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A New Natural Alternative Treatment for ADHD ADHD: From Ritalin to Natural Solutions
The disease had no particular name until 1987 when scientists began
referring to it as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADD or ADHD is now considered
the most common behavioral problem in America, affecting more than
3.5 million children. According to the American Psychiatric
Association, ADD is a term used to depict children who display
characteristics of hyperactivity along with impulsive and/or
inattentive behavior. The long-term problems associated with this
disorder include the following: learning, socialization, and a risk
of psychopathology in adulthood. Various biological factors are
considered to have a causal relationship to ADD. These include
neurochemical imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, food allergies,
hypoglycemia, poor eating habits, and environmental chemicals.
Unfortunately, controversial drugs such as Ritalin, and Adderall are
the most commonly used medical treatments for children with ADD.
Both of the drugs are powerful central nervous stimulants and can
produce addictive tendencies. They also can cause harmful side
effects such as nervousness, insomnia, tachycardia, and loss of
appetite. These drugs function by increasing the levels of
catecholamines (dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) available
at the synapses in the brain.
Today, however, no one has pinpointed the exact cause of ADHD, but
some interesting research has been taking place.
Identical twins are more likely than fraternal twins to both suffer
from ADHD. Since identical twins share genetic material, this leads
some to believe that ADHD may have a genetic component.
About seventy percent of ADHD children continue having ADHD when
they are adults.
Another interesting line of research is in the cells of the brain.
The ends of nerve cells do not touch one another, so messages must
jump across a microscopic gulf called a synapse. Though the process
is not completely understood, researchers believe brain chemicals,
notably serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, help those messages
bridge that synapse. When those chemicals are low or are not function
properly, some messages jump, but fall short of crossing the
synapse, meaning messages are often only partially transmitted or
they don't get transmitted at all.
Ritalin
The most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD is medication.
Ritalin, the brand name for the stimulant methylphenidate, is the
most often prescribed. Ritalin is a stimulant that helps to enhance
the effect of the brain chemicals that help nerve and brain cells
receive messages from each other. Why exactly a stimulant like
Ritalin should calm someone down remains a mystery, because common
sense tells us it should make you more energetic. There is clear
evidence Ritalin can help ease the suffering of a child with ADHD.
The child can be more attentive and less aggressive. The problem
with Ritalin is not its ability to successfully help the seventy
percent of patients whom it can help, but the misdiagnosis by many
physicians on children that should not take this powerful drug.
Physicians are diagnosing children with ADD often in less than half
an hour. A proper ADHD/ADD diagnosis process also requires a
substantial diagnostic analysis, something not possible in an hour.
Since 1981, use of the controlled drug has jumped 700% in the United
States. Since 1990, Ritalin's usage has risen dramatically in the
U.S. while remaining constant in other countries. Other countries'
consumption of the drug is only about 15 percent of what it is in
this country. If your child is on Ritalin, or you are considering
Ritalin, consider these facts:
Ritalin is becoming a popular drug to abuse. Its emergency room
visits from overdoses has more than doubled in recent years.
The studies on Ritalin are 96% performed on boys, with very few
studying long-term effects of the drug therapy and ADHD.
Adderall and Strattera are two new drugs to treat ADD. Adderall is a
time-released mixture of amphetamine salts for patients who do not
respond to Ritalin. It has also been found to have many of the side
effects and abuse potential of Ritalin. Strattera is a non-stimulant
medication that works as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. This
approach is quite different than any other ADHD treatment. It should
not have many of the side effects of the other treatments nor should
it have much abuse potential. It was approved in 2002 and the jury
is still out on its safety and efficacy.
Nutritional Supplements and ADHD
So, what are some natural supplements to be considered? The
following are introductory descriptions of herbs, vitamins,
minerals, and dietary supplements that could aid sufferers of ADHD.
2-Phenylethylamine HCL
This amazing compound has always been the darling of the
pharmacologist in that it is structurally clean, it is naturally
present in human fluids and tissues, and because it does not cause
nervousness or jitters, although categorized as a stimulant.
