The A.D.D. Nutrition Solution: A Drug-Free 30 Day Plan [Paperback]

Marcia Zimmerman M.Ed. C.N. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 7, 1999

The first scientifically proven, effective, all-natural nutritional alternative to the much-prescribed drug Ritalin Attention deficit disorder is a nutritional deficiency, not a psychological condition. This is the revolutionary discovery Marcia Zimmerman made during her ten years of research as a nutritional biochemist. That conclusion led her to develop a diet that addresses the specific needs of the 17 million adults and children suffering from ADD. Her easy-to-follow thirty-day plan has been proven just as effective as Ritalin in relieving the symptoms of ADD.

Learn:
- How women should boost their nutrition before conception to prevent ADD in their children.
- Why boys are much likelier to be tagged as ADD than girls
- How to get a reliable ADD diagnosis Reasons why parents prefer a diet plan to prescription drugs for ADD children
- The effects of brain allergies on attention span
- Foods to avoid that may exacerbate ADD
- Fats and oils we all need to stay focused
- Calming effects of carbohydrates
- Concentration-enhancing protein
- Why to stay away from simple sugars
- The dangers of artificial food ingredients, and much more

This important book will help us curb the epidemic growth of ADD in this country and change the way we treat those who have it now by addressing its source instead of merely treating its symptoms.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Nutrition-based therapies have been used effectively to treat a wide variety of health problems, ranging from PMS to cancer. In this helpful guide, clinical nutritionist Zimmerman discusses how diet therapy can provide long-term relief and even a cure for attention deficit disorder (ADD). During the past decade, the use of Ritalin, the drug most commonly prescribed for ADD, has risen 600 percent, but its effects are temporary and possibly harmful. Zimmerman's program for getting off medication involves eliminating allergic foods, additives, pollutants, and harmful fats and instead focusing on unprocessed, nutrient-rich meals supplemented with fatty acids, minerals, and vitamin co-enzymes. Her 30-day plan provides food charts and recipe ideas. This effective, natural approach, based on extensive research on the link between diet and brain function, will be greatly appreciated by parents of children diagnosed with ADD. Highly recommended for public libraries.AIlse Heidmann, San Marcos, TX
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Zimmerman prefers the term attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) to attention deficit disorder (ADD). The teacher and nutritional biochemist posits prevention as the first priority in dealing with AD/HD, but once it is manifest, the most effective approach is to treat causes rather than symptoms--and Ritalin, she believes, is a symptom reliever rather than a treater. She discusses the various causes and stresses the importance of a carefully worked out diagnosis. Once that is reached, treatment can proceed realistically. Proper management of the child's activities and attitudes at home and at school is vital. Suitable foods, attractively prepared and presented, constitute the main element in her program, and she counsels sitting down, relaxing, and chewing at meals. Sugar is dangerous, the widely touted olestra can be troublesome, and even optimal regular nutrition needs supplements, so Zimmerman helpfully details acceptable and unacceptable supplements. The informative book is itself supplemented by lists of AD/HD-provoking additives, sources of appropriate foods and supplements, and resources for further information. William Beatty

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks; 1 edition (June 7, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805061282
• ISBN-13: 978-0805061284
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,582 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Special Needs > Disabilities
  • #75 in Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Management Science

More About the Author

About Marcia Zimmerman

Marcia Zimmerman's earliest training was in medical technology and she worked in hospital laboratories where she studied living cells going about their business. Her special areas of interest were microbiology, histology, and biochemistry.

Marriage and the birth of three sons found Marcia re-directing her interest into education and she earned a post graduate degree in education and a California Life Credential in chemistry, biology and mathematics. She taught these subjects for several years. In time, the lure of molecules and a position in the lab the pediatrics department at Stanford University Medical School, got her back among the test tubes.

The pediatric research team, who was studying cancer and enzyme biochemistry, maintained strictly optimum levels of macro and micro nutrients for the living cells they were culturing and for the mice that were used in their research. In Marcia's words, "it began to dawn on me that each of the 100 trillion cells within the human body needed that same level of nutrition if they were to survive."

