An interesting trend over the past several years is that I have seen more adults entering my office with complaints of distraction, loss of concentration, and lack of focus.
Many of them have been given a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Contrary to popular belief, ADHD, which is the preferred nomenclature today, can last well into adult hood. This is because ADHD often goes misdiagnosed for years, as the medical community didn't have the tools or drugs for these conditions.
Adult ADHD can extend into your twenties, thirties, and even into your fifties.
Because of a misdiagnoses, these people sometimes have challenges at the workplace completing assignments, completing chores, or doing routines tasks.
Occasionally, it may lead to emotional issues with relationships and could be a factor in alcohol or drug abuse.
Of course, we know today that this is just a symptom that's been going on for decades.
Unfortunately the professional medical community treats the adult diagnosis the same way that it treats children. They suggest treating with the use of stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin and Adderall.
These drugs can carry significant side-effects in children and adults, yet they don’t address the underlying cause of the condition.
The reality is that adults who have lived with symptoms of ADHD aren’t caused by a deficiency of patented stimulant medications. But they can be caused by deficiencies and shortcomings in other aspects of a person's lifestyle.
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A New Hope For A Normal Life
For adults who visit my office with a diagnosis of ADHD, we often start with changes in nutritional aspects and simple dietary changes.
These changes can be a great first step for those who are unsure about the side-effects of mediation, as well as those who can't afford the high ongoing prices of the drugs.
Additionally, once your body has been on some of these medications, there are consequences should you decide to stop taking them.
In fact, I think that diet is the most important tool for reducing – and even eliminating – ADD and ADHD behavior.
The diet changes are simple, affordable ones and I’ve written about them numerous times in this column over the years. People with ADHD should eat only whole and unprocessed foods, with very little sugar or chemical sweeteners.
First Steps To Normal
To begin, when these patients enter my office, the first discussion is a full breakdown of the situation to find out all the information.
I then usually then take the first steps to avoid any chemicals in food such as MSG, chemical food coloring, flavoring and preservatives. These added chemicals can deplete vital nutrients in the body and are toxic to the nervous system.
Another major factor with your personal diet is to maintain stable blood sugar levels by eating adequate protein at each meal. Additionally, blood sugar levels are depleted when going too long between meals, so I also recommend avoiding skipping meals.
When your blood sugar level drops too low, it can lead to a hypoglycemic reaction and poor concentration and irritability, which are both symptoms of ADD and ADHD.
In addition to diet, I also rule out food allergies as a contributing factor in these conditions, with wheat and dairy being on top of the list. Food allergies can have negative effects on behavior and mood.
Moving next to supplementation, there are several common nutrient deficiencies that are also major contributors. Getting blood work done and additional testing can uncover these deficiencies, which can be easily corrected with proper supplementation.
Some of the big deficiencies I find are iron and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acid is found in fish oil, nuts, seeds, and eggs. You'll find several research studies exist that support the use of omega-3 fatty acids to treat ADD and ADHD.
Watch Your Iron
As mentioned, another nutrient commonly deficient in these patients is iron.
Iron deficiency is reported to be a major factor for problems with behavior and lack of concentration. I will usually run a blood test for ferritin levels, which represents a patient’s reserve level of iron.
I will usually supplement with a highly absorbable form of iron, called iron glycinate, in conjunction with adequate vitamin C to help with absorption.
If you or your child has issues with the ability to concentrate, before you decide to medicate, you might consider consulting with a naturalistic physician.
A good naturalistic physician can thoroughly evaluate and treat you for nutrient deficiencies and make proper dietary changes that can better address the underlying cause.
For more information, you can search for a naturalistic physician near you.
If you would like an assessment from our trained team using our remote online telemedicine service, you can contact us at <LINK TO PAGE and CONTACT HERE> .
With the right guidance, focus and concentration can return even to adults who may have suffered for decades.
July 16
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