ADD/ADHD The Causes & Cures
By Larry Cook
Introduction
I first heard about Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) when I talked with my sister
several years ago and she told me she thought her son had it.
I asked her what ADD was and she said she did a little reading
and learned that it is a condition where people can be hyperactive,
non-attentive (which surely describes my nephew) and prone to
having trouble learning in school, among other conditions. A few
months later, a friend asked me to help out an employee at The
HANDLE Institute, who was having problems with his MacIntosh.
We got to talking and I discovered that they use a drug-free treatment
for ADD/ADHD and have a pretty high success rate.
Many months later I met the clinical director and founder of The
HANDLE Institute, Judith Bluestone. I was called in to help the
non-profit organization set up an advertising matrix so that more
people would learn about their unique drug-free therapy. It was
at that time that I began to really learn about Attention Deficit
Disorder, or as Judith has renamed it, Attentional Priority Disorder.
I also learned about the addictive drug Ritalin and how children
are being legally doped up to cover over the symptoms of their
real problem. Based on my extensive research, I have found that
a cure is available for ADD/ADHD. In this paper I give an outline
of the causes of ADD/ADHD symptoms and how to reverse those causes
so as to bring about full recovery.
Part I. The Overview-ADD Explained
ADD/ADHDThe Basics
Symptoms of ADD/ADHD include difficulty sustaining attention,
impulsive actions, disorganization, defiant behaviors, low self-esteem,
problems with transitions, sleep disorders, etc.1 Estimates are
that five to twenty percent of the United States population suffer
the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.2 As children who suffer ADD/ADHD symptoms
enter adulthood, they are statistically more likely to enter into
criminal behaviour.3 The most common approach to controlling people
who suffer the symptoms of ADD/ADHD is to prescribe to them the
drug Ritalin, an addictive narcotic.1 4 Between 1.5 million and
2.5 million children now take Ritalin every day to have their
behavior controlled,4 an increase of 500% since 1990.5
The common method of treating children with Ritalin has one advantage
and two distinct disadvantages for those children. The advantage
is that immediate relief is often secured from the symptoms. This
is because Ritalin, an amphetamine (speed), speeds neural information
through their weakened neural systems, allowing them to comprehend
life again. The disadvantages are 1) horrible side effects which
include drug addiction, nervousness, insomnia, palpitations, headaches,
tachycardia (uneven heartbeat), angina, abdominal pain, lack of
muscle control, hair loss, convulsions, delirium,6 and 2) Ritalin
never actually solves the underlying problem that cause the symptoms
of ADD/ADHD in the first place.7
The deliberate drugging of children and adults has profited many
companies which specialize in the "management" of people
who suffer the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. The 1998 issue of the A.D.D.
WareHouse catalogue lists over 200 products, mostly informational,
that are for sale to parents, teachers, administrators and children
who suffer from the symptoms of ADD/ADHD or manage others who
have been labeled with ADD/ADHD.14 Yet I found only one listing
in the entire catalogue which even suggests there may be a natural
approach to treating ADD/ADHD or that it can be cured at all.15
Why is this? Simply put: far more money can be made when the problem
is allowed to continue than when it is solved.
The Swiss company Ciba-Geigy Corporation, makers of Ritalin, are
earning over $450 million in profits per year.13 Children and
Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD), the largest non-profit
support group devoted to advocating the drugging of people who
suffer ADD, received $800,000 from Ciga-Geiby between 1996 - 1998.8
CHADD refuses to recognize drug- free treatments as acceptable
or worthy treatments,11 even though thousands of children have
been cured of ADD/ADHD across the country using drug-free treatments.12
Other companies produce books, learning guides and gadgets to
help people "adjust" and "cope" with the way
of living with ADD/ADHD, probably on drugs, for the rest of their
lives. Isn't there a better way? Yes, there is-solve the problem!
Let's first get a brief overview9 of the underlying reasons why
people exhibit symptoms of ADD:10
Neural pathways in the brain transmit informationgathered
by the senses (vision, hearing, smell, touch, taste and body-in-space)throughout
a variety of processing systems in the brain. These systems interact
with past (memory) and present (sensory) information to give us
appropriate plans for action (speech, reasoning, movement, refrainment
from action, reading, writing, etc.).
