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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by golfergman on April 8, 2003, at 10:43:04
Hello, Im a 47 , male who has tried the normal prescription medications , ritilan, wellbutrin and stratterra . These medications all had side effects I could not live with. I even bought some deprenyl from overseas hoping it would improve my situation. But to no avail, all made me feel unlike myself , spacey and gave me anxiety. Then I was driving in my car one day and I heard a nutrionist talk about a supplement called Norwegian Salmon Oil. He talked about how its good for the heart and circulatory system. Then he slightly mentioned how some people with ADHD found it improved there concentration and their condition in general. Salmon oil is comprised of two fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic Acid, or EPA , and Docoshexanoic Acid , or DHA. Its the DHA that appears interesting in regards to ADHA. According to some studies deficiency of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is linked to ADHD {Richardson et al. 2000a, b. ) In this study patients with low omega-3 fatty acid levels had more temper tantrums and learning, health, and sleep problems than those with high levels of these fatty acids (Burgess et al. 2000.) DHA supplementation has proven helpful in people with ADHD. It has also been found to possibly help patients with depession and dyslexia (Richardson et al . 2002.) Well I have been on Salmon Oil for about two weeks and I'm atonished in the change thats taken place. I really bought the oil for the heart healthy aspect not really thinking the ADHA benifits would be forth coming. But , to my amazement for the first time in my life I have a greater ablity to concentrate . I feel I can focus on tasks more easily. Its possible that my brain was deffecient in these fatty acids . It might also help people with deppression . The only caveat to taking this supplement is if your on some blood thinning agent.It helps thin the blood ,thus benifits the cardiovascular system. If so , please consult your physician before trying it. If you have ADHD you might want to try this natural approach.
Posted by linkadge on April 8, 2003, at 11:26:17
In reply to ADHD , Finally found something that works, posted by golfergman on April 8, 2003, at 10:43:04
A lot of folks think it works a lot better than just a smidge. It can dramatically increase dopamine, which is exactly what Ritalin/Adderall etc do. It also has quite a few more brain benefits.
Good Luck
Linkadge
Posted by wendy b. on April 8, 2003, at 12:48:33
In reply to ADHD , Finally found something that works, posted by golfergman on April 8, 2003, at 10:43:04
Do you buy a particular brand?
Is salmon better than other fish oils?
And you think the Norwegian is better than others? Is it the way it's processed?Very interesting, and thank you in advance for responding to my questions...
Wendy
Posted by golfergman on April 8, 2003, at 13:33:00
In reply to Re: ADHD and Norwegian salmon oil » golfergman, posted by wendy b. on April 8, 2003, at 12:48:33
One of the best brands is Carlsons. Each batch is individually tested for potency and is free from mercury . I suppose there are other brands that would be fine . But thats the brand Im taking. As for Norwegian or not. Most seem to be from Norweagian sources. There are numerous other benifits from this oil , such as increase lubrication of the bone joints. Do a www.google.com search on Norwegian Salmon Oil and you will find many interesting findings. Good Luck and let me know if it helps.
Posted by golfergman on April 8, 2003, at 13:34:07
In reply to Re: ADHD and Norwegian salmon oil » golfergman, posted by wendy b. on April 8, 2003, at 12:48:33
I almost forgot, try a dosage of 3 grams a day . That is the recommended dose for best results.
Posted by beardedlady on April 8, 2003, at 14:03:24
In reply to ADHD , Finally found something that works, posted by golfergman on April 8, 2003, at 10:43:04
My fish oil is 300 mg. of EPA and 200 mg. of DHA. I've had three different brands, and none of them has said salmon, yet all have had the same ratio of EPA to DHA.
Is there a different ratio in your salmon oil that makes it better for ADHD? (Just curious. I read the fish oil and magnesium posts!)
beardy
Posted by golfergman on April 8, 2003, at 17:44:29
In reply to fish v. salmon » golfergman, posted by beardedlady on April 8, 2003, at 14:03:24
Carlsons brand has 750mg of omega 3 fatty acids, including 360mg of EPA and 250 mg of DHA adn 20 mg of vitiman E. According to what I understand Norwegian Salmon oil comes from deep , unpolluted waters.
Posted by linkadge on April 9, 2003, at 14:06:02
In reply to Re: fish v. salmon, posted by golfergman on April 8, 2003, at 17:44:29
No,
just look for a reputable brand, and the
EPA and DHA levelsLinkadge
Posted by SLynn on April 9, 2003, at 15:28:17
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works, posted by linkadge on April 8, 2003, at 11:26:17
> A lot of folks think it works a lot better than just a smidge. It can dramatically increase dopamine, which is exactly what Ritalin/Adderall etc do. It also has quite a few more brain benefits.
