Living Well Naturally Nov. 2014 | Page 35

THE DOCTOR IS IN A Natural Approach to Wellness Plans ADD/ADHD By Nicholas Mazzoli DSHomMed, RCSHom By Dr. Michael Morsillo, B.Sc., N.D. To achieve optimal health, there is more than Are you frustrated withgoodmanagement of your child’s ADD/ enough the research out there to form some really ADHD? Are you worried about your child using stimulant good guidelines. We know that the environment drugs? Are you is a huge for other we know that there are certain looking concern; effective treatment options? forces in society and government that serve their Naturopathic Medicine provides safe and effective treatment own interests over that of the people. We know options for ADD/ADHD and may be just what you’re looking for. that misinformation abounds. How do we Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder has become amake good decisions regarding our health and lifestyle, it seems that there common diagnosis for children and it can impact a child’s is so much to know and learn, it can seem overwhelming. I would life in the classroom and at home. Most children with this like to boil it down for you, reduce the wellness conundrum if condition some simple strategies. you will to will have a poor attention span and an inability to focus for long periods; for some, they will also exhibit violent Diet, aggressive behaviour. As aand medicine are the 4 I always and exercise, emotional health Naturopathic Doctor, major areas to identify various underlying causes of behaviour and look we need to concern ourselves with. learning challenges, including ADD/ADHD, you consume Diet, this one is relatively easy, 90% of the foodsand I individualize treatment plans the plant kingdom, specific needs. should come from to meet the child’s greens, fruits, roots, seeds, Diet and nutrition Contributions from cereal grains and animal nuts and vegetables. have a tremendous impact on behaviour, products should be kept to 10%-20% or you can cheat 4-5 meals a especially for children with ADD/ADHD. For these children, weekabsolutely critical that the rules. Not a their diets are opinion. it is where you don’t follow we make sure bad deal in my Now half of them90% shouldquality nutrients (vitamins,forget providing your with high be raw and of course do not fermented foods here – they are essential. Keep in mind organics are minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats) every single day. Blood about eating cleaner foods,a common factor in ADD/ADHD and sugar control issues are not so much about the nutrition, this is important. often notice that behaviour changes when meals parents will are skipped/delayed or after use of sugary foods nothing is Exercise, here is where we can lots our imaginations,have been consumed. We always it is resistance training, running, sports, really off the list, whether make sure to test children for these possible blood sugar issues so that we arts, walking, biking, etc spin classes, tai chi, yoga, qi kong, martialcan use dietary changes and natural treatments to get it done. Find something you love to … use your imagination andhelp improve this. do or at least like to do and make the time to do it.is working FOR We also want to make sure that the child’s diet The benefits are well establishedAGAINST them. Children with ADD/ADHD are them and not – improved mental, physical and sexual health. often particularly this again is vital and probably the most difficult Emotional Health, susceptible to food additives, preservatives, and artificial colours so the very important we make sure their aspect to address because it is influences are many and the context diets do not contain these. Food allergies/sensitivities can and of one’s emotional health is unique. This one requires real work also negatively support for some. It is health and engage in activiprofessional impact a child’s brainimportant tobehaviour. The majority satisfy your soul. If you are not happy you cannot have ties whichof children with ADD/ADHD have food sensitivities contributing to their symptoms, but are never identified! At harmonious relationships. our Naturopathic clinic, we perform a very simple finger stick Medicine, you should view health care as this big complimentary blood test to detect food sensitivities. For many children, it is system where virtually every modality has its place. Finding the amazing to witness the shift in behaviour, learning and mood right combination for you is important. For example with my family after removing these our primary means of addressing use we use Homeopathy as food sensitivities. We will ofteninjury, intests to identify wide range of nutrien Ё