When our neural pathways are underdeveloped, too thin and/or disorganized,
or the vestibular system (inner ear system) is compromised, due
to physical trauma, inappropriate stimulation, toxin overload,
poor nutrition and/or unusually restricted or exaggerated physical
movement, our information processing abilities will be hampered.
These weakened neural pathways will then cause us to become overwhelmed
by normal sensory input, resulting in a shutdown of some neural
systems. We may then act out in frustration and anger because
of an inability to concentrate on, comprehend, and respond appropriately
to tasks at hand. These problems, depending on their severity,
are the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, Autism and/or other learning and
neurobehavioral disorders.
When you speak to a child who is suffering ADD/ADHD, he may start
drumming on the table, look the other way, pull on his hair, and/or
do many other seemingly non-attentive actions. In reality, he
is trying to energize his weakened vestibular system by physically
stimulating the neural pathways so he can pay attention. If he
were to look at you, he would be distracted by your clothes. If
he stopped drumming, his vestibular system would shut down. And
if he were do "sit still and listen" he would sit still
and "shut down."16 Perspective is everything.
Fortunately, neural pathways can be strengthened and organized
by appropriate repeated physical movement (usually rhythmic),
detoxification and nutritional supportwithout the use of
any drugs. Physical movement-crawling, playing "patty-cake",
rolling around on the floor and engaging in finger plays, martial
arts, etc.actually stimulates the growth and repatterning
of a child's neural pathways. Proper nutrition, especially Omega-3
fatty acids, neuropeptides and minerals, will build and strengthen
weak neural pathways. Such a drug-free approach, professionally
guided, is the long-term solution to such problems because actual
healing will occur-naturally.
The result? One who can face the everyday challenges of Life without
constant shut down and outbursts.
This very brief overview presents a new way to understand how
ADD/ADHD manifests, and how ADD/ADHD can be treated. Let's review:
The primary causes of ADD/ADHD are:
1) A weak vestibular system (inner ear system)-often a primary
root cause
2) Disorganized neural pathways
3) Too thin neural pathways
4) Toxin overload of the body in general, and the brain specifically
5) Inadequate nutrition
What we want to explore then, is why and how do children wind
up with the above neurological and toxic overload problems, and
what can we do to reverse it all?
For healing to occur in any situation, our job is to:
1) Identify disharmonious agents, or toxins, currently present
within the person who has ADD or other learning problems.
2) Identify what disharmony, or toxins, are still being presented
to the individual.
3) Identify what damage has occurred because of the disharmony,
or toxins, to the individual (so proper remedies may be introduced).
4) Remove the disharmonious agents, or toxins, from within the
person (called "detoxification").
5) Remove, discontinue and/or stop the flow of disharmonious agents,
or toxins to the individual.
6) Apply the correct harmonious agents and/or procedures which
will stimulate healing, or regeneration, from within the body.
7) Continue to provide harmonious conditions for full recovery
of ADD/ADHD.
8) Teach others.
Note: There is one other cause of ADD/ADHD that doesn't fall into the above classifications: inaction or inappropriate physical action. The process of playing, the process of crawling on the floor, the process of playing patty-cake and the process of many coordinated movements, stimulate proper brain functioning and specifically, the proper organized growth of neural pathways. Inaction, or inappropriate physical action, will cause disorganized neural pathways, leading to the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.17 Please keep this in mind as you read through the rest of the material.
Part II. Disharmony-A Primary Cause of ADD/ADHD
Overview
There is no one cause of ADD/ADHD (or for that matter, most any
health problem). Rather, a multiple of conditions usually are
required before ADD/ADHD will appear. The following is a partial
overview of the many types of disharmony being inflicted upon
our youth which contribute to the manifestation of ADD/ADHD, Autism
and other learning problems.
Physical Trauma
Physical trauma (injury) to the body plays a role in the development
of ADD/ADHD. According to Judith Bluestone, clinical director
of The HANDLE Institute, the following types of trauma can produce
ADD/ADHD like symptoms:
Tubes in the ears (usually due to ear infections)
Tubes in the ears can cause a weak vestibular (inner ear) system.
