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Post by JohnBark on Mar 10, 2004 11:39:13 GMT -5
Well, we've been on FG since Oct. 2003 in Stage 1 and started vitamins and supplements about 4 or so weeks ago. And we still aren't happy with the results. Things have improved some. But, I can say the FG and the vitamins haven't been as successful as many of you have had.
What can or should we attempt next? We will still stay on FG because is a healthy way to eat and at this point stick to the vitamins. But, I need some suggestions on what to do next to fight this evil ADHD.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
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Post by ohmama on Mar 10, 2004 12:05:42 GMT -5
John,
As you see it what is the main problem you need help with? Is it behavior? Can you tell some specifics or examples of what is involved? Is it school work or learning disabilities? Or maybe that good old ODD showing itself? List any strange behavior. Do you have a behavioral plan in effect or are you seeing a therapist?
Also, please refresh my memory with your childs age and official diagnosis?
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Post by JohnBark on Mar 10, 2004 14:12:15 GMT -5
DS is 7.5 has ADHD. Behavorial plan is a step up and then step down time out system with points for good behavor that he can choose (buy with the tickets earned) a prize of his choice. Still seeing outburst and he gets easily frustrated at very simple things he knows about, but forgets them. He has a very high IQ and very high vocabulary for his age and grade of school. I guess the main issue are the outburst of behavorial problems. Which I assume we need to address. ODD is the main problem.
Any help please?
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Post by ohmama on Mar 10, 2004 15:25:33 GMT -5
John,
What you describe sounds like the typical frontal lobe problems responsible for adhd. I would suggest giving the amino acid Tyrosine. Because of its role in assisting the body to cope physicalogically with stress and building the body's natural store of adrenaline. Stress exhaustion requires tyrosine, which converts to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (adrenaline).
I think you have an excellent nutritional plan in effect with the Feingold diet and supplements you are giving now. The addition of tyrosine could be the missing link to see noticable results.
Also, I would suggest changing the behavioral plan often to keep him stimulated. He is intelligent and will require something new to keep him motivated. Positive reinforcement with praise instead of a material reward, I'm sure you already do this but never underestimate how this will improve self esteem. Lots of hugs and sometimes if it is not important, even ignoring some behavior and making the focus on something good instead. You know like saying, "I'm so proud of you for not throwing a tantrum, you're getting to be such a big boy!"
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Post by AustinsMom on Mar 10, 2004 18:09:05 GMT -5
Just throwing out another thing for you to consider: Have you looked at the possibility of heavy metal toxicity? This is tested with either a urine test or hair sample. It doesn't necessarily mean your child is being exposed to these things in large amounts--just that when he is exposed, how is his body handling it? My ds has high copper, low zinc and has a malabsorption problem. To read more on these issues you can check out the website for Pfeiffer Treatment Center and their research and see if the symptoms ring any bells for you. www.hriptc.org |
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Post by JohnBark on Mar 10, 2004 18:24:41 GMT -5
We did have him tested for heavy metals about 13 months ago with a hair test. nothing significant on that. i'm considering taking him to Pfeiffer to test. Have you done that?
Ohmama, i know very little about amino acids like Tyrosine. What amounts would your recommend for a 7.5 year old boy who weighs about 60 pounds? are there any nasty side effects for giving too much? or too little? or just by adding it to the vitamins and supplements i'm already giving him?
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Post by ohmama on Mar 10, 2004 19:10:56 GMT -5
John,
The book, "Heal with Amino Acids and Nutrients" by Dr. Sahley says to use anywhere from 500 to 2000mg per day, divided. That's an adult dose. Children are half that. For your boy I would suggest starting with 250mg a day and see how he handles it.
I think Cat uses this for her son and could probably provide some helpful information on dose and results.
Food sources of Tyrosine:
Chicken, turkey, pork, beef, fish, beans, dairy including milk, cheese, cereals (especially oatmenal and couscous), some vegetables including corn, potatoes, spinach, nuts, and seeds.
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Post by AustinsMom on Mar 10, 2004 21:25:56 GMT -5
John, Yes, we went to Pfeiffer earlier this year, and were very pleased with how thorough they were. They gave us a prescription for the vitamins we are to take. They compounded some of them, so it lessens the number of pills to take. Their follow up is good too, and it's nice to have someone to call with questions. If you are wondering what to do next, they could be a good source of information for you.
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Post by catatonic on Mar 11, 2004 8:41:22 GMT -5
John, are you on Stage 1 Feingold? Do you eliminate any of the ( ) additives such as corn syrup, nitrates, msg, etc? Which supplements are you using?
I do give my son tyrosine and I believe it is the first thing I've found to impact attentiveness. He was taking 500mg per day (a 250mg capsule in the morning and in the evening) but we recently switched to powdered form and he now gets about 600mg all in the morning. I don't believe this works as well and will go back to capsules when this bottle of powder is gone. It took about 3 weeks before we began seeing an impact from tyrosine. It did not cause any adverse effects.
If your child can tolerate Vitamin B6, it's helpful in metabolism of amino acids. Unfortunately, my boy doesn't seem able to take B6, so we have to live without this one.
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Post by JohnBark on Mar 11, 2004 10:45:03 GMT -5
John, are you on Stage 1 Feingold?
yes, but we are now moving very slowly into Stage 2. We started Stage 1 back in Oct. 2003
Do you eliminate any of the ( ) additives such as corn syrup, nitrates, msg, etc? Which supplements are you using?
Yes, that's the way we started without the "()" additives.
If your child can tolerate Vitamin B6, it's helpful in metabolism of amino acids. Unfortunately, my boy doesn't seem able to take B6, so we have to live without this one.
Don't know if he is or isn't. he takes a liquid multi vitamin, calcium, B-50 and Omega 3 Liquid in the a.m. and then at lunch and at dininer Vit. C and E with Omega 3 Liquid.
Would the B6 be part of the B-50?
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Post by JohnBark on Mar 11, 2004 10:51:13 GMT -5
was it money well spent on the Pfeiffer Treatment Center? i emailed you directly with some things a moment ago.
thanks...
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