i'm a full time online student (just for this semester, my husband and i are moving and i needed a flex schedule for this sem.)... i have the hardest time focusing on my school work! it's hard! i keep getting distracted and end up doing other things. i've got all A's right now, but i'm afraid i'm going to loose it if i don't buckle down. i've been diagnosed with ADD before, but i cant take the meds b/c i'm going into the military after i grad. and you can't go in the military if you've taken ritalin or any other related drug. anybody have a holistic treatment for this?
2006-10-31 07:11:04 · 7 answers · asked by User Name 5 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
If you'd prefer not to engage in any types of prescription medications, what I suggest is an over the counter supplement called Ginkgo Biloba. As it reads on the label, it's primarily used for "Mental Alertness." Since you're going into the military, you sound as though you'd be a great candidate for this OTC. It wouldn't hurt to double check with your Physician if you've ever experienced any problems with blood pressure, cardiopulmonary disease, etc. .
For more detailed information, check out any of these sites..
http://www.primary.net/~gic/herb/Ginko.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ginkgo/
This over the counter remedy is sold in any major retail pharmacies..
2006-10-31 07:28:31 · answer #1 · answered by Scripts 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The nutritional advice I've read so far is pretty good, especially the importance of EFAs (essential fatty acids) such as Omega 3s. A good supplement... or just a good diet... can do wonders.
Proper hydration is important also. Water, not sweetened juices and NOT soda pop. Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates as much as possible. Fruit makes a fine sweet snack.
Exercise is good to relieve anxiety and stress and help the entire body work better.
Cut out the TV and video games! Especially an hour before bedtime. Also, most modern music is disruptive to brain function. Classical music, particularly Mozart or Baroque music has been shown to enhance concentration and brain function.
One of the MOST important factors and the one very often overlooked is the quality and quantity of sleep. Valerian root can help here. What helped me and many people I know is -- strange as it may sound -- a high quality sleep system that incorporates magnets. It makes sense when you consider that we live on a big magnet but we cut ourselves off from its magnetic field (which is essential for life on Earth). Our concrete and metal buildings and cars, electrical cabling and so on all distort and disrupt the magnetic field. By reintroducing a more natural environment (magnetic, quiet, dark), you get a more regnerative sleep for both the body and mind.
I wrote an article about sleep on my website at wellness5.com if you want to check it out.
Sweet Dreams,
Rob
2006-10-31 16:12:43 · answer #2 · answered by Rob VH 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh sweetie, I feel your pain!! I haven't been diagnosed as ADD, but I am dyslexic and trying to go to school full time, raise a family and work full time. I know for a fact Ginko Biloba is really good, but it may take some time for it to get into your system.
Another thing that helps me focus (particularly in math my worst subject) is to listen to music. I like Mozart and Bach, but YOU choose what you like. The very best to study by have no words so keep that in mind. Enya is good even with words, much of hers is in Gaelic so unless you understand it its not a problem.
2006-10-31 15:28:08 · answer #3 · answered by Ernimay 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My youngest has add, i at home gave him a multivitamin with minerals, made sure he got fish, tuna 3 to 4 times a week for the omegas, and had him exercise very regularly. He has not out grown it but he is soooooo much better and no longer drives people around him nuts. Cause he can not set still and focus for 5 minutes. Maybe these things will help, there is also Ginkgo Bilbo for the brain.
2006-10-31 07:16:47 · answer #4 · answered by picture 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem, when I was trying to balance marriage, demanding work and school. I did a lot of research on this and it works.
The brain functions on a long fatty acid chain of nutrients. There are several things you can add to your diet and supplements; DHA and EPA, Docosahexanoic Acids and Eicosapentanoic Acids. Cod Liver Oil,(Cherry or Orange flavored), DHA high potency capsules, plenty of fish and green and yellow vegetables. Green Teas.
This diet also helps reduce inflammation in the body, i.e. Arthritis, Heart Disease,etc. Since I am following this, I have lost weight, my Arthritis has improved, and I am making money in the stock market (through study)
2006-10-31 08:01:35 · answer #5 · answered by sandra b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my son is ADD and we have discontinued prescription meds with him. We are currently using Xango juice (i am not impressed, but his dad wants to continue) previously we used a supplement called Mintran that we got from a local chiropractor. It took just enough of the edge off for him and worked well. But as with anything, it had limited long term effectiveness. We used it for almost 1 year. Good Luck.
2006-10-31 07:21:25 · answer #6 · answered by his temptress 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ginko Biloba. Also Valerian root will calm you down so hopefully you can study better. - it can make you a bit drowsy at first but if you need to wake up look at Ginsing
2006-10-31 07:45:59 · answer #7 · answered by Viakin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