In fact, over 80% of the ADD/ADHD clients seen at The HANDLE Institute
have had ear infections and/or tubes in the ears. A weakened vestibular
system is a primary cause of ADD/ADHD.
Head trauma
Head trauma (accidental or deliberate injury) can cause disorganized
neural pathways and a weak vestibular (inner ear) system.
Cesarean section at birth
A cesarean section can cause disorganized neural pathways.
Physical abuse
Constant spankings and other forms of physical punishment are
sure ways to disorganize a child's neural pathways.
Physiological/Psychological Disharmony
How people interact with children, what they see and what they
hear all have a significant impact on their neural pathway development.
Condemnation, Criticism and Judgement
Putting a child down, even slightly, on a regular basis is fast
way to lower self-esteem and disorganize neural pathways. The
problem is that we usually don't even know when we are using language,
and especially a tone of voice (which children are quite receptive
to), which tells children we don't really value them. This process
of putting others down, children or not, is engrained in our society
and contributes to the cause of ADD/ADHD. Once a child exhibits
symptoms of ADD/ADHD, he or she then usually suffers even more
condemnation, criticism or judgement, compounding his or her ADD/ADHD.
Violence On Television
If we want to really disorganize a child's neural pathways, we
can sit him in front of the television on Saturday morning to
watch cartoons. There are 20 to 25 violent acts per hour during
Saturday morning cartoons compared to 3 to 5 per hour during prime
time.18 By age 12, the average child has witnessed over 8,000
murders.22 By age 18, the average American child will have viewed
about 200,000 acts of violence on television.19 Media violence
is especially damaging to children under age 8 because they generally
can't tell the difference between fantasy and real life.20 Violence
is the most severe form of disharmony, and experiencing violence,
firsthand or vicariously, will cause problems in children.
Children who watch violent programming, even cartoons, generally
become less sensitive to pain and suffering of others, are more
fearful of the world around them and are more likely to behave
aggressively towards others.21 Children who spend more time watching
violent television programming are rated more poorly by their
teachers, rated more poorly by their peers, have few problem solving
skills, and are more likely to get into trouble with the law as
teenagers and adults.23
Watching too much television in general24 will cause a rewiring
of the neural pathways. According to Jane Healy in her book Endangered
Minds, "habits of the mind become [physical] structures of
the brain."25 Children who watch more television are hypnotized
and "programmed" by the shows they watch. Their neural
pathways become "hard-wired" to accept passive information
and gloss over critical thinking on their own.26 The result is
disorganized neural pathways which lead to the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Pop Music: Rock, Death, Heavy Metal, Gothic, Etc.
Various types of music have either a positive effect on life or
a detrimental effect on life. I'll quote from David Tame, author
of The Secret Power of Music:
"To the question, 'Does music affect man's physical body?'
modern research applies in the clear affirmative. There is scarcely
a single function of the body which cannot be affected by musical
tones. The roots of the auditory nerves are more widely distributed
and possess more extensive connections than those of any other
nerves in the body. Investigation has shown that music affects
digestion, internal secretions, circulation, nutrition and respiration.
Even neural networks of the brain have been found to be sensitive
to harmonic principles." (p. 136)
Dr. Adam Knieste, a musicologist who studies the effects of music
upon people noted: "It's really a powerful drug. Music can
poison you, lift your spirits, or make you sick without knowing
why." (Family Weekly Magazine, January 30, 1983, p. 12, article
by David Chagall)
Rock music, with it's hard driving beat, played to plants will kill the plants-while soothing classical music causes the plants to grow twice as fast.
"Paradoxical as it may seem, music's effect upon the more
primitive vegetable kingdom is one of the most convincing methods
of all for proving that music does affect life, including human
life. For experiments conducted with humans, and even, to some
extent, with animals, have the extra factor of the mind to contend
with. This means that while men or animals may be demonstrated
to have been affected by tones, the effect may not have been a
direct or objective one. Rather, the effect upon the body may
have been caused by the mind's subjective reaction to the music
heard. In the case of plant-music research, however, psychological
factors cannot really be said to be present. If music can be shown
to affect plants, then such effects have to be due to the objective
influence of the tones directly upon the cells and processes of
the life-form."
