Expert: Tonja Wells - 4/28/2010

Question
Hi
I have been diagnosed with both adult A.D.H.D., and hypertension.
I take a drug for each condition, Welbutrin for the A.D.D., and Avalide for the hypertension.
They help the symptoms, which pleases my wife, but mentally I dont feel as good as I did before I started taking them.
I just kind of feel blank. Cant get into watching TV or reading. The only time I feel good mentally is when my mind is preoccupied with work or a chore.
I did go off these drugs but went back on at my wifes and the doctors insistance.
My doctor doesnt believe in
alternative medicine.
Can you reccomend anything?
I am trying to lose weight to lower the blood pressure, and I jog which seems to help the A.D.D.-at least while I am jogging!
Thanks for your thoughts!

Answer
Their are lots of good choices you can make to help your body.

I don't know what you have in Canada but here is what I suggest for ADD/ADHD

You can order at my website at WWW.YourHerbalHealthSolutions.com
I would suggest
Focus Attention
Super Omega 3
DHA
Gaba
Diet is essential. Please be sure to read below and change diet accordingly.


ADD & ADHD

ADD & ADHD is not new.  Medical text in the early 1900's described the children brought to a doctor's office because they were unable to sit still.  Today it has become an epidemic.

The diagnosis of ADD is based on the presence of 6 of the following symptoms for at least six months.

1.        Failing to give close attention to detail.

2.       Difficulty sustaining attention in task or play

3.       Often not listening when spoken to

4.       Often not following through on instructions and failure to finish a task

5.       Difficulty organizing tasks and activities

6.       Avoiding tasks that require sustained metal effort

7.       Often loosing things needed to complete tasks

8.       Easily distracted

9.       Forgetful in everyday activities



ADHD diagnosis is based on the presence of 6 of the following symptoms for at least six months.



1.       Fidgets with hands or feet, fidgets in seat

2.       Gets out of seat when expected to stay seated

3.       Runs and climbs inappropriately

4.       Difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities

5.       "On the go" constantly.

6.       Talks excessively

7.       Blurts out answers before question is completed

8.       Difficulty waiting turn

9.       Interrupts or intrudes on others.



About 5 million children from ages 3-17 years of age have a learning disability. 80% of these children will continue to have these issues in adolescents and 70% as adults.



EFFECTS OF RITALIN





·         More than 2 million children are currently taking Ritalin for ADD/ADHD.

·         Ritalin is sold as a street drug for $3 to $15 per pill.  It is crushed and inhaled for its "speed like properties"

·         Ritalin is almost identical to cocaine.  Drugs like Ritalin work because they mimic a neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system called epinephrine. This stimulates the sympathetic nerves and calms the parasympathetic nerves and brings balance to the body.

·         The US military refuses to accept recruits who used Ritalin to change or modify behavior according to the San Antonio Express news 11-28-96.

·         Those with a history or diagnosis of Touretts should not use Ritalin.

·         Suppression of growth and height, as well as weight gain or loss is reported with long term use.

·         ADHD doctor's visits increased 90% between 1989 and 1996 and ¾ of those received prescription drug treatment. Many health care professionals believe about 90% don't need medication to control symptoms.

·         A diet, which reduces sugars, grains and fluids, except water, is often sufficient to reverse the abnormal glycemic blood sugar patterns related to ADHD behaviors according to Townsend letters for Doctors and Patients 4/2000



FIRST YOU WANT TO DETERMINE IF YOUR CHILD IS TRULY ADD



A TRULY ADD/ADHD CHILD  IS CONSIDERED EXCESS PARASYMPATHETIC/DEFICIENT SYMPATHETIC

1.          Good digestion

2.          Good stamina but person may be lethargic

3.          Blood pressure on the low side

4.          Small pupils

5.          Sweats easily

6.          Generally sensitive to noises and touch.  Noises bug them. Parasympathetic opens you up to too much sensory impute coming in. The person's brain is on overload.  It is more impute than they can handle.

