ADD/ADHD – or Low Blood Sugar

Is it ADD or Low Blood Sugar?

— By Elena Michaels PhD, CCH, MFT

Recent publicity linked ADD drugs to death in children.  USA Today reports “ADD drugs were pulled from Canadian distribution due to 20 reports of sudden death in children, 12 of those occurring in the US”.  In that article, medical experts state there is “no cause for alarm, as the drug is safe”.  As a parent of a child or even an adult suspected of having ADD, do you want to take that chance?

Many symptoms of ADD/ADHD are also symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and/or low thyroid (hypothyroidism).  Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• Irritability, anxiety, depression, confusion, nervous habits, mental disturbances, aggressiveness, and a “short fuse”

Low thyroid symptoms include:

• Depression, difficulty concentrating, and trouble focusing

Sound familiar?

Adjusting the diet, supplementing with specific natural products, and incorporating stress-reduction techniques, can reduce many of these symptoms.  Dietary changes may not be enough.  Nutritional support to rebuild depleted glandular and nervous systems may also be needed.

Low Blood Sugar is becoming more prevalent and stress exacerbates the symptoms.  Familial history of diabetes and thyroid issues may contribute to symptoms which “look like” ADD/ADHD.

It can be trying and frustrating if you or someone you love seems to have ADD/ADHD, but help is available.  It might be wise to rule out underlying nutritional deficiencies and behaviors resulting from low blood sugar and/or low thyroid function.

Working with an experienced professional who is also trained in nutrition, will help you assess the situation and give you specific suggestions.  Taking control of your mind, body, and mood, and/or helping your child to do the same, changes lives.  If medication is necessary, it can always be prescribed after ruling out and addressing underlying imbalances that may be contributing to mood, behavior, and relationship symptoms.

Dr. Elena Michaels has been counseling in nutrition for over 31 years.  She is a Marriage and Family Therapist and Doctor of Natural Health.   She can be reached at 661/250-4395,  [email protected] and http://www.facebook.com/DrElenaMichaels