"An intensive series of studies carried out by Dorothy Retallack
of Denver, Colorado, demonstrated the effects of different kinds
of music on a variety of household plants. The experiments were
controlled under strict scientific conditions, and the plants
were kept within large closed cabinets on wheels in which light,
temperature and air were automatically regulated. Three hours
a day of acid rock, played through a loudspeaker at the side of
the cabinet, was found to stunt and damage squash plants, philodendrons
and corn in under four weeks.
"Mrs. Retallack played the music of the two different Denver
radio stations to two groups of petunias. The radio stations were
KIMN (a rock station) and KLIR (a semiclassical station). The
Denver Post reported: `The petunias listening to KIMN refused
to bloom. Those on KLIR developed six beautiful blooms. By the
end of the second week, the KIMN petunias were leaning away from
the radio and showing very erratic growth. The petunia blooms
hearing KLIR were all leaning toward the sound. Within a month
all plants exposed to rock music died.
"In another experiment, conducted over three weeks, Dorothy
Retallack played the music of Led Zeppelin and Vanilla Fudge to
one group of beans, squash (marrow), corn, morning glory and coleus;
she also played contemporary avant-garde atonal music to a second
group; and, as a control, played nothing to a third group. Within
ten days, the plants exposed to Led Zeppelin and Vanilla Fudge
were all leaning away from the speaker. After three weeks they
were stunted and dying. The beans exposed to the 'new music' leaned
15 degrees from the speaker and were found to have middle-sized
roots. The plants left in silence had the longest roots and grew
the highest. Further, it was discovered that plants to which placid,
devotional music was played not only grew two inches taller than
plants left in silence, but also leaned towards the speaker."
(Tame, David The Secret Power of Music, p. 142 - 144)
Children who listen to our pop culture music are listening to
and ingesting a subtle form of violence. The music is actually
disharmonious, although the disharmony is not apparent to most
people, especially people who listen to the music on a regular
basis. How and why the music causes death among plants, and thus
obviously has a negative effect on humans, is a question for theologians
and scientists. For my part, I want you to know that pop culture
music is a contributing factor to the rise of ADD/ADHD in adolescents
across the nation.
Bio-Chemical Toxins
What children eat or ingest has a very significant impact on their
mood and the proper or improper functioning of bodily systems,
including the brain. Most of us eat a Standard American Diet (SAD),
which is high in toxins and low in nutrition. The problem is,
most of us don't know it, don't understand it, don't believe it
and don't know why or how to change it. So, I'm going to spend
some time in this section to show you how what children eat and
drink has a profound affect on their behavior and why improper
diet is a significant cause of ADD/ADHD and/or symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
As far as I'm concerned, it's a crime against society that our
children are being poisoned so that mega-corporations can make
money. Now I'm going to get specific:
Sugar: A Toxic Chemical
By the time a child is 18 years old, he will have watched close
to 20,000 food commercials80% of which are for "junk
food." Children are not only having their neural pathways
rewired for "teletrance" behavior and disorganized by
violence, but then they are also being programmed to eat foods
that are dangerous to their well being. [I might add, that as
one who works in the media, that television shows exist for the
express purpose of selling products to children and adults via
TV commercials.] Consider this about advertising (the programming
of our consciousness):
1. In 1990 food manufacturers spent over $654 million for commercials
about processed cereals, $389 million to promote soft drinks,
and $405 million on gum and candies.
2. More money is spent on food commercials than for automobiles,
toilet-goods or brand-name drugs.
3. Between January and October of 1990, 100 new cereals and 1,400
new snacks directed at kids were introduced. All of them advertised
as delicious, which of course means sugar coated (among other
ingredients such as chemical additives, fats, oils and flavorings).36
The average American consumes more than 25% of their calories
as sugars, with an annual consumption of over 113 pounds per person.
The beverage industry, producers of beer, wine and soft drinks,
use more sugar than anyone, including the candy industry.37 The
average soda pop contains over seven teaspoons of sugar. The average
American now drinks more sugar laden soft drinks than water.
