Nonmedical Interventions for ADD
There are a number of
nonmedical interventions for ADD that can effectively
reduce symptoms. This article examines two powerful nutritional
nonmedical interventions for ADD – amino acids and essential
fatty acids.
A number of studies show that children and adults with ADD and
ADHD are nutritionally deficit in amino acids and essential
fatty acids. Studies also show the effectiveness of using fatty
acid and amino acid for ADD. Simply put, ADD symptoms decrease
when essential fatty acids and amino acids increase in the diet.
If you are looking for safe and healthy nonmedical interventions
for ADD, foods high in amino acids and essential fatty acids
should be high on your grocery list.
Amino Acid for ADD
Amino acids, the building blocks of protein in the body,
literally feed the brain. Amino acids promote the production of
various neurotransmitters and enzymes critically needed in the
brain for communication between brain cells, smooth and balanced
cognition and fluid transition from thought to disciplined
action.
A George Washington University School of Medicine study found
that hyperactive children who ate a meal high in protein did
equally well, and sometimes better, in school than
non-hyperactive kids.
Foods high in complete protein are excellent sources of amino
acids. Good sources of complete proteins include meat, fish,
eggs and dairy products. For vegetarians, brown rice served with
beans, seeds, nuts or wheat make a complete protein. All soy
products also make a complete protein.
ADD & Fish Oil
Essential fatty acids govern growth, vitality and mental state
and are critical for good physical health, mental health,
concentration and memory. Fatty acids are used to make brain and
nerve tissue in the body and are crucial for proper growth,
mental function, the immune system and brain development.
Despite the great benefits of essential fatty acids, many
children and adults simply will not eat salmon, mackerel and
sardines and other fatty acid sources. Fish oil supplements can
be used for those who will not eat fatty fish.
A six-month study of 117 children specifically examined the
relationship between ADD & fish oil supplements. This 2005
study, published in "Pediatrics" clearly shows the benefits of
fish oil & ADD. In this study, the children who took fish oil
supplements showed “highly significant” improvements in behavior
and reading and spelling abilities. Short-term memories also
improved.
Children in the placebo group showed no significant
improvements. However, when children in the control group
switched to the fish oil supplements, they also showed
improvements in behavior and reading and spelling abilities.
Diet and supplementation plays an important role when using
nonmedical interventions for ADD. The body does not make any
essential fatty acids so all essential fatty acids must come
from diet or through supplementation. There are 20 different
amino acids needed to create the various proteins. Of these 20,
11 are created by the body and the remaining nine must come from
diet
or through supplementation.
The Attend
formula supplies the body with all
essential amino acids and fatty acids needed for optimal brain functioning,
along with a wide array of
ingredients
specifically targeted to neurological functioning. Attend is a superb supplement
for diets that are not diverse enough to bring in the amino
acids and fatty acids necessary for smooth brain functioning.
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