ADHD Natural Treatment For Children and Adults With ADHD
While medication is the mainstay of treatment for ADHD, it's not the only option. The condition can be treated using behavior therapy, dietary modifications, and supplements.
Stimulants help improve concentration and focus by boosting the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. If stimulants cause undesirable negative side effects, non-stimulants may be used.
1. Eating Clean
Many people believe that diet can be a significant factor in ADHD symptoms. Studies have shown that certain foods can make children with ADHD be more hyperactive while other foods can help reduce symptoms. Many parents treat their children's ADHD with food.
Some ADHD experts recommend staying clear of a list of chemicals and food items that are found in processed foods. Instead, they suggest eating an wholesome diet consisting of whole foods, with a preference for non-processed or minimally processed food that include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthful fats, and lean proteins. This type of diet helps to maintain a steady mood and regulate blood sugar levels.
Herbs and nutritional supplements are effective natural ADHD treatment options. For example, iron deficiency is often observed in children with ADHD and supplements can help alleviate symptoms. Ginkgo biloba and passionflower extract have been proven to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Some adults and children with ADHD may benefit from elimination diets. These are based on belief that some foods like artificial sweeteners and preservatives could trigger hyperactivity in certain people. In addition, some people may be sensitive to caffeine, which can be found in many beverages like sodas, coffee, and energy drinks.
A test for sensitivity or food allergies is another option. These tests can be performed in a clinic or at the home. Once food allergies or sensitivities have been identified, the person can start an elimination diet to identify foods that cause problems. A registered dietitian can help in making the process easier and ensure that the child gets adequate nutrition while eliminating problem food. This is a great alternative to medications for those who aren't at ease with them or don't want to take them long-term.
2. Avoiding sensitivities and allergies
Many people, including adults and children, with ADHD suffer from food sensitivities and allergies. Eliminating these foods can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Food dyes, MSG, a preservative used in processed food items, and artificial sweeteners are all foods to stay clear of. Nitrites, which are found in canned lunchmeat and other foods can cause harm because they interfere with the hormones that regulate the central nervous system, which increases blood pressure and heart rate and can cause breathing problems.
Food allergy testing is crucial for finding what foods trigger ADHD symptoms. Once the food or ingredient responsible for the symptoms has been identified it can then be removed from the diet. This allows your body to recover, and return to its normal function. A single-food diet is used to eliminate a food item or food ingredient from the diet. Then, it is reintroduced to determine how symptoms are affected. This method of identifying food allergies can be difficult and should be conducted under the supervision of a registered dietitian.
In addition to avoiding food items that have been proven to cause problems, children suffering from ADHD should be encouraged to eat regular meals even if they do not feel hungry. This will aid in stabilizing blood sugar and reduce the effects of stimulants on the brain.
It has been demonstrated that some herbal supplements can improve focus and attention in people who suffer from ADHD. These supplements can be used alone or in conjunction with other natural products and ADHD medication. For instance Ginkgo biloba, ginkgo biloba, and French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) have been found to boost levels of dopamine, which can reduce hyperactivity. In addition, passionflower extract has been found to be similar to methylphenidate when it comes to improving ADHD symptoms.
3. Achieving Better Sleep
Sleeping enough is among the most important natural treatments for adults and children with ADHD. Insufficient sleep can exacerbate mood and attention issues, so it's important to ensure that you get the proper amount of rest every night.
Speak to your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping or staying asleep. There are many reasons why you might be experiencing difficulties sleeping, such as sleep adhd treatment reddit disorders or medications that affect your body's ability to relax.
Additionally, sleep issues can also occur when you are taking stimulant medications for ADHD. Certain studies suggest that stimulant drugs like Ritalin and Adderall may affect your sleep. You can overcome these sleep issues by taking your medication at the same time each day, avoiding caffeine, and napping during the daytime. Also, request four-hour-doses instead of extended release medications.
Lack of sleep can cause difficulty in concentrating and focusing. If you're having trouble concentrating to concentrate, try to get the recommended 10-11 hour per night of sleep for children. It is also helpful to establish a routine bedtime routine and ensure your bedroom is quiet and dark.
You must also limit your sugar intake and avoid foods that you know cause symptoms, such as processed or fast food. A balanced diet can help ease your symptoms and provide more energy.
Herbal supplements and herbs may aid, particularly those who are vitamin deficient. Some studies suggest melatonin can 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 can help reduce the inattention ADHD symptoms. It is important to consult your doctor before taking any supplements or herbal remedies.
4. Meditation
Similar to a muscle the brain needs to be exercised in order to stay healthy. Mindfulness meditation is one way to improve the focus part of the brain. It helps people be aware of their own thoughts and feelings and helps them to bring their thoughts back to the present moment.
Meditation can also help to regulate brain neurotransmitter levels. This can help alleviate ADHD symptoms. Meditation has been shown to increase brain dopamine production which is important because low dopamine levels can be associated with ADHD.
Consistency is the key to successful meditation. Just like with exercise, it's important to establish a routine and adhere to it. Find a meditation partner that can hold you accountable can also be beneficial. This will make it easier to stay on top of a daily routine. It's also recommended to try different methods of meditation until you find the one that is most suitable for you.
Meditation isn't the only method to boost cognitive function. Herbal remedies can also be utilized. The herbs can be taken in capsules, or they can be eaten as food. Some of the most popular herbs that are used to treat ADHD include Ashwagandha, Gingko Biloba, and Bacopa monnieri.
Incorporating these natural remedies into your routine could be a great method to control your ADHD symptoms without the use of medications. It is important to talk to your doctor prior to trying any new supplements or techniques. Therapy and medication are the best ways to treat ADHD however, these natural remedies can be an excellent complement to your treatment program. If you make sleep a priority, eating clean, and having regular meditation sessions you'll be on the way to reducing your ADHD symptoms naturally.
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 assist your brain to focus. You may also observe that it decreases your symptoms and increases your ability to manage your emotions and behaviors.
Exercise has also been found to increase the dopamine levels in your brain, a chemical that improves focus and attention. It can also help reduce anxiety and depression, which are often linked to ADHD. In fact, research has shown that exercise is more effective than medications at reducing anxiety and depression in adults suffering from ADHD.
Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a day, and four or five days per week. You can take on activities like biking, dancing, running, or swimming. But it is essential to pick an activity you love and are able to be committed to. You'll be more motivated to exercise if choose an activity that you like, particularly if it is in an group.
Yoga and meditation are two other treatments that are natural that can help ADHD. Both yoga and meditation have been proven to improve mood and increase dopamine levels in healthy people. They also aid in improve self-control, which is a core challenge for kids and teenagers with ADHD.
These natural treatments can be used as a supplement to or alternative to the prescribed medications by your doctor. However, you should always consult your doctor before making any major lifestyle changes or trying new products. They will be able to provide more details on the most effective treatment options.