In 1964, the Japanese doctor Nyoiti Sakurazawa, who introduced
acupuncture to the West, stated, "I am confident that Western
medicine will admit what has been known in the Orient for years:
sugar is without question the number one murderer in the history
of humanity-much more lethal than opium or radioactive fallout.
Sugar is the greatest evil that modern industrialized civilization
has visited upon the countries of the Far East and Africa (genocide)
...foolish people who give or sell candy to babies will one day,
to their horror, [admit] that they have much to answer for."29
Sugar is addicting. Sugar causes moodiness. Sugar is lethal (by
causing degenerative disease). And sugar is legal.
When plants containing sucrose are refined, they are stripped
of their life force (electromagnetic energy), vitamins and minerals.
What remains is a sterile, pure carbohydrate (C12H22O11) that
the human body cannot use. When ingested, there is incomplete
metabolism, resulting in the formation of toxic compounds, such
as pyruvic acid and sucrose structures containing five carbon
atoms. The pyruvic acid accumulates in the brain and the nervous
system and the abnormal sucrose structures accumulate in the blood,
interfering with normal respiratory processes of cells and depriving
them of oxygen. In order to even absorb this "pre-digested"
carbohydrate, the body has to deplete its store of vitamins and
minerals (especially thiamine and B vitaminsused for proper
brain functioning), creating an imbalance. Sugar is, in effect,
an anti-nutrient because it increases the need for nutrients in
the body.30
A consistent diet of sugar foods (the standard American diet)
depletes our children of B-vitamins. This is unfortunate, because
the complex of B-vitamins work together to calm the nervous system
and support correct brain function, as well as improve concentration
and memory. Thiamine (B-1), riboflavin (B-2), niacin (B-3), pyridoxine
(B6), panthenic acid, and choline are required for optimal nervous
system function, optimal energy function, and proper sugar metabolism.40
Of course, what makes sugar so wicked is that many children get
addicted to the sweet stuff, and so they begin a downward spiral,
right into the manifestations of ADD/ADHD symptoms.
Here is a partial list of some effects that sugar produces, from
the book, "Lick The Sugar Habit" by Nancy Appleton,
Ph.D.:31
Sugar can:
1) suppress the immune system
2) upset the mineral balance in the body
3) cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty reading, and crankiness
in children
4) reduce the defense against bacterial infection
5) cause chromium deficiency (which increases sugar craving)3
2
6) lead to cancer of the breasts, ovaries, prostate and rectum
7) interfere with absorption of calcium and magnesium
8) weaken eyesight
9) raise the level of the neurotransmitter called serotonin
10) cause hypoglycemia
11) produce an acid stomach (causing mineral depletion)
12) raise adrenaline levels in children
13) cause tooth decay (the dental industry costs us over $54 billion
per year)3 8
14) contribute to eczema in children
15) adversely affect children's grades
16) cause hormonal imbalance
17) lower the ability of enzymes to function properly
18) cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children
19) contribute to diabetes
20) cause another 60+ health related problems that I didn't list
Now I'm going to piece together a story for you about ADD/ADHD.
This isn't the only "path" to ADD/ADHD, but it is one:
When sugar is consumed, the bacteria in the intestines which manufacture
B vitamin complexes begin to die - these bacteria normally thrive
in a symbiotic relationship with the human body. When the B vitamin
complex level declines, the glutamic acid (normally transformed
into "go" "no-go" directive neural enzymes
by the B vitamins) is not processed, sleepiness occurs, and a
decreased ability for short term function and numerical calculative
functions occurs.33 B vitamins are essential in the proper use
of ingested carbohydrates, converting calories to energy.34
But that's not all. Friendly acidophilus bacteria, which help
maintain the immune system, also die. When the immune system is
down, we can get sick. Antibiotics are often prescribed to attack
the symptom (an infection), instead of treating the problem (a
weak immune system).35 Unfortunately, antibiotics also kill more
friendly bacteria, causing even a weaker immune system. Sooner
or later, many children then get an ear infection, due to a weakened
immune system. Repeated ear infections, and especially "tubes
in the ears," cause damage to the developing vestibular system
(inner ear system), resulting in a primary cause of ADD/ADHD.
