[Archive]

We started with essential fatty acids. Here's some information from the supplement bottle: "DHA and related omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to provide the fluid membrane environment that is needed for proper transmission of brain and nerve signals. The frontal cortex of the brain, which regulates attention span and cognitive processes has been shown to have only 15% of the normal level of DHA when the diet is deficient of these important fatty acids" The EFA's are said to help with attention and focus. He began taking this 14 days ago.

7 days ago, we added Grapefruit Seed Extract. GSE is an anti-fungal. Research has shown that many children exhibiting ADHD behaviors and behaviors of related disorders are the same children who suffered from chronic ear infections and took lots of antibiotics as very young children. Antibiotics, given in large doses to small children, have been found to cause a yeast overgrowth in the gut that hinders the production of various needed neurotransmitters - such as seratonin. An anti-fungal reduces the yeast in the gut, and allows the natural production to take place. Primadopholus can be given to speed up this natural production. We haven't started the Primadopholus though.

I started slipping Lecithin granules in our food for all of us. Lecithin enhances memory and also promotes a sense of calm and well being.

Next, Demario and my husband, Roger, are going to start taking Zinc. Demario will take it because Zinc deficiencies in children are also suspected to cause ADHD-like behaviors, and Roger because he's over 45 and Zinc supplementation has been shown to aid in prostate health in men over 45... Zinc also helps in cellular reproduction, which is the process of growth and repair, and prevents build up of Vitamin A in the liver. Zinc is basically just good stuff.

Geesh, Indy... Now I sound like a new age wierdo!!! ACCKK! Seriously, I was thinking about how so many kids in the "system" are diagnosed with ADHD, and also reading up on alternative treatments to ADHD and other disorders. I started wondering if children who are abused or neglected in their home of origin are more or less likely to have birthparents who provide them with a healthy diet... And suddenly, it "clicked" that, while attachment issues certainly play a role in behavior, there's a good possibility that dietary needs/ deficiencies also play a role. And dietary needs are relatively easy to address, so we decided to start there. We're glad we did.

-Susan