ADD Remedies and Supplements
There are many over-the-counter ADD remedies on the market. Not all of them are advertised in that way, because of US regulations concerning dietary supplements.
A dietary supplement cannot claim to prevent or treat any disease or condition unless it has FDA approval. Supplement manufacturers rarely seek FDA approval, because the benefits of their products spread by word of mouth and to a certain extent through internet advertising. Internet advertising is somewhat different from conventional advertising in terms of regulation.
When you are shopping for any type of supplement, whether it is to support your general health or to benefit an attention deficit disorder, there are several things to consider.
Safety is a main consideration. Although dietary supplements are generally safer than prescription drugs, there may be some risks.
For example, if the product is tainted with toxins like PCBs or pesticides, the benefits will be negligible if present at all. Exposure to PCBs and pesticides is known to contribute to attention deficit disorders. That may be why some cases improve with time. The body can eventually rid itself of the toxins, as long as exposure stops.
Herbal ADD remedies are the main ones to be concerned about when it comes to pesticides. When it comes to fish oil supplements, PCBs are a known problem.
Fish oil is often recommended because it provides the essential omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. The brain needs those nutrients to build new cells and to function normally. The nutrients are also necessary for normal brain development in childhood.
But consumer research groups have found that many popular fish oil brands are tainted with PCBs. PCBs have been banned for years, but they are persistent in the environment, especially in the water.
Mercury is another concern about fish oil ADD remedies. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal. Recent USGS in every fish and every water source tested.
In order to be certain you are getting a supplement that does not contain contaminants, you can look for one that has been molecularly distilled and/or tested for contaminants like PCBs and mercury.
There are always techniques the consumer can use to be sure the over-the-counter treatments being purchased are safe. The consumer can purchase organic herbs, purified fish oil supplements, nutritional supplements free of additives or preservatives and homeopathic ADD remedies that are formulated using the US Homeopathic Pharmacopeia.
Homeopathic remedies are among the safest. They have been used successfully for hundreds of years to treat hyperactivity, long before the term ADHD was being used.
Herbs are much like drugs. They can cause unwanted side effects. They must be carefully measured to ensure that the therapy provides benefits without risks.
Purchasing raw herbs from an herbalist might sound like a good idea, but it is really not the safest choice. There is less chance the treatment will be effective. There is an increased risk of overdose.
Fresh and unprocessed might be the best choice for foods, but it is not the best choice for ADD remedies. The best advice is to buy from a manufacturer you can trust.