Health Topics

Alternative Treatments for ADD and ADHD
Dr. Melanie Beingessner

I have recently attended a seminar that covered the nutritional aspect of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The topics covered were quite interesting, and there were many alternatives to placing children on Ritalin or other mind-altering drugs.

Symptoms of ADD and ADHD are: short attention spans, poor inhibitory control, restlessness, learning disabilities and disruptive behaviour, hyperactivity, excessive and often inappropriate motor activity, high levels of distractibility, and impulsive behaviour, to name a few. The problem with ADD and ADHD is that the symptoms of the disease can be caused my many different things. Factors such as genetics, heavy metal toxicity, stressful family situations, food allergies, environmental allergies, essential fatty acid deficiencies or imbalances, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, low blood sugar or excess sugar consumption can cause the behaviours that indicate ADD or ADHD.

When anyone eats, food is processed by the stomach, the pancreas and the liver via the gallbladder to allow the broken down food particles to cross the lining of the small intestine and enter the blood stream. It is thought that many of the children with ADD and ADHD-like symptoms have a leaky gut, which means that their small intestines are letting bigger particles of food than are normally absorbed to pass through into the blood stream. The result is that the body begins to treat food particles like foreign objects, and the child can develop allergies to foods that he or she is eating. The most common allergies for children with ADD and ADHD are dairy products, wheat, corn, yeast, soy, citrus, egg, chocolate and peanuts.

Quite often, these children have low functioning adrenal glands and thyroid glands, which can also cause many of the symptoms. In simple terms, the adrenal glands produce hormones to help the body adapt to stress. The thyroid gland helps the body to regulate metabolism and create energy in the body. When these glands are not able to do their job properly, the child’s body is not able to function as it should.

Chiropractors find that when children are adjusted, many of the symptoms will reduce in severity and frequency. Chiropractic adjustments help to optimize the function of the nervous system and allow the brain and body to be better able to communicate with each other.

If you have a child, or know of a child who is experiencing ADD or ADHD-like symptoms, the GOOD NEWS is that there are many options other than prescription drugs to help reduce the intensity and severity of those symptoms. If you would like more information about how to support the body nutritionally to help your child or someone you know decrease or eliminate their ADD or ADHD symptoms, please contact

Dr. Beingessner practices at the Memorial Square Chiropractic Clinic in Calgary, and can be reached at
273-5653 or by email at Melanie@drmelaniebee.org.