Phenylethylamine is found in chocolate, and is responsible for its
effects on mood, appetite, and sense of well-being. Phenylethylamine
is a catecholamine precursor and intrinsically probably the cleanest
stimulant known to man. Until recent discoveries, PEA or
phenylethylamine was rapidly destroyed within the body. If included
with novel delivery systems, phenylethylamine HCL is provided "safe
transport" and this metabolic fate is avoided and pharmacological
activity becomes extremely apparent.
BRAIN NUTRIENTS
Neurochemical imbalances in the brain are the focus of many drugs
being developed. Offering nutrient precursors of neurotransmitters
can increase production of signaling compounds, thereby minimizing
imbalances and dysfunction of the message sending systems in the
brain. The most important nutrient- DMAE, or Dimethylaminoethanol,
is a free radical chain transfer agent used as a "smart drug". DMAE
can be interpreted to induce a psychophysiological state of
well-being on both levels of analysis- mood and electrical pattern
of activity- in subjects suffering from emotional disturbances. DMAE
allows people to remain alert and focused by decreasing Alpha 1
power in the cortex of the brain. L-Tyrosine is also very vital as a
precursor for biosynthesis of neurotransmitters epinephrine,
norepinephrine, and dopamine. This is similar to the mode of the new
non-stimulant prescription drug Strattera.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies have been implicated in mental
performance. Several studies have shown the importance of B-Vitamins
(folic acid, B-6, and B-12) for behavioral changes, and personality
disorders. Scientists at Baylor University Medical Center reported
that B-12 and folic acid deficiencies could alter neurotransmitter
function and contribute to neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Vitamin B-6, an important coenzyme for the biosynthesis of
neurotransmitters GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, is required for
optimal brain function.
HERBS
Many herbs have active constituents that are very vital to someone
suffering from ADHD. An example is Gingko Biloba, which is often
referred to as a "brain food". Gingko is a powerful anti-oxidant,
which helps take out free radicals that cause deterioration of
cells. Gingko has been found to help alertness, attention, and
memory. Griffonia seed is a powerful herb that converts to serotonin
in the body. This is one of the nerve chemicals that jump the spaces
between the brain?s nerve cells. Lastly, and most importantly in the
herbal category, is Citrus Aurantium. Research done by Pharmatech,
Ltd. on the active substance, synephrine, derived from Citrus
Aurantium, has been exciting. Scientists have observed how this
natural stimulant more closely mimics the structure of the brain's
chemical transmitters than do manufactured stimulants, such as
Ritalin.
A PROMISING FUTURE WITHOUT DRUGS
Many parents are looking for natural remedies to replace the
potentially dangerous drugs. The compounds described above have
shown to offer promise for enhancing neurological function and
improving behavior. These natural compounds can address the symptoms
associated with ADD. A product recently introduced by Hi-Tech
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has been shown to be very promising in
treating ADD in both children and adults. Hi-Tech's product,
Attention-Link is based upon three years of research and development
by a top research firm in Belize, Pharmatech Limited. The success
Pharmatech, Ltd. had on the proprietary formula licensed to Hi-Tech
is amazing. Studies on Attention-Link have documented the impact on
specific brain neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, serotonin,
norepinephrine, and dopamine. These studies showed consistent
improvement in behavior, concentration, and attention, when patients
are supplemented with Attention-Link. Parents should not feel alone
since teachers, school administrators, as well as public health
officials, and even politicians are looking for natural alternatives
to this biological problem.
Serving Size:
1 Tablet
Ingredients:
Proprietary Blend with Extend-Rx Technology: 525 mg
Phenylethylamine HCL, Acacia Rigidula 70% extract (leaves), DMAE
Bitartrate, L-Tyrosine, Gamma Amino Butyric Acid, L-Threonine,
Inositol, Theobroma Cocoa Extract (seeds), Citrus Aurantium Extract
(seeds), Citrus Aurantium Extract (fruit), Naringen (fruit), 6-7
Dihydroxybergamottin (fruit), L-5-Hydroxytrytophan, Co-Enzyme B-12 (Dibencozide).
Other Ingredients: Microrystalline Cellulose, Dextrose, LActose
Monohydrate, Sodium Starch Gluconate, Magensium Stearate, Stearic
Acid, Silica. |