I just sent this info to another mom requesting info about natural solutions for ADD/ADHD...I hope this will be helpful to you R..
I will tell you my children do not suffer with ADD/ADHD but I know several children that do. The info I will share with you comes from a couple of sources: my experience working for a wellness company, feedback from a few friends who have children afflicted with ADD/ADHD, and just a general pursuit of knowledge for anything safe or natural other than the "norm" (modern medicine).
As for the dietary modifications, clinical studies have shown there is a link to dietary factors especially with simple sugar cravings and intolerance to sugar. Several studies show a link to essential fatty acid deficiencies within the brain (i.e. Omega 3's). Reducing fried foods, cooked and rancid oils (french fries, potato chips, etc.) sugar (especially artificial sweeteners like Sweet N Low or Splenda) and food colorings have been shown to reduce reactions and behavioral changes. Also avoid carbonated drinks. The phosphate additives may be the cause of hyperkinesias, or exaggerated muscle activity. The phosphorous in sodas may also leech calcium and magnesium from the body creating a deficiency, which can create hyperactivity and in severe cases, seizures. Meat and fat are also high in phosphorous.
As for personal environment modifications, this list could go on and on. Clinical studies have also shown a link to environmental factors. Household cleaners and personal care products are a huge source of dangerous chemicals and toxins and synthetics are also something to consider. Getting these items out of the house is essential since they release toxins and chemical vapors into the air even while sitting under a sink...this is called out-gassing. While one person may not appear to be particularly sensitive to the chemicals, another person can have a completely different and bad reaction to them. Replacing them with truly natural, chemical and toxin free products is the key.
I haven't heard of the Focus Factor vitamins you mentioned, however, you are on the right track by providing him with a GOOD multi vitamin. I stress the word good because the major-named vitamins available at every store are unfortunately not much but junk. Often times they are only 20% soluble in our bodies so money spent on these literally goes down the toilet. The vitamins we use in my house are up to 85% soluble and have a patented complex to guarantee their absorbability. They are awesome.
We also have a grape seed extract supplement which will reduce free radical activity and help reduce sensitivities to allergies. It has been observed that people taking our grape seed extract on a regular basis noticed an improvement in concentration, mental focus, sleep and moods and showed just as much improvement as those who were on stimulant drugs.
I know this was a lot of information so I hope I didn't overload you! If you are interested, I would be more than happy to share the names of these products and where we get them...I didn't want to seem like I was pushing them on you. I hope this helps...I think it's awesome you are looking for alternative ways to be pro-active about your son. I really wish more parents were pro-active with themselves and their children rather than reactive with what I call the "microwave fix"...prescribing prescription drugs to cover up the issue because they don't have the patience or want to invest the time in solving it. Feel free to contact me anytime at ____@____.com luck! :)