Attention Deficit Disorder is perhaps one of the newest names in relation to different nervous system conditions and symptoms. This particular disorder has been given many different names over the years. For many people it can be confusing to know just which symptoms are related and how to tell if it is ADD you or someone you know is suffering from. The American Psychiatric Association describes three different types of this nervous system disorder that include ADD (attention deficit disorder), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a combination of the two. Basically one is simply the inability to set your attention on one thing for any length of time and the other is the same with the added symptom of hyperactivity.

But perhaps the latest news out of the pharmaceutical world will get their attention.

The National Institute of Mental Health has estimated that between 3-5% of children in America today are suffering from one form or another of ADD. Although don’t let these statistics fool you because adults can also suffer from ADD. There are many factors that have been linked to ADD that include heredity, anxiety, allergies, environmental stress, smoking during pregnancy, infection, lead poisoning and prenatal trauma. As you can see many of these factors can be seen to be incredibly common in our world today.

This disorder can cause a large variety of different learning and behavioral problems, which can make it difficult for the patient but for their families as well. ADD is a condition that is often mistaken for a learning disorder but the fact is the child or adult is generally above average when it comes to intelligence and creativity. Many ADD patients react to certain preservatives and dyes, which throw off the balance in the brain and therefore will cause behavioral problems. With food additives proven to play a major role in this disorder, many ADD sufferers and parents looking for alternatives for their children are now looking towards healthy dietary choices and natural remedies.

There is no single test you can do on your own to check if you or your child is suffering from ADD but there are different factors and symptoms you can look for including if the person does not pay close attention to details, have trouble keeping their attention on one single activity, loses things necessary in their lives, become forgetful, talks excessively and is easily distracted to name the most popular few.

Some essential supplements you may want to consider to help you deal with your ADD include first calcium and magnesium. These two supplements have a real calming affect to help reduce the anxiety and need to rush around that ADD often provides for patients.

Gamma-AminoButyric acid is much like a tranquilizer without the addictive side effects, which make for a great solution for the immense anxiety ADD sufferers feel.

Essential fatty acids provide a good source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which also assists in brain development. Those with ADD/ADHD are often deficient.

Consuming a diet high in complex carbohydrates is important. Some examples are beans, fresh vegetables and fruits. Simple carbohydrates such as refined sugars should be avoided. It is also vital to remove all junk foods from your diet, which contain processed and artificial ingredients.

Although the supplements discussed here can help reduce the frustrating symptoms of ADD there are far more natural treatments to choose from. A professional naturopathic can help you with that.