7.          Mental confusion

8.          Hard time concentrating

9.          Restless sleeping

10.      Urination at night



NATURE'S CHI



Benefits:
 
· Supports cellular energy levels.
· Energizes the body during physical activity.
· Supports metabolism.
· Invigorates blood circulation.
· May help reduce the body's desire to eat (according to Traditional Chinese Medicine).
· Stimulates the immune system.

Nature's Chi® TCM Concentrate [Glandular, Immune, Circulatory] is an ephedra-free blend of 15 herbs designed to be invigorating, to reduce the body's desire to eat and to boost immunity and blood circulation by improving the flow of internal energy, or chi. Nature's Chi can also support cellular energy levels and energize the body during physical activity without causing nervousness or insomnia. This combination is a Chinese TCM concentrate blend of:

Astragalus root
Tang-kuei root
Fo-ti root
Eleuthero root
Cinnamon twig
Peony root without bark
Forsythia fruit
Gardenia fruit
Panax ginseng root
Hoelen sclerotium
Mint leaves
Schizonepeta flower
Scute root
Siler root
Licorice root

Take 1-2 capsules twice daily between meals.



Energy-V is a great balancer for younger children  It contains: Barley grass, Bee pollen, Capsicum, Gotu Kola, Kelp, Licorice, Rose hips, Schizandra, Yellow doc.  This formula helps the adrenals, which are closely tied in with the sympathetic nervous system, and helps to stimulate more of the sympathetic nervous system response. This is better for long term use and very balanced.



ENERGY-V

1.          Improves stamina and vitality by cleansing the body of metabolic byproducts

2.          Stimulates circulation to promote healing

3.          Improves digestion

4.          Reduces nervous tension

5.          Helps with fatigue & depression

6.          Improves immunity

7.          Helps with memory



Please note: Herbs which calm most people will make a true ADD child worse



GINGKO /GOTU KOLA WITH BACOPA

1.       Poor memory & concentration

2.       Increases oxygen and circulation to the brain

3.       Regulates neurotransmitters

4.       Antioxidant so it will removes free radicals which cause aging

5.       Normalizes circulation in the body

6.       Improve the blood brain barrier

7.       Helps with Alzheimer's Mega-Chel

8.       Dizziness

9.       Ringing in the ear

10.   Bacoba -(Ayurvedic)- Anti-anxiety, anti-fatigue and memory-enhancing effects.  Improves cognitive function, memory and helps with insomnia.



BRAIN PROTEX

1.       Carries nutrients to the brain

2.       Passes through the blood brain barrier

3.       Good for Alzheimer's

4.       Good for circulation

5.       Antioxidant

6.       Protects what we have Brain Protex - protect the neurotransmitters in your brain that produce the acydocoline which helps you remember things. Acedolcholine - gets destroyed in Alzheimer's disease - preserves memory.



*Essential oils from the citrus family like NSP's lemon and pink grapefruit oil can also stimulate the sympathetic nerves and have a calming effect on ADD and ADHD


SYMPTOMS OF EXCESS SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS ACTIVITY AND DEFICIENT PARASYMPATHETIC  NERVOUS ACTIVITY

We wind up but we can't wind down

1.       This is an anxiety like response, this refers to high stressed people, like someone has scared you or a deer in the headlights

2.       The pupil is enlarged  - in the sympathetic mode your pupil dilates or opens up to let in more light.

3.       High blood pressure

4.       Sluggish bowel movements, constipation, digestive issues - Excessive sympathetic shuts down the colon and digestive track.

5.       Type A  - nervous jittery, hyperactive, restless, "on the go and stressed people

6.       Tension headaches

7.       Irritable

8.       Elevated heartbeat with palpitations or weak pulse

9.       Nightmares

10.   Muscle tension

11.   Insomnia - due to the nervous system being wound up

12.   Over-stimulation of adrenal glands which leads to adrenal burnout



In this case we want to use herbs that activate the parasympathetic nerves or inhibit the sympathetic nerves, causing the body to relax.

These are nervines or antispasmodic herbs. They help relieve spasms and cramps due to nervous tension



One of the following can be very helpful

STRESS-J  with chamomile, passion flower, hops and chamomile - this comes in capsules and liquid

1.       Reduce pain & inflammation,

2.       Muscle spasms in the respiratory and urinary track.

3.       Irritable bowel

4.       Stress affecting the body

5.       Chamomile, Fennel, Feverfew, Hops, Marshmallow, Passion Flower

6.       Passion Flower contains phytonutrients that appear to exhibit a sedative effect on the nervous system),





CHINESE STRESS RELIEF

1.          A combination of Chinese herbs which calm the mind, body and emotions

2.          Reduces stress on the body

3.          The combination works with both mental and emotional health

4.          Helps to lower blood pressure and strengthen heart function

5.          Reduces pain and inflammation and shrinks swollen tissue

6.          Relaxes muscle spasms and nervous tension

7.          This formula works on the physical and emotional level


KAVA -  Helps person to relax and unwind.

1.       Relaxes the muscles but keeps the bran alert

2.       For general anxiety and stress

3.       Works with the limbic system of the brain, which deals with feelings, emotions, instinct and drives.

4.       Relaxes the body like alcohol but dose not dull the brain or destroy the body

5.       Polynesian cultures use this herb

6.       A powerful muscle relaxant



Nutri-Calm

1.       Contains B-Complex and C vitamins and adaptagens that help feed the nerves and reduces stress response

2.       Relaxes the nervous system

3.       For high-strung people who have a hard time sitting still

4.       Can give you a calm relaxed energy and not a hyper energy.

5.       This is an adaptagens, which whips the body adapt to stress.





The B's & C's feed the adrenals



These people should avoid:

1.       Caffeine

2.       Stimulants

3.       Ephedra

4.       Alcohol



These people need to get more:

1.       Rest

2.       Sleep

3.       Exercise

4.       Deep Breathing

5.       Bach flowers



Supplements good for either parasympathetic or sympathetic

According to Dr. Block, a medical director in Texas, 90% of individuals with this condition have yeast overgrowth, - Probiotics are important for this. 50% have a bacterial invasion of the wrong kind, - blood work would help to determine this. 25% have parasites. Black Walnut, Probiotics, quality fibers and parasite homeopathic would be a good choice here

Supplements

1.       NSP's B-Complex Capsules Vitamin deficiencies - which helps with the nervous system.

2.       Magnesium deficiencies - Magnesium Complex or Magnesium tablets (which can be chewed) are a good choice.  Magnesium is the spark plug for the adrenals, this mineral helps to displace aluminum in the brain, aid in bowel movements and aids in calming the nervous systems.

3.       Consider calcium deficiencies.

4.       NSP's GABA plus for brain function. GABA reduces the number of neurons firing in the brain, thus calming brain activity.

5.       L-Glutamine Think of this as Glue - To - The- Mind. This serves as fuel for the brain and calms the central nervous system.

 1.  NSP's Spirulina or Super Algae

a.        are rich in a variety of nutrients,

b.       including protein, antioxidant

c.       cardioids'

d.       race minerals

e.       contains RNA/DNA to allow the energy to move correctly throughout the body

f.         high in Vitamin B12

g.       builds the blood, increases brain function, boosts immunity and supports healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels.





 1.  NSP's free form Amino Acids - these are vital for proper neurotransmitter function in the brain.  Super Algae or Spirulina is a good choice for amino acids
 2.  Ginkgo and or Gotu Kola - helpful with concentration, memory and overall brain function.
 3.  Antioxidants like Thai-Go which increases brain function, classroom performance and attention space.
 4.  Probiotics like NSP's Bifidophilus Flora Force - provides billions of beneficial microorganisms that help support immune system.
 5.  NSP's Colloidal Minerals - essential for every body function including memory.
 6.  NSP's Super Omega 3 - supports brain function and the circulatory system.
 7.  NSP's DHA is also a good essential fatty acid for the brain.
 8.  Licorice root, which comes in capsules and a liquid,  if high blood pressure it not an issue can work well for sugar cravings

NSP's Focus Attention  contains Melissa Officinalis, which has been approved by the German Commission E for its ability to soothe the nervous system, along with Gingko Balboa, well known for its support of brain function and circulation. Another ingredient is DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) which is a biodynamic nutrient used for memory and learning enhancement. It also quenches damaging free radicals. Next is Slippery Elm which aids nutrient absorption and is used as a soothing and cleansing herb for the digestive system.  This combination also contains Grape seed extract, high in proanthocyanidins.  This is a highly active compounds that can readily neutralize brain damaging free radicals caused by toxins.





We need three basic nutrients to build our nervous system.

 1.  B vitamins,
 2.  Essential Fatty Acids
 3.  Minerals which we use to get from our whole grains but have now been stripped out.



EXERCISE

Brain Gym

Interactive exercise - like soccer



DIETARY FACTORS ESSENTIAL FOR ADD CHILDREN

1.       Breakfast is a must - No grains and be sure breakfast includes protein. Proteins which are good choices;  All meats, fowl, fish, cheese, nuts and nut butter. Peanuts are not a nut but a legume and can be very yeasty in nature



2.       Pure carbohydrate meals increase vulnerability to attention problems. White carbohydrates are never a good idea (white flour, white rice, white paste, etc.)



3.       A fall in blood sugar tends to be associated with more violent acting-out behavior, as well as marked inattention.  This is why as high protein/low white carbohydrate diet is suggested with lots of good raw and steamed vegetables. Keep with low to medium glycemic vegetables and low glycemic fruit



4.       Lots of good fats - as the brain structure is mostly composed of fat. (Good fats include Super Omega 3, DHA Flax seed oil, wild caught fish, olives, avocados)



5.       Eliminate sugars, bad carbohydrates (not fruits and vegetables except white and red potatoes), dairy, and food coloring (red dye #5 in Ketchup, colored soda's etc.) and increase proteins, fresh vegetables and fruits. Use good sugars like Stevia, Xylitol and Blue Agave.



6.       Studies have shown that organic foods contain more nutrients, so positive diet changes are very good choices





Low glycemic vegetables are your best choice. These can include artichoke, asparagus, avocado, black eyed peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplants, garlic, lettuce, spinach, squash, string beans, sunflower seeds, tomato. turnips, water crest.



Suggested fruits should be fresh and not to ripe as glycemic index goes up the more ripe a fruit is.



Apples, apricots, berries, cherries, fresh coconut, grapefruit, lemons, limes, mango, melon, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, tangerines



Suggested Unsweetened juices can be:

Apple, grapefruit, orange. Pineapple, tomato, vegetable



Allowable beverages



Herbal teas, sugar- free broth, reverse osmosis water



7.       No artificial sweeteners.  Food additives, including aspartame, can be linked with hyperactivity and other behavioral disorders



8.       Children with the most yeast in their bodies will take longer to heal.



9.       In severe cases the gut-wall has been penetrated causing the candida to enter into the bloodstream. Depending on the severity, it can take from three months to a year to eliminate this. During this time absorption will start to improve.



Leaky gut



Inflammation of the bowel allows the gut to become too permeable and large molecules or irritating substances "leak" into the bloodstream to bombard the liver. This creates feelings of agitation and aggression.  Since the gut produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, gut inflammation will upset the nervous system.



a.       Licorice, chamomile and Kudzu/St. John's Wort combination can help to reduce gut permeability.

b.       Thai Go can be used to reduce gut inflammation.

c.       Histablock with stinging nettles can helps with leaky gut

d.       Small amounts of green tea.



The following should be avoided:

Sugar, honey, gum with artificial sweeteners or sugar as a sweetener, candy, chocolate, cake, pastries, pie, pudding, jelly, ice cream, caffeine of any kind.



Fruits

Bananas, dates, figs, dried fruits, grapes, persimmons, plums, runes, raisins,



Starches:

Macaroni, noodles, spaghetti, navy beans, kidney beans, red and white potatoes, rice, ravioli



No food dyes of any kind

No alcoholic beverages or caffeine medications.



10.   Heavy metals can be another issue




This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose and treat diseases. If you have any health problems consult a health practitioner before embarking on any course of treatment