More and more children are being treated in traditional medicine for Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity, a disease that is becoming more and more common. Many children are affected and traditional treatments combine psychology or behavioral therapy with chemical medication. This classic treatment, which is none other than the prescription of Ritalin, suffers from a bad reputation, and rightly so. In addition, this treatment causes undesirable effects on the child's body in the long term: headaches, addiction, nervousness, drowsiness, abdominal pain, weight loss or gain, sleep disorders. This type of medication, which, let's not forget, is addictive, puts its main action on the nervous system to soothe and calm children. While some will not suffer any inconvenience, others will suffer the consequences in the short or long term.

Methylphenidate, which is the molecule that makes up Ritalin, is a central nervous system stimulant derived from piperidines and is pharmacologically similar to amphetamines. Yes, you read that right: Amphetamines! Pharmacologist Johanne Colin says there are many similarities between methylphenidate, cocaine and amphetamines. In fact, the only difference between methylphenidate and cocaine is that one is a legal drug, the other is not. Moreover, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has confirmed this by classifying methylphenidate in the same category as cocaine. (Source: The food lie of H.U Grimm).

And this medicine is given to our children!

And for the record: Famous rocker Kurt Cobain started taking Ritalin at the age of 7 (Source: http://fr.drugfreeworld.org/home.html)
As natural health therapists, we are often confronted with parents who tell us that they have no other choice, that life is different and more peaceful since the treatment was put in place and that there is no other solution anyway. Without blaming anyone, this type of remedy is the simplest, fastest and most widely used solution in the medical field.

But if we look a little further. To correct the problem, it is necessary to remove the causes first and foremost and not to dwell on the symptoms. Because by imposing a chemical medication that acts on the nervous system, we deal with the symptoms of everyday life but never really look at the causes. Isn't it the child who should be put first and not the welfare of his parents or his teachers? The child certainly seems calmer, more composed and more calm, and his behavior seems to be evolving positively, but are we treating him? Is it in the recovery phase? No, the medication does not cure, it simply hides the disorder.

Naturopathy for children

Many adults want to change their lifestyle and consult a naturopath to help them get healthy. Very often, the advice is diverse and varied but all have the same objective: the elimination of toxins and toxics and the ability to live a healthy life.
Be aware that children are entitled to the same advice, in an adapted manner of course, but naturopathy is not only for adults. Children also have the chance to live a healthy life and build their future based on positive early education.

A program for children.

As naturopaths, we are in no way there to suppress a treatment or to modify it. However, we bring a different twist to what could be put in place for a child with this type of behavior. In addition to a treatment already put in place by traditional medicine, here are some tips that could be applied to further help the suffering child:

• Decrease and regulate time spent watching television or playing video games (tablets, consoles or computers).
• Impose a regular and sufficient sleep rhythm adapted to each child, according to his age.
• Remove refined sugars and other sugary snacks from your child's diet. Empty the dishes filled with chocolates or lollipops too colorful and fill them with various fruits such as apples, pears, apricots, ... Each season offers a nice panel of fruits that the child can eat without moderation.
• Sodium glutamate would also have a significant impact on hyperactivity. It would therefore be a good idea to reduce or even eliminate their consumption.
• From a dietary perspective, it is important to ensure that the child is getting all the nutrients nature has to offer. Nevertheless, a cure of Omega 3, royal jelly, pollen or evening primrose oil can be beneficial at any time.
• Sophrology, adapted relaxation methods or even yoga for children can help them feel better and channel their emotions and feelings.
• Replace carbonated and sugary drinks with water, just water that will hydrate and purify the child. The current beverages have no health benefits.

Know that there is a solution for every discomfort and that life is not hopeless. Sometimes, with a few small changes, a whole world can change.