L., you have received many excellent responses and I can hear the heartfelt sharing from the other moms to you.
From my work in the health and wellness industry ...
I will add some comments to the nutrition approach you may be investigating and also to the relationship between ADHD and toxins in the child's environment.
Nutrition:
What's his diet like? Lots of vegies and lean protein or non-animal protein? Or does he only want fast food, convenience packaged food, carbs (our world is so full of breads, crackers, pre-made high glycemic foods).
Nutrition affects: mood swings, poor mental focus, poor memory, enviromental sensitivities, digestion and absorption issues, ...
Also, even children get candida overgrowth because of too high of sugar and carb foods, antibiotics, etc that impact the good healthy, essential friendly bacteria that are supposed to inhabit the lower intestines (critical to supporting our immune function) is out of balance or killed off. Acidophilus/bifidus is what you see in yogurt at manufacturing but is also mostly destroyed when eaten by the highly acidic environment in the stomach. (yes I have a high delivery probiotic - little tiny pearl so easy to swallow)
A good diet rich in all the B vitamins - Bs are essential for brain function, mood swings, carb/sugar cravings. If he can swallow tablets, some extra Bs in a B Complex.
A diet rich in high quality and purity Omega 3s (fish oil) - Omega 3s are critical for brain.
A good multi for kids that gives the cells of the organs of the body what it needs ... especially if eating nutritionally rich foods is a challenge.
(yes, I also have a great multi-vitamin/mineral for kids, chewable, high quality 23 essential nutrients, tooth-friendly, without preservatives/artificial colorings, flavors, sweeteners, without sugar or alcohol.)
Start the day with protein (and vegies) instead of wheat, breads, sweets. Kids love protein shakes - even add a little banana, or other fruit of choice.
(Soy and Whey based - Meal Shakes or Energizing Soy Protein Shakes)
Snack on protein - especially if having a carb (for example: have an apple with almond butter to dip it into; dip non-wheat chip in humus; etc)
Lean meat and poultry - pesticide and antibiotic free -
Lots of fresh or frozen vegies and fruits - organic, pesticide free.
Toxins:
Remove toxins from his home and enviroment. Non-toxic cleaners (an added plus is that they are also green/biodegradable). We are all so conditioned that clean has to smell like bleach etc. It's critical to kids especially (their smaller bodies that are growing at faster rates and their being closer or on the ground much of the time) - it's critical to them to not put down more harm than we are trying to clean up. They breath sprays, touch everything, spend hours sleeping on sheets and in PJs with residues from toxins in laundry products. Even the government recognizes ingredients in common products as harmful to humans.
(non-toxic, green cleaners ... even one of Oprah's favorite things ... but more importantly, they work, they're safe, they're economical, and they are good for the environment along with being good for us)
We need to provide environments for children that are as toxin–free as possible .. whether at home or at school. Recent studies indicate dozens of toxic chemicals are showing up in the blood streams of American children. Some can be traced to household cleaning products and others to pesticides and preservatives from non-organic food.
Two great books: "Green Goes With Everything" and "Gorgeously Green". They both discuss products, ingredients, harmful to humans and to the environment. They both recommend ways to make changes small and big.
The ADD/ADHD Page
http://www.chiro.org/pediatrics/ADD.shtml
Well, I didn't mean to go on and on. But I've heard the stories of changes that occurred when parents, grandparents changed the nutrition and removed the toxins and how the kids' teachers have asked "what are you doing differently?"
Am I passionate, yes I am - I've lived through my own challenges with environmental sensitivities and nutritional issues.
Chiropractors are amazing at opening up the body's natural communication between the organs and the brain. Naturopathic doctors have great knowledge. There's a lot to be said for modern medicine and a place for it absolutely and we should always consult our doctor's. There's a lot to be said for the more ancient sciences that have also worked for hundreds of years.
All we can do is collect information and decide for ourselves.
This may not eliminate your son's challenges. I believe it won't hurt ... Keep trying ... keep searching ...
If you'd like to chat more, contact me ... I'll be happy to give you more information in your search for solutions.
~M.
Together Live Well, LLC
Independent Shaklee Distributor
Listed and reviewed on Mamasource
Healthy Tips for Children:
Nutritionally Rich Foods
Exercise
Plenty of Sleep
Lots of Pure Water (soda pop prevents the body from detoxifying)
And ...
Lots of Love and Laughter