ADHD and ingredients to avoid

[dede]

My 13 year old DS was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 3 and has been on and off medication ever since, I have taken them off him a few times over the years to see if they really do make a difference or not (OMG they definitely did).
I know there is a lot of people who totally disagree with medication but when you see your child suffering at school, with his friends and family because they just cant control their behavior then medication some times becomes a necessity.

Anyway as my DS has become a teenager the only medication he can have is now causing him to have constant headaches and migraines even on the lowest dose so I have come to the decision to take him off them and concentrate on his diet to try and help with his behavior problems.

I really need to do something as his school and social life really suffer when he is misbehaving and not concentrating.

Anyones help with what to avoid and how to substitute foods would be of great help.

Thanks in advance

Mandi

[Halex]

Dede, sorry cant help you there but
BIG HUGS
Hally

[judydawn]

I have no advice except to google & read as much as you can on this matter but to also seek help from the professionals who have obviously been treating your DS all this time. It may be time to try something different though and perhaps see a Naturopath in relation to this Mandi?  Good luck with whatever you can find to help your DS.

[Chelsea (Thermie Groupie)]

The failsafe families on the forum may be able to assist with some resource suggestions for you Mandi. The failsafe elimination diet involves placing your child on a restricted diet and gradually reintroducing food and monitoring the child for reactions to the food. It involves a huge committment but is the only way that I am aware of to really see if your son is reacting to food and which foods they are. Sometimes it can be natural goods such as grapes or tomatoes that trigger the difficult behaviour.  Generally though just avoiding refined sugar and preservatives, flavours, colours etc will all help him.  Good luck Mandi! 

[salval]

Mandi, I'm not much help either, as I have no personal experience with ADHD. I can only try to imagine what you and your poor boy go through

My son is only 2 (will be 3 in November), but I am very conscious of what he eats as I notice a big change in his behaviour when he's had preservatives & additives. My daughter never reacted like this, so it was a bit of a learning curve - and the TMX has been a tremendous help in this.

So, I can only tell you what I do - and perhaps it could be a starting point for you. I really love Julie Eadie's book "Additive Alert" & in it is a little yellow card that I now carry in my wallet & refer to it when I'm grocery shopping.

I've never tried to include a photo in my posts, so I'll give it a go now, so you can see this yellow card with the main "nasties" to avoid.

I am not trying in any way to say this is the answer... Just thought I'd post it & perhaps it could be something you could look into. I just can't imagine how difficult ADHD must be for the whole family.

I wish you all the best,
Karen

[dede]

Thanks Chelsea. That's about what I thought I might have to do. Willbe really hard for him but I think it could be a big help. He suffers depression as well when he's not on the medication because he gets insolvent much trouble and his friends dis own him. And I have noticed it's got worse as he gets older.

And Karen thank you. I actually have that book and forgot about it. I got it when I brought my TM.

[fundj&e]

Dede just be careful how you stop the meds, i know you will . Big hugs and kiss for him 

[Daisy]

Failsafe to start, then we also did gluten free and dairy free.  We tried Ritalin, but it has both gluten and dairy in it and the result was a child on speed who ran everywhere and stuttered because he was talking so quickly.  We have been living by the FedUp and RPA Friendly Food books for about 3 years.  Yes it can be tough but DS is accepting because of how much better he feels.  Also, find yourself an understanding and supportive dietician.  I have been experimenting with failsafe recipe's and must start posting some!  Thermomix has been a life saver!!!  Goodluck ....

[cookie1]

Good luck to you and your son dede. I have taught children with ADHD and know how difficult life can be.

[fundj&e]

So glad for you dede that there is forum members, with the same understand with what you are going through. not glad but you know what i mean 

[dede]

Thanks guys, I think I have a better understanding already about what failsafe is. And as for the medication he is on a real low dose at the moment as the higher dose was causing a lot of head aches, but sadly he seems to be suffering to many on the low dose as well now.
The doctor did mention giving him a preventative for the migraines as well as his ADHD medication at the same time but I'm not keen on that. And as he is nearly 14 he should grow out of it (Or learn to deal with it) pretty soon. I just don't want him to suffer at school.
  Lots of reading and research coming up for me I do think, And another appointment to see the Paediatrician.

[faffa_70]

Dede one of the main triggers for my DS (17yo) is shop bought bread. I know as soon as he comes home if he has eaten it at a friends place. He too has been on and off meds over the years. Back on a very low dose to get us through years 11 & 12. He comes off them for holidays - just so I can tear my hair out a little more 

He gets insomnia generally on his meds so they wanted to put him on a sleeping tablet as well  NO THANK YOU - lets just give him uppers for the day and downers for the night 

I think you will find it will just be a case of trial and error as you go but definitely you are doing the right thing already by avoiding preservatives and additives in general.

Remember we are always here for you 

Oh and when you really feel like you want to knock him into next week- just so you can have a break ... just mutter under your breath... there is a reason some animals eat their young! Generally makes me giggle every time 

[Bedlam]

Wouldn't you love to know just what is in shop bought bread. Since making all my own my husband barely snores however if he buys some when out I know all about it.
Good luck Mandi,I guess it comes down to trial and error. So easy when you know exactly what to eliminate.

[dede]

Parenting certainly can be hard at times that's for sure. But I guess it all just comes down to we want to do the best for our kids. And I think all parents deserve a reward if their kids make it to adult hood without killing them. (or eating them lol)
Interesting note about the bread. Even more reason I need a new oven.

[ahoney]

Failsafe is probably a good idea! I would definatly avoid all food additives, especially supermarket bread! Wheat, dairy and sallicylates and sugar can have huge impact on behavior too, mu son is not ADHD but behaves like he is if consumes these foods so I imagine they would probably effect a child with ADHD as well. There is also a natural homeopathic ADHD remedy that friends of mine have had success with I will find out what it is called and get back to you. It might be worth seeing a good kinesiologist as they can test to see what foods are effecting your son and also can do exercises etc to help with left right brain integration, concentration and learning issues!