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However, since ADHD appears as a neurological disorder and chiropractic care helps reduce nervous system disturbances, many parents who want a natural, non-drug solution for their child have found chiropractic care helpful, even miraculous.
“Chiropractic neurologists are trained to identify the hypo-functioning part of the brain and apply correct treatment modalities to stimulate brain growth through plasticity,” says Dr. Smith. “As chiropractors, we identify subluxations and different sensory stimuli that specifically affect the deficient hemisphere and thus help normalize brain function.”
Functional Nutrition & ADHD
Proper nutrition for developing minds and bodies is crucial. Unfortunately, many children are forced to endure food insecurities or consume convenience, processed and fatty fast foods, because parents are busy working and juggling the day-to-day.
In as much as every human being is different, each person, young or old, has nutritional requirements as individual as they are, especially if they suffer from ADHD, Autism, gastrointestinal issues, or a chronic illness.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Nutrition for kids is based on the same principles as nutrition for adults. Everyone needs the same types of nutrients — such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Children, however, need different amounts of specific nutrients at different ages.”
This broad statement is a traditional medical view pertaining to all children, with no comments about dietary considerations for special needs children, or children with chronic health concerns. Functional Nutrition for children and adults exists to uncover nutritional deficiencies and imbalances that perpetuate chronic illness and complicate ADHD and other disorders.
Most often, medical doctors do not even address nutrition and digestion when dealing with patients presenting with ADHD. Their primary concern is with a diagnosis and a cookie-cutter pharmaceutical protocol accepted by whatever insurance is covering the visit.
Chiropractic Functional Neurology, on the other hand, examines the body as a whole and most importantly, the central nervous system. Functional nutrition is not simply what we eat, but why, when, where and how we eat. Even when we think we have a pretty “healthy” diet, if we eat while stressed, angry, in front of a computer, very fast, etc., then we may not actual be digesting or absorbing these essential nutrients.
Proper nutrition consists of fueling your body with the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs for all bodily systems to function at their optimum.
Food sensitivities can cause uncomfortable challenges, however, when it comes to food consumption and the ingestion of necessary vitamins and minerals. People of all ages with food allergies or sensitivities suffer repercussions from the slightest ingestion of soy, nuts, gluten, dairy, shellfish, and any number of elements that can result in painful – and even deadly – consequences.
Functional Medicine University reports the following have been linked to attention deficit disorders:
- Food sensitivities
- Heavy metal toxicity especially lead has been linked to attention deficit and learning problems. Dr. H.L. Needlemen of the University of Pittsburgh Medical School has conducted scores of studies over the last 20 years clearly establishing the link between lead levels in children and specific hyperactive and attention deficit behavior traits. Follow-up studies indicate that these effects often persist into adulthood.
- Fatty acid deficiency
- Amino acid imbalances
- Methylation dysfunction
- Intestinal dysbiosis
- And more
The good news is Chiropractic Functional Neurology has been successful in treating children and adults with ADHD, by simply restoring balance in the brain and removing interference in the central nervous system, and addressing nutritional and dietary concerns.
If you or your child have been diagnosed with ADHD, contact Dr. John today for a full neurological assessment, including diagnostic imaging if deemed necessary. Dr. John's expertise treating patients with neurological imbalances, coupled with the latest technological and therapeutic advancements, ensures you’re working with a consummate professional who always has your total body wellness in mind.