This realization sparked Marcia's study of nutrition and when her parents decided to retire, Marcia, her husband Jon, and sons bought their health food store. She asserts, "I was intrigued by all the bottles of nutrients and determined to learn how each contributed to optimum cellular function." She worked with children, many of whom had behavioral and learning disorders. She also guided parents and other adults in choosing a "super nutrition" regimen to jump start their journey back to health. It was extremely rewarding but a larger audience waited outside her small store.

Marcia's next move was back to school to earn an advanced degree in nutritional biochemistry. She also wrote coursework for a distance learning program to certify nutritionists. She became an expert in the use of dietary supplements and dietary measures to correct biochemical imbalances - before they caused trouble. In applying all the biochemical knowledge she had accrued, she designed programs with a specific desired outcome that suited a vast number of people.

Marcia's emphasis has always been on research rather than clinical work. She has authored several books that appeal to an international audience. She has lectured throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. According to Marcia, "information is so much more accessible today with the Internet. I use this tool for research, and to communicate and educate." We note that she also maintains an active speaking schedule and media tours as each of her books is released

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

276 of 280 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars READ THIS ONE FIRST!!!, June 21, 1999

By 

DOMIGENE YELLETS - See all my reviews

This review is from: The A.D.D. Nutrition Solution: A Drug-Free 30 Day Plan (Paperback)

I wish I would have found this book before putting hundreds of hours at the computer researching the same subjects in order to help my 5 year old son. I didn't think anyone had published a work such as this because the three doctors we have taken our son concerning his ADHD and behavorial problems practically laughed in our faces concerning the treatments outlined in this book; they wanted to medicate, medicate, medicate. And while medication has helped my son concentrate in school, it did nothing for his anger, aggressiveness, and tantrums. I have read a lot of books on ADHD in the past 7 months trying to help my son, but this book is the best at explaining the full range of things that could be affecting your child's behavior, concentration, and hyperactivity. Marcia Zimmerman explains the relationship between essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, nutrition, and allergies as they pertain to proper brain functioning, but is technical without being overwhelming. If you have tried medication after medication and nothing is working then medication cannot be the solution to your child's problems. If you have been looking for some nutritional and biochemical answers to your child's problems, this is the book for you. If you are just starting down this road with your child and medication is not what you want, this is the book for you. If you want what is best for your child, this is the book for you. The investment in time you give to reading the book and trying the techniques outlined in the book can certainly make a difference in the life of your child.

104 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This should be the first book you read on A.D.D.!, February 27, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Whittier, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The A.D.D. Nutrition Solution: A Drug-Free 30 Day Plan (Paperback)

Over the past six years, I have read literally hundreds of books and articles on A.D.D., and consulted with some of the "best in this field" doctors. I truly wanted to help my son, and I did not agree with the doctors' "solution" of several doses of Ritalin daily. Marcia's nutrional plan was the only thing in my six year search that has really made a difference! After just altering a few of the many suggested dietary items, everyone noticed a remarkable change in Sean's behavior. He has been learning faster, is happier, and is much more like a "normal" kid. And the best part - he has been off Ritalin for over a year and a half! Parents - for yourself, but especially for your child: Read Marcia's book! It will make a positive difference in your family's life! The book is very interesting and is an easy read. (Unlike alot of experts who write on this subject, Marcia truly cares about our kids, and wants to make a difference!) I considered myself quite knowledgeable on this subject, but I learned so much from Marcia's book! THIS SHOULD BE THE FIRST BOOK YOU READ IF YOU EVEN SUSPECT YOUR CHILD HAS A.D.D.! God Bless Marcia! A very grateful parent, Lynn Stone

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good info on supplements and diet, June 13, 2003

By 

FloCo "FloCo" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The A.D.D. Nutrition Solution: A Drug-Free 30 Day Plan (Paperback)

I'd give this book a higher rating if the book had been updated since '99. This book is a quick read if you've looked at other ADD nutrition books...dump the sugar, simple carbs, food additives, and increase vitamins and supplements...Zimmerman's arguments for why certain supplements, like fatty acids, are good for you, is an interesting read. Her 30-day diet to feed your brain and isolate food allergies that may aggravate your ADD sypmptoms is not as tough as it seems, and I have found the supplements to be exceptionally helpful for treating the aspects of my "creative wiring" that I don't like -- procrastination, inertia, etc. I found it a worthwhile read.