Alternative Health: ADD
ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder is an increasingly common dysfunction that affects the Reticular Activating System in the brain. The Reticular Activating System controls a large part of the nervous system and affects the way an individual learns and attains information. ADD means that for some reason or another, the cortical neurons in the brain have been over-stimulated, resulting in hyperactivity and an inability to focus.
Attention Deficit Disorder often comes hand in hand with other mental and emotional disorders such as depression, hyperactivity and bipolar disorder. Children and adults with Attention Deficit Disorder often become frustrated and angry with themselves. When the neural pathways are stressed, it becomes increasingly difficult to accomplish tasks. This can create a domino effect of emotional stress that only makes the problem worse.
Treatment for ADD
The most common treatment for ADD is a medication called Ritalin. While Ritalin has helped many children and teenager to focus, more and more harmful side effects are becoming apparent. Ritalin often causes severe mood swings in teenager that can lead to suicidal feelings. Ritalin also often causes a decrease in appetite, muscle cramps, hallucinations, rashes and a rise in heart rate and blood pressure. Many patients who take Ritalin also develop problems sleeping.
In order for the brain to work properly, it must be supported nutritionally. Studies show that lack of nutrients can often have adverse affects on the nervous system. Doctors have found that patients with dysfunctions such as Attention Deficit Disorder who were given glyconutrients developed faster reaction time and were better able to maintain information. This is because glyconutrients help to enhance brainwave frequencies.