Alternate treatment of ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects both adults and children. The typical symptoms are reduced attention span, difficulty concentrating, and impulsiveness. A number of micronutrients are able to improve nerve function and relieve the symptoms of ADHD. Find out here how these substances are applied in micronutrient medicine.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes reduced attention span in those affected. Typical symptoms are difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness. Those affected are easily distracted and react very impulsively. Reduced mental performance, slower reactions, and mood swings are also signs of the condition.

The first signs of ADHD are first seen at the age of six and after. Babies with ADHD may show signs of sleeping problems or restlessness. The typical signs of ADHD in young children are hyperactivity, tantrums, and delayed motor development. Children with ADHD are often disruptive at school. They behave in a very chaotic manner. During puberty, ADHD can trigger anxiety and/or depression. The symptoms of ADHD can improve with age. It is estimated that 30 to 50 percent of those affected still have symptoms as adults. As a result of their ADHD, many adults may suffer problems in their job or in their relationships

Attention deficit disorder, without the hyperactive component, also exists. This is known as ADS.

The cause of ADHD and ADS has not been definitively determined. Doctors suspect that it is due to impaired signal transmission in the brain. The core elements are the neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline, or serotonin, which influence the transmission of signals between the nerve cells. These processes are impaired in the brains of people with ADHD.
Why this happens is not yet fully known. It is likely that there are a number of factors which contribute to the development of ADHD:

Genetics: ADHD is hereditary so it can be passed on from parents to children. Certain genes can play a role in the metabolic disturbances in the brain.

Pregnancy: Children are at greater risk of ADHD if their mother drank alcohol, smoked, used drugs, or certain types of medications, for example, asthma or antipsychotic medication during pregnancy. Additionally, bacterial or viral infection during pregnancy can also play a role.

Inflammation: If a child has a genetic predisposition to develop ADHD, then inflammatory processes in the body can aid the triggering of the disease. Researchers believe that the immune system plays an important role in the development of SDHD because those with ADHD often suffer from other illnesses such as allergies, neurodermatitis, or asthma.

Nutrition: There is evidence that the wrong diet can aid the development of ADHD, for example, low levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids along with zinc- and magnesium deficiencies.

Micronutrient medicine ensures that brain metabolism has all the vitamins and minerals it requires to function correctly. Some plant substances (phytochemicals) can also help improve cognitive performance and can therefore help relieve the symptoms of ADHD. Recommended are:

• Omega-3 fatty acids for the development, function and protection of the nerve cells
• Zinc promotes the effect of activating neurotransmitters and protects the nerves from the effects of oxidative stress.
• Magnesium for energy production and nerve signals
• Vitamin B6 reduces the symptoms of ADHD.
• Ginseng and Ginkgo to help improve attention and memory

Micronutrient experts recommend for the treatment of ADHD in children between 500 and 2,000 milligrams of fish oil daily which contains omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA). Products with a high EPA percentage are especially effective (560 milligrams). For adults, up to 5,000 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per day can be used.

Fish oil tablets or capsules should be taken at mealtimes. This enables them to be easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

You should pay special attention to the quality of the fish oil, and use only products with high levels of purity that are free of unwanted residual substances, such as heavy metals (e.g., mercury) and pollutants.

The omega-3 index is then used to determine omega-3 levels. Blood tests are used to identify the EPA and DHA level in the red blood cells. Five percent means that five of every hundred fatty acids in the blood cells are omega-3 fatty acids. Ideally, the index should confirm a level of eight percent, although the average is between five and eight percent.

Omega-3 fatty acid has blood-thinning properties. This may result in the need for reduced dosages of blood-thinning medications. When using blood-thinning medication and omega-3 preparations exceeding 1,000 milligrams per day, blood coagulation values should be tested regularly. Your doctor will adjust the dosage of the blood-thinning medication if necessary.

People with blood coagulation disorders should avoid using omega-3 preparations.

For the treatment of ADHD, a daily dosage of between 10 and 25 milligrams of zinc is recommended. Organic zinc compounds, such as zinc citrate and zinc gluconate are ideal. These are easily absorbed by the intestines.

Zinc should also be taken at mealtimes. This improves not only the zinc uptake in the body, but also makes it easier for the stomach to tolerate.

In the event of chronic kidney insufficiency or other kidney diseases, no additional zinc mineral supplements should be used. Weakened kidneys are unable to remove zinc normally and this increases the level of zinc in the blood.

Consult your doctor for the correct dosage for children. The rule of thumb is: Approximately 6 milligrams of magnesium for every kilogram of bodyweight. For a bodyweight of 35 kilograms, this means a daily dosage of 200 milligrams.

Micronutrient medical specialists recommend a daily dosage of at least 200 milligrams daily for adults.

To determine magnesium levels, the amount of magnesium in whole blood is tested. Normal levels are considered to be between 1.38 and 1.5 mmol of magnesium in every liter of blood. A level below 1.38 mmol/l points indicates a deficiency.

ADHD medication containing dexamphetamine can cause an increase in magnesium levels in the blood. Magnesium should not be used as a long-term supplement without blood testing.

Vitamin B6 plays an important role in nerve cell metabolism, especially energy metabolism or the functioning of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Many adults with ADHD were found to have a vitamin B6 deficiency: The more the severe the deficiency, the more pronounced were the ADHD symptoms.

Preliminary studies have shown when children and adults were given a targeted course of vitamin B6 their serotonin levels normalized and their attention problems due to ADHD improved.

However, further study is required to determine if vitamin B6 improves the symptoms of all those affected. Regardless, ADHD sufferers should ensure that they have a sufficient vitamin B6 intake to avoid developing a deficiency.

