ADHD

ADHD - Attention Deficit Disorder

This information is not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take prescription medications.

Individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can face unique challenges including the struggle to fit in and be accepted. This can impact their self-esteem and overall wellbeing. The following suggestions, introduced gradually, may be helpful.

Balanced Alkaline / Acid Diet

6-10 (depending on age) glasses of filtered or spring water. Tap water contains multiple trace chemicals that can cause a sensitivity, such as chlorine which destroys healthy gut flora that can impact on mental health.

Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming. The most healthful, alkalizing foods are fruits, vegetables, raw seeds and nuts. Studies link agitation, hyperactivity, and loss of concentration with over-acidity.

Use mainly organic foods, especially those listed on the Environmental Working Groups dirty dozen (updated yearly). Studies find children regularly exposed to pesticides in their diet are at a higher risk of developing ADHD.
Modest quantities of high quality protein are important from lean meats, eggs, legumes and beans. They balance blood sugar and provide necessary building blocks for neurotransmitters.
Use only whole grains and avoid wheat unless sprouted.
Fermented foods improve mood and can reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Avoid additives, preservatives, artificial colouring, sugar, & deep fried food.

A chart is available here to help you plan a more alkalizing diet. When body chemistry is too acidic elimination of waste is impaired. Acidic material ends up stored in body tissue causing inflammation and imbalance.

Supplements – Elevate Nutrition from Adequate to Optimum

Bio-Strath – a fermented wholefood source of B vitamins and multiple other vital nutrients. European studies show a significant improvement in concentration after just a few weeks of use.
Vitamin C – boosts immunity, protects cells, and reduces feelings of anxiety.
Vitamin D – anti-inflammatory, a lack is associated with depression.
Magnesium – improves sleep quality and mental health, induces relaxation.
Essential fatty acids – improves cognitive function and promotes overall health.
Probiotics – can significantly improve symptoms of ADHD.

Special Care for Adults and Children OVER 12

These remedies may be suitable for younger children, but a natural health care practitioner should be consulted. Try one or more of the following for 1-2 months and assess their impact, then use as needed.

Panax ginseng – in studies, ginseng has been shown to increase concentration, improve memory, and reduce inaccuracy.
Pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) – reduces hyperactivity, improves attention, helps normalize stress hormones and dopamine levels.
Glutamine – needed for production of the neurotransmitter glutamate. A deficiency is associated with ADHD. Also helpful for digestive problems.

Homeopathic remedies can address specific symptoms or behaviours. Ask one of our staff to assist in choosing an appropriate remedy.

Children Under 12

Young children will benefit from all the diet and lifestyle suggestions. A natural health care professional can be a guide to the use of homeopathic and herbal remedies. They approach treatments from a holistic perspective taking into account the mental and emotional wellbeing of each child.

Concentration and Rhythmic Breathing

These practices fill a gap in our busy, hurried, and sometimes harried lives! That gap is a need for intervals of rest and inner quiet. Families may benefit from practicing together. It creates a unifying force that can be felt by all participants.

Concentration – choose a nearby object and examine it carefully. Close your eyes and, keeping your attention focused on the object, visualize all the detail you can remember – colour, shape, size, texture, etc. One or two minutes a few times each day really does strengthen your concentration muscles!
Rhythmic breathing – sit comfortably (some people get dizzy at first so go slowly). Make sure your spine is straight and there is no pressure on your lungs. Some people do best to hold their hands in the prayer position as shown.
Gently draw air in through the nose and fill your lungs all the way down to your belly. Hold for 2-3 seconds then steadily exhale until your lungs are fully emptied. Find a comfortable rhythm. Two or three breaths is enough for your first try. Gradually work up to 10 twice a day or anytime you need to recharge and relax.
With practice, you can access that quiet space anytime, anywhere – your private refuge when things get stressful.

Nature Therapy

Individuals with ADHD, with their ultrasensitive natures, can be profoundly affected by time spent in nature. The Earth continuously emits a negatively charged ionic field that promotes healing and calm. Spend some quiet time each day in nature just noticing smells, colours, sounds, etc. Let them fill you with the harmony that is all around us.

Artistic Expression as Therapy

Unique people are often highly gifted and creative, whether it’s drawing, painting, storytelling, dancing, or acting out a scene from a play. Allow lots of time for creative expression and appreciation of your unique gifts.

Final Thoughts

Keep a journal to honour your feelings and track your progress. Make it a game and challenge yourself to the discipline of as many of these suggestions as possible.

Limit online and cellphone use. Excessive exposure to these “modern day conveniences” is harmful to everyone, and particularly detrimental to vulnerable individuals.

For adults (18 and over) we recommend an annual or biannual cleanse. A cleanse allows the body to eliminate accumulated waste that may cause other health problems down the road. People often enjoy a heightened state of mental clarity at the end of a cleanse.

Finally, it is quite possible through proper diet, correct supplementation, fresh air and exercise, rhythmic breathing, and the practice of inner contentment, to enjoy extraordinary health on every level!

Many customers experience improved health and wellbeing in multiple ways. We hope you will too!

*Revised September 2024

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Kidney Care

By April Allen • March 24, 2025

This information is not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take prescription medication. The kidneys are an amazing organ system! In Traditional Chinese Medicine they are considered, along with the adrenal glands, a master organ. They perform the critical functions of capturing and recycling nutrients and eliminating liquid acidic waste. When the kidneys fail to perform this detoxification, patients must have their blood filtered through renal dialysis. A Healing Diet - This mirrors recommendations from studies done on kidney function: Drink 7-10 glasses of filtered or spring water. Chloride is a potential carcinogen and potentially damaging to the kidneys as well as the entire body. Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming. A urine pH maintained in the range of 6.5-7.4 allows your kidneys to readily eliminate acid waste. Chemical free, organic foods are the safest for kidney health. Make vegetables, fruit, raw seeds, nuts, legumes, beans, and wholegrains the mainstays of your diet. Limit red meat and sweeteners. Studies show a whole food plant based diet and the Mediterranean diet can benefit patients with chronic kidney disease. Fermented foods improve digestion and have a positive effect on pH levels. Apple cider vinegar used as a condiment or mixed in water with meals aids in assimilating nutrients, corrects pH, and dissolves calcium and acid crystal deposits. Replace salt with Herbamare for full flavour but 1/3 the sodium. The combination of whole sea salt with other herbs provides a better sodium/potassium ratio. Cook gently. High heat causes acrylamides and advanced glycation end products, both risk factor in type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Basic Supplements – to avoid common deficiencies Bio-Strath – 100% digestible whole food tonic, providing B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and cofactors. Used by more staff at Jo Anne’s than any other supplement. Buffered vitamin C during fall and winter months. A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage and degeneration. Vitamin D 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to the upper limit of 4,000. A steroid hormone precursor that reduces inflammation and the risk of infection. Magnesium – has over 300 biochemical functions. Essential fatty acids – anti-inflammatory, help regulate blood pressure and a deficiency is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. Probiotics – intermittent use to strengthen the immune system and correct pH Dietary Aids for Kidney Health - Special foods with science backed benefits: In studies ginger, garlic, and onions improved symptoms of kidney disease and increased renal function. Regular consumption could provide significant protection. Watermelon is 92% alkaline water which helps flush the urinary system of stored toxins. It supports the liver to process ammonia thus easing the strain on the kidneys. Finally, it can actually be used to dissolve kidney stones! Some people perform a watermelon fast one day a week, eating only melon wedges when hungry. Urine testing is a convenient way to monitor chemistry. The best time to check is in the morning prior to consuming food or drinks (other than water). If it’s initially difficult to achieve readings between 6.5-7.4 take 1-2 AlkaPure pH capsules upon rising. Once optimum readings are achieved, test periodically. Special Supplements for Kidneys - For an annual or biannual kidney cleanse: Astragalus – numerous studies show this herb has a protective effect on kidneys, liver, and spleen. It is also used in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, and immune disorders. It has been shown to slow tumor growth and significantly extend the lives of those who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation. Nettle is a wonderful cleansing herb for the kidneys. It also helps with all conditions related to inflammation, including arthritis and allergies. Burdock provides a whole body detox by increasing urine output and drawing out stored toxins. It is a natural option to use instead of prescription diuretics but consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are already on diuretics before making a change. Exercise, fresh air, deep breathing with complete exhalation all benefit the kidneys. For those days that you’re pressed for time perform the 4-minute workout by Dr Zack Bush. This easy routine performed 2-3 times boosts nitric oxide production and kidney function. See it online. Following the diet and basic supplement suggestions should have a beneficial effect on your kidneys and your overall health. One of the biggest changes you hopefully will notice is an increase in energy level. Keep a journal to track your progress. *Revised July 2023