ADHD Natural Treatment For Children and Adults With ADHD
While medication is the mainstay of treatment for ADHD but it's not the only option. People with the condition can also benefit from behavior therapy, diet modifications, and supplements.
Stimulants improve focus and concentration through the production of brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine. If stimulants cause undesirable negative side effects, non-stimulants may be employed.
1. Eating clean
Many believe that diet may have a major impact on ADHD symptoms. Studies have shown that certain foods cause children with ADHD act more hyperactive, while other foods improve or reduce symptoms. This is the reason why many parents seek to treat their children's ADHD by eating a healthy diet.
Some ADHD experts recommend staying clear of a list of chemicals and food items found in processed food. Instead, they recommend a healthy diet of whole foods, preferably non-processed or minimally processed food that include fruits, vegetables whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. This type of diet can help to balance blood sugar levels and keep your the mood in check.
Other ADHD natural remedies include nutritional supplements and herbal remedies. Iron deficiency, for instance, is common in ADHD children, and supplementation may alleviate symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower extracts have been shown to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Elimination diets can be beneficial for adults and children with ADHD. These diets are based upon the belief that certain foods like artificial sweeteners or preservatives can cause hyperactivity. Some people are also sensitive to caffeine, which is in sodas, energy drinks, and coffee drinks.
Another option is to get a food allergy or sensitivity test done. The tests can be conducted in a medical clinic or at your home. Once food sensitivities or allergies are established and the individual is able to begin an elimination diet to find problematic foods. A registered dietitian can help to make the process easier, and ensure the child gets adequate nutrition, while removing the problematic food. This is a great alternative to medication for those who don't like them or do not want to use them on a regular basis.
2. Avoiding Allergies and sensitivities
Many kids and adults who suffer from ADHD suffer from food sensitivities and allergies. Eliminating these food items can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some examples of foods that should be avoided include food colorings, MSG (a preservative used in processed foods) and artificial sweeteners. Nitrites, found in the lunch meat and canned foods, can be harmful because they disrupt the hormones that control the central nervous system, causing an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and causes breathing issues.
treatment of add in adults is essential to determine what foods trigger ADHD symptoms. Once the food or ingredient responsible for the symptoms has been identified it can be removed from the diet. This will allow your body to recover, and return to its normal function. A single-food elimination diet is commonly employed, where a food or food additive is removed from the diet for a period of time. Then it is introduced back to determine how symptoms are affected. This method of identifying food allergies can be difficult and should always be performed under the supervision of a doctor or registered dietitian.
Children with ADHD must eat regularly even if it does not make them feel hungry. This will help maintain blood sugar levels and reduce the effect stimulants can have on the brain.
Certain herbal supplements have been found to improve attention and focus for those suffering from ADHD. These supplements can be used as a stand-alone or in combination other natural products and ADHD medication. Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) and Ginkgo biloba have been proven to increase levels of dopamine which can reduce hyperactivity. Passionflower extract is also similar to methylphenidate for treating ADHD symptoms.
3. Improve Your Sleep
Sleeping well is the most effective natural treatment for ADHD in both adults and children. Insufficient sleep can exacerbate mood and attention issues, which is why it's essential to make sure you get the right amount of rest every night.
Speak to your doctor If you're having trouble sleeping or staying asleep. You could be experiencing trouble sleeping for a variety of reasons such as medication that interferes with your body's ability relax or sleep disturbances.
In addition, sleep problems can also occur when you are taking stimulant medication for ADHD. Some studies suggest that certain stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall may affect your sleep. You can overcome these sleep issues by taking your medication at the same time throughout the day, not drinking caffeine, and naps during the day. Also, ask for four-hour-doses instead meds.
Lack of sleep can make it difficult to concentrate and focus. If treatment for add in adults struggling to concentrate, try to get the recommended 10-11 hours of sleep per night of sleep for children. Making a routine of bedtime and ensuring your bedroom is dark and quiet can aid as well.
You should also limit your sugar intake and avoid foods that trigger symptoms such as processed or fast food. A balanced diet can help ease your symptoms and give you more energy.
Herbal supplements and herbs may aid in reducing stress, especially those who are vitamin deficient. Melatonin has been proven to reduce sleeplessness due to ADHD as well as herbal remedies such as Korean red ginseng (Pycnogenol) Ginkgo, ginseng, and French maritime pine bark extract can help reduce ADHD symptoms. (14) But more research is needed therefore you must consult with your doctor prior to taking any supplements or herbal treatments.
4. Meditation
The brain, just like muscles, must be active to stay healthy. Mindfulness meditation is a method to build the focus area of the brain. It teaches people to observe their thoughts and feelings and trains them to bring their wandering thoughts back to the present moment.
Meditation can also help balance brain neurotransmitter levels. This can reduce ADHD symptoms. Meditation has been shown to boost brain dopamine levels, which is important since low levels of dopamine are associated with ADHD.
Consistency is the key to success in meditation. It's crucial, as exercising, to adhere to a schedule. It's also helpful to find an accountability partner to share your thoughts with. This can help you to maintain a daily routine. It's also recommended to try various methods of meditation until you've found one that works well for you.
Apart from meditation, there are several herbs that can help improve cognitive functioning. The herbs can be taken in capsule form or consumed as food. Ashwagandha is one of the most popular herbal remedies for ADHD.
Incorporating these natural remedies into your routine can be an effective way to manage your ADHD symptoms without the use of medications. It's important to consult your doctor prior to trying any new methods or supplements. These natural remedies can be a great complement to medication and therapy for ADHD. You can control your ADHD symptoms by focusing on sleep eating well, exercising regularly, and meditating regularly.
5. Exercise
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to keep their bodies and brains active. This is what causes their hyperactive and impulsive behavior. You can assist your brain in refocusing by increasing your physical activity. You may also notice that it helps reduce your symptoms and enhances your ability to manage your emotions and behaviors.
Additionally, physical activity has been proven to increase dopamine levels in the brain, which is an ingredient that can improve attention and focus. It can also reduce depression and anxiety which are frequently linked to ADHD. Studies have demonstrated that exercise is more effective than medication in reducing depression and anxiety in adults with ADHD.
Try to complete at minimum 30 minutes of moderate intensity workout a day, and four or five days per week. You can do running, dancing or swimming. It is essential to choose one that you are able to stay with and enjoy. Choosing an activity you love can inspire you to keep going, particularly when you exercise in an environment with a group of people.
Another natural treatment that can be beneficial those suffering from ADHD is yoga and meditation. Both of these have been proven to increase dopamine and improve mood in healthy people. They can also help to improve self-control, which is a core challenge for kids and teens with ADHD.
You can use these natural treatments as a supplement or in lieu of medicines prescribed by your physician. Consult your doctor before making any lifestyle changes or trying new products. They can provide more details about the best treatment options for you.