture - because there's a chance they're all dead and will be useless.  It is probably best to get a blend of 2 or more strains.  Enzyme Stuff has information on probiotics too.
  
• Give a good multi viatmin with NO artificial ingredients.  If he can swallow a pill, that's great because your options expand.
• Give L-Theanine before and/or after school.  It is a calming amino acid.  A good starting dose is 100 to 200 mg.
• Give Phosphatydilserine (sp?).  I think I'm giving 200 mg / day for my 60 pound 5 yr old boy.  This is a supplement that is frequently given to elderly to aid in memory.  Works wonders for ADHD kids too.  My 5 yr old has been interested in letters for about 2 years, but can't remember their names.  He's learned several of them since starting this supplement.
• Other amino acids you may be able to try: 5-HTP - calming but may cause drowsiness.  GABA - calming, but I can't speak to this on it's own.  I give it in a combination of amino acids.  Vaxa Attend - a combination of amino acids in a base of homeopathics targeted towards helping the brain make more connections.  Vaxa Extress - a combination of amino acids in a base of homeopathics targeted towards lessening stress / anxiety.
  
• Get IgG allergy testing done.  IgG allergies are delayed reactions that may not be readily apparent - or easily linked to a specific food.  Go to an environmental allergist or naturopathic practice.  Conventional allergists may not perform this test and may even treat you like an idiot for asking about it.
• Get a complete blood panel done, one that at least measures key vitamins and minerals.  Many ADHD kids are defficient and/or have excesses.  You'll need to go to a more progressive doctor for this, such as a naturopath or DAN (Defeat Autism Now) doctor.  DAN doctors help with more than just autism.  See Defeat Autism Now.
  

[Mom2BandCJ]

Oct. 8, 2009 at 11:50 AM

Thanks for sharing.  Great info.  Another good resource is the book "Is This Your Child? by Dr. Doris Rapp (your library should have it). 

And I'd add a good Pre and Probiotic to the supplement list.  Many ADD/ADHD kids have been on antibiotics, often several times, and their good bacteria needs to be repopulated.

Best of Health,

Susan

[nobakecheezcake]

Oct. 8, 2009 at 1:14 PM

Great info~! Unfortunately, without medical insurance, I'm pretty sure that we can't do the allergy test if it's not a standard test. :( I'll definitely look into some of the supplements - she already gets an adult triple-omega supplement once a day, in addition to an Omega 3 supplement and flaxseed in everything I can add it to...

[Ginny032]

Oct. 14, 2009 at 11:58 AM

Great post Eilene!! 

[LeeLee2478]

Apr. 24, 2010 at 11:46 AM

Great information! I am already using most of the advise you are giving when I switched my son from a regular psychiatrist to a neurologist after my son was hospitalized for his behavior. The neurologist/therapist team I am seeing took a blood test panel and brain scan and found that my son had vitamin and mineral deficiencies. They took him off some of his old ADHD meds that was causing him to be aggressive and out of control and gave him new medication,prescribed supplements and  told us to change his diet and we have seen a big improvement in his behavior. This was a BIG leap of faith since we have been trying to help my son with this problem since age 6 yrs. Great post!