Hello

[Dissent]

Hello,

My 3.5 year old son started school in August and since then its been nothing but a hassle and trying to figure out something to calm him down with since supposedly he has ADHD,I merely see him as an active child who just can't pay attention to things he isn't interested in doing..But its going to far and he is biting kids and throwing things etc...this is his first setting with other kids other than his older sister and I thought maybe he would calm down and do as the others are doing but its not working that way...took him to his pediatrician who put him on focalin for 2 weeks it wore off after 2 days and today he was given adderall prescription and I am just going crazy because 1. I don't think he has ADHD 2. I HATE putting drugs in my son's body and would much rather find a natural supplement to calm him down and focus.

Me and my wife are starting to look into his diet more and will be making changes there but I also wanted some suggestions on what natural supplements I can give a 3 year old. I have him on 2 gummy vitamins one has dha/fish oil etc in it and the other has a good dose of zinc since doctor says he is deficient in zinc....they don't seem to work well...this morning he had a doughnut and a drink with blue dye in it and now has diarhea and is bouncing off the walls...so time to stop giving him sugar and stuff with dyes in it I suppose? Just real lost and frustrated because wife wants him to just calm down and be able to get through an entire day at school without us being called to come pick him up because he is being bad and won't listen.

[justaguy]

welcome. could be a simple diet problem...but then again diet is a contributing factor to adhd/add as well. stick high fiber foods and less sugar. but im no doctor.i hope you find your answers and that your family be well.

[Dizfriz]

Dissent,

Probably the most productive thing you can do at this point is to begin learning about ADHD.

A good place to start is my corner at http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60130

This is designed as a starting place to help you gain basic scientifically accurate information on the disorder. You can go on from there as you wish.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Dizfriz

[Dizfriz]

Originally Posted by justaguy

welcome. could be a simple diet problem...but then again diet is a contributing factor to adhd/add as well. stick high fiber foods and less sugar. but im no doctor.i hope you find your answers and that your family be well.

Just in clarification, diet is not considered to be a factor in causing ADHD but can 1) in the case of food colors and additives can result in increased ADHD behaviors (with children) especially hyperactivity and 2) with some food groups, mimic the symptoms of ADHD with some biologically susceptible children.

In any case, your diet suggestion is a good one. We know that a healthy reasonably natural diet will be beneficial for all children and can impact ADHD kids a lot.

Thanks for responding to the OP and showing care and acceptance.

Dizfriz

[ccom5100]

If you're looking into diet, check out the articles under my signature. If your child is not responding to medication, perhaps his symptoms stem from food sensitivities. Studies have shown that some children are very sensitive to food additives, which can cause the same symptoms as adhd or make adhd symptoms worse. We have been following the Feingold diet for 10 years. It eliminates artificial colors, artificial flavors and certain preservatives. If you'd like some more information about the program and how it has worked for us, feel free to send me a private message. A moderate amount of sugar didn't affect my ds, but high fructose corn syrup made him crazy.

Omega 3 fish oils are good for focus and concentration, but I'm not sure if they address hyperactivity or lack of impulse control. Magnesium has a calming effect. If you start on a magnesium supplement, start slow because it can cause stomach upset. Magnesium glycinate is the easiest on the stomach. Epsom salts baths are also calming. Make sure any supplements you give do not contain dyes or artificial flavors. There are many natural brands around, but you probably will have to go to a health food store or order on line.