Ritalin- Is it a smart choice?

According to new British health guidelines, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be treated with drugs such as Ritalin only in severe cases and never when they are younger than 5.

There is widespread concern that such medication is used too freely to calm hyperactive children. The new policy is that most children with ADHD should instead be offered psychological therapy to improve their behavior, backed up by training to support their parents and teachers.

Up to 3 percent of school-age children in Britain may be affected by ADHD, but only about a third to a quarter of these would qualify as severe cases. The symptoms of ADHD include an inability to concentrate for long periods, hyperactive and restless behavior, and impulsive actions.

See Full Article- http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article4813727.ece#cid=OTC-
RSS&attr=2015164

Doctor’s Note:

It is never a good idea to give drugs to children, let alone drugs such as Ritalin. Drugs do NOT solve problems, they merely cover the symptoms. We should teach our kids early on that there are ways to solve problems rather than simply mask them with medication. Teaching our children to medicate themselves early on will likely lead to a lifetime of turning to medication first when an illness or problem arises. This will lead to a weakened immune system and puts them at greater risk of suffering adverse reactions including DEATH.

ADHD itself can lead to increased blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and alertness. It also suppresses appetite. A 2005 study showed prolonged use of Ritalin (in this case 3 months) can damage the chromosomes in a child’s body, leading to cancer! Long term use may also cause heart attack, stroke, hallucinations, aggressive behaviors, stunted growth, suicide and even sudden death.

Did you know that every year there are six million prescriptions filled for Ritalin in the US alone? Pharmacists in the United States distribute five time more Ritalin than the rest of the world combined. Did you know 60 to 90 percent of kids with ADHD in the US are prescribed this powerful drug? This amounts to 3% to 5% of US children and teens on Ritalin.

So what do we do? There are a few this options for parents of children with ADHD, but they require discipline. First and foremost, make sure your child is taking quality Omega-3’s. Price is usually a good indicator of the quality; unfortunately, the higher the price, the better the Omega-3’s. Good sources include 6:1 Metagenics®, Carlsons® fish oil, and krill oil. Second, drink only water; eliminate all fruit juices, sodas, other sugary drinks and pasteurized milk. Third, eliminate all preservatives, MSG in its many forms, artificial sugars and trans-fat. For a list of hidden names for MSG visit www.msgmyth.com/hidename.htm. Fourth, restrict grains including bread, rice, corn and pasta. Last, exercise and be in nature, limit TV and Video games.

If these recommendations are followed results may be seen in as little as a few days to a couple of weeks. Even if results are not seen immediately, children with ADHD will likely benefit from these lifestyle changes. I have personally seen kids improve greatly after following these steps. Teaching children to better themselves and their bodies by making appropriate food choices rather than cover problems by popping pills is an invaluable lesson that they can take with them throughout their lives.