Natural Treatment for ADHD: SUPPLEMENTS

Prominent researchers from the Division of Neurology at Children’s Memorial Hospital and Department of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Medical School reviewed substantial research regarding diet and ADHD. While diets were shown to be difficult to sustain, adding supplementation to diet therapy was an easy step to take and typically more acceptable to kids. (26)

Fish Oil & Omega 3 Complex

Fish oil is better than Ritalin for ADHD, according to a study from the University of Adelaide in Australia.The omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, within fish oil are critical for brain function and are also strong anti-inflammatories. Children 50 to 80 pounds should be given one teaspoon daily; children 80 to 150 pounds, two teaspoons daily; adults should take one tablespoon daily.

Supplementation appears to reduce symptoms of ADHD, improve learning, reduce anxiety and depression, and help prevent some forms of cancer. Another study published in the Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics found that supplements offer a safe treatment option for educational and behavioral problems in children. Significant improvements in reading, spelling and behavior were all noted over the three-month trial.(27) vintage style items for women accompany with brides

Zinc

Children and adults with ADHD should supplement their diets with a high-quality zinc supplement. Low levels of zinc are associated with poor neurological function, poor attention and a variety of motor disorders.

The World Health Organization reports that zinc deficiency rate is 31 percent. One of the leading symptoms of a zinc deficiency is poor neurological function. In addition to high-quality mineral supplements, it’s important to add mineral rich foods, such as dark greens, beans and wild-caught salmon.

Serotonin

One of the genetic links to ADHD is the serotonin transporter gene. Serotonin levels are directly linked to aggression and impulse control. (28)

B-Complex

Children with ADHD typically need more of the B-vitamins to help maintain focus, increase concentration, fight stress, relieve fatigue, balance energy and hormone levels, and produce healthy levels of serotonin. Children and adults should take 50 milligrams daily.

Probiotics

Children and adults should take 25 billion to 50 billion units of probiotics daily. In addition to taking a high-quality probiotic supplement, aim to eat foods high in probiotics, such as kefir, sauerkraut, raw cheese and yogurt.

Some studies show that ADHD may be connected to problems in the digestive tract. Sugar, tap water, grains, certain prescription medications, including antibiotics, and environmental chemicals kill healthy bacteria in the gut and decrease digestive function.

GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid)

GABA is an amino acid vital to healthy central nervous system function. It acts as a calming agent, helping to suppress nervous system activity and block some nerve impulses. Individuals should take 250 milligrams twice per day.

Speak to your physician prior to taking GABA if you are on any medications, or if any of the following side effects arise: wheezing, anxiety, flushing, or tingling of the hands and feet.
Natural Treatment for ADHD: LIFESTYLE & OTHER TREATMENTS

Successful treatment for the symptoms of ADHD requires not only supplements and healthy diet void of known ADHD triggers, it also requires some lifestyle changes. The natural treatments mentioned below can help many ADHD symptoms.

1. Essential Oils

Lavender essential oil can be used in various ways to improve mood when anxiousness or nervousness is present. As with other essential oils, drops can be added to the bath, sprinkled on stuffed animals, used in diffusers, or even applied directly to the skin or bottoms of feet at bedtime. Dilute with a carrier oil like grape seed oil or coconut oil or apply only one to two drops if using the concentrated oil.

Also, consider using Peppermint Oil, which improves mental focus, boosts energy and helps to release tight muscles.

2. Sleep

Insomnia and restless sleep are common ADHD symptoms. A recent study found that behavioral sleep intervention improves the severity of ADHD symptoms in children, especially those taking prescription stimulants. The study showed behavior, quality of life and functioning was sustained for six months following the trial. (29)

It’s vital that both children and adults develop good evening routines that allow them to unwind at the end of the day. The goal should be a good eight hours of sleep each night.

3. Eat Breakfast

For some people, and especially those with ADHD, breakfast helps the body properly regulate blood sugar and stabilize hormone fluctuations. Eat a breakfast that contains at least 20 grams of protein. My Thin Mint Protein Smoothie has 20 grams of protein from whey and is sure to please kids and adults of all ages.

4. Exercise

Exercise helps to increase hormone levels that are essential for relieving ADHD symptoms. (30) Prior to a task that requires concentration, engage in 30 minutes of moderate exercise.

5. Balance/Stability Balls

According to the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, using balance/stability balls as a seat increased attention levels, decreased hyperactivity and increased time on task. (31) If your child’s school will not allow a stability ball, be sure to use one at home during homework. In addition, adults can benefit from stability balls at their desks.

6. Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback may help children and adults learn to focus on tasks. Some initial studies have found that watching brain activity during neurofeedback allows some individuals the opportunity to learn how to more effectively control their brains.

Symptoms of ADHD can be reduced with diet, supplements and recommended lifestyle changes — moreover, these changes can help you conquer ADD/ADHD in yourself, or in your child. For many people, removing the trigger foods and replacing them with healthy foods will dramatically help address this common neurological and behavioral disorder.

ADHD Natural Treatment Infographic Chart

Symptoms of ADHD, Diet & Treatment - Dr. Axe ADHD manifests symptoms including difficulty in concentrating, impulsiveness, excessive energy, and inability to sit still. Here are some natural remedies.draxe.com