By Heather A. McCarter
There are more and more children being diagnosed with ADHD, or Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, over the last decade. Most of the
diagnoses are coming from teachers, school psychologists, therapists,
and medical doctors. Therefore, children are most likely being treated
medically with prescription drugs that help calm their nervous system,
help them concentrate and stabilize their hyperactivity. These stimulant
medications may help calm a child but they do not fix the cause of
the problem. Currently, there is more and more evidence that suggests
that the cause of a child’s ADHD may be due to nutrition deficits,
neurological imbalances, biochemical imbalances, and optometric disorders
(eye problems). In other words, there are many more options for a
parents or guardians to consider if they do not want their child to
take stimulant medication to suppress the symptoms of ADHD.
Healthcare experts suggest that ADHD is genetic and it needs to be
controlled with stimulants such as Ritalin-like drugs. However, the
nervous system is not genetically determined. It is constantly adapting
to new stimuli as it develops through childhood. As the mind continues
to learn, the brain and nervous system continue to adapt and develop-allowing
for new growth patterns to develop thus resulting in better adaptation
of brain and chemical pathways. This is where chiropractic care fits
in. Adjusting spinal misalignment and removing nerve interference
can help the brain and nervous system develop correct pathways for
proper communication. These adjustments help calm a child’s
nervous system, allowing it to develop to its fullest potential without
interference.
However, chiropractic is not the only alternative to medication-just
one of the most important for full body healing. Another important
consideration should be proper nutrition including whole foods, reduced
processed foods (sugars, soda, sweets, microwave meals, etc.), magnesium,
and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (both of which prevent nerve irritability
and anxiety). Consulting with a chiropractic nutritionist, a nutrition
specialist, or health food store is recommended. Other considerations
should include getting an eye exam. Visual stimuli go hand in hand
with brain development and concentration.
Should a child be taken off medication? Not necessarily. There are
many options to consider before taking that step. So, what should
be done? Consult with a chiropractor for an evaluation and treatment
of neurological imbalances. Chiropractors work with medical doctors
in the implementing proper ways to wean a child off medications. Nutritional
advice to help fuel the child’s mental, digestive, and cellular
development should also be considered, along with an eye exam to rule
out vision problems.
For parents with ADHD kids, it’s hard to resist school and
medical pressures to put the kids on drugs. However, prescribing medications
without doing anything else sends the message that it fixes the problem,
but it’s not true. Children will grow up and still have ADHD
because drugs will not teach them the coping skills they need, nor
will they teach the nutritional or neurological stimuli needed to
function on a daily basis. By looking at the child as a whole, their
physical, emotional, and nutritional can be addressed allowing them
to develop into fully balanced individuals. Children’s senses
are delicate. Help develop their smell, taste, hearing, sight, and
touch, as well as provide proper nutrition and neurological stimuli
to get on the right track for healing a child.
Further inquiries may be directed to drheather@mccarterchiropractic.com,
or talk a chiropractor about the benefits of chiropractic, nutrition,
and a healthy lifestyle.
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