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Hyland's Calms Forte

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IS RITALIN NECESSARY?
Ritalin has been likened to a powerful amphetamine similar to drugs such as speed and cocaine.  Is Ritalin really necessary?  The use, over use and abuse of this drug is mistakenly utilized to treat the symptoms of ADD and ADHD, commonly referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.  This drug carries up to sixteen adverse reactions (check the PDR!) and can produce some serious long-term side effects!  Oftentimes the symptoms associated with these two overused terms, ADD and ADHD, are underlying causes of allergies, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia/ low blood sugar levels and improper dietary factors.
Let’s look at some potential causes of these related symptoms, which we will then try to cover with the drug Ritalin.

Nutrition
The body cannot function properly without the right nutrients and the absorption of the right nutrients.  Protein is the key to providing amino acids to the body  so that proper brain nutrients may be manufactured.  Amino acids are the precursors to hormone formation that are the chemical messengers throughout the body.  The brain requires messages sent and received for proper learning, and behavior functions.  Children require that almost 50 percent of their total caloric intake be protein.  Their diets should remain lower in carbohydrates.  

Eggs are an excellent source of a complete protein.  If dairy is to be a part of your child’s nutritional dietary intake, please be sure to use organic products.  Avoid hormone treated dairy and meats!  Let’s not even talk about dairy and ear infections! 

It may be necessary to utilize a protein supplement in the form of a chewable tablet, protein drink or food bars.  Pedi-Active is a chewable Phosphatidylserine-DMAE complex for children with soy phosphatides by Nature’s Plus.  Phosphatides are an integral biochemical component of the cells of the brain!  Phosphatides are used in forming the phospholipid bi-layer of the brain’s cell membrane, which acts as an insulator of electrical current.  Phosphatidylserine, phosphatidlycholine(lecithin), and DMAE contained in Pedi-Active are essential for the formation and transmission of neuron signals (brain messages)  and their receptor sites.  DMAE stimulates the central nervous system helping normalize behavior such as acting out and inattention.  Pedi-Active, with its essential factors also comes complete in a balanced nutrient bar.

Include plenty of fresh and lightly steamed vegetables in your child’s diet.  Avoid frozen foods with their high sodium levels.  If your child does not eat all his vegetables Nature's Plus Kidgreenz may be the answer.  One chewable tablet contains 250 mg. of a precisely formulated synergistic blend of green vegetables, aquatic super-foods (spirulina), and lactic flora growth enhancers (fructooligosaccharides).  

If your child does not eat well at all, as is often the case with ADD and ADHD children, let us suggest some easy dietary supplement solutions.

Now let’s discuss that which is “essential”. Flax seed oil and children’s IQ and behavior.  Two types of fatty acids are “essential”.  Flax oil contains both of them!  Every living cell of the body requires essential fatty acids (EFA’s).  These EFA’s Omega 3 and Omega 6, can not be synthesized in the body, they must be obtained from our diet.  Learning specialists now believe an omega fatty acid deficiency leads to symptoms which include behavior problems and impaired mental function.  The reason for this association is that these phospholipid bi-layer brain cell membranes are composed of essential fatty acids.  While capsules of these EFA’s are available, children benefit simply by putting the oil in a protein drink or shake.  Mix the oil in pancakes, or salad dressing.  Use it as a topper on vegetables or on pasta. There are two readily available sources of EFA's.  Flax Oil, in capsules or rich liquid, is a synergistic blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 EFA’s and isoflavones from the soy and lignan. Solaray’s DHA Neuromins, a microalgae vegetable oil is a unique type of Omega 3 fatty acid in a special base for optimal absorption. 

Much of our nutrients are obtained from our foods.  While the content of our intake is important, the absorption of these nutrients can be optimally achieved by the development and maintenance of a healthy intestinal tract.  This is easy to do now-a-days.  When I was younger, and was given the proverbial round of antibiotics if a sneeze and a fever occurred at the same time, the doctor might have mentioned how eating yogurt would help to restore the balance of the “good” bacteria necessary for proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients.  And he didn’t tell you that it takes millions upon millions of these “good” bacteria to repopulate a very deficit gastro-intestinal tract. I don’t think my parents listened.  And besides! That’s a lot of yogurt! 