>
>
> Good Luck
After reading these few posts, I am going to try giving it to my son to see if it helps out his concentration in school (he has ADD). When is best to take it? Morning? Evening? Do you think a 9 year old should take an adult 2000 calorie diet dose? I am not giving up his other meds, but on them, he still has trouble focussing in the afternoons. I am hoping this will give him a "boost" without having to increase current medication. Thanks so much for the imput!
>
>
> Linkadge
Posted by noa on April 9, 2003, at 16:03:44
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works » linkadge, posted by SLynn on April 9, 2003, at 15:28:17
I don't know offhand about doses for kids. But, if he doesn't like the taste, you might consider flavored products like Coromega, which are little packets (like take out ketchup packets) of orange-flavored fish oil. I think they are made with kids in mind.
I know there was a good web site floating around here somewhere with an article that discussed fish oil and kids. If I can find it, I'll give you the link. But I seem to remember reading there that for kids, DHA may be more important than EPA.
Posted by utopizen on April 9, 2003, at 16:31:14
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works » linkadge, posted by SLynn on April 9, 2003, at 15:28:17
> After reading these few posts, I am going to try giving it to my son to see if it helps out his concentration in school (he has ADD). When is best to take it? Morning? Evening? Do you think a 9 year old should take an adult 2000 calorie diet dose? I am not giving up his other meds, but on them, he still has trouble focussing in the afternoons.
>Have you tried Concerta or Metadate (Ritalin extended release versions)? Or how about Adderall XR? Dexedrine Spansules (R)? If he has trouble focusing in the afternoons, I'm betting he just takes an Adderall in the morning, no? He should try 2 Adderalls a day, one in the early afternoon, if this is the case... or Adderall XR.
You're free to try the salmon oil, but it's snake oil IMHO.
Posted by golfergman on April 10, 2003, at 9:01:47
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works » SLynn, posted by utopizen on April 9, 2003, at 16:31:14
I found a great article explaining ADD and fatty acid deciciency. http://mercola.com/beef/adhd/htm , written by Dr. Joseph Mercola. It explains how our diet is defiecient in these fatty acids and how it relates to the health of the brain and especially how it relates to children and adhd. As to dosage. An adult with a dosage of 3 grams a day , you might try 2 grams and see if that has effect .If not try 3 grams. I dont see any danger in taking 3 grams . One last note, believe me ,I was skeptical at first , but after taking Salmon oil , I know it has benificial results. I have come to the belief that alot of our maladies come from malnutrition . With all the processed foods we eat in our Amercan diet , and the depleted soils which are farmed , our diets have become quite different than our parents and grandparents.
Posted by golfergman on April 10, 2003, at 9:11:56
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works » SLynn, posted by utopizen on April 9, 2003, at 16:31:14
Sorry I gave the incorrect website address the correct one is http://www.mercola.com/beef/adhd.htm
Posted by golfergman on April 10, 2003, at 9:28:53
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works » SLynn, posted by utopizen on April 9, 2003, at 16:31:14
Also, make sure your child starts off the day with a protien rich breakfast, instead of sugary cerals and drinks. Amino acids provided in protein are necessary along with fatty acids to provide the necessary nutrients to the brain. Things like eggsandwiches, peanut butter, cheese are high in protein.
Posted by SLynn on April 10, 2003, at 10:20:47
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works, posted by golfergman on April 10, 2003, at 9:28:53
> Also, make sure your child starts off the day with a protien rich breakfast, instead of sugary cerals and drinks. Amino acids provided in protein are necessary along with fatty acids to provide the necessary nutrients to the brain. Things like eggsandwiches, peanut butter, cheese are high in protein.
Thank you so much for your help. Let me give you a little history here. We have been battling ADD for the last 3 years. We have tried every stimulant on the market. The stimulants proceeded to bring out a tic disorder that he was just diagnosed with. The stimulants make the tics worse. He does NOT have Tourettes, just a childhood tic disorder (so far anyway). So, we have switched to Strattera. He is on 30mg a day and it works very well for him. The only thing is that he takes Haldol(sp?) for his tics and it effects the Strattera. So, his attention is a little off at times. I am trying the Salmon Oil to see if it will give him that extra "boost" that he needs with his attention. He CANNOT take stimulants. Not only do they make his tics worse, but he has such ups and downs that he becomes depressed and extremely isolated. He did not sleep and he lost weight on the stims. Now, on the Strattera, he sleeps solid, he eats like a bear and is always in a great mood....no ups and downs like the stims. I purchased the 1000mg of salmon oil...it is the exact brand that you are using. I am only starting him on 1 pill instead of 2....the recommended dosage. I gave him his first pill last night and he did not have a problem swallowing it...they are huge! Should I give it to him in the morning with breakfast or at night with dinner? I am thrilled that this might help him. It is all natural, so why not try it? I am up for just about anything! Thanks again for your advise....more would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by golfergman on April 10, 2003, at 10:35:33
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works » golfergman, posted by SLynn on April 10, 2003, at 10:20:47
Try giving it to him in the morning with a high protien breakfast.
