Product Description

The first scientifically proven, effective, all-natural nutritional alternative to the much-prescribed drug Ritalin Attention deficit disorder is a nutritional deficiency, not a psychological condition. This is the revolutionary discovery Marcia Zimmerman made during her ten years of research as a nutritional biochemist. That conclusion led her to develop a diet that addresses the specific needs of the 17 million adults and children suffering from ADD. Her easy-to-follow thirty-day plan has been proven just as effective as Ritalin in relieving the symptoms of ADD.

Learn:
- How women should boost their nutrition before conception to prevent ADD in their children.
- Why boys are much likelier to be tagged as ADD than girls
- How to get a reliable ADD diagnosis Reasons why parents prefer a diet plan to prescription drugs for ADD children
- The effects of brain allergies on attention span
- Foods to avoid that may exacerbate ADD
- Fats and oils we all need to stay focused
- Calming effects of carbohydrates
- Concentration-enhancing protein
- Why to stay away from simple sugars
- The dangers of artificial food ingredients, and much more

This important book will help us curb the epidemic growth of ADD in this country and change the way we treat those who have it now by addressing its source instead of merely treating its symptoms.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14915 in Books
• Published on: 1999-06-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

From Library Journal
Nutrition-based therapies have been used effectively to treat a wide variety of health problems, ranging from PMS to cancer. In this helpful guide, clinical nutritionist Zimmerman discusses how diet therapy can provide long-term relief and even a cure for attention deficit disorder (ADD). During the past decade, the use of Ritalin, the drug most commonly prescribed for ADD, has risen 600 percent, but its effects are temporary and possibly harmful. Zimmerman's program for getting off medication involves eliminating allergic foods, additives, pollutants, and harmful fats and instead focusing on unprocessed, nutrient-rich meals supplemented with fatty acids, minerals, and vitamin co-enzymes. Her 30-day plan provides food charts and recipe ideas. This effective, natural approach, based on extensive research on the link between diet and brain function, will be greatly appreciated by parents of children diagnosed with ADD. Highly recommended for public libraries.AIlse Heidmann, San Marcos, TX
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Zimmerman prefers the term attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) to attention deficit disorder (ADD). The teacher and nutritional biochemist posits prevention as the first priority in dealing with AD/HD, but once it is manifest, the most effective approach is to treat causes rather than symptoms--and Ritalin, she believes, is a symptom reliever rather than a treater. She discusses the various causes and stresses the importance of a carefully worked out diagnosis. Once that is reached, treatment can proceed realistically. Proper management of the child's activities and attitudes at home and at school is vital. Suitable foods, attractively prepared and presented, constitute the main element in her program, and she counsels sitting down, relaxing, and chewing at meals. Sugar is dangerous, the widely touted olestra can be troublesome, and even optimal regular nutrition needs supplements, so Zimmerman helpfully details acceptable and unacceptable supplements. The informative book is itself supplemented by lists of AD/HD-provoking additives, sources of appropriate foods and supplements, and resources for further information. William Beatty

Review
"Marcia Zimmerman's A.D.D. Nutrition Solution is a much needed and sensible answer to one of the nation's most alarming and fast-growing problems. Anyone who needs help with this disorder should give her advice a try. The one-month trial it takes to find out if it works could make a monumental difference in the life of a child or an adult." -- from the foreword by Jean Carper

"This book is must reading for every parent, physician, teacher, and school nurse who deals with ADD and AD/HD children. ADD is not caused by a deficiency of Ritalin. Marcia Zimmerman's The A..D.D. Nutrition Solution is right on target!" -- Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., director of the Autism Research Institute, San Diego

Customer Reviews

Be Skeptical
Will a typical American diet make ADD worse, especially in children? Of course. That much is obvious. But be skeptical of an author that has such poor understanding of ADD. I have had this disorder all my life (there was no "onset"), and I did find a few unintentionally demeaning phrases and ideas while just skimming through this book at the store and online. I want to believe in the theory, but I just couldn't bring myself to purchase this book.

ADD Nutrition Solution
Great book - very informational - gives the reader hope to correct the situation. Recommend it very highly.

Many suggestions included also help with autism...
I am an adult diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, though due to significant language delay as a child, I actually meet the criteria for High-Functioning Autism.
I work with children, primarily on the autism spectrum. I am on the artificial additive free, gluten, casein, and soy free diets. I am quite healthy and happy on these. When I removed the artificials, I stopped having seizures, something medication had never controlled. My hyperactivity and insomnia were somewhat reduced.
Removing casein allowed me to begin making eye-contact with people, and I have begun noticing facial expressions. It also makes it harder for me to escape into my own world (I'm not so happy with this one, but it does make it easier to concentrate). Going gluten free reduced my intestinal problems. I only removed soy a couple of months ago, but it has a protein similar to gluten and casein, and I'm reactive to both of these, so I'll see what happens and update when I have reintroduced soy.
I suggest at least removing the artificials for ALL children, not just those with disorders or disabilities. One child diagnosed with autism whose mother removed just the artificials gained over a years worth of language in only 2 weeks. And she wasn't receiving speech therapy at the time.
As for the supplements, I take several. I can tell you that several speech therapists I know recommend that any child with severe articulation problems, apraxia/dyspraxia should take EFA - Essential Fatty Acids, particularly Omega 3s found in fish oil or evening primrose oil. It makes sense to go with a brand that has been laboratory tested and found free of mercury and other contaminants, particularly since so many people on the autism spectrum may be chemically sensitive.
The artificials seem to be the easiest first step. And it may encourage you to remove these if you know that artificial colors (FD&C Red #40, Blue #1, Yellow #5/6, etc.) are petrochemicals. That is, these are distillates of raw oil that are left over when they purify out gasoline. Want to bring your child to the gas station and fill them up with your car? That is essentially what you are doing when you give them meals full of these substances. SUSPECT ANYTHING BRIGHTLY OR DARKLY COLORED, particularly candies and processed foods.
As for sugar being the problem, what are you getting your sugar from? Red licorice sticks, lollipops, hard candies, fruit loops, chocolate bars, soda pop... all of which also contain artificial colors or flavors, unless you are careful to buy an all-natural brand.