Dr. Skye Weintraub, Naturopathic Doctor, writes:
"Most children are highly sensitive to sugar and most of
the sweets in their diet. This is because most children are fast
metabolizers. They burn their foods at a faster than normal adult
rate. When there is a combination of a fast metabolism and excessive
sugar intake, the result can be behavior that is bizarre, anti-social,
or even destructive. A high-sugar diet [soda pop, sweets, etc.]
can aggravate other problems, including hyperactivity, anxiety,
poor concentration, nervousness, and irritability.39
The conclusion? Sugar is probably one of the most dangerous drugs
we can give our children today because it is addictive, depletes
the body of valuable nutrients, causes moodiness, mood swings
and hyperactivity as well as a host of other health problems,
and is LEGAL. I cringe every time I see a parent give their child
a candy bar. What's worse, I can't even say anything for that
parent will think I'm crazy.
Food AdditivesA primary Cause of ADD/ADHD
Food additives have been found to be a major cause of ADD/ADHD.
By the time an American child is five years old, he or she will
have consumed more than 7.5 pounds of food additives such as preservatives,
artificial colors and flavors, emulsifiers, lubricants, bleaching
agents, flavor enhancers, and synthetic sweeteners.1 Since 1959,
more than 25 chemical food additives have been banned because
they cause cancer or other serious diseases in laboratory animals.
Dozens of other additives are currently under review by the FDA.2
The average additive consumption per person, including pesticides,
is about 9 to 10 pounds a year.3 Food flavorings represent about
14% of the total food additive market. In 1995, the worldwide
flavors & fragrance market was worth 12 billion US$. Food
flavorings account for 40% of this market (5 billion US$).4
New York Schools Remove Food Additives
One of the most famous studies involving children and changing
their diet was conducted in New York City when in 1979, 803 schools
began an ambitious program to eliminate poison from their school
lunches. One million students participated. In the 1978-1979 the
national ranking of the California Achievement Test for the school
district was 39%. In 1979-1980 the school district excluded foods
with a high sugar content and the test scores went up by 8%. In
the next year the schools then banned all synthetic food colorings
and flavorings and test scores went up another 4%. Two years later
the schools banned all food containing BHT and BHA (preservatives),
and test scores rose another 4%. This was the largest such gain
ever measured in any comparable period of time in any metropolitan
school district in the country.27
The Canyon Verde School Study
In 1982, at the Canyon Verde School in California, a study was
performed on three groups of rats, by students, to demonstrate
the effects of synthetic chemical food additives. A control group
of rats was fed natural food and clean water. A second group was
fed natural food, clean water and hot dogs. The third group was
fed sugar-coated cereal and fruit punch. The fourth group was
fed doughnuts and cola.
The rats who were fortunate enough to be fed clean water and natural
food remained alert and attentive. The rats who also ate hot dogs
became violent and fought aggressively. The third group who ate
sugar cereal became nervous, hyperactive and behaved aimlessly.
