ADHD Natural Treatment For Children and Adults With ADHD
While medication is the cornerstone of treatment for ADHD, it's not the only option. The condition can be treated using behavioral therapy, diet modifications, and supplements.
Stimulants improve concentration and focus by the increase of brain chemicals norepinephrine, and dopamine. If stimulants have unpleasant side effects, non-stimulants can be used.
1. Healthy eating
Many people believe that diet can influence ADHD symptoms. Research has proven that certain foods cause children with ADHD become more hyperactive, while other foods help or reduce symptoms. This is why many parents attempt to treat their children's ADHD through food.
Some ADHD experts recommend not to consume a large number of foods and chemicals that are present in processed foods. Instead, they recommend eating a healthy diet of whole foods, with a preference for unprocessed or with minimal processing such as fruits, vegetables whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. This kind of diet will help to balance blood sugar levels and keep the mood in check.
Herbs and nutritional supplements are also effective natural ADHD treatments. Iron deficiency, for example is a common problem in ADHD children and supplementation could help relieve symptoms. Ginkgo biloba extract and passionflower extract are both effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Elimination diets may also be helpful for some children and adults suffering from ADHD. These diets are based on the belief that certain foods, like artificial sweeteners or preservatives can cause hyperactivity. Some people are also sensitive to caffeine which is present in energy drinks, sodas, and coffee drinks.
Another option is to have a food allergy or sensitivity test performed. This can be done in the clinic or at home. After food sensitivities or allergies have been identified, a person can start an elimination diet to identify problematic foods. A registered dietitian can make the process easier and ensure that the child is getting adequate nutrition while eliminating problem foods. This is a great alternative to medications for those who aren't at ease with them or do not intend to use them long-term.
2. Avoiding allergies and sensitivities
Many people, including adults and children, with ADHD suffer from food allergies and sensitivities. Eliminating these food items can help decrease ADHD symptoms. Food dyes, MSG, a preservative used in processed food items, and artificial sweeteners are all things to avoid. Nitrites, which are found in the lunch meat and canned foods can also be harmful because they disrupt the hormones that control the central nervous system, which can increase blood pressure and heart rate and causes trouble breathing.
Testing for food allergies is crucial to determine which foods trigger ADHD symptoms. When the food or ingredient that is causing the symptoms is identified, it can be eliminated from the diet. This allows your body to recover, and resume normal functioning. A single-food elimination diet is commonly employed, where an ingredient in food or a food is eliminated from the diet for a specified 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 be conducted under the supervision of a doctor or registered dietitian.
In addition to avoiding food items that are known to cause problems, children suffering from ADHD should consume regular meals even if they don't feel hungry. This will help maintain their blood sugar levels and reduce the effects that stimulants have on the brain.
It has been demonstrated that some herbal supplements can increase concentration and attention among people with ADHD. These supplements can be used either on their own or in conjunction with other natural products and ADHD medications. For instance Ginkgo biloba, ginkgo biloba, and French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) have been proven to increase levels of dopamine. This helps to calm hyperactivity. In addition, passionflower extract has been proven to be similar to methylphenidate in reducing ADHD symptoms.
3. Improved Sleep
Sleeping well is the most effective natural cure for ADHD in children and adults. Insufficient sleep can exacerbate the mood and attention problems, so it is important to get the right amount of sleep each night.
If you're having trouble falling asleep or remain asleep, talk with your doctor. You could be experiencing trouble sleeping due to a variety of causes including medications that interfere with your body's ability to relax or sleep disturbances.
Additionally, sleep issues may also arise when you take stimulant medications for ADHD. Certain studies suggest that stimulant drugs like Ritalin and Adderall can impact your sleep. You can overcome these sleep issues by taking your medication at the same time each day, avoiding caffeine and napping during the day. Also, request four-hour-doses instead of extended release meds.
Lack of sleep can make it difficult to concentrate and stay focused If you're having trouble focusing you should try to sleep the recommended 10-11 hours each night for teens and children. Making a routine of bedtime and ensuring your bedroom is dark and quiet can help, too.
You should also limit your sugar intake and avoid foods that you know cause symptoms, such as processed or fast food. A balanced diet can ease your symptoms and provide more energy.
Herbal supplements and herbs can aid, particularly when you're deficient in vitamins. Melatonin has been found to treat ADHD-induced sleeplessness and insomnia, while herbal remedies like Korean red Ginseng (Pycnogenol) and ginkgo and French maritime pine bark extract can reduce ADHD symptoms. It is crucial to speak with your doctor before taking any supplements or herbal remedies.
4.
Just like a muscle the brain requires exercise to maintain its health. 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 return their wandering thoughts to the present.
Meditation can also help balance the brain's neurotransmitter levels, which can help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Meditation has been shown to boost dopamine production in the brain which is important because low dopamine levels can be associated with ADHD.
The key to making meditation effective is the consistency. It's important, just like with exercise to stick to a schedule. It's also beneficial to find an accountability partner to meditate with. This can help you maintain a routine for your day. You can also test various methods of meditation until you find one that works for you.
Meditation is not the only method to boost cognitive performance. Herbal remedies are also a possibility. These herbs can be consumed as food or in capsule form. Some of the most sought-after herbs that are used to treat ADHD include Ashwagandha, Gingko Biloba, and Bacopa monnieri.
These natural treatments can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms without taking medication. It is important to consult your doctor before trying any new techniques or supplements. Therapy and medication are the most effective methods to treat ADHD but these natural remedies are a great addition to your treatment strategy. You can control your ADHD symptoms by focusing on sleeping eating well, exercising regularly and meditating regularly.
5. Exercise
Many people with ADHD struggle to keep their bodies and brains active. This is what causes their impulsive and hyperactive behavior. By increasing your physical activity, it can aid your brain in refocusing. You might also observe that it helps reduce your symptoms and improves the ability to control your mood and behavior.
Exercise has also been proven to increase the dopamine levels in your brain, a chemical which enhances attention and focus. It also helps reduce depression and anxiety which are frequently linked to ADHD. Exercise is more effective in combating depression, anxiety and ADHD in adults than medications.
Try to exercise for at minimum 30 minutes per day for four or five days per week. You can choose to try swimming, dancing or running. It is important to pick an activity you can stay with and enjoy. You can be motivated to exercise if you select an activity you enjoy, particularly when it is part of a group.
Meditation and yoga are two other natural therapies that can help ADHD. Both of these have been proven to boost dopamine levels and improve moods in healthy individuals. They also help improve self-control, which is a major issue for a lot of kids and teens with ADHD.
You can utilize these natural treatments as a supplement to or as a substitute for medications prescribed by your physician. However, you must consult your doctor before making any major lifestyle changes or using new products. They can offer more information on the best treatments for you.