herbal remedies

Kathleen - posted on 06/20/2009

Tryptophan needs to cross the blood brain barrior to be effective and insulin actually helps it do that. You can increase insulin by eating a higher carbohydrate diet. The down side is that Tryptophan is inhibited by other amino acids found in other high protein foods. So the trick is to find out the foods that are high in tryptophan and eat more of those while limiting the other protein foods and upping your carb intake slightly.

Unfortunately all the hype about low carb diets works against us. Tryptophan is a necessary amino acid but our bodies don't produce it. We need to get it in our diets but as I said without the little extra insulin produced by eating carbs not much tryptophan reaches our brains.

Nevin - posted on 06/10/2009

Hi,i'm also looking for herbal remedies & really willing to try them before trying out medication.my son is 8,has adhd with very good & very bad days,his problem is concentration at school & anger control,which is affecting him socially.Did anyone look into Homeopathy?ever tried it ?does it work? please help!

Traci - posted on 05/16/2009

We are also trying supplementation I found a resource online called Three steps to conquering ADD/ADHD I loved the book it was excellent totally explains why each of eight different supplements are lacking in these childrens brains and goes over a lot of different ways to obtain them and administer them. it hasnt been long enough for me to notice the difference yet but since taking him off the meds my son is a totally different way happier kid I love it.
P.S. Some of the supplements do include 5 HTP or tryptophan and DHA also B complex and a few others a good liquid multi is also recommended. Ill post our progress too. Hope this helps! So happy to hear other moms out there are in the same place i am. I posted my story on here: trouble with school this year. This year was awful but i am encouraged now!

Narelle - posted on 04/16/2009

Tried this option...doesnt work and kids hate the flavours of herbs that is what I found andthey are so expensive

Rebecca - posted on 04/01/2009

I would really like to know what herbals you are using as well. My 9 year old daughter has been diagnosed for ADD since Nov. 2007 and we took her off of Focalin XR in Dec of 08 because we just don't like the whole med thing. She is a very well behaved child she just has problems with concentrating and focusing at school. We are trying our best to just work through it the best we can.

Erin - posted on 03/11/2009

I would really like to know what you have been using for your child. I have twin boys with ADHD. I don't like the side effects of the stimulant drugs and my family has a history of heart issues so I try very hard to stay away form those kinds of meds. However I haven't found anything that works too great. They are currently on Strattera, it helps with their focus at school but does nothing for the anger and aggression. I could use some advice on meds, herbal remedies, and discipline.

Donna - posted on 02/20/2009

Hi Janet, my son's doctor (a psychiatrist) pooh-poohs all alternative medicines - except for omega-3 fatty acids. Please tell me what herbal remedies you have had success with. I have tried SAMe on myself and like it, also I read somewhere that ADHD has something may have something to do with serotonin so I have been researching that and perhaps tryptophan (an amino acid also known as 5-HTP) may convert in the body to serotonin? Haven't tried that yet. Let me know

Kimberly - posted on 02/07/2009

Our chiropractor has started reflexology, which you use whole food suppliments. My son has been on them since August of last year. It has made a difference in him. He had been on meds since he was 5 years old and when I talked to his regular doctor about using herbal suppliments she was not real supportive of it either, so I know how you feel. He still does take one med in the morning, but took him off the afternoon one. I am hoping to take him off completely real soon. He has also hit puberty so there is also a difference in attitude.

Gloria - posted on 02/05/2009

please let me know how it works, I tried it and it didn't go over well

Raegan - posted on 12/02/2008

Find a Naturopath. That's what they do. They can actually act as a primary care provider. The only thing they can't do is anything regarding hospital rights (doctor-wise). I found a wonderful one, and I'm hoping we're getting close to an answer!

Amy - posted on 11/30/2008

Hi , I have spoke to 2 doctors about that . I was told by both I could try it if I wanted to but I would be waisting my money . I toke my son off of the meds I HATED them and I everytime I hear a parent talk about putting their child on them I try my best to talk them outta of it . My son was on them 6 years and I was miserable and so was he . He has been off of them for 2 years now and he is doing great he has issues with focusing at school but he is getting better . It has been a battle with his school because they want him on them but I told them rather nicely they are to talk to me about education and not medication . I know that it helps some kids but I also know that all kids are not the same and what works for some may not work for all . good luck