Attention Deficit Disorder(ADD) is a biologically based condition causing a persistent pattern of difficulties resulting in inattention and/or impulsitivity.  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) is the same as ADD except with hyperactivity.

Inattention is difficulty attending or focusing on a specific task. People with Attention Deficit Disorder may become distracted within a matter of minutes. Inattentive behavior may also cause difficulties with staying organized (e.g. losing things), keeping track of time, completing tasks, and making careless errors.

Hyperactivity is difficulty inhibiting behavior. These people are in constant motion. They may engage in excessive fiddling, leg swinging, and squirming in their chair.

Impulsivity is difficulty controlling impulses. These people do not stop and think before they act. They say and do whatever comes into their mind without thinking about the consequences. They might say something inappropriate and regret it later, blurt out a response to question before a person is done speaking to them, or have difficulty waiting for their turn in line.

According to the CDC, 7% of grade school children in the US have either ADD or ADHD.  There are over 1 million children taking a psychostimulant drug such as Ritalin to treat this disorder.  These drugs have side effects including:  Sleep disturbances, depression or sadness, headache, stomachache, appetite suppression, etc..

Dr. Linda uses natural approaches.  She evaluates these children to determine which of the 8 interferences they have and then determines how to correct these interferences.  See Dr. Linda’s Model of Health. (make so a click gets them to this part of the website.)  Virtually all children with ADD/ ADHD have food allergies, usually not recognized by the parents or the child, nutritional deficiencies, and toxins.  She has many tools in her toolbox that frequently eliminate the need for prescription medications.

Most medical "experts" on ADD and Hyperactivity disorders are unaware of the relationship between nutrition and ADD / ADHD, but they are quick to say that these is neither important nor relevant information on the relationship between nutrition and ADD/ADHD. However there are sufficient studies that prove otherwise:

1.     A 1994 study at Purdue University found that boys diagnosed with ADHD had lower levels of DHA than controls (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)

2.     A 1997 study found that 95% of ADHD children tested were deficient in magnesium (Magnesium Research 10, 1997)

3.     A 1996 study found that ADHD children had zinc levels that were only 2/3 the level of contorls (Biological Psychiatry 40, 1996)

The cell membranes and synaptic endings of neurons in our brains are partly composed of DHA, an omega-3 essential fatty acid. These membranes go rancid unless protected with antioxidants. Since most children do not get enough DHA, other types of fats are incorporated into the brain.  This results in compromised function because they are the wrong shape. Also, the all-important neurotransmitters are manufactured by the body from dietary sources. In order for these neurotransmitters to function well, the B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin C must all be present in sufficient amounts. Some studies have shown a relationship between fatty acid deficiencies and ADD, learning disorders, and behavior problems.

Some dietary suggestions that have been found to be helpful include:

1.     VERY IMPORTANT! Supplement with natural concentrated nutritional supplements containing antioxidants, anti-inflammatory nutrients, vitamins, and essential minerals. The goal is to improve synaptic cell-to-cell communication.

2.     Provide essential fatty acids (EFAs) supplements (as in fish oil, flaxseed oil, DHA / EFA supplements, primrose oil).

3.     The diet should be low in phosphates.

4.     Adjust the types of fats your family eats (good fats are olive oil, fish oil, coconut oil, and flaxseed oil; reduce all others). These are also helpful for the cardiovascular system and can reduce the risk of cancer.

5.     Eliminate trans-fats (man-made hydrogenated oils which can be incorporated into your brain structure - processed food are full of them). These fats are also worse for your heart than saturated fats and are potential carcinogens. Processed foods that say 0 trans fats often contain trans fats, just below an “acceptable level.”

6.     Avoid food additives and highly processed foods.