Finding Success with ADHD: Jef Gazley discusses the choice between using supplements or chemicals

As the summer heats up and kids enjoy camp and outdoor fun, parents are busy planning for a successful school year for their children. For many, this means finding help for symptoms that block students from reaching their full potential. One of the most common issues in schools and among adults in the workplace is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Formerly mischaracterized as the hyper bug and over-treated with Ritalin, the facts about ADHD have been clarified. It is now well known that ADHD is a collection of both positive and negative character traits, and that some of the most successful adults in the world struggle with, and at the same time benefit from, their unique personality traits associated with this issue.

ADHD is characterized by an imbalance in the brain’s neurotransmitters that carry feelings and thoughts throughout the body and mind. The main neurotransmitters are norepinephrine, acetylcholine and dopamine, which are the stimulating brain chemicals that add brightness, energy and focus to the brain. GABA is the brain chemical that slows the brain down, making it calmer. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that decreases depression and promotes sleep. In general, food, vitamins and supplements turn into hormones, which then become neurotransmitters.

For the treatment of ADHD or any mental health issue, there is a choice between using supplements as precursors to gently raise the neurotransmitters, or chemicals to alter the neurotransmitters. Using pharmaceuticals is usually a more aggressive treatment that often causes side effects. Natural supplements typically have many advantages. For example, a product called ADD-care works naturally, without adversely affecting sleep or appetite, and actually calms and focuses the user without anxiety or irritability. Unlike stimulants, ADD-care can safely be taken even after 4 p.m. Ritalin or Adderall usually wear off in the evening and “crash,” which often results in lack of sleep and family fights.

The scientific results of ADD-care have been proven by testing done at the prestigious Amen Clinic. On SPECT scans, which can be viewed online (add-care.com), ADD-care added blood flow and electrical activity to the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which increases focusing and is the part of the brain that is positively affected by stimulants such as Ritalin. ADD-care also matched or beat the stimulants in performance on the Conner’s test, which measures impulsivity and focus. ADD-care raised levels of dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA and serotonin. It is the ability to boost and balance these neurotransmitters that make ADD-care so effective.

Success in life is dependent on a proactive approach, and one that is organic—simple, healthful and close to nature. While prescription drugs to treat ADHD are more prevalent and readily available, often the best remedies are over-the-counter supplements that work with the body’s rhythm to bring about optimum results. Do the research, make a positive choice and then live the best life possible.

Jef Gazley, MS, LMFT, has practiced psychotherapy for more than 35 years and is the owner-operator of AskTheInternetTherapist.com, Hypnosiscdsandmp3s.com and EnergyPsychologyTherapy.com. For more information, visit ADD-care.com or phone 1-866-998-0560.