ADHD Natural Treatment For Children and Adults With ADHD
While medication is the cornerstone of treatment for ADHD, it’s not the only option. People suffering from the condition may benefit from behavior therapy, diet changes, and supplements.
Stimulants aid in improving focus and concentration by increasing the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. Non-stimulants can be used when stimulants cause unpleasant side effects.
1. Eating Clean
Many people believe that diet can be a major factor in ADHD symptoms. Studies have shown that certain foods can make children with ADHD become more hyperactive, while other foods improve or reduce symptoms. This is why many parents seek to treat their children’s ADHD through food.
Some ADHD experts recommend avoiding the list of substances and ingredients that are found in processed foods. Instead, they recommend healthy, whole foods, preferably unprocessed or minimally processed foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthful fats, and lean proteins. This kind of diet will help to balance blood sugar levels and keep your mood stable.
Herbs and nutritional supplements are effective natural ADHD treatments. For instance, iron deficiency is often observed in children with ADHD and supplements can help alleviate symptoms. Ginkgo biloba extract and passionflower extracts are both effective in treating ADHD symptoms.
Some adults and children with ADHD may benefit from elimination diets. They are based on the belief that certain food items such as artificial sweeteners and preservatives can trigger hyperactivity in some people. Certain people are also sensitive to caffeine which is in energy drinks, sodas, and coffee drinks.
A food allergy or sensitivity testing is another option. These can be done at the clinic or at your home. Once food allergies or sensitivities have been identified, one can start 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 an excellent alternative to medications for those who don’t like them or don’t want to use them on a regular basis.
2. Avoiding Allergies and Sensitivities
Many people, including adults and children, with ADHD suffer from food sensitivities and allergies. Eliminating these foods may help decrease ADHD symptoms. Some examples of foods to be avoided include food colorings, MSG (a preservative used in processed food items) as well as artificial sweeteners. Nitrites in canned foods and lunchmeat can also be harmful because they affect the hormones that regulate the central nervous system. This increases blood pressure, heart rate and breathing problems.
Food allergy testing is crucial for finding what foods trigger ADHD symptoms. Once the food or ingredient that is causing symptoms has been identified it can then be removed from the diet. This will allow your body to heal and return to normal functioning. A single-food elimination diet is often employed, where a food or food additive is removed from the diet for a certain amount of time. The food is then introduced back into the diet and symptoms are observable. This method can be difficult to implement and should be done only under the supervision of a registered dietitian or a doctor.
Children with ADHD should eat regularly even if it doesn’t make them feel hungry. This will aid in stabilizing their blood sugar levels and decrease the effects of stimulants on the brain.
It has been proven that certain herbal supplements can improve concentration and attention among people who suffer from ADHD. These supplements can be taken alone or in combination with other natural products and ADHD medications. Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) and ginkgo biloba were found to increase dopamine levels that calm hyperactivity. Passionflower extract is also comparable to methylphenidate in treating ADHD symptoms.
3. Improved Sleep
Getting enough sleep is among the most important natural adhd treatment reddit treatment for children and adults with ADHD. Insufficient sleep can exacerbate the mood and attention problems which is why it is crucial to get the right amount of sleep each night.
Consult your physician if you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. There are a variety of reasons why you might be experiencing difficulties, including sleep disturbances or medications that hinder the body’s ability to relax.
Sleep problems can also arise when you take stimulant medications for ADHD. Some studies suggest that certain stimulant drugs like Ritalin and Adderall can affect your sleep. You can overcome these sleep issues by taking your medication at the same time each day by avoiding caffeine and napping, and requesting four-hour doses instead of extended-release medications.
Sleep deprivation can make it difficult to focus and concentrate, so if you’re struggling, try to get the recommended 10-11 hours of sleep per night for children and teens. Making a routine of bedtime and keeping your room dark and quiet can aid as well.
It’s also important to limit sugar intake and avoid foods you know trigger symptoms, like processed or fast foods. Eating a healthy diet can also help reduce your symptoms and give you more energy.
Herbal supplements and herbs can aid in reducing stress, especially those who are vitamin deficient. Melatonin has been found to treat adhd without medication adults ADHD-induced sleeplessness, while herbal medicines like Korean red Ginseng (Pycnogenol) and ginkgo and French maritime pine bark extract may help to reduce ADHD symptoms. It is important to consult your doctor before taking any herbal or supplement treatments.
4. Meditation
Just like 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 teaches people how to look at their thoughts and feelings and helps them to bring their thoughts back to the present moment.
Meditation also aids in balancing the brain’s neurotransmitter levels which can help alleviate adhd treatment medication symptoms. Meditation has been proven to increase brain dopamine production which is important because low levels of dopamine are related to ADHD.
The most important thing to make meditation successful is consistency. Like exercising, it’s crucial to set a schedule and adhere to it. It’s also beneficial to find an accountability partner to meditate with. This will help you maintain a daily routine. It’s also recommended to try various methods of meditation until you’ve found the one that is most suitable for you.
Meditation isn’t the only way to improve cognitive performance. Herbal remedies can also be used. These herbs can either be consumed 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.
Integrating these natural remedies into your routine could be an effective method of managing your ADHD symptoms without the use of medication. It is essential to consult with your physician prior to attempting any new strategies or supplements. These natural remedies are a great addition to medication and therapy for adhd symptoms treatment. You can reduce your ADHD symptoms by focusing on sleep, eating healthy and meditating regularly.
5. Exercise
Many people with ADHD struggle to keep their bodies and brains active. This is a huge part of what causes their hyperactive and impulsive behavior. You can assist your brain in refocusing by increasing your physical activity. You may also observe that it helps reduce your symptoms and enhances your ability to manage your emotions and behaviors.
Exercise has also been found to increase the dopamine levels in your brain, a chemical which enhances attention and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD. Studies have demonstrated that exercise is more effective than medications in reducing depression and anxiety in adults suffering from ADHD.
Make sure you exercise at minimum 30 minutes per day for four or five days per week. You can try running, dancing or swimming. It is important to pick an activity you can stick with and enjoy. Selecting an activity that you enjoy can inspire you to complete it, particularly when you are part of a social group.
Another natural remedy that can aid with ADHD is meditation and yoga. 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 often an issue for children and teens with ADHD.
You can utilize these natural treatments as a supplement to or in place of medications prescribed by your physician. Consult your physician prior to making any lifestyle changes or trying out new products. They can provide you with more information about the best treatments available.