ADHD Natural Treatment For Children and Adults With ADHD
ADHD is not only treated by medication. People with the condition can benefit from behavior therapy, dietary changes, and supplements.
Stimulants help improve concentration and focus by increasing the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. Non-stimulants can be used when stimulants trigger unpleasant adverse side effects.
1. Eating Clean
Many people believe diet can be a major factor in ADHD symptoms. Research has proven that certain foods can cause ADHD kids hyperactive while others can reduce or improve symptoms. This is the reason why many parents try to treat their children's ADHD by eating a healthy diet.
Some ADHD experts suggest avoiding some of the chemicals and foods found in processed food. Instead, they recommend a healthy diet of whole foods, with a preference for unprocessed or minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthful fats, and lean proteins. This type of diet will help to balance blood sugar levels and keep the mood in check.
Other ADHD natural remedies include nutritional supplements and herbal remedies. For instance, iron deficiency is often found in children suffering from ADHD supplementation may help alleviate symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower extract have been shown to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Elimination diets could be beneficial for children and adults with ADHD. These are based on belief that certain foods, such as artificial sweeteners and preservatives can cause hyperactivity in certain people. Some people are also sensitive to caffeine that is found in energy drinks, sodas, and coffee drinks.
A food allergy test or sensitivity test is another option. This can be done in an office or at the home. Once the food allergies or sensitivities are established then the person can begin an elimination diet to find problem foods. A registered dietitian can help to make the process easier, and ensure the child receives adequate nutrition and eliminates the food that causes problems. This is an excellent alternative to medications for those who don't like them or do not want to use them for a long time.
2. Avoiding allergies and sensitivities
Many children and adults with ADHD suffer from food allergies and sensitivities. Eliminating these foods can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Some examples of foods that should be avoided include food colorings, MSG (a preservative used in processed foods) and artificial sweeteners. Nitrites, which are found in the lunch meat and canned foods, can be harmful because they disrupt the hormones that regulate the central nervous system, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure and causes trouble breathing.
Testing for food allergies is crucial 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 allows your body to heal and return to normal function. A single-food elimination diet is commonly employed, where the food ingredient or a food item is eliminated from the diet for a certain amount of time. The food is then reintroduced and the symptoms are observed. This technique can be challenging to master and should only be used under the supervision of either a registered dietitian, or a doctor.
Children with ADHD should eat a regular diet even if it does not cause them to feel hungry. This will help to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the effects that stimulants have on the brain.
It has been demonstrated that some herbal supplements can improve focus and concentration in those with ADHD. These supplements can be used alone or in combination 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. In addition, passionflower extract has been proven to be similar to methylphenidate in improving ADHD symptoms.
3. Getting Better Sleep
A good night's sleep is one of the most important natural treatments for adults and children suffering from ADHD. Insufficient sleep can exacerbate mood and attention issues, which is why it's essential to prioritize getting the right amount of sleep each night.
Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. You could be experiencing trouble sleeping due to a variety of causes such as medication that interferes with your body's ability to relax or sleep.
In addition, sleep problems can occur when you take stimulant medications for ADHD. Some studies suggest that certain 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 every day by avoiding caffeine and napping, and requesting four-hour doses instead of extended release medication.
Sleep deprivation can make it difficult to concentrate and focus. If you are struggling with focusing, try getting the recommended 10-11 hour per night for children. Making a routine of bedtime and ensuring your bedroom is dark and peaceful can help, too.
It's also important to limit sugar intake and avoid foods you know trigger symptoms, such as processed or fast food. A healthy diet can also help reduce your symptoms and give you more energy.
Herbal supplements and herbs can also help, especially when you're deficient in vitamins. There are studies that suggest that melatonin could help with insomnia caused by ADHD, and other herbal remedies such as Korean red ginseng, ginkgo biloba, French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) and bacopa monnieri may reduce inattentive ADHD symptoms. (14) However, more research is required therefore you must consult with your doctor prior to taking any supplements or herbal treatments.
4.
The brain, like muscles, requires trained to stay healthy. Meditation is a way to strengthen the focus part of the brain. It helps people look at their thoughts and feelings and helps them to bring their thoughts back to the present moment.
Meditation can also help balance the brain's neurotransmitter levels which can help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Meditation has been shown to boost brain dopamine levels, which is important since low levels of dopamine are related to ADHD.
Consistency is the most important factor to success meditation. Like exercise, it's essential to establish a plan and adhere to it. It's also beneficial to find an accountability partner to share your thoughts with. This can help you maintain a daily routine. You can also test various meditation techniques until you find the one that works for you.
Aside from meditation, there are several herbal remedies that can boost cognitive function. The herbs can be eaten as food or in capsule form. Some of the most sought-after herbs used to treat ADHD include Ashwagandha, Gingko Biloba, and Bacopa monnieri.
These natural remedies can aid you in managing your ADHD symptoms effectively without medication. It is important to talk with your doctor prior to trying any new strategies or supplements. Treatment and medication are the best ways to treat ADHD, but these natural methods are a great addition to your treatment program. You can control your ADHD symptoms by focusing on sleeping, eating healthy and meditating frequently.
5. Exercise
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to keep their brains and body active. This is the reason for their impulsive and hyperactive behavior. By increasing your physical activity, it can help your brain to refocus. You might also notice that it reduces your symptoms and improves the ability to control your moods and behaviors.
Additionally, physical activity has been proven to boost dopamine levels in the brain, a chemical that enhances attention and focus. It also helps reduce anxiety and depression, which are typically associated with ADHD. Exercise is more effective at decreasing depression, anxiety and ADHD in adults than medications.
Try to get at minimum 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a day, four or five days per week. You can do running, dancing or swimming. It is crucial to choose an activity that you will stick with and enjoy. You'll be more motivated to exercise when you select an activity that you enjoy, particularly if it is in a group.
Yoga and meditation are two other natural treatments that can help ADHD. Both have been proven to boost dopamine and improve mood in healthy people. They can also assist in improve self-control, which is a core challenge for kids and teens suffering from ADHD.
These natural remedies can be used in addition to or in lieu of the prescribed medications by your physician. But, treatment for adult adhd is important to consult your health care professional prior to making major lifestyle changes or trying new products. They can offer more information regarding the best treatment options for you.