[LizardQueen]

I think that nutrition can help the genuine ADD cases out there. A coworkers son has been a continual problem for years, despite having really good (and tough) parents, counselors, doctors etc.

They tried Ritalin and it helped somewhat but they didn't want him to have to stay on it. They then tried adding EFAs (essential fatty acids - fish oil capsules) to his diet and he's gotten much better almost overnight.

Poor nutrition (too much junk, food additives and colorings, sugar) and not enough good stuff (EFAs, vitamins, minerals) can affect the brains functioning and should get a closer look.

LQ

[luckystarmom]

We've started adding EFAs to my kid's diet. My son has Tourette's syndrome and my daughter has brain damage which mainly affects her speech. My son's tics seem to diminish when we started the EFAs and my daughter's speech seems to have improved.

I'm in a speech group for parents and there are a lot of parents that swear by the EFAs helping speech.

I think changing a diet is always a good first step. At least, it doesn't harm anyone.

[FourPeas]

Poor nutrition (too much junk, food additives and colorings, sugar) and not enough good stuff (EFAs, vitamins, minerals) can affect the brains functioning and should get a closer look.

While I agree with you that good nutrition is important, is does not "cure" ADD/ADHD. Neither of my children eat much sugar, perhaps one piece of candy every other week at grandma's. I cook with very little sugar and I cook from scratch. I'm a label reader. We eat mostly homemade whole grain breads. Both boys easily eat 3-5 servings of fruits and veggies each day; most days they eat more. They drink only milk or filtered/distilled water, no sugary juice or soda pop.

My oldest son has incredible difficulties focusing. Incredible. Frankly, you'd be hard-pressed to find many children who eat a better diet than he does.