Before accepting a diagnostic label there are many factors to think about which may explain the root cause of your child’s behavior. Be sure that your health care provider does a thorough physical exam to rule out ear infections, sinusitis, visual or hearing problems or other neurological problems. Other important factors to consider are birth trauma, nutritional deficiencies, food sensitivities, reduced immune function, systemic yeast infections, overexposure to antibiotics or other toxins (heavy metals), reactions to vaccinations, visual problems or sensory integration issues. A naturopathic doctor can help you assess for all these things.

Most common conventional treatment for ADD/ADHD is methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta etc). This is a stimulant that has an opposite effect of calming the nervous system and enhances attention in the child. Often the drug does diminish symptoms (however does not cure the problem) and may come with side effects.

In practice, greater then 50% of children improve drastically simply by implementing diet changes and addressing food allergies. Often the first step is eliminating refined sugar and food additives from the child’s diet. Eliminate processed foods that have artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives (benzoates, nitrates, sulfites), additives (calcium silicate, BHT, BHA, benzoyl peroxide, emulsifier, thickeners, stabilizers, vegetable gum, starch) and MSG.

Each child responds differently, therefore it is important to address the root cause of your child’s behavioral problems. For some children it can be dairy products while others respond better to the removal of food additives. You can also see drastic improvement with supplementation since children may have irregular eating habits and therefore they may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies.