How To Treat Adhd: Can Natural Remedies Help
This article was co-authored by George Sachs, PsyD. George Sachs is a Licensed Psychologist and the Owner of Sachs Center based in New York, New York. With over ten years of experience, Dr. Sachs specializes in treating ADD/ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders in children, teens, and adults. He holds a BS in Psychology from Emory University. Dr. Sachs earned his Doctorate of Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago. He completed his clinical training in Chicago at Cook County Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital, and the Child Study Center. Dr. Sachs completed his internship and postdoctoral work at the Childrens Institute in Los Angeles, where he supervised and trained therapists in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy . He has been trained as a Gestalt Therapist and certified by the Gestalt Associates Training Program of Los Angeles. Dr. Sachs is the author of The Adult ADD Solution, Helping the Traumatized Child, and Helping Your Husband with Adult ADD. He has appeared on the Huffington Post, NBC Nightly News, CBS, and WPIX discussing his holistic approach to ADD/ADHD treatment.There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 185,615 times.
Exercise As A Natural Treatment For Adhd In Adults
Adding a routine of daily rigorous exercise may help mitigate restlessness, chronic boredom, and impulsivity, which are hallmark symptoms of ADHD in adults. However, never embark on any new exercise routine without first consulting your doctor. Further, use exercise as a complementary therapy in addition to ADD, ADHD drugs not as an alternative.
Food Dyes And Artificial Coloring
This is a tough one, since food dyes are in just about everything these days, but a handful of studies have linked consumption of these dyes to increased hyperactivity in children.
Considering that we eat roughly four times the amount of food dyes that we did in the 50s, its probably best to try to ditch the coloring in your next batch of sugar cookies.
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What Are The Characteristic Symptoms Of Adhd
Children with ADHD typically exhibit a variety of symptoms, including inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity these are characterized by the following behaviors:
Inattention:
- Tendency to leave tasks unfinished
- Failure to listen when someone is speaking
- Difficulty organizing and completing daily tasks
- Dislike of activities that involve sitting and focusing on one thing.
Impulsiveness:
- Answering before a question is completed
- Difficulty taking turns.
- Fidgeting or squirming when seated
- Excessive chattering
- Inability to engage in quiet play.
Adults with ADHD are often unaware that they have the disease until their own child is diagnosed at this time, problems that they have been experiencing are often recognized as signs of the disorder.
Adult symptoms may differ from those of children and often include chronic lateness, procrastination, anxiety, poor work performance, anxiety and/or depression, impulsiveness, difficulty concentrating, and lack of organizational skills.
Vitamins And Supplements For Adhd
Vitamins and minerals play an important role in natural remedies for ADHD. You can eat vitamin-rich foods and may also consider taking vitamin supplements.
You should always talk to your doctor first before you begin taking a supplement and mention any medication you are currently taking to help avoid potential interactions. Always purchase supplements from a trusted source and never take expired vitamins or supplements.
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Activities That Help Adhd Naturally
Not every drug-free ADHD remedy is something you take some are things you do instead.
Exercise
John Ratey, MD, renowned psychiatrist and bestselling author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, has extensively studied the effects of physical exercise on the brain.
He found that exercise tempers ADHD symptoms by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which work to regulate the attention system.
Exercise also promotes the growth of new neurotransmitter receptors, which makes neurotransmitters work better.
Meditation
Meditation shows significant promise in treating adult ADHD.
Two-third of adults who meditate report a significant decline in inattention and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, and an increase in self-organization, stress tolerance, and regulation of emotions.
Tapping
Tapping, also known as Emotional Freedom Technique, is a form of do-it-yourself acupressure that acts as general purpose personal development tool.
It can be used to treat many conditions, including ADHD.
Its been shown to be effective for anger, anxiety, depression, headaches, addictions, insomnia, phobias, and stress-related disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback thats been widely studied in regards to ADHD.
It shows promise as a safe and effective drug-free treatment for both children and adults.
Other Drug-Free Therapies
Mindfulness Meditation For Adhd
Mindful meditation for ADHD is attention/awareness training that helps manage stress, develop positive emotions, and strengthen self-regulation skills. It involves silent meditation and becoming more aware during daily activities. In other words, you stay “in the moment” as much as possible. Researchers wrote in a 2015 review1 of multiple, similar studies that mindfulness provides promising preliminary support for its efficacy in treating ADHD symptoms. More research, however, is needed to definitively prove its effectiveness.
1 Mitchell, J. T., Zylowska, L., & Kollins, S. H. . Mindfulness Meditation Training for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adulthood: Current Empirical Support, Treatment Overview, and Future Directions. Cognitive and behavioral practice, 22, 172191. doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2014.10.002
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Natural Remedies For Adhd Suitable For Kids And Adults
Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera and Dexamphetamine are all big money items for the monster pharmaceutical industry, but they are also doing as much, if not more, harm than good. Seeking natural remedies for ADHD suitable for kids and adults is a viable alternative, but first, letâs explore the probably causes of ADHD.
A definitive cause for ADHD has not been specifically identified. Theories suggest that ADHDâs root cause stems from factors related to:
- Exposure to toxic substances during fetal development
- Brain trauma during fetal development or during the birthing process
What is known about ADHD is that, for some reason, damage or malformation of the frontal lobe of the brain causes it to not function properly in relation to what are termed executive functions. Processes like inhibition, working memory, planning, self-monitoring, verbal regulation, motor control, maintaining and changing mental set, and emotional regulation are restricted.
Though natural remedies for ADHD treatment might be safer, they are not all inclusive, severe cases might require greater attention from a health care provider. Additionally, be aware that dosages and amounts of certain remedies are different for kids and adults.
Avoid Food Coloring And Preservatives In Diet
Though hyperactivity is not the only major symptom of ADHD, helping to reduce its effects by avoiding certain food colorings and preservatives in your diet is an important addition to the natural remedies for ADHD.
What to do:
- Learn which food colorings and preservatives have the most negative effects on ADHD.
- Alter your diet in order to eliminate foods that contain those ADHD triggers.
How it works:Studies have indicated that certain food colorings and preservatives add to hyperactivity, which can become a controlling factor of ADHD symptoms.
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Homeopathic Remedies For Adhd
Homeopathic remedies are very dilute solutions of various substances that are thought to work by stimulating the bodys own healing power.
They are popular, particularly for children, because they are natural, relatively inexpensive, easy to take, and have virtually no side effects.
But there are those who claim that they are useless or that they work only as a placebo.
However, the placebo effect should not be underestimated.
In fact, it is now recognized as a key to unlocking the brains inner pharmacy.
There arent many studies on homeopathic remedies, but one showed a significant improvement in ADHD symptoms in children.
A challenge in using homeopathic remedies is knowing which of the myriad remedies to try since taking the wrong ones usually has no effect.
This comprehensive review of homeopathic remedies for ADHD compiled by Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD, PhD, can help.
Best Supplements/nootropics/individual Ingredients For Adhd Symptoms
– Attention and Processing: NALT , Rhodiola Rosea, Tyrosine, Phosphatidylserine , SAM-E, Omega 3
– Focus: Choline, Methylliberine , Ginkgo Biloba, SAM-E
– Memory, Learning, reducing forgetfulness: Bacopa Monnieri , Alpha GPC, Omega 3
– Impulsive behaviors/Hyperactivity: Bacopa monnieri , Rhodiola Rosea, L-theanine, Valerian root, Melatonin
– Energy and Fatigue: Vitamin B12, Choline, SAM-E, NALT
– Mental Sharpness: DHA, Mangifera Indica fruit extract
– Mood and Stress: Tyrosine, Mucuna Pruriens, Saffron extract, Agmatine
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Lifestyle Changes For Children With Adhd
The challenge for the parents of a child with ADD/ADHD is not only to find an effective natural remedies for ADHD and ADD, but also to create an environment that supports their creativity and spurs learning. Here are some lifestyle changes that may help.
Show Affection Children living with ADHD need reassurance they arent a bad child. If you only respond to the negative behaviors, it can trigger more negative behaviors. Find ways to compliment your child while holding them accountable for their actions. Remember, they are more than just the behaviors of ADHD. Give them the chance to WOW you.
Provide Opportunities for Success A child knows when you are truly excited and happy for them. Provide them with opportunities where they can succeed. Engage them in creative activities such as painting and sketching. Many top art competitions in the world have quick sketch competitions that force artists to provide their best work in 30 to 45 minutes. Celebrate your childs focus and creative spirit in these types of challenges.
Regular Physical Exercise and Outdoor Playtime For children with ADHD, burning some of the excess energy of the day can help to balance hormone levels and provide your child with the building blocks for healthy bones and muscles.
Behavioral Therapy For Adhd
Behavioral therapy for ADHD is a structured discipline strategy that aims to teach children new ways of behaving by rewarding desired behavior, such as following directions, and eliminating undesired actions, such as losing homework. The American Psychological Association says that behavior therapy should be the first line of treatment for children with ADHD under five. It can be effective for older children as well.
New research, additionally, shows that behavioral parent training which teaches parents skills for effective, productive interactions with their ADHD children reduces parental stress and instances of