The fourth group that lived on doughnuts were unable to function
as a social unit and were fearful and had trouble sleeping. Excited
about their findings, many children at Canyon Verde School began
eating foods without chemical additives (BHT, BHA, TBHQ and artificial
flavors and colors). Students formerly disruptive and hyperactive
became civilized, calm and attentive.2 8
Partial List of Food Additives & the Ailments they Cause: 5,6
| Erythrosine FD&C Red No.3 E 127 Europe |
Sequential vascular response Elevation of protein-bound
iodide Thyroid tumors Chromosomal damage |
| Citrus Red No.2 | Cancer in animals Used for dying skins of oranges |
| Allura Red AC FD&C Red No.40 |
Tumors / lymphomas |
| Tartrazine FD&C Yellow No.5 E 102 Europe |
Allergies, Thyroid tumors Lymphocytic lymphomas Chromosomal Damage Trigger for asthma, Urticaria (hives) Hyperactivity (Rowe & Rowe, Egger, 1985) |
| Sunset Yellow FD&C Yellow No.6 |
Urticaria (hives), Rhinitis (runny nose) Nasal congestion Bronchoconstriction (combined with Amaranth, Ponceau) Anaphylactoid reaction (combined with Ponceau) Eosinophilotactic response, Purpura Allergies, Kidney tumors Chromosomal damage Abdominal pain, Vomiting Indigestion, Distaste for food |
| BHA/BHT (preservative) | Behavioral Disturbances |
Food Additives Cause Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD)
Dr. Ben F. Feingold, M.D., author of "Why Your Child Is HyperactiveADHD
is Caused by Artificial Food Flavors and Colors," states
that synthetic food dyes and flavors can and does cause severe
behavior changes in children, and adults. His pioneering research
has led to the "Feingold Diet" for ADHD, which entails
the elimination of all foods which contain synthetic food flavorings
and dyes. Also eliminated from the diet are the synthetic anti-oxidant
preservative chemicals BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole), BHT (Butylated
Hydroxytoluene) and TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone), as well
as Salicylates (a naturally occurring compound found in some fruits
& vegetables, and toiletries) and aspirin. Many thousands
of children who have done this elimination diet have shown marked
improvement in behavior, and often recovery from ADHD. His academic
research helped to get certain synthetic toxic food dyes and flavorings
banned in the United States.7
BHA & BHT Preservatives are Not Safe
These petroleum-based preservatives are found in a wide variety
of foods, including meat, pastries and packaged foods. Tests have
shown that these preservatives may cause cancer and liver ailments.8
Research has indicated that Asthma attacks may be triggered by
BHA and BHT.9 Considering Dr. Feingold's findings regarding ADHD
children and the New York City School District's findings when
they removed BHA and BHT from school lunches, avoidance of BHA
& BHT is advised.
Nitrate & Nitrite Preservatives are Poison
Nitrates and Nitrites are used to preserve many meat products.
They combine in the body with other chemicals to form cancer causing
compounds. They are banned in the use of fish in Canada. A personal
friend took her five year old son off bacon (nitrate heavy) and
his moodiness disappeared. People have been known to die from
Nitrate/Nitrite poisoning.10
Part III. Natural Treatments for ADD/ADHD
In Conclusion
This brief overview of the cause and cure for ADD/ADHD is intended
to help you understand that ADD/ADHD has been eliminated in other
children and adults, and more likely than not, can be eliminated
in you, a friend or loved one as well. Don't believe the Lie propagated
by the pharmeceutical companies and ignorant health officialsthat
healing is impossible; there is a solution!!!
Feel free to call Larry Myers at (406) 556-8089 or e-mail me at: larrycook@mcn.net with any questions.
Endnotes
1 The HANDLE Institute, ADD Brochure (http://www.handle.org)
2 Health Wise, June 1996
3 ADHD, Implications for the Criminal Justice System, Sam Goldstein,
Ph.D., http://www.fbi.gov/leb/june973.htm
4 The Oregon Observer, May 1996
5 Gene R. Hailslip, DEA, Conference on Stimulant Use in the Treatment
of ADHD, San Antonio, Dec. 10-12, 1996
6 The Oregon Observer, June 1996
7 Judith Bluestone, Clinical Director of The HANDLE Institute,
personal interview, 8/97
9 Please note that this overview, and the following information,
does not include all answers, nor do I attempt to do so. Yet,
we must start somewhere, so realize that not all information is
contained in this overview.
8 20/20, ABC Corporation
broadcast, 10/27/95
10 As related to me by Judith Bluestone, Clinical Director and
founder of The HANDLE Institute
11 CHADD web page, http://www.chadd.org/fact7.htm
12 The HANDLE Institute and the Reich-Ulmanns (Naturopathic doctors),
both in the Puget Sound, have used drug-free treatments to cure
thousands of children.
13 Gene R. Hailslip, DEA,
Conference on Stimulant Use in the Treatment of ADHD, San Antonio,
Dec. 10-12, 1996
14 A.D.D. WareHouse, 1998 catalogue; 300 Northwest 70th Avenue
Suite 102, Plantation, FL 33317
14 Gene Hailslip
of the DEA says, "...we are talking about very potent, addictive
and abusable substances..." referring to Ritalin and methylphenidate.
Source: Conference on Stimulant Use in the Treatment of ADHD,
San Antonio, Dec. 10-12, 1996
15 A book called:
"Feeding The Brain, How Foods Affect Children" by C.
