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Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder

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Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder

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Also indexed as:ADD, ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder, Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity—is it normal behavior or ADHD? When a child is more than rambunctious, it is important to know the facts. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

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Health information provided by Aisle7

Supplement with essential fatty acids
Getting approximately 186 mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), 480 mg of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), 96 mg of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), 864 mg of linoleic acid, and 42 mg of arachidonic acid supplies fatty acids important for brain function
Check out L-carnitine
To improve behavior, take 100 mg of this supplement for each 2.2 pounds of body weight a day, with a maximum of 4 grams a day
Give magnesium a go
200 mg a day can address possible deficiency of this mineral that may influence ADHD
Try the Feingold diet
Work with the Feingold Association or a diet specialist to reduce or eliminate food additives and other food issues that may affect ADHD
Talk to your doctor
Prescription methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamine salt combination (Adderall), or atomoxetine (Strattera) may help improve behavior and concentration

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading for more in-depth, fully referenced information.

About This Condition

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD) is defined as age-inappropriate impulsiveness, lack of concentration, and sometimes excessive physical activity.

ADHD has been associated with learning difficulties and lack of social skills. Obviously what constitutes “normal” in these areas covers a wide spectrum; thus it is unclear which child suffers true ADHD and which child is just more rambunctious or rebellious than another. No objective criteria exist to accurately confirm the presence of ADHD. ADHD often goes undiagnosed if not caught at an early age, and it affects many adults who may not be aware of their condition.

Symptoms

ADHD is generally recognized by a pattern of inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity estimated to affect 3 to 5% of school-aged children. Learning disabilities or emotional problems often accompany ADHD. Children with ADHD experience an inability to sit still and pay attention in class, and they often engage in disruptive behavior.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Smoking during pregnancy should be avoided, as it appears to increase the risk of giving birth to a child who develops ADHD.¹

Lead and other heavy-metal exposures have been linked to ADHD.²^{, 3} If other therapies do not seem to be helping a child with ADHD, the possibility of heavy-metal exposure can be explored with a health practitioner.

Eating Right

Diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.

Recommendation	Why	Get started
Go hypoallergenic	Eliminating additives and allergenic foods from the diet has been shown to help children with attention problems. Read labels to avoid problem foods.	Learn More
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Look for sugar alternatives	While further research is needed, some evidence shows that avoiding sugar reduces aggressiveness and restlessness in children with ADHD.	Learn More
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Try the Feingold diet	Some parents of ADHD children have found success with the Feingold diet, a program that eliminates foods with artificial chemicals and additives.	Learn More
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Drug	Common brands
Methylphenidate	Concerta Metadate CD Ritalin	Learn More
Atomoxetine	Strattera	Learn More
Pemoline	Cylert PemADD

References

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

Learn more about the authors of Aisle7 products.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.

Important Walmart Disclaimer: All content, including but not limited to, recipe and health information provided in Healthy Living, is for educational purposes only. Such content is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. Such content does not cover all possible side effects of any new or different health program. Consult your medical professional for guidance before changing or undertaking a new diet or exercise program. Advance consultation with your physician is particularly important if you are under eighteen (18) years old, pregnant, nursing, or have health problems.

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