A Lithuanian friend of mine asked me about 8 years ago now, "Why is it that you Americans make up names for all sorts of conditions?" I at first defended us stating that we are at the forefront of medical research - therefore, had all the answers and newest medical conditions labeled.

Boy was I wrong.

Boy was he right.

ADHD, in my realm, is a bunk label brought on by pharmaceutical companies and psychologists. More money in the bank. They know parents want their kids best in class and get smiley faces from their teachers.

Now all they hear is, "Jack, I believe your son may be ADHD. You should have him checked out." Thanks. Good tip. People love to be the 'doctor' - knowing all the conditions, terms, diseases - it makes them feel superior for some reason.

Ignore 'em. Your kid is likely fine.

If not fine, and you do see an issue with inattention, hyperactivity and all the other common 'symptoms', then let's address some of them.

What did kids drink mainly, let's say, 10 years ago?

Milk.

Now?

Soda.

How much sugar is in an average soda? 11 tablespoons. They would add more if they could but it would not be liquid anymore. Seriously. There is a special process whereby soft drink companies can load up drinks without the sugar seperating out.

What does sugar do? I'll be blunt. What are the signs of ADHD? That's what sugar does. Make a list and look at it thinking about your kid on sugar. What do they look like at birthday parties?

What else is causing hyperactivity?
Preservatives, additives, food coloring, processed foods, cafeteria lunches [now there is an issue], vending machines in schools [hmmm - may be another major issue].

What does all this have in common?

Where is the wholesome nutritious food????

It is interesting to me, and sad, that what some call alternative treatments for ADHD are actually not treatments at all. They are simply prevention tactics. Natural medicine for ADHD is extremely effective and good doctors are applying natural medicine for ADHD in their clinics.

I bet that if kids did not drink so damn much soda, watch flashing commercials on TV, fast-moving arcade games for hours on end, ran instead of using gas-powered scooters, and ate nutritious normal food - real food - that ADHD label would be gone from our planet.

Why did the label appear? Dinero for one. Pharmaceutical companies are far from dumb. They know that people want a simple solution to everything - a drive through remedy.

That drive through remedy - the lovely methamphetamine - yes, a methamphetamine - Ritalin, which is sold on the streets now for big money.

I urge you not to take this simple easy solution - as it is far from a solution. A gentlemen came to our teaching natural medicine clinic and could not sleep. We asked a thorough history and found he was on 4 different drugs - all treating each other's symptoms. He was on Ritalin for Adult ADHD and then on a sleeping pill because Ritalin didn't allow him to sleep.

So, after altering his dietary habits and talking with his medical doctor, he no longer took the drugs. He now is attentive and sleeps well once again. Hmmmm. So that is what they are calling natural medicine and alternative treatments for ADHD. Is that an alternative treatment or is it an actual effective treatment - and - can we go so far as to say cure for ADHD?

I would agree that it is natural medicine - but not an alternative treatment. An alternative treatment for ADHD, in my eyes, is Ritalin.

Dietary intake is huge. Nutrition is huge. Exercise is right up there as well. With these three 'alternative treatments for ADHD' that natural medicine 'prescribes', parents will have happier children and children will have happier parents.

Parents must not feel the peer pressure in schools. Your kids are labeled so fast nowadays for numerous reasons - one being teacher laziness perhaps? Or administrative practices limiting the children's activities? How much recess do they get? Is gym cancelled? How much money does the school make selling sodas??

I am a parent as well so I know how difficult it can be. Please don't fall into the trap of Ritalin. If you found this article, then you are desiring an alternative treatment for ADHD and I applaud you for that. Natural medicine does wonders.

At times, supplementation is needed; especially as dietary and lifestyle changes are being modified. An natural ADHD supplement for kids and adults is Bio-Focus by Biogenesis. Pediatricians and naturopathic physicians all over the country are successfully using this ADHD supplement.

Basically, Bio-Focus by Biogenesis is a medical food powder containing the right nutrients for mental support and inattention. This ADHD supplement comes with a detailed spec-sheet discussing specific dietary interventions and useful lifestyle changes designed to reduce the signs of ADHD. You may view the Bio-Focus medical food powder webpage and download the spec sheet for free. It is an Adobe file.

I thank you for reading this - really. It pains me seeing Ritalin being prescribed so often when alternative treatments for ADHD may be so effective. Natural medicine does wonders - let it work and give it a shot.

And, please, discuss this article with your doctor. Print them out the Bio-Focus by Biogenesis spec sheet. They will be impressed.

Good luck.

In health,
Ben

And I must put this disclaimer here: Benjamin Lynch of HealthE Goods is not prescribing medical information or products. The information presented is only to educate and inform the public in possible alternative treatments for ADHD. One must speak with their physician before making any medical decisions.

(c) 2005 Benjamin Lynch of HealthE Goods

Benjamin Lynch has a BS degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Washington. Currently, he is obtaining his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. Visit Ben's natural health product store, HealthE Goods where one can use our free health information service where one may ask specific health questions. We provide physician-grade non-prescription natural health products. Wholesale spa products are available to all that qualify. Do visit our Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness Blog. We are here to help serve the public with proper health information and effective products. Products described in the article are available at HealthE Goods.