He talks nonstop, keeps on moving from one place to another, he answers questions even if not being asked, he has the biggest voice in the class and goes wherever he wants to go.
That's Jefferson, my student in 1-A.
I can't help but asked myself...
"What's wrong with this student?" Jefferson is one of the five to seven percent of children and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADHD is the name of group of behaviors found in children and adults.
People with ADHD can have a hard time staying focused and often lack self control.
There are several treatments available for children and adults who have ADHD, with the most common treatment being pharmaceutical medications.
For those who are reluctant to put their children on medication because of the potential side effects, there are natural remedies ADHD is known to respond favorably to.
These remedies can help them to focus and relax.
PROTEIN: A study conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggests that protein helps the brain produce dopamine and norephrine.
These are natural chemicals that allow a person to focus and concentrate.
The richest source of protein are animal food such as chicken, meat, cheese and eggs.
FATTY ACIDS: ADHD people often appear to be deficient in fatty acids and most specifically omega 3 fatty acids.
The most popular source of omega 3 is fish while in omega 6 are corn oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil and many others.
This ADHD remedy is very simple and worth a try because it has few side effects (indigestion and burping in rare cases) and it is very affordable.
MEDITATION: If children or adults with ADHD will meditate twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes, changes will occur in their brain.
Meditation can help them to cope better with stress, remain calm and think more clearly.
COLORINGS AND PRESERVATIVES: Studies show that certain food coloring and preservatives may cause or worsen hyperactive behavior so its better to avoid foods with coloring and preservatives.
These natural remedies may not exactly cure ADD but they will help them to relax, focus and calm...
even for a while.