By Dianne Craft, MA, CNHP
The increase in the incidence of attention deficit disorders is both dramatic and alarming. Although the problem is complex, the answer can be simple. It is estimated that, about 70% of the time, the cause of the attention or hyperactivity problem is the overgrowth of the naturally-occurring candida yeast in the child and the upsetting biochemistry that it brings.
Let’s look at some of the most common behavior characteristics of yeast overgrowth in children:
- Poor attention.
- Hyperactivity.
- Anger.
- Mood swings.
- Irritability.
- Spaciness.
- Inappropriate behavior such as making odd noises, or talking very loudly.
- Memory problems—-child knows material some days and not others.
These behavior characteristics are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as leg pains, difficulty falling asleep, sugar craving, canker sores, and poor digestion, or thrush as an infant.
Excessive antibiotic use in a child’s early years can create symptoms that appear to be focusing or hyperactivity problems. These behaviors deceive parents and teachers which frequently leads to the unwarranted use of Ritalin. If this is the cause of a child’s difficulty with focusing or impulsive behavior, Ritalin (or other medications) may help relieve some of the symptoms but do nothing towards helping a child overcome the basic problem. A good natural anti-fungal program and using food and nutritional supplements often brings dramatic improvement in a child’s attention ability and behavior in a short time. During my years of private consultation for my company, Child Diagnostics, I have seen numerous dramatic turnarounds in a child’s life when some very natural supplements are taken to help get this stomach dysbiosis under control. It is always worth considering such a program when searching for help for a child.
Many times a child isn’t hyperactive but rather hyperexcitable. When a child is hyperexcitable he or she can focus on activities such as video games for a long time but seems to escalate into a frenzy of activity and excitement at other times and experiences great difficulty de-escalating (calming down). This is the ADD child who is exhibiting symptoms of a magnesium deficiency which often accompanies candida yeast overgrowth in children.
The information in this article should not be construed as a diagnosis or medical advice. Please consult your physician for any medical condition and before adding supplements or changing a child’s diet.
Dianne Craft has a Master’s Degree in special education and is a Certified Natural Health Professional. She has a private consultation practice, Child Diagnostics, Inc., in Littleton, Colorado.