This has become a very common problem for children in the 1990's, however, more adults are seeing themselves with the same symptoms. Dr. Metcalfe believes that each person should be extensively examined to make sure this is a correct diagnosis. Why are so many children being diagnosed with this? Is it environmental toxins? Food additives? Food allergies? Family dynamics? Genetics? The list of questions is endless. So, if we can't figure out what causes this, how can we help? Dr. Metcalfe believes that the most beneficial way to help these children is to work with their lifestyle, diet and supplements. The most common pharmaceutical treatment is with methylphenidate or Ritalin, a potent stimulant. It is not a cure for ADD/ADHD, and the symptoms may return upon stopping the medication.

Signs and Symptoms:

ADD/ADHD is a neurobiological syndrome with the following characteristics:
Inability to pay attention for a normal length of time.
Easily distracted.
Restless behavior, fidgety.
Impulsive actions.

These symptoms should be evident for at least six months of duration, and the onset usually occurs prior to the age of seven.

Treatment:

Lifestyle Changes:

Have children in bed by 8 p.m. every night. Children need 10+ good hours of sleep a night.

Create a steady, continuous schedule for your children. Create a regimen for them to adapt and follow everyday. Wake-up for school at an exact time, eat breakfast at the same time, brush hair and teeth, get dressed, go to school, activities and play, eat dinner, homework, family time and to sleep again. These children have a lot of excess energy to burn off. Enroll them in sporting lessons. If they have a hard time interacting with other kids, choose swimming, bicycling, one on one games like kick-ball, frisbee, etc. Get moving with these kids. Help them burn off the energy. Get them outside getting fresh air instead of in the house playing video games.
Test for food allergies, including salicylates and preservatives.

Dietary Changes:

Make sure your kids are eating nutritionally balanced meals and snacks combining protein, complex carbohydrates, and good fats. Feed them cooked cereals such as oatmeal, pancakes, eggs, whole wheat toast, yogurt and fruit, rather than highly sugared childrenís cereals. Instead of fruit juice, try soymilk, water, or low fat organic milk. Snacks should consist of fresh fruit, vegetables, yogurt, protein bars, whole grain crackers, cheese, etc. Avoid sugary snacks. Make sure lunch and dinner contain good sources of protein such as a meat or tuna sandwich on whole grain bread, vegetables and fruit.
Eat every three hours to avoid hypoglycemia.
Avoid canned foods or processed foods, as the preservatives may aggravate ADD.
Increase consumption of raw or dry roasted nuts and nut butters. These contain good essential fatty acids, which are very beneficial for the nervous system.
Increase fish consumption to 3x per week because of the benefits of essential fatty acids.
Avoid sugar.
Avoid caffeine.

Natural Solutions:

ADD/ADHD Management Protocol: