Treating ADD without Meds

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Permalink Reply by Karen L on March 7, 2010 at 4:35pm

I'm interested too. I can't afford medication and am open to hearing about alternatives. Thanks for bringing this up Angela.

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Permalink Reply by Cecilia on March 7, 2010 at 5:27pm

I find that an extra intake of a B-complex is doing me good. Apart from that I take magnesium and calcium and i feel a lot better. I take Sertralin and Edornax aswell and the combo is helping a lot. Without them I would be a nervous wreck!
On tuesday I'll get medication for my ADHD. Unbelievable, I'm 44 and now I finally get treatment.
TLC, Cecilia

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Permalink Reply by Candace on March 8, 2010 at 2:39am

Hi, Angela and others! I got off stimulants years ago because of blood pressure issues. I miss the buzz sometimes but even the lowest extended-release stimulant became too problematic. Also sometimes made me sweaty and anxious, especially under stress. I'm not perfect, but I'm healthier. I'm also following the "exercise" theory for a lot of good reasons, not the least of which is that it can minimize ADHD behaviors. House is still messy, papers not in order, etc etc., but I feel more positive and healthy when I am busy and getting those endorphins going. I'm still gardening part time and nannying for a sweet family on occasion -- all that keeps me a little more focused.

There you go, for what it's worth. I haven't read this site for a while, and I've been pouring over all the new and previous posts, struck once again with how much life, love, compassion, frustration, pain and humor (not in any particular order) we share with each other and how lucky we are to have this forum.

Candace in Portland OR

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Permalink Reply by Cleo on March 8, 2010 at 10:00am

I've been catching a series on the brain at http://www.nicabm.com/teleseminar/2010/thebrain/ that has been exploring the new research on brain plasticity and the fact that the brain keeps growing throughout the lifespan unless something gets in the way. This next one on Wednesday talks about how we have more ability to change the wiring in the brain than was dreamed of a few years ago, and specifically how we can do so with mindfulness practice. The one on depression talked about how moving, ie exercise of some sort, is essential in getting the brain to regrow new neurons and counter the chemistry of stress and depression that stops regrowth or neurogenesis.
You have to catch the live session or pay for the replays, which is rather annoying, but at least the broadcast is free and the quality of the presenters is excellent. It is meant for counsellors and therapists, but hey, information is information. The ideas are very applicable to ADD and pharma-free.

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Permalink Reply by AngelaOregon on March 10, 2010 at 7:16pm

Thanks, everybody, for your replies. Exercise is important, and is also a near-daily part of my new regimen. I regularly walk about 2.5 miles, sometimes more.
And not only did I forget to include the info about my exercise, I totally forgot to list the supplements I'm taking! Large daily doses of:
--essential fatty acids (Udo's)
--Vitamin C (approx 4000 units)
--Vitamin D (approx 5000 IU)
--calcium/magnesium/zinc (2000/800/30 units)
--B12 (varies)

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Permalink Reply by Karen L on March 10, 2010 at 7:21pm

Angela - Have you checked with your doctor to make sure these dosages are okay? I know that some vitamins can produce some bad side effects if taken in huge doses. Just like anything, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. :)

AngelaOregon said:

Thanks, everybody, for your replies. Exercise is important, and is also a near-daily part of my new regimen. I regularly walk about 2.5 miles, sometimes more.
And not only did I forget to include the info about my exercise, I totally forgot to list the supplements I'm taking! Large daily doses of:
--essential fatty acids (Udo's)
--Vitamin C (approx 4000 units)
--Vitamin D (approx 5000 IU)
--calcium/magnesium/zinc (2000/800/30 units)
--B12 (varies)

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Permalink Reply by AngelaOregon on March 10, 2010 at 7:51pm

Karen:
Thanks for your concern. Actually, it was a former MD who suggested I take the Vitamin D at this dosage (I also have historically low Vit D blood levels). I also ran the dosages for all of the supplements by a couple of providers (I was at Kaiser, a HMO, so had a number of providers), who encouraged me to keep up the good work.

Karen L said:

Angela - Have you checked with your doctor to make sure these dosages are okay? I know that some vitamins can produce some bad side effects if taken in huge doses. Just like anything, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. :)

AngelaOregon said:

Thanks, everybody, for your replies. Exercise is important, and is also a near-daily part of my new regimen. I regularly walk about 2.5 miles, sometimes more.
And not only did I forget to include the info about my exercise, I totally forgot to list the supplements I'm taking! Large daily doses of:
--essential fatty acids (Udo's)
--Vitamin C (approx 4000 units)
--Vitamin D (approx 5000 IU)
--calcium/magnesium/zinc (2000/800/30 units)
--B12 (varies)

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Permalink Reply by Karen L on March 10, 2010 at 7:55pm

Glad to see you did your homework. Not me, I'm more prone to just jump in a do something first and then do the research. Backwards, I tell ya! But I'm glad you did it frontwards and are going to be okay. :)

AngelaOregon said:

Karen:
Thanks for your concern. Actually, it was a former MD who suggested I take the Vitamin D at this dosage (I also have historically low Vit D blood levels). I also ran the dosages for all of the supplements by a couple of providers (I was at Kaiser, a HMO, so had a number of providers), who encouraged me to keep up the good work.

Karen L said:

Angela - Have you checked with your doctor to make sure these dosages are okay? I know that some vitamins can produce some bad side effects if taken in huge doses. Just like anything, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. :)

AngelaOregon said:

Thanks, everybody, for your replies. Exercise is important, and is also a near-daily part of my new regimen. I regularly walk about 2.5 miles, sometimes more.
And not only did I forget to include the info about my exercise, I totally forgot to list the supplements I'm taking! Large daily doses of:
--essential fatty acids (Udo's)
--Vitamin C (approx 4000 units)
--Vitamin D (approx 5000 IU)
--calcium/magnesium/zinc (2000/800/30 units)
--B12 (varies)

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