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Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ ADHD) is a syndrome characterised by the inability to focus Attention and/or periods of Hyperactivity - commonly exhibited in children but also affecting adults.

Symptoms of ADD:

• inability to concentrate or sustain attention, inability to regulate their focus on a situation or problem or overstimulation of non-relevant stimuli.
• limited organisational skills, trouble following instructions or listening, fidgeting.

• periods of inactivity followed by periods of hyperactivity, easily distracted, forgetful.

• periods of inappropriate aggressiveness and intensity of emotions.

Contributing factors for ADD:

• Liver function is an important consideration due to the liver’s role in detoxification of heavy metals and cleansing of the blood and digestive system.

• Inflammatory bowel diseases contributing to maldigestion of nutrients.
• Food allergies and sensitivities to foods such as wheat, soy, dairy, corn, shellfish, nuts, food additives and dyes and preservatives.

• Thyroid disorders.

• Artificial, colours, flavours and additives.

• Drug induced - high or repeated doses of caffeine and stimulants.

• Nervous system changes.

Substances that may cause/exacerbate ADD:

• Excessive consumption of Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), sucrose, AND food additive tartrazine in the diet.

• Excessive mineral levels in the blood and brain such as lead and copper are associated with ADD. I recommend having a heavy metal test, you can organise this through a GP or health care professional.

• A causative factor may be impaired blood circulation to their putamen (a region of the Cerebrum of the brain, this part of the brain is responsible for flow of information).

• Protein deficiencies.

Children or adults diagnosed with this condition respond extremely well to changes in their diet. I have attached a very thorough list for you to follow and also the following information regarding diet and nutritional/ herbal supplementation may be of assistance:

• Fish oil is the main supplemental source of omega 3 and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) which is an essential fatty acid needed by the brain for neurotransmitters to effectively exchange information from the brain to the nervous system. The increased requirement for the omega-3 essential fatty acids in people with ADD/ADHD has been extensively studied.

• Nutrients such as: Zinc, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Iodine, Folic Acid, Iron, Magnesium and Vitamin C are considered to be important to take also to provide nervous system and brain support.

• Supplemental 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) may be beneficial due to its role as a precursor for the production of Serotonin, a Neurotransmitter that is commonly depleted in ADHD patients.

• Glutamine may help the nervous system by improving nerve fibre conduction.

• Tyrosine due to its ability to improve the metabolism of dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter that works in conjunction with Serotonin to normalise mental functions.

• Phosphatidylserine and choline (lecithin) also nourish the nervous system and improve the conduction of information to the brain.

• A probiotic supplement such as NuFerm Plus may be of benefit to ensure high levels of friendly bacteria which have been found to be low in people with ADD. Many naturopaths see a direct relationship between the health of the gut and the brain.

Herbs to help treat ADD:

• Brahmi is a herb traditionally used to encourage brain function and circulation.

• Ginkgo biloba is a herb that people with ADD respond extremely well to due to its effect on peripheral circulation. It is given to people to increase memory retention, concentration and alertness.

This is an overview of the physical and mental aspects of ADD. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a condition that has many individual factors.

Given this, I suggest that you may benefit by having his condition assessed by a qualified Naturopath, or other health care professional, to assess his diet, nutritional status, digestive function, allergies, heavy metal toxicity and chemical load which all need to be taken into account.
In addition meditation, yoga, music therapy, crystal therapy, flower essences and kinesiology are some additional alternative therapies that can be very beneficial.