ADHD Natural Treatment For Children and Adults With ADHD
While medication is the mainstay of treatment for ADHD, it's not the only option. Patients with ADHD may also benefit from behavioral therapy, dietary changes and supplements.
Stimulants increase concentration and focus through the enhancement of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. If stimulants cause unpleasant negative side effects, non-stimulants may be used.
1. Eating Clean
Many believe that diet may influence ADHD symptoms. Research has shown certain foods can make ADHD children hyperactive, whereas others help or lessen symptoms. This is why a lot of parents seek to treat their children's ADHD by eating a healthy diet.
Some ADHD experts suggest not to consume a large number of foods and chemicals that are found in processed foods. Instead, they recommend eating a healthy diet of whole foods, with a preference for unprocessed or minimally processed foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthful fats and lean proteins. This type of diet helps to maintain a stable mood and regulate blood sugar.
Other ADHD natural remedies include nutritional supplements and herbs. For example iron deficiency can be seen in kids with ADHD, and supplementation can help alleviate symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower extract have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Elimination diets can be beneficial for some adults and children with ADHD. These diets are based upon the belief that certain foods, like artificial sweeteners and preservatives can cause hyperactivity. Certain people are also sensitive to caffeine which is found in energy drinks, sodas and coffee drinks.
Another option is to get a food allergy or sensitivity test performed. These can be done at a clinic or at the home. When food sensitivities or allergies have been identified, the person can start an elimination diet to determine the foods that are problematic. A registered dietitian can help to make the process easier, and ensure the child gets adequate nutrition, while removing the problematic food. This is an excellent alternative to medications for those who do not like them or do not want to use them on a long-term basis.
2. Avoiding Allergies and Sensitivities
Many kids and adults with ADHD suffer from food allergies and sensitivities. Eliminating these food items can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some examples of foods that should be avoided include food dyes, MSG (a preservative used in processed food items), and artificial sweeteners. Nitrites, found in the lunch meat and canned foods, can be harmful as they alter the hormones that control the central nervous system, which can increase blood pressure and heart rate and causes breathing issues.
The testing for food allergies is essential to determine which foods cause ADHD symptoms. Once the ingredient or food that triggers the symptoms is identified, it can be eliminated from the diet. This will allow your body to recover, and return to its normal functioning. A single-food elimination diet is often employed, where an ingredient in food or a food is eliminated from the diet for a period of time. Then, it is reintroduced to see how the symptoms are affected. This method can be difficult to master and should only be utilized under the supervision of a registered dietitian or a doctor.
Children with ADHD should eat regularly even if it does not make them feel hungry. This will help stabilize their blood sugar levels as well as lessen the impact stimulants can have on the brain.
Some herbal supplements have been found to increase focus and attention in those with ADHD. treatment for adults with add can be taken as a stand-alone or in conjunction with other natural products and ADHD medication. Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) and Ginkgo biloba have been proven to increase dopamine levels which can reduce hyperactivity. Passionflower extract is also similar to methylphenidate in treating ADHD symptoms.
3. Get Better Sleep
Adequate sleep is the best natural treatment for ADHD for both adults and children. Insufficient sleep can cause attention and mood issues, so it's crucial to make sure you get the right amount of sleep each night.
If you're struggling to fall asleep or remain asleep, consult your doctor. There are a variety of reasons why you might be experiencing difficulties with sleep, such as sleep disturbances or medications that affect your body's ability to relax.
Sleep problems can also happen when you are taking stimulant medication for ADHD. Certain studies suggest that stimulant medicines such as Ritalin and Adderall could affect your sleep. You can combat these sleep issues by taking your medication at the same time throughout the day, avoiding caffeine, and taking naps during the day. Also, you can ask for four-hour-doses instead medications.
Sleep deprivation can make it difficult to concentrate and focus. If you're having trouble concentrating with focusing, try to get the recommended 10-11 hours of sleep per night of sleep for children. It is also helpful to establish a routine bedtime routine and keep your room dark and quiet.
You must also limit the amount of sugar you consume and avoid foods that you know trigger symptoms such as fast or processed foods. A balanced diet can help ease your symptoms and give more energy.
Herbal supplements and herbal remedies can aid, particularly if you are vitamin deficient. Some studies suggest melatonin can alleviate insomnia caused by ADHD, while other herbal medicines such as Korean red ginseng, ginkgo biloba French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) and bacopa monnieri can help reduce the inattention ADHD symptoms. (14) However, more research is needed, so you should always check with your doctor before trying any supplements or herbal treatments.
4. Meditation
The brain, like muscles, needs to be trained to stay healthy. Meditation is a way to improve the focus part of the brain. It helps people observe their thoughts and feelings and teaches people to bring their wandering thoughts back into the present moment.
Meditation also aids in balancing the brain's neurotransmitter levels, which can ease ADHD symptoms. This is important because low dopamine levels are frequently associated with the condition, and meditation has been found to boost the production of dopamine in the brain.
The most important thing to make meditation effective is regularity. It's essential, just as with exercise to stick to a schedule. It's also helpful to have an accountability partner to meditate with. This can make it easier to keep up with a daily routine. You can also experiment with various methods of meditation until you find one that is effective for you.
In addition to meditation, there are also several herbs that can help improve cognitive functioning. These herbs can be eaten as food or in capsule form. Some of the most well-known herbs that can be used to treat ADHD include Ashwagandha, Gingko Biloba, and Bacopa monnieri.
These natural treatments can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms effectively without taking medication. It is essential to consult with your doctor prior to trying any new techniques or supplements. Therapy and medication are the most effective methods to treat ADHD, but these natural methods are a great addition to your treatment program. By putting sleep first along with eating a healthy diet and having regular meditation sessions, you can be well on your way to managing your ADHD symptoms naturally.
5. Exercise
Many people with ADHD have difficulty keeping their brains and body active. This is a large component of the reason for the hyperactive and impulsive behavior. You can assist your brain in refocusing by increasing your physical activity. You might also observe that it decreases your symptoms and increases your ability to control your emotions and behaviors.
Exercise has also been proven to increase the dopamine levels in your brain, a chemical which enhances attention and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety and depression which are frequently linked to ADHD. Exercise is more effective in combating depression, anxiety and ADHD in adults than medications.
Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a day, or four or five days per week. You can try swimming, dancing or running. But it is essential to choose an activity that you love and are able to be committed to. Selecting an activity that you enjoy will help you stay motivated to complete it, particularly when you exercise in a social group.
Yoga and meditation are two other natural treatments that can help ADHD. Both of these have been proven to increase dopamine levels and improve moods in healthy people. They can also help to improve self-control, which is an issue for children and teenagers with ADHD.
You can make use of these natural remedies as a complement to or in lieu of medicines prescribed by your physician. However, you should always consult with your physician prior to making any significant lifestyle changes or experimenting with new products. They can provide you with more information about the best treatment options.