Today we know that whenever antibiotics are employed, it is a necessity to restore a balance of healthy flora in the body and detoxify harmful bacteria.  Food allergies, reoccurring illness’, chronic fatigue and joint inflammation may well have their premise in a body lacking in good bacterial flora balance.  Nature’s Way Primadophilus for Children is a 5 oz. powder and a must for all ADD and ADHD candidates.  It may be put in a supplemental drink or morning juice.  It is also available in junior size capsules, for youth under fifteen.

One of the most exciting and innovative breakthroughs in ADD and ADHD treatment is a herbal formula known as Melissa Supreme by Gaia.  Melissa Supreme is a bio-active combination of herbs which include melissa, chamomile, passionflower, and others in an alcohol free liquid extract.  Taken orally, this tonic relaxes and restores balance to the function of the brain and nerve cells.  It quiets down agitation and overexcitability of the nervous system, yet does not promote lethargy or sleepiness.  It is not addictive or habit forming.  Excellent to promote during school hours!

Another habit- forming aid for relief of nervous tension and excitability is a homeopathic formula known as Calmes Forte.  This is excellent for children with a tendency towards sleeplessness and difficulty in relaxing prior to bedtime.  There are no side effects and the 100 tablets per bottle are 100% natural.

Allergies
An allergy is a hypersensitivity to a specific substance in a specific quantity.  The response or symptom of hypersensitivity may result from an ingested food, medicine, inhalant, contactant, or injectant (such as an insect bite). Allergies may be obvious or hidden, but are often overlooked.  The response of hypersensitivity may inadvertently be attributed as a symptom of ADD and ADHD.  There is no sure way to prevent a child from developing an allergy, however it is important to identify if one exists.  Professionals are the available method to detect  allergies.  Keep a record of your child’s symptoms for a few days before eliminating the food or suspect contactant.  Some of the classic food allergens are dairy, eggs, wheat corn and artificial/processed foods.  Elimination from the diet should be done from seven to twenty one days while observing the responses.  Initially, in some cases of the artificial sweetners and processed foods, headaches may result.  These disappear however, usually after the first few days.  This type of elimination should always be along with the supervision of a health professional so that the child’s nutritional well-being is not compromised.

Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition representing an over-active thyroid gland.  This condition can only be diagnosed by a health professional.  The symptoms, however, may be hyperactivity, nervousness, irritability and insomnia, similar to ADD and ADHD disorders.  Inattention to this condition or misdiagnosis may result in an inability to gain weight, menstrual disorders, and progressive nervous conditions.  Some studies attribute an improper functioning thyroid to the onset of certain diseases, such as Alzheimer's, however these studies are not conclusive.

Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, a low blood sugar level condition, demonstrates the child's body's inability to metabolize carbohydrates normally.  The system overreacts to sugar, by producing too much insulin.  This condition produces outward symptoms of inattention, irritability, inability to focus, nervousness, mental confusion, and insomnia.  Now what could this sound like?  Glucose Tolerance tests are available through health professionals to determine blood sugar level conditions.  One answer is a diet protein rich diet with certain allowable carbohydrates.  The appropriate approach is cautiously, with the guidance of a competent professional.

An understanding of these potential causes whose symptoms are often miss-associated with the symptoms of ADD and ADHD is critical to the well-being and health of your child.  Once we have analyzed and determined through elimination of these other potential causes, that the condition of ADD or ADHD does exist, we are then presented with opportunities to remove the use of serious drugs from our child's sphere.   Encourage your medical professional to be part of your healing team.  Prior to choosing the Ridalin route that can affect your child in deleterious ways, it would be wise to consider the natural, non-invasive alternatives that enhance the child's inherent beauty and create wholesome life experiences.

Is Ritalin Necessary written be Mariaehel Sammis is an article promoting healing children naturally by choosing healthy alternatives in the treatment of common childhood conditions.  Ms. Sammis has a Bachelor of Science degree and is graduate candidate status in Dietetics and Nutrition.  She can be reached for consultation at e-mail Mariaehel@Yahoo.com .

The information presented is for informational purposes only. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Consult your doctor or healthcare practitioner for any health problem and before using any supplements.

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