For children with ADHD, micronutrient medicine recommends up to 15 milligrams of vitamin B6 per day. This dosage is calculated based on bodyweight. 0.6 milligrams of vitamin B6 per kilogram of bodyweight. Adults should use at least 15 milligrams of vitamin B6.

Although a sufficient intake of vitamin B6 during pregnancy is important, you should use high-dosage supplements during pregnancy or when breastfeeding only if a deficiency has been diagnosed. Consult with your gynecologist beforehand.

In high doses (5 milligrams), vitamin B6 can reduce the effectiveness of epilepsy medication. The affected active substances include phenobarbital and phenytoin. If using one of these medications, ensure that you are not taking more than 5 milligrams of vitamin B6 per day.

A daily dose of between 1,000 and 2,000 milligrams of ginseng extract is recommended. The initial studies found red Korean ginseng to be particularly effective (Panax Ginseng). Ginseng extract should be taken during mealtimes.

Ginseng extract is only recommended for children ages twelve and up. Initial studies have been carried out where children over six years old were given ginseng. You should consult your doctor or pediatrician before administering ginseng to children. Using ginseng longer than eight weeks has not been studied.

There are no sufficient studies on the use of ginseng in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk to your gynecologist before taking ginseng.

Ginseng can reduce the effectiveness of coumarin anticoagulants containing the active substances phenprocoumon or Warfarin. When using ginseng and these types of medication, the blood coagulation values should be tested regularly. Ginseng use should be ended before a planned surgery due to the risk of hemorrhage. Those with blood coagulation disorder should not use ginseng supplements.

Ginseng can also amplify or reduce the effect of certain medications. Ginseng inhibits enzymes in the liver which would normally metabolize medications. If you are on a regular dosage of medication, then consult with your doctor before taking ginseng.

Ginseng should also not be used if suffering from the following: High blood pressure, heart disease, or hormone-dependent tumors. Ginseng may also reduce blood sugar levels, therefore those with diabetes should have their blood sugar level checked regularly when taking ginseng.

The leaves of the ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) contain secondary phytochemicals (Ginkgolides), which, among other things, promote the function of neurotransmitters in the brain, and are important for attention, memory and learning.

As a result of these characteristics, gingko extract is used in the treatment of dementia. But this plant substance can be beneficial to those with ADHD: An initial study showed the quality of life, amount of hyperactive behavior and other ADHD-related symptoms in children improved during use. 20 children with ADHD were given a ginkgo biloba preparation of a dosage of 240 milligrams per day over the course of several weeks. A further study compared ginkgo with the ADHD active substance methylphenidate: Both preparations were effective, but ginkgo notably less so. However, methylphenidate produced side-effects such as loss of appetite, headaches, and sleeping problems were most common. Ginkgo could offer an alternative with fewer side-effects.

Overall, there are the initial signs that ginkgo could be effective for ADHD. However, the actual benefit for the patient must now be assessed in larger studies.

For the treatment of ADHD, dosages of 60 to 240 milligrams per day of ginkgo extract, containing up to 8 milligrams of ginkgolides, are recommended The administration of ginkgo to children should be discussed with a pediatrician beforehand.

In rare cases, side-effects such as vertigo (dizziness), headaches, abdominal pains, nausea, and diarrhea may develop. Increased hyperactivity, aggressiveness, tiredness, and sweating have been observed.

Ginkgo preparations should not be used when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ginkgo can increase the propensity for bleeding. If you suffer from a coagulation disorder, are due to undergo surgery, or are using coagulation inhibitor medication containing the active substances phenprocoumon or Warfarin&nbsp then you should avoid the use of ginkgo supplements.

Ginkgo can also reduce the effectiveness of medications for high blood pressure which contain the active substance nifedipine. If you are currently using this type of medication, then you should avoid the use of ginkgo supplements.

Ginkgo is suspected of possibly triggering seizures in those with epilepsy. Therefore, it is recommended that those suffering from epilepsy do not use ginkgo preparations.

There are numerous micronutrients which support the effectiveness of methylphenidate in the treatment of ADHD and can help reduce the level of medication intake:

In an initial study, combination preparations were shown to be more effective: The simultaneous intake of zinc, calcium and magnesium along with methylphenidate was shown to improve the attention span to a higher degree than when methylphenidate was administered with a placebo.

A further preliminary study showed that the ADHD symptoms of those patients who were given 2,000 International Units of vitamin D and methylphenidate were notably better than those in the group who were not given Vitamin D. The control group was given methylphenidate and a placebo.

The following micronutrients are recommended to boost the effect of ADHD medication containing methylphenidate: 2,000 International Units of vitamin D, 10 to 20 milligrams of zinc, at least 300 mg of calcium and 6 milligrams of magnesium per kilogram of bodyweight.

Children and adults who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have problems paying attention: Those affected are easily distracted, have problems concentrating, and have issues with their memory. The condition without the hyperactivity component is known as ADS (Attention Deficit Syndrome).

The cause of ADHD and ADS has not been definitively determined. Genetic predisposition plays a role, but factors such as drinking alcohol, taking medication during pregnancy, inflammation, and poor dieting can aid in triggering ADHD.

Micronutrient medicine uses nutrients which help improve neural function and reduce the symptoms of ADHD. The body requires omega-3 fatty acids for the production and function of nerves Zinc optimizes the metabolic processes of the neurotransmitters and magnesium promotes energy production and signal transmission in the brain. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the production of neurotransmitters and also reduces ADHD symptoms. Plant substances (phytochemicals) from ginkgo and ginseng increase attentiveness.

The effectiveness of the ADHD active substance methylphenidate can be improved with micronutrients: When taken in combination with zinc, magnesium, calcium and vitamin D, methylphenidate has been shown to be more effective.