Posted by utopizen on April 10, 2003, at 14:20:09
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works, posted by golfergman on April 10, 2003, at 9:01:47
That site is rather quack-ish looking to me.
For one thing, it cites "Ciba Ceigy" as one of the big evil companies in the world. Why is it that only anti-Ritalin quacks haven't gotten the memo they changed their name to Novartis like a thousand years ago? Sort of tells you how little they actually know of ADHD treatment when they don't even know their biggest target's name.
I took Omega-3's for a few months with absolutely no notice of any changes in the way I concentrated. Your children will likely not see any change, either.
Sugar drinks and animal proteins should be avoided for other reasons anyway. Stick to a diet rich in plant-based proteins and chill out on the quack sites. Switch to Concerta or Adderall XR for your kid, possibly augumenting it with Straterra. But for goodness sakes, and I say this as a kid who's at an Ivy league school no thanks to my parents who claimed I was lazy since age 7 instead of having me see a doctor for my inattentive ADD-- TREAT YOUR CHILDREN TO WHATEVER YOUR DOCTOR tell you, not some idiot like me or anyone else on this board.
Posted by golfergman on April 10, 2003, at 14:43:19
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works, posted by utopizen on April 10, 2003, at 14:20:09
I dont believe I, or anyone on this thread ever said not to follow your doctors advice. I tried all the standard medicines for ADHD , including Straterra and found no relief from my symptoms. I researched further and found numerous , university medical studies giving omega fatty acids merit. It is working for me . Obviously it wont work for everyone , as every persons condition is different. But to negate nutrional and alternative treatments for adhd as having no merit and calling it " snake oil " is sadly closed minded and frankly ignores numerous medical studies. Everyone must find what they feel is right to them . I found something that worked for me , I hope everyone on this thread find medicines or supplements that will help their condition.
Posted by beardedlady on April 10, 2003, at 15:14:39
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works, posted by utopizen on April 10, 2003, at 14:20:09
I think Mercola is a quack, too. But you shouldn't count out Omega 3s for others just because they didn't work for you.
Studies have shown it's an effective augmentation to ADs and that it helps elevate the mood. And people swear by it. And no one, to my knowledge, has argued that fish oil isn't good for the heart. (I take a small dose every day, and I haven't noticed much of a difference past the first week, but, as I said, it's a small dose.)
For most people, this is a remedy that can't hurt. Let's not dash their hopes.
Shoot, even snake oil has its benefits, even if it's a placebo.
beardy
Posted by SLynn on April 10, 2003, at 20:57:23
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works, posted by golfergman on April 10, 2003, at 14:43:19
> I dont believe I, or anyone on this thread ever said not to follow your doctors advice. I tried all the standard medicines for ADHD , including Straterra and found no relief from my symptoms. I researched further and found numerous , university medical studies giving omega fatty acids merit. It is working for me . Obviously it wont work for everyone , as every persons condition is different. But to negate nutrional and alternative treatments for adhd as having no merit and calling it " snake oil " is sadly closed minded and frankly ignores numerous medical studies. Everyone must find what they feel is right to them . I found something that worked for me , I hope everyone on this thread find medicines or supplements that will help their condition.
I agree with you completely. I have done so much research trying to find the "perfect" medication for my son and so have his doctors. I give my son medication that they tell me to, but I also have to be on the look out for something (anything) that could help. ESPECIALLY if it is all natural. Strattera helps my son...that does not mean that it will help anyone else. This goes for all medication. All of our bodies are different and meds work differently for all of us. I also hope that everyone on this thread finds medication (natural or not) that will help them. NO ONE should have to go through what kids and adults do when trying to find meds that will work for them. Please do not stop posting suggestions.....they may help someone out there!
Posted by Hattree on April 11, 2003, at 9:53:39
In reply to Re: ADHD , Finally found something that works » golfergman, posted by SLynn on April 10, 2003, at 20:57:23
Dr. Amen is a prominent if still slightly controversial psychiatrist. He is a proponent of using diet management and supplements either instead of or in addition to medication. His book, Healing ADD, goes into detail. (My husband has read the book cover to cover, not having ADD).
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