Keith Conners, Ph.D.
16 Turning Point: Pivotal Insights Into Behavior and learning;
The HANDLE Institute, Judith Blustone, in-house-publication, 1997
17 Judith Bluestone, The HANDLE Institute, personal interview,
August, 1998
18 Media Violence and Media Literacy, page 1, http://www.aap.org/advocacy/childhealthmonth/media.htm
22 Television Violence: Effect on Young Children, page 1, http://ericps.ed.uiuc.edu/npin/respar/texts/media/tvviod98.html
19 Media Violence and Media Literacy, page 1, http://www.aap.org/advocacy/childhealthmonth/media.htm
20 Ibid.
21 Children and Television Violence, page 1, http://www.helping.apa.org/kidtvviol.html
23 Television Violence: Effect on Young Children, page 1, http://ericps.ed.uiuc.edu/npin/respar/texts/media/tvviod98.html
24 Personally, I believe more than 10 hours per week of non-violent
television is too much
25 TELETRANCE, by Dr. Thomas Wear, Adbusters Magazine, Winter
1995, pg. 16
26 Ibid.
36 Dr. Alexander Schauss, "Eating For A's", page 10
37 Skye Weintraub, Naturopathic Doctor, "Natural Treatments
for ADD and Hyperactivity, page 146
29 The Leading Edge Research Group, "The Deliberate Use of
Refined Sugar to Assist Degenerative Disease", 1996, pg.
4, http://www.trufax.org/research/f11.html
30 The Leading Edge Resource Group, "Refined Sugar Products
and Their Effects on the Body and Mind", page 2, http://www.trufax.org/research/f10.html
40 Skye Weintraub, Naturopathic Doctor, "Natural Treatments
for ADD and Hyperactivity, page 266
31 Found at: http://rhf.bradley.edu/~leonetti/sugar.html
32 Skye Weintraub, Naturopathic Doctor, "Natural Treatments
for ADD and Hyperactivity, page 150
38 The Leading Edge Resource Group, "Refined Sugar Products
and Their Effects on the Body and Mind", page 1, http://www.trufax.org/research/f10.html
33 The Leading Edge Resource Group, "Refined Sugar Products
and Their Effects on the Body and Mind", page 3, http://www.trufax.org/research/f10.html
34 Alexander Schauss, "Eating For A's", page 227
35 Naturopathic Doctors and other holistic health care practitioners
may treat an infection with an anti-microbial herbal treatment,
but will then try to figure why the immune system didn't respond
and then help it recover, naturally.
39 Skye Weintraub, Naturopathic Doctor, "Natural Treatments
for ADD and Hyperactivity, page 147,148
The Bread & Circus Whole Food Bible, Christopher S. Kilham,
Addison Wesley: New York, 1991, p. 4
The Goldbecks' Guide to Good Food, Nikki & David Goldbeck,
NAL Books: New York, 1987, p. 18
UBIC: Consultants In Industrial Strategy & Marketing For The
Food & Chemical Industries, http://cbr.nc.us.mensa.org/homepages/ubic/flavor.htm
27 Reclaiming Our Health, by John Robbins, page 174
28 Leading Edge Research Group, Food Additives on Additives and
Intellengce, page 1, http://www.trufax.org/research/f12.html
Sources: The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs
in Pediatrics in October 1985; and The Feingold® Association
of the United States, http://www.feingold.org/frame-text.html#RESOURCES
The Psycho-Social, Chemical, Biological and Electromagnetic Manipulation
of Human Consciousness by Val Valerian, Leading Edge Research
Group, PO Box 7530, Yelm, WA 98597
"Why Your Child Is HyperactiveADHD is Caused by Artificial
Food Flavors and Colorings" by Ben F. Feingold, M.D.; and
The Feingold® Association of the United States, 127 East Main
Street, Suite 106, Riverhead, NY 11901, Tel: (516) 369-9340 /
Fax: (516) 369-2988, http://www.feingold.org
"The Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies" by Louise Tenney,
M.H., pg. 210
International Food Information Council Foundation, http://ificinfo.health.org/brochure/asthma.html