Our children are born into a world in which Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are diagnosed at an escalating rate. These conditions are often hastily medicated while parents are given a few vague lifestyle suggestions, with the main advice being to accept the condition and the bottles of pharmaceutical drugs it requires. Many parents and caregivers are not satisfied with this solution, and understandably seek out natural treatments for their children. One crucial step in naturally treating ADD and ADHD is to ensure your child is getting enough magnesium.

Compared to past generations, we live in plentiful times in which food and shelter are readily available. Yet today’s children are more prone to magnesium deficiency than ever before. This happens for two primary reasons:

Stress. The number of stressors in our children’s lives is unprecedented and seems to increase with each generation. Think about it: soccer practice, body image, loud music, math exams, peer pressure, disturbing images and events that occur every day — our children are being hit with stress from every possible angle. And children who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD deal with a level of stressors even more difficult to face.

This never-ending stress, with its accompanying flood of adrenaline, drains the body of magnesium, because magnesium is essential to the release of hormones, such as adrenaline. Since magnesium is used to calm the nervous system, the more stress children experience, the more magnesium their bodies use.

Poor nutrition. Children’s diets today are filled with manufactured foods, refined sugars and food additives. This type of diet depletes children of magnesium in two ways. First, this diet is extremely low in magnesium to begin with. Second, refined sugars and food additives can actually stress the nervous system, causing the body to use up magnesium supplies as it tries to counteract this effect.

Junk sugars and food additives are known to contribute to ADD and hyperactivity because they stimulate the nervous system and cause blood sugar fluctuations. Improving the diet is one of the most effective ways of dealing with ADD and ADHD in children. By replacing junk foods with nutrient-dense alternatives, you can naturally increase your child’s magnesium intake in addition to giving the benefits of eating a balanced diet.

Magnesium relaxes the mind. The body uses magnesium to facilitate sending messages throughout our nervous system. Magnesium is also used to calm the nervous system, which is doubly important in children with hyperactivity disorders. With the correct amount of magnesium present in the body, children can think clearer and concentrate better. Magnesium is also a key factor in the production of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that provides a feeling of calm and wellbeing. Low levels of serotonin are associated with irritability, moodiness and depression.

Magnesium relaxes the body. Magnesium is essential for the relaxation of muscle fibers. Without this essential mineral, spasms and twitches are a common problem. Magnesium helps muscles in the body relax and function properly without disturbances. When the body feels calm, it is easier for hyperactive children to behave calmly.

Of course, there are many other health benefits resulting from sufficient magnesium. A few examples:

Magnesium is essential in regulating blood sugar, which can prevent highs and lows. It helps absorb and utilize other important minerals and nutrients. It activates enzymes that manage energy production, nutrient absorption, and hormone production. It’s a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage.

All of these factors can improve the overall health of our children, and help manage conditions ADD and hyperactivity.

The best way to increase your child’s magnesium intake is through food. Roughly fifty percent of the magnesium found in food is absorbed and utilized by the body. Choose organic foods whenever possible, as organic practices often increase magnesium content in foods. Here is a list of foods naturally rich in magnesium:

All of these factors can improve the overall health of our children, and help manage conditions ADD and hyperactivity. The best way to increase your child’s magnesium intake is through food. Roughly fifty percent of the magnesium found in food is absorbed and utilized by the body. Choose organic foods whenever possible, as organic practices often increase magnesium content in foods. Here is a list of foods naturally rich in magnesium:

Easily-absorbable Hippocrates Pure Food-Grade Magnesium Chloride is available.