Did you know that a multivitamin formula can be an effective ADHD natural remedy? Several years ago, the Journal of the American Medical Association - one of the most conservative and respected scientific journals of conventional medicine - published a paper showing how most children and adults in developed countries are deficient in at least one nutrient. The paper's authors concluded that the food available today does not address the daily nutritional requirements we need for healthy, balanced bodies. As other articles in this series discussed, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is closely linked to deficiencies in key nutrients. Where ADHD medication failed to make improvements, taking multivitamins and food supplements has helped many children overcome the disorder and lead a normal life.
The vitamins and minerals listed below are the most commonly deficient in ADHD children, so make sure that your child's multivitamin formula meets the daily recommended allowance. Children with more severe symptoms might need more than the daily recommended allowance, and the multivitamins might have to be complemented with a specific diet.
B vitamins
B Vitamins are made up of several water-soluble compounds that metabolize carbohydrates to produce glucose, the sugars that fuel the brain. B vitamins are also needed for a series of chemical processes called methylation, which boosts neurotransmitter production and activates the body's natural detoxification pathways. Green vegetables, meat, wheat products, and legumes are just some of the food sources of B vitamins. Although you can add these to your child's diet, the problem is that their B vitamin content gets damaged through heat or food processing. Your child's multivitamin formula should contain at least 25 mg of vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and B6 (pyroxidine); 800 mcg of vitamin B9; and 500 mcg of vitamin B12.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects fragile nutrients like essential fatty acids from free radical damage. Aside from this, vitamin C is known to increase resistance to allergens and to participate in red blood cell formation. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C, but, like the B vitamins, vitamin C is vulnerable to heat and food processing. Serve all fruits fresh and vegetables raw or lightly cooked. Supplement them with a vitamin C supplement. The recommended daily allowance is under 45 mg for children under 10 and 60 mg for adults. For best results, consider giving at least 500 daily.
Vitamin D
At least 80% of the population is deficient in vitamin D, which is a large amount considering that vitamin D is a critical component of the immune system. Make sure your child takes 400-800 IU of vitamin D3 (not D2) as a supplement daily.
Calcium and magnesium
Calcium and magnesium work together, so make sure they are available in a specific ratio: there should be twice as much calcium as magnesium. For children, the recommended daily dosage is 800 mg calcium and 400 mg magnesium.
Zinc
This mineral is responsible for producing and regulating dopamine, the neurotransmitter that controls impulses and motion. The recommended daily dosage for children under ten is 10 mg, and 15 mg for children between 11 and 14.
Selenium
This trace mineral is an essential component for metabolic processes, and has antioxidant properties. Look for a multivitamin formula that contains 70 mcg of selenium.
Just because your child is taking multivitamins doesn't mean you should neglect the diet! A healthy meal of fresh, natural foods is still the best source of these vitamins. Multivitamin formulas are only taken to supplement any vitamins that may have been destroyed by heat.
0 comments