An unforgettable day (ADHD)
Every parent remembers that day when they heard that diagnosis: ‘Your child has ADHD’. There’s a mixture of relief and a fresh wave of terror. You are glad that you finally know what’s wrong with your child, but now you need to figure out what to do.
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic disease affecting both children and adults. So far, there is no known cure and no single method of managing the condition. Extensive research has resulted in a variety of treatment options which work differently for different people. This means that you will need to work closely with your doctor to see what works best for your child.
With or without medication
One of the decisions you will have to make is whether you want your child on medication or not as part of the ADHD management. Most people tend to turn to medication as a last resort due to the multiple, and sometimes unpredictable, short-term and long-term side effects. If you decide to go the natural way of health, then there is good news for you.
A recent study showed that phosphatidylserine (PS), when taken as a supplement, shows impressive results for children aged between 4 and 14 years. 200mg of PS was administered to children daily for two months and they all showed significant improvement in inattention and impulsivity. They were also better able to focus and remember what they had been told.
So, what is PS?
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid that occurs in nature. It is usually found in organs that tend to have high metabolic activity such as the heart, liver, and brain. It functions to regulate the activity of receptors, ion channels, and enzymes within these organs. So what does this have to do with ADHD?
Research has linked a deficiency of phospholipids to neurological conditions such as ADHD. This is because phospholipids form part of the neurons in the brain and facilitate their function, which means if a child suffers from a deficiency of these phospholipids, as well as essential fatty acids, they could develop ADHD. PS supplementation, therefore, serves to correct the deficiency and imbalance of phospholipids in the brain thereby reducing the symptoms of ADHD significantly.
Concerns in ADHD
Further, since one of the concerns in ADHD is the regulation of energy, phosphatidylserine offers a perfect solution without the pharmaceutical side effects. PS is a natural regulator of stress reactions in the body. It acts by reducing cortisol levels in the body, the hormone responsible for anxiety and variations spikes of energy. This way, your child remains calm and they are better able to manage the depression symptoms that follow the energy spikes.
How can you get it?
The good news is that you can get PS over the counter just like any other vitamin. It is safe and legal, and you can consult your doctor on the recommended dosage for your child. However, it is not commonly available in your local stores, but you can check out online for information on where you can find it.
All the best!
