Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Dr. Todd Austin's ADHD Protocol

1) Determine whether the patient's neurotransmitter levels are deficient via either lab tests or the brain function questionnaire (ie, are dopamine, norepinephrine and/or serotonin levels decreased?).

2) Specific chiropractic adjustments. From my years of clinical experience, I've seen that many ADHD kids have cervical and thoracic spine misalignments.

3) Get the patient off of sugar and high fructose corn syrup as much as possible, as well any 'junk' high glycemic carbohydrates.  Unfortunately, public school breakfasts & lunches are a major problem here. Peanut butter (with sugar added) & jelly (with sugar added) on white bread is not healthy in any way, shape or form. Also, a bowl of "Lucky Charms" and a chocolate milk (full of high fructose corn syrup) is a huge 'no-no' too. Kids will need to give up (non-diet) soda too, except for rare special occasions. For more info, watch my "Evils of High Fructose Corn Syrup" video. The link to the HFCS video is found below.

4) Get the patient more sleep. A pre-teen (or younger) needs 11 hrs/night, whereas for a teenager, 10 hrs/night is acceptable.

5) Put the patient on 5-HTP (if needed) to promote deeper sleep.

6) Have the patient take a good optimal daily allowance (ODA) multivitamin/multimineral supplement.

7) Have the patient use a quality Children's Fish Oil supplement with good levels of 'DHA' Omega 3 fatty acids, which are key for
brain development and optimal brain function.

8) Have the patient take either 'BRAIN FOCUS' formula for improved mental clarity or SAMe to improve dopamine and or norepinephrine deficiencies.

9) Wean the patient off of prescription ADHD amphetamines (if the parents choose to go this route) in the summer months (as this usually takes 2 to 3 months). This is done during the summer as to not interfere with the students school grades.

************** RELATED LINKS *****************

BRAIN FUNCTION QUESTIONNAIRE - unabridged version

BRAIN FUNCTION QUESTIONNAIRE - abridged version

THE EVILS OF HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP