Almost everyone seems to know someone who has a child on Ritalin. As you may know, use of Ritalin doesn't come without risk. As with any drug, there are unwanted side-effects that can occur. Even with the research and studies showing such promising results for children with Attention Deficit Disorder, all drugs come with side-effects and can even be life threatening. 

While this author doesn't necessarily agree that Ritalin is the answer to ADD, the drug companies have certainly capitalized on the deficit children seem to be in.  But I think that "deficit" comes from the lack of physical activity - the kind away from a computer or TV.  Getting out and observing those things that are not digital is such a key to having a calmer and more focused mind. This is not research, but just common sense, that tells us the TV and computers and cell phones are electronics that put the eye and brain's focus no more than 3 feet away.  When you can put the focus on natural things that are beyond the world that exists within 10 feet of your being, you take on a picture of the world that is much greater than the many minute details that can be consuming to the brain. It is our opinion that the calming effect to the mind and possibly the attention disorder can be helped by this approach.

According to the Medical Observer, "children who use Ritalin for a long period of time could be more at risk of deliquency and substance abuse." For this reason they suggest 'taking a break' from the drug after 3 years, because "the more days of prescribed medication, the more serious the risk."

It is the opinion of The Health & Wellness Institute that a diet that is deficient in proper nutrients - i.e. fruits and vegetables - and filled with stimulants like sugar and caffeine, will also contribute to the symptoms of those diagnosed with ADD.  This evidence is shown in studies where children were put on a healthy diet and after a year the results showed better grades, less conflict, less absences, and more participation in school activities. While there may not be a direct relationship between the two, there should be at least some logical deduction that diet plays a big role in the health of the mind and therefore should provide noticeable benefit to those with ADD.

Bottom line: a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, and without processed foods, high amounts of sugars - i.e. soft drinks or fruit drinks - and even including some regular exercise, will always be beneficial to anyone, no matter what condition they may be diagnosed with.

HWI

Note: If you are interested in a meal plan to assist with your weight loss and health, Medifast provides a diet that makes it easy to plan the foods and meals you will eat. Click here - Medifast - to try the Medifast diet meal plan to help you get started losing weight. Medifast is physician-developed.

There is always debate about what diet is healthy and which one work best - is Atkins safe, is low-carb better, are carbs the enemy, what food combinations work, is low-fat better? The questions are endless, and the solutions seem to be even more so. However, there is one truth about a healthy diet that rings true throughout the diet community, and that is that simple sugars are the enemy. That is, sugar is so prevalent in so many foods and drinks that it is hard for most people to get away from consuming too many. And with sugars like high-fructose corn syrup you're sure to lose on all levels - bad calories, unhealthy, and too many easily consumed. Here's more about how sugar can creep into your diet --

A bran muffin and a flavored coffee drink are not unusual choices for a breakfast on the run. But along with fiber and caffeine, you may be getting something you hadn't bargained for: a day's worth of added sugar in just one small early morning meal.

We shouldn't consume more than 40 grams -- about 10 teaspoons -- of sugar a day, based on a 2,000-calorie diet, said Andy Bellatti, a graduate student at New York University's department of nutrition and food studies who blogs about diet and health at Small Bites. "It's very easy, though, to go way above that because that's basically one can of soda," Bellatti said. "So although 10 teaspoons sounds like a lot, it's actually not really that much."

Though the World Health Organization recommends that added sugar should make up no more than 10 percent of our daily caloric intake, the average American eats about double that. A muffin could have 11 teaspoons of sugar added, and a grande vanilla latte at Starbucks has about seven teaspoons. Read more...

Final note: do yourself a favor and avoid products that have sugar, except for fruits and vegetables. Even with a good effort you'll find that you're getting some in foods and drinks that you didn't expect.

HWI

If you are interested in a meal plan to assist with your weight loss and health, Medifast provides a diet that makes it easy to plan the foods and meals you will eat. Click here - Medifast - to try the Medifast diet meal plan to help you get started losing weight. Medifast is physician-developed.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.