ADHD of the Christian Kind - List Archives: Alternative Treatments

Alternative Treatments - Part 1

NOTICE: The following posts are taken from the Christian ADHD Alternative Treatment List. The names, e-mail addresses and locations of all parties involved have been removed to protect their privacy. The posts have been used with permission, but are copyrighted by ADHD of the Christian Kind.

Are there any natural ways to treat ADHD? Like Vitamins or herbs? If so which ones?

You have asked the question of the century. There are lots of nutraceutical companies that "claim" they can effectively treat ADD/ADHD with THEIR products, but so far there have been no studies done to prove any of this, so this leaves us parents with the option of using medications or trying natural alternatives on our own through trial and error.

Below are some herbs/supplements that have claimed success in treating ADHD: DISCLAIMER: Please don't give your child any supplements before checking with your child's doctor, especially if your child is already on medications for ADHD. Don't take your child off prescribed stimulants or anti-depressants without checking with your dr. on how to wean them.

pycnogenol - there are two kinds: grape seed extract and pine bark extract. The pine bark extract is the one sold most for ADD, but I had some results with the grape seed extract.
gingko biloba - increases blood circulation to the brain, hence the claim that it can help decrease distractibility. I have personally used this, and it does help lift the ADD fog.
evening primrose oil - not sure exactly what this does, but it is recommended.
essential fatty acids - there is a theory among us parents that these may be lacking in our children. Ever heard of the ketonic diet used to treat epilepsy? It is high in fats and has been successful in reducing and even curing severe, life-threatening epilepsy. We need to be careful that we do not limit our children to low-fat foods.
DHA is often used to treat ADHD.
St. John's Wort: good for depression; many anti-depressants have worked with ADHD children, reducing hyperactivity and smoothing out the mood swings.
Kava-Kava: supposed to help with anxiety. Can cause drowsiness.
B-complex (either 50 or 100). I have personal knowledge of good results with large doses of B-vitamins. You need to give all the B-vitamins, not just B-6 or B-12.
Trace minerals: these come in tablet, powder or liquid form and are often deficient in ADHD children. This one can't hurt to try.
Multi-vitamin: this covers all your bases in the vitamin area so you know your children is getting all the basics. If your child is deficient in one particular area, though, higher doses might be needed (see your dr. before giving any vitamin in higher than recommended doses--some vitamins can kill, like iron and A).
Mannatech makes some supplements that are touted as perfect for ADHD children. Phyto-Bears and some other products.

Many supplements are also listed at Supplements.

I recommend every parent do a lot of research on anything they want to give their children BEFOREstarting. Pray and ask the Lord for wisdom from above; who knows, your child might have a trace minerals deficiency.

My question is about supplements and other natural alternatives. I've explored a few alternatives thus far. Last year _____ was on a series of supplements from Standard process and under chriopractic care. It seemed to help....nothing dramatic....but we couldn't afford to continue all of the chiropractic since our insurance does not cover it. This year I've been working with someone from Shaklee who gave me alot of info on their supplements and testamonials. _____ has been on them for a few months taking about 30 a day which he hates..........I haven't seen a dramatic change as some do....but he is doing better on spelling tests and it seems like it has helped with his short term memory.

Getting to my question....I would like to hear from some of you that have had some success with other supplements....etc....How are the Mannatech ones? How many do they need to take? I dug thru the Arcives and saw that those were discussed at one time. I know that using supplements is for the long haul and that it takes awhile to see results.....My frustration is if i'm using the right ones or is there something out there that would benefit _____ much better. I pray that someone out there could give me more info.

In response to supplements. I am trying some new things. I realize that it takes a while to see some results but I am sure most are willing to try. I have stared to eliminate some things from our diets like dyes and wheat. I tried to eliminate dairy but found the it did not seem to make a difference. We are also trying vitamin complex 25 mg 3 times a day plus extra B3 50 mg daily. Natures Plan put out a product called PediActice ADD which we are now trying as well as multivitamins and mineral complex, magnesium and calcium at bedtime. Valerian root extract is good mixed in some juice 2 times a day. This helps our son with the hyperactivity. I am trying what I can. Sometimes it is so hard. Like today. It seemed harder than most. But with the grace of God I will make it through the day.

I'm not opposed to taking vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements to help any situation...however, 30 a day seems excessive in my opinion. That would be overwhelming for anyone, expecially a child. If your not seeing some pretty dramatic results, I would consider discontinuing the supplements, and save some money.

I don't know that everyone benefits from it, but those who do usually experience DRAMATIC results. My son has a sensitivity to artificial additives in foods, and even traces of them can severely aggervate his ADD to the point he is completely out of control. We found giant leaps in improvement by the use of the Feingold Diet. You can get information about it online. It's a little on the high maintainence side, but it is free (after your initial joining fee of $60 -- I think).

I just spent about an hour digging through the biofeedback website you posted. Thank you.

It is a very interesting concept. I have to confess my beginning skepticism, having already been exposed to Dr. Barkley's arguments against it, AND having dealt with some very odd, New-Age weirdo-types during my nursing school experiences who seemed to be scamming people with this. It was almost a Hindu-like worldview. "let's help people clear their minds and reach Nirvana" kind of thing.

That said, the data on the website was mostly not presented that way. It was a more factual presentation of an option for which I pray more research is completed.

Some of the studies listed were a bit sloppy -- mixed problems in the subjects, controls questionable, etc... --- but preliminary studies are often like that. I'll have to spend more time looking later, but *is there a University or other center doing a large amount of research in this?*

I'd love for more of the people on this list to check out the data and comment. ****Has anyone on any of your lists ever had any personal experience with this?**** I'd sure feel more comfortable hearing about an experience from a well-grounded Christian. Anyone out there?

_____ is on supplements from Shaklee. (Calcium/Magnesium, Lecithin, Zinc, B comlex, and their multi vitamin.) He also takes a Protein drink 2x's a day. It's 30 supplements a day and you must be very consistant. Some days _____ complains, but for the most part, he understands he needs to take them so he can "think" better. I was getting a little frustrated thinking these things aren't working....but after i really thought about it and looked through _____'s tests, I did notice an improvement in grades from Sept. _____ is still out in la la land alot of times but i do think he's remembering much better. The jury is still out on what i'm doing. I'm going to continue with these and am looking into starting feingold's diet. I'm also reading alot about yeast in the Yeast Connection. (There is a website). Very interesting info and research that has been done linking yeast overgrowth to ADHD and Autism esp. if your kids have been on alot of antibiotics due to chronic ear infections. Alot of success in treating this and seeing symptoms improve in hyperactivity and autism.

Concerning the EEG bio-feedback. Yes, I've had experience in it. My name is _____ and I'm 38 years old. I was diagnosed with Adhd as a child (but never treated) and one year ago my nervous condition was to much to bear. I was saved a at 11 and have been an active member in the church. (Just to let you know I don't follow just anything) I'm skeptical too!!!

After a series of events my nerves were shot, I was having panic attacks even in my home. I went to a good Christian therpist and they prescribed paxil & klonpin for anxiety. The paxil made me alot worse my heart would race then about 2 mos. of taking it I lost my libido!!! My husband and I are very close and he and I both agreed that this wasn't the solution. I came off the paxil and took zoloft for 2 days and said forget it. Then I went on natural methods, st.johns, kava, vitamin B ect. ....... then I heard on the news about this "light therpy". It's not new its been around since the 20's but only recently used in the past 10-15 yrs. Oh yes its experimental, however the medications cause all different side-effects and are cancer producing agents.

On the news this guy suffered from panic attacks for 10 years. He had amazing results. So I gave it a try. I noticed a large difference the 1st visit!!! I didn't really have any overwhellming revelations in the subsequent visits. You don't notice its helping at first. Then I started noticing I was drinking coffee as much, I was sleeping right away, I didn't feel like I was always soooooo tired, my attitude was alot different, also I was able to accomplish more. It's probably not for everyone but if you willing to try it. The average is 12-20 visits each visit 30 mins. in length. Cost $65 a visit (some ins. do not cover ) The other benefit I liked was he could see my brainwaves!!!! Tell me another Dr. that does that??? He showed me how minimal my depression was and how it was more the add and anxiety that were giving me fits!!! I like to see what I'm being treated for not hope the Drs. right in the medication he choses to give me.

Another really profound thing was during one of my pastor's sermons. I actually heard all of it and understood it!!! Never before unless I was super zoned in (with add that's a rariety) could I retain the message. And I'm still praising the LORD for that!!! When I sit down to do something most of the time I can stay focused. PRAISE GOD!!!

I didn't really care for the techniques at first they have you release your feelings. I figured I already did that when I prayed. How many of us leave the alter home/church and carry it with us. His method was simple no chanting or anything involved. (Believe me I was very careful/skeptical)

He (therpist) simply would ask to bring up a situation and the state what feeling it produced!!

Anger --- fear --- lust --- wanting --- etc.
Question: could you release that feeling of ........ then you say yes
Question: would you release the feeling ........... then you say yes
Question: when .............................................. NOW

At first I didn't like it --- then I told him I'm going to release my feelings to God!! It also was a witnessing tool. I'm not completely finished with therpy I want to go back for a few more. But I now want to jump back into choir at church and even start doing solos again and give my testimony at church. I've come really far with this therapy. If your insurance won't cover you can always take it off your income tax. I'll keep you posted. Also this therapy when it has changed your brainwave patterns its not like you have to keep going back unless there's been another trauma to the brain.

Well I'll close for now. I'm very new on this scene so if you want to forward this to anyone feel free to do so. I've only had the computer 1 month and haven't used one in years.

"I'm confident of this very thing, HE that hath begun a work in you will perform it until the day of Christ". Phil 1:6

Anyone else have any suggestions for alternatives to stimulants?

I also use caffeine, but only in the morning. But for the kids (and myself), we try to 1) get plenty of sleep (nothing will keep an ADD mind in a fog like lack of sleep) -- and rest, like a 1-2 hour quiet time in the late afternoon helps lots, and 2) eating right -- and we are now proud members of the Feingold Association finally and have seen good results already (but seeing it will take a real commitment and some work to be thorough with it.)

Other suggestions I heard at an all-day "Mega-Answers to ADHD" seminar with Dr. John Taylor is: lots of protein in the diet (even trickle feed high quality protein items ever 3-4 hours); and give vitamins and minerals, especially B, copper and zinc, that these children are low in. He was also a proponent of the Feingold diet, and of "blue-green algae". (Anybody had success with this?) He seemed to be in favor of this approach over stimulants. Excellent seminar, by the way.

He did not mention herbal alternatives, i.e. St. John's Wort, Gingko Biloba, Kava Kava, etc., of which my son and I take, but I think maybe they help.

Another thing I've learned pretty heavily (!!) at the school my son attends is self-awareness, helping him to become aware of how well he feels he can manage in certain situations, and making him an active participant. He's doing pretty well at school, which is very "neutral" and structured, but has major difficulty with any kind of excitable classroom environment or less-structured environment (like Sunday School for instance). Any pointers out there for these environments would be helpful.