Kids should be Active and healthy! If a child exhibits hyperactivity or inattention on a regular basis you may be told that he or she has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, just like 10 percent of kids in the United States. These kids can be difficult to handle and are typically prescribed drugs.

Symptoms of ADHD

• Inattention
• Inability to complete tasks
• Easily distracted
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsive
• Restlessness
• Constant motion
• Inability to wait in line or take turns
• Difficulty following directions/listening
• Forgetfulness/organization problems
• Fidgeting/squirmy

Drugs are not always the best choice due to their common side effects.

RITALIN COMMON Side Effects

• Addiction
• Stomach ache
• Trouble sleeping
• Heart palpitations
• Decreased appetite
• Dizziness
• Nervousness, agitation, anxiety
• Irritability
• Tic

A study done by Dr. Lidy Pelsser in The Lancet journal showed that 64 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD are actually experiencing a hypersensitivity to food. It suggests that with a very restrictive diet, kids with ADHD could experience a significant reduction in symptoms.

Many suggest that a paradigm shift is needed when it comes to ADHD. The percentage of kids diagnosed with it has increased over recent years, and we must look to the cause.  Pelsser compares ADHD to eczema.  “The skin is affected, but a lot of people get eczema because of a latex allergy or because they are eating pineapple or strawberries.” It turns out diet is causing symptoms in several children who have been diagnosed with ADHD.   At Relief Plus Chiropractic, we recommend starting by removing gluten and dairy from the diet and possibly trying an elimination diet.

Work to remove sugars, dyes, and preservatives along with the following toxins.

AVOID these TOXINS

• MSG
• Red #40
• Nutrasweet or Aspartame
• Sodium Nitrate
• Over the Counter Drugs such as Tylenol, Advil, etc. – all weaken the immune system by suppressing white blood cells
• Propylene Glycol
• EDTA
• Antibiotics – kills healthy intestinal flora which weakens the immune system
• Pesticides – Buy organic

Chiropractic Found to Help ADHD

Chiropractors offer a non-drug approach to helping with ADHD. They work to decrease nerve interference in the body by keeping the spine in alignment.  By restoring proper nerve flow, the body functions at a higher level and can effectively heal. In addition, any musculoskeletal imbalances will create brain imbalances which is what is happening in many ADHD patients.

One study, in the October 2004 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, followed a 5 year old boy with a history of a complicated birth and diagnosed with ADHD at age two. He had been prescribed Ritalin, Adderall, and Haldol for three years, but the combination of the drugs was unsuccessful in helping him.

Upon visiting a chiropractor at age five, he was found to have spinal distortions and immediately began care. His mother noticed positive changes by the 12^th visit and by the 27^th visit he had expressed a significant reduction in symptoms. At his next visit to the pediatrician MD, he was taken off of the medications he had been on for three years.

A study comparing chiropractic care to drug treatment in children with learning and behavioral problems found chiropractic care to be 24% more effective than commonly used medications. Chiropractic works for children as well as adults and does not have the side effects or worry that comes with medications!

If you or someone you know has been suffering from symptoms associated with ADHD and are looking for an alternative method to get to the cause of your symptoms, we encourage you to call our office and take advantage of a FREE Consultation. Dr. Sara Hillesheim is a Chiropractor in Minnetonka MN at the intersection of County Road 101 and Minnetonka Boulevard.  She is a Minnetonka chiroprator dedicated to spreading the message of chiropractic and helping as many people as possible achieve a lifetime of health and wellness. Call our office today at (952) 681-2863!