ADHD Natural Treatment For Children and Adults With ADHD
While medication is the primary component of treatment for ADHD but it's not the only option. The condition can be treated with behavior therapy, dietary modifications and supplements.
Stimulants can improve concentration and focus by increasing the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. Non-stimulants may be used if stimulants trigger unpleasant adverse effects.
1. Eating Clean
Many people believe that diet may play a major part in ADHD symptoms. Research has proven that certain foods cause children with ADHD be more hyperactive while other foods improve or reduce symptoms. Many parents treat their children's ADHD by introducing food.
Some ADHD experts recommend avoiding a list of chemicals and foods found in processed food. Instead, they suggest eating healthy, whole foods, with a preference for unprocessed or minimally processed foods that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthful fats and lean proteins. This kind of diet will aid in balancing blood sugar levels and keep the mood steady.
Herbs and nutritional supplements are also effective natural ADHD treatment options. Iron deficiency, for example, is common in ADHD children and supplementation can help alleviate symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower extracts have been proven effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Some adults and children with ADHD may benefit from elimination diets. These diets are based upon the belief that certain foods, like artificial sweeteners and preservatives can cause hyperactivity. In addition, certain people might be sensitive to caffeine, which can be found in many coffee drinks, sodas, and energy drinks.
Another option is to have a food allergy or sensitivity test conducted. The test can be performed at the clinic or at home. When food sensitivities or allergies have been identified, the person can begin an elimination diet to identify problematic foods. A registered dietitian will facilitate the process and ensure that the child receives adequate nutrition while eliminating problem foods. This is a great alternative to medication for those who don't like them or don't want to take them on a long-term basis.
2. Avoiding Allergies and Sensitivities
Many people, including adults and children, with 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 are food dyes, MSG (a preservative used in processed foods) as well as artificial sweeteners. Nitrites that are found in canned food and lunchmeat can be harmful too, as they interfere with the hormones that regulate the central nervous system. This increases blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing problems.
Food allergy testing is crucial to determine what foods trigger ADHD symptoms. Once the ingredient or food that is 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 often used, in which the food ingredient or a food item is removed from the diet for a certain amount 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 registered dietitian.
Children with ADHD should eat a regular diet even if it doesn't cause them to feel hungry. This will help stabilize their blood sugar levels as well as reduce the effects that stimulants have on the brain.
It has been demonstrated that certain herbal supplements can improve focus and concentration in those with ADHD. These supplements can be taken on their own or in conjunction with other natural products and ADHD medication. For example Ginkgo biloba and French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) have been shown to boost levels of dopamine. This helps to calm hyperactivity. Passionflower extract is also comparable to methylphenidate as a treatment for ADHD symptoms.
3. Achieving Better Sleep
Adequate sleep is the best natural cure for ADHD for both adults and children. Insufficient sleep can exacerbate attention and mood issues, which is why it's essential to ensure that you get the proper amount of rest every night.
If you're struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, speak to your doctor. You could be experiencing trouble sleeping due to a variety of causes, including medication that interferes with your body's ability relax or sleep.
Sleep problems can also happen when you are taking stimulant medication for ADHD. Certain studies suggest that stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall may affect your sleep. You can fight these sleep issues by taking your medicine at the same time each day by avoiding caffeine and napping, and requesting four-hour doses instead of extended-release medications.
Lack of sleep can make concentrating and focusing difficult. If you are struggling to concentrate, consider getting the recommended 10-11 hours per night for children. It is also helpful to establish a routine for bedtime and ensure that your bedroom is dark and silent.
You must also limit your sugar intake and avoid foods that can trigger symptoms like processed or fast food. A balanced diet can help ease your symptoms and give more energy.
Herbal supplements and herbs can also help, especially if you are vitamin deficient. Some studies suggest melatonin can alleviate insomnia caused by ADHD, while other herbal remedies such as Korean red ginseng, ginkgo biloba, French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) and bacopa monnieri could help to reduce inattentive ADHD symptoms. It is important to consult your doctor before taking any supplements or herbal remedies.
4. Meditation
Just like a muscle the brain requires exercise to maintain its health. Meditation can help build the focus region of the brain. It helps people observe their thoughts and feelings and trains them to return their wandering thoughts to the present.
Meditation can also help to regulate brain neurotransmitter levels. This can help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Meditation has been shown to boost brain dopamine levels which is crucial since low levels of dopamine can be associated with ADHD.
The most important thing to make meditation successful is consistency. Like exercising, it's crucial to establish a plan and stick to it. It's also helpful to have an accountability partner to share your thoughts with. This can help you maintain a routine for your day. You can also try different meditation methods until you find the one that is effective for you.
Meditation isn't the only way to improve cognitive function. Herbal remedies can also be utilized. The herbs can be eaten 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 remedies can help you manage your ADHD symptoms effectively without medication. It is important to talk with your physician prior to attempting any new strategies or supplements. These natural remedies can be a great complement to therapy and medication for ADHD. You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by focusing on sleeping, eating healthy and meditating regularly.
5. Exercise
Many people with ADHD struggle to keep their brains and bodies active. This is the reason for their impulsive and hyperactive behavior. You can help your brain to refocus by increasing your physical activity. You might be able to see that it decreases your symptoms and increases your ability to control your mood and behavior.
In addition, physical exercise has been shown to increase dopamine levels in the brain, read more which is a chemical that improves concentration and attention. It can also reduce depression and anxiety, which are often linked to ADHD. In fact, research has found that exercise is more effective than medications at reducing anxiety and depression for adults suffering from ADHD.
Try to exercise at minimum 30 minutes per day for four or five days a week. You can try activities like biking, dancing, running, or swimming. It is crucial to choose an activity that you love and are able to be committed to. Picking an activity you enjoy will help you stay motivated to keep going, particularly when you are part of a social group.
Yoga and meditation are two other natural treatments that can help ADHD. Both yoga and meditation have been shown to boost mood and increase dopamine levels in healthy individuals. They can also help to improve self-control, which is often the biggest issue for children and teens with ADHD.
You can make use of these natural treatments as a supplement to or as a substitute for medications prescribed by your doctor. But, it is important to consult your doctor before making any major lifestyle changes or using new products. They can provide you with more information about the best treatments available.