ADHD Natural Treatment For Children and Adults With ADHD
ADHD is not just treated with medication. The condition can be treated with behavioral therapy, diet modifications, and supplements.
Stimulants improve concentration and focus through the production of brain chemicals norepinephrine, and dopamine. If stimulants have unpleasant negative side effects, non-stimulants may be employed.
1. Healthy eating
Many people believe that diet can be a major factor in ADHD symptoms. Research has proven that certain foods can make ADHD children hyperactive, while other foods improve or reduce symptoms. Many parents treat their children's ADHD through food.
Some ADHD experts advise not to consume a large number of chemicals and foods that are found in processed foods. Instead, they recommend a healthy diet of whole foods, with a preference for non-processed or minimally processed food such as fruits, vegetables whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. This kind of diet can help to maintain a stable mood and balance blood sugar.
Other ADHD natural treatments include nutritional supplements and herbal remedies. For instance iron deficiency can be observed in children with ADHD supplementation may alleviate symptoms. Ginkgo biloba extract and passionflower extract are both effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Elimination diets can be helpful for some adults and children with ADHD. These are based on belief that some foods like artificial sweeteners and preservatives, can cause hyperactivity in certain people. Certain people are also sensitive to caffeine which is present in energy drinks, sodas and coffee drinks.
A test for sensitivity or food allergies is another option. These tests can be performed at a clinic, or at the home. Once the food allergies or sensitivities are established then the person can begin an elimination diet to pinpoint problematic foods. A registered dietitian will help to make the process simpler and ensure that the child receives adequate nutrition while eliminating problem food. This is a great alternative to medication for those who are not at ease with them or do not want to take them long-term.
2. Avoiding allergies and sensitivities
Many children and adults with ADHD suffer from food sensitivities and allergies. Eliminating these food items may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some examples of foods that should be avoided are food dyes, MSG (a preservative used in processed foods) as well as artificial sweeteners. The nitrites found in canned foods and lunchmeat can be harmful too, as they interfere with the hormones that regulate the central nervous system. This causes an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing issues.
Testing for food allergies is crucial to determine which foods cause ADHD symptoms. Once the food or additive that triggers the symptoms is identified and eliminated from the diet. This will allow your body to recover, and resume normal functioning. A single-food elimination diet is often used, in which an ingredient in food or a food is eliminated from the diet for a period of time. The food is then returned and the symptoms are monitored. This method of identifying food allergies can be challenging and should always be performed under the supervision of a doctor or registered dietitian.
In addition to eliminating foods that can cause problems, children suffering from ADHD should be encouraged to eat regular meals, even if they don't feel hungry. This will help stabilize their blood sugar levels and reduce the effect stimulants can have on the brain.
Certain herbal supplements have been proven to increase 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 shown to increase levels of dopamine which can reduce hyperactivity. In addition, passionflower extract has been proven to be similar to methylphenidate in reducing ADHD symptoms.
3. Improve Your Sleep
Sleeping well is the most effective natural cure for ADHD in both adults and children. Lack of sleep can lead to increased mood can adhd get worse if untreated and attention issues, so it is important to get the right amount of sleep each night.
If you're having trouble falling asleep or stay asleep, speak to your doctor. There are a variety of reasons why you might be experiencing trouble with sleep, such as sleep disturbances or medications that hinder your body's ability to relax.
Sleep problems can also occur when you are taking stimulant medication for ADHD. Certain studies suggest that stimulant drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall may affect your sleep. You can fight these sleep problems by taking your medication at the same time every day by avoiding caffeine and napping, and requesting four-hour doses rather than extended-release meds.
Sleep deprivation can make it difficult to concentrate and focus. If you're struggling with focusing, try to get the recommended 10-11 hours of sleep per night of sleep for children. It is also helpful to create a regular bedtime ritual and ensure that your bedroom is quiet and dark.
You should also reduce your sugar intake and avoid foods that can trigger symptoms such as fast or processed food. Eating a healthy diet can also help reduce your symptoms and provide you with more energy.
Herbal supplements can help particularly if you're deficient. Melatonin has been shown to reduce sleeplessness due to ADHD, while herbal medicines like Korean red Ginseng (Pycnogenol), ginkgo, and French maritime pine bark extract can help reduce ADHD symptoms. It is important to consult your doctor before taking any supplement or herbal treatment.
4.
Like muscles the brain requires exercise to keep it healthy. Mindfulness meditation is a method to strengthen the focus part of the brain. It helps people observe their thoughts and feelings, and helps them bring their wandering thought back to the present.
Meditation can also help balance brain neurotransmitter levels. This can alleviate ADHD symptoms. Meditation has been proven to increase brain dopamine production which is crucial since low levels of dopamine are related to ADHD.
The key to making meditation effective is consistency. It's important, just like when exercising, to stick to a routine. It's also helpful to have an accountability partner to share your thoughts with. This can help you to maintain a routine for your day. It's also recommended to try different methods of meditation until you discover one that works well for you.
Meditation is not the only method to boost cognitive function. Herbal remedies can also be used. The herbs can be eaten as food or in capsule form. Some of the most sought-after 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 medication. It's important to consult your doctor prior to trying any new methods or supplements. These natural treatments are a great addition to medication and therapy for ADHD. You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by focusing on sleep eating well, exercising regularly and meditating frequently.
5. Exercise
Many people with ADHD struggle to keep their bodies and brains active. This is what contributes to their impulsive and hyperactive behavior. By increasing your physical activity, it can aid your brain in refocusing. You might also notice that it reduces symptoms and enhances the ability to control your mood and behavior.
Furthermore, physical exercise has been proven to increase dopamine levels in the brain, which is a chemical that enhances concentration and attention. It can also help reduce anxiety and depression, which are typically associated with ADHD. In fact, research has shown that exercise is more effective than medication at reducing anxiety and depression for adults suffering from ADHD.
Make sure you exercise at least 30 minutes a day for four or five days each week. You can choose to try activities such as biking, dancing, running, or swimming. But it is important to pick an activity you enjoy and can keep up with. You can be motivated to exercise if choose an activity that you enjoy, especially when it is part of a group.
Another natural treatment that can help with ADHD is yoga and meditation. Both meditation and yoga have been proven to boost mood and boost dopamine in healthy people. They also aid in self-control, which is a major issue for a lot of kids and teens with ADHD.
These natural treatments can be used in addition to or alternative to the medications prescribed by your physician. But, it is important to consult with your physician before making any major lifestyle changes or trying new products. They can provide more details on the most effective treatment options.