Should We Be Medicating For ADHD?

ADHD diagnosis is increasing and, as a result, so are prescriptions for ADHD medication. Before we jump to pharmaceutical medication, we need to ask if ADHD can be managed naturally – the answer is, of course, YES! In that case, should children or adults diagnosed with ADHD be taking their prescribed drugs? Absolutely not! 

The medication for ADHD is deplorable, it is legalised speed. The stimulants that are most often prescribed for this condition pushes norepinephrine or adrenaline to enhance focus. This also pushes glucocorticoids, which is cortisol, by the way!

Remember, adding any extra hormone into your body disrupts your hormonal balance, as many hormones work together in a ratio or reverse ratio. Hormones can be balanced naturally, but balance will never be achieved by artificially pushing hormones into the body. 

TESTING & REBALANCING THE BODY

I am often asked whether we can naturally rebalance the body so that your child doesn’t have ADD or ADHD, and the answer is YES. But first, you must look to see why they are suffering ADHD symptoms in the first place – you can do this via functional lab testing.

1. HAIR TISSUE MINERAL ANALYSIS

You can run a hair tissue mineral analysis to find out if there is copper toxicity, higher levels of calcium to magnesium or to see if there is an upside-down ratio of sodium to potassium. All of these could be indicators of why your child (or you – adults can be diagnosed with ADHD too!) are experiencing these symptoms. 

2. ORGANIC ACID TEST

I recommend running an organic acid test to look for any type of candida or bacterial overgrowth. Overgrowth of bacteria disrupts the microbiome, causing an imbalance. What many people don’t realise is that your gut is full of hormones including 5-HT, NPY, GLP-1, CCK, and ghrelin, that are identified with known roles in mood disorders.If your gut microbiome is imbalanced, this will cause an imbalance of hormones in the body, which can result in symptoms of ADD and ADHD. 

3. FOOD SENSITIVITY TEST

This test is often overlooked, but when food is consistently consumed that the body is sensitive to, it can cause leaky gut and inflammation, which disrupts hormone levels. If this is what is resulting in ADHD symptoms, then you need to know!

If you cannot afford to run a food sensitivity test then carry out an elimination diet. The GI protocol is an incredible way to do this because it incorporates a sensitive nutrition guide with an elimination diet whilst working on gut health simultaneously. However, please note that the GI protocol available for purchase is for adults only so if you’re looking to help a child, this would not be suitable. 

The specific GI protocol for children is only available in private practice because the dosages are tailored based on the child’s age and weight. 

4. SUPPLEMENTATION & DIET

In addition to running lab tests, make sure your child is getting a good supplement and nutrition protocol every single morning, preferably in a smoothie form. 

I also highly recommend removing food dyes, artificial and/or sugary soft drinks, MSG and anything colour based. Eradicating sugar from the diet as much as possible is also imperative. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

ADHD is an imbalance in the body. Whether it is due to nutrient imbalances, toxicities or an inflammatory diet, the reality is that it can be overcomed. 

So, where to start? You need to look at food sensitivity triggers, heavy metal toxicity, neurotransmitters, calming stress responses and adjusting nutrition! At-home functional lab tests are the best place to start when it comes to identifying root causes for the ADD or ADHD symptoms. 

Then, the rest is fixable. It’s lifestyle, environment, stressors, gut health and mineral imbalances. You need to take all of these into account to find the solution to overcoming these symptoms – there isn’t a single silver bullet, and this definitely is NOT prescribed ADHD medication.