Do you have trouble staying focused? Or paying attention to details? Most doctors will diagnose this as ADD – Attention Deficit Disorder. Millions are given drugs – many of them children.
The parents are reassured by the makers and the doctors giving them that they are safe. So far, 51 people have died from taking them.
In today’s Health Alert, you’ll find out why the FDA dragged their feet instead of taking action. I’ll also give you some safe and effective ways of dealing with ADD.
The FDA Fails to Protect Again
If you’re a long time reader of Health Alert, you’ll remember that I first talked about ADD back in June of last year. (See Health Alert 281.) At the time, drug maker Abbot Laboratories pulled the ADD drug Cylert, after reports of 11 deaths made the drug too controversial for continued profits.
Today, all drugs used to treat ADD and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are coming under fire. After years of doing nothing, the FDA finally created an advisory panel to weigh in on the problem.
For the FDA, the delay is understandable. Their close ties to drug makers often cause them to think twice before they issue warnings about big money makers.
And make no mistake, ADD is big business. In 2004, sales of drugs to treat ADD and ADHD topped 3.1 billion dollars. An increase of over 300% from 2000.
The FDA knew about the 51 deaths for three years before they did anything about it. A few weeks ago, their panel recommended a “black box” warning for Ritalin and all other ADHD drugs.
A black box warning label is the most serious a drug can carry. Aside from causing death, these drugs can lead to heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, palpitations and arrhythmia.
ADD drugs like Adderall are nothing more than stimulants. As we know from their illegal counterparts, these drugs can have serious side effects. And, they’re addictive. One study from England found that the children’s drug Ritalin has a more potent effect on the brain than cocaine.
Discover the Safe and Effective Alternatives
You don’t need dangerous drugs to fight ADD. In fact, many of the symptoms disappear when you make changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Here’s how to start:
• Stop eating processed foods. Especially the ones that contain artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
• Make sure you get enough omega-3s in your diet. If you don’t, take a fish oil supplement. Also, balance the ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s. A lot of the commercial meat you get at the grocery store has far too much omega-6 fatty acids. (See Health Alert 152.)
• Stop drinking sodas and soft drinks. Even many of the fruit juices contain artificial ingredients. Instead, drink pure water or raw milk when available.
• Eliminate sugars and grains.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD