12 Oct Clinic offers treatment for children diagnosed with ADHD
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) prevalence in children is estimated to be 10 per cent globally. ADHD has a male to female ratio ranging between 2:1 to 9:1. Children with ADHD have difficulty paying attention, listening to instruction and completing tasks. They display impulsive and hyperactive behaviour like fidgeting, restlessness, blurting out answers and constantly interrupting.
The following are criteria for diagnosis ADHD: Symptoms present for six consecutive months, symptoms present in two or more settings, evidence of significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning, symptomatic behaviors are inconsistent with age and developmental level, symptoms have been present prior to the age of seven.
The conventional treatment of choice is pharmaceutical medicine including Ritalin and other psychostimulants com including Dexedrine and Strattera that merely attempt to address the symptoms.
Naturopathic medicine focuses on identifying and treating the various causes of any imbalance.
Causative factors contributing to ADHD include nutritional deficiencies (vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids), blood sugar imbalances, toxic overload (such as lead), digestive dysfunction, bowel toxemia (neurotoxins and bacteria in the gut), thyroid and adrenal dysregulation, overuse of antibiotics and other medications and food sensitivities (including colouring and preservatives).
A study of 116 children with ADHD concluded that 95 per cent had nutritional vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
ADHD children have significantly lower levels of plasma DHA than normal controls. Studies have also shown an inverse relationship between plasma essential fatty acid levels and behavioral assessment scores.
Food and additive allergies have both been identified as contributing factors to ADHD. A study of 40 children with ADHD, who were given an elimination diet, found a statistically significant decrease in symptoms. Individual food allergy testing may be considered to determine offending foods.
Heavy metal toxicity and other environmental toxins play a role in ADHD development.
Exposure to lead, arsenic, aluminum, mercury or cadmium effect neurological development of children and often lead to ADHD. Dioxins, PCBs, pesticides, solvents, dyes, dust, mold, microorganisms, and other pollutants in air, water, and food can have been associated with causation in children with ADHD. Evidence supports the screening of children with ADHD using hair analysis or EDTA challenge, along with urine, to identify toxic load.
At The Lakeside Clinic, we offer a comprehensive assessment and treatment program for children with ADHD. Assessments include testing for nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, environmental and heavy metal toxic load.
Treatments include modifying diet and correcting identified nutritional deficiencies.
For more information on the clinic, visit www.thelakesideclinic.com.
The Lakeside Clinic Seminar Series: Upcoming
Topics:
Lowering Cholesterol, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.
To reserve a spot, call the clinic at 705-431-0859 or send an e-mail request to info@thelakesideclinic.com.