Nutritional deficiencies are a factor in many psychological disorders. Many children with learning disorders have an allergic reaction to casein and gluten. Casein is a protein found in milk, so it may be wise to eliminate dairy from your diet. Gluten is found in grains, making wheat, spelt, oats, barley, and rye problematic. Common food allergens are corn, soy, eggs, tomatoes, yeast, and peanuts. Eat instead a diet high in protein that also includes high-fiber fruits and vegetables, plus brown rice, lentils, and potatoes. Obtain protein from fish, poultry, lamb, and non-animal sources, such as beans and legumes, raw nuts and seeds, and tofu. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, canned and packaged foods, carbonated beverages, chocolate, all junk foods, refined and processed foods, saturated fats, and sugar. Also avoid foods containing artificial colors or ingredients, as well as fatty foods.

Enhance brain power with the following daily supplements (if for a child, check with a health professional for appropriate dosages):

Most Important

calcium (1500 mg)-essential for normal brain and nervous system function

magnesium (1000 mg)-helps calcium absorption

vitamin B complex (50 mg 3 times daily with food)-essential for normal brain and nervous system functio

Also Recommended

choline (500 to 2000 mg)-improves brain function; use only under professional supervision

coenzyme (as directed on label) improves brain function

dimethylglycine (100 mg)-carries oxygen to the brain

vitamin C with bioflavonoids (5000 to 20,000 mg in divided doses)-a free radical scavenger

vitamin E (200 to 600 IU)-improves circulation and brain function

N-acetyl cysteine (as directed on label) important because of its antioxidant qualities

Herbal Therapy

Red clover, hawthorn berry, lemon balm, and bacopa are recommended for calming the nervous system of an extremely active child. See a qualified herbalist for details on using them.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupundure Because attention deficit disorder is thought to be cause by heart and liver Imbalances, traditional Chinese medical practitioners treat them accordingly. An acupuncturist seeks to correct any energy imbalances in the meridians that correspond to these organs. Practitioners also may use acupuncture to promote relaxation and alleviate stress, which canexacerbate the condition.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Herbal preparations that can be used to calm the central nervous system and balance chi include Ginseng and Zizyphus Forumula, Astragalus Combination, and Concha Marguerita and Ligustrum Formula. Other herbs that may be prescribed with the preceding formulas for ADD are Schisandra, Biota or Arbor Vitae seeds, and Wild Chinese Jujube.