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Hyperactivity By Ellen Rothera, the Food & Chemical Allergy Association
When I was young in the 1940s / 1950s, hyperactivity - or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) - was unheard of. It was not that it was unrecognised or went undiagnosed; it simply did not exist.
How could this be? Because many of the causes of hyperactivity - very often a combination of factors - were not around then. The numbers of children affected have increased dramatically over recent years and now we have 400,000 children in Britain diagnosed with this condition or, put another way, one in twenty. Doctors are still saying that medication is the most effective treatment for the majority of children. (Don't they mean the easiest?) Thousands are prescribed the drug Ritalin which, it must not be forgotten, is an amphetamine. A new drug, Atomoxetine, is currently under trial. Children with hyperactivity cause chaos for their families and actually suffer greatly themselves. Undoubtedly, some action is needed. But do we really want to put our children on drugs, for which the long-term effects are unknown, for an indefinite period? Knowing that when we stop the drugs, the symptoms will still be there? When there is an alternative, natural way? It is essential to understand the causes of hyperactivity before appropriate action can be taken. Food allergies, nutritional deficiencies, the effectsd of pollution and reactions to chemicals can all play a part. Sally Bunday, founder of the Hyperactive Children's Support Group, has helped many thousands of families with hyperactive children. She can help you. This is what she has to say:
The Hyperactive Children's Support Group was established in 1977 to provide support, advice and information for parents, carers and professionals caring for a child suffering from Hyperactivity/ADHD symptoms.
Life can take on a nightmarish quality for parents, teachers and the sufferers themselves, without suitable treatment; poor sleep patterns, 'Jekyll and Hyde' personalities. The HACSG has been promoting and encouraging the importance and value of dietary/nutritional intervention which cannot be over-emphasized. Research carried out 22 years ago by the HACSG into Essential Fatty Acids for neurological and physical health has resulted in great benefits for Hyperactivity/ADHD young people. The removal of certain foods, food additives including Monosodium Glutamate (flavour enhancer) and Aspartame (artificial sweetener) which are frequently proven to be major culprits, has been shown to be most helpful in dealing with many cases. There are also indications that other chemicals such as perfumes can cause problems. In addition to the learning and behavioural problems, the following physical symptoms are frequently reported by parents and researchers: Abnormal thirst; asthma; eczema; catarrh; bedwetting; ear infections; sweating; speech difficulties; stomach aches. Disruptive behaviour both in and out of school leading, in some cases to school exclusions, is one very worrying aspect of ADHD. Without recognition and management, these special needs difficulties can last a lifetime! For a free introductory package, please send a large SAE to:
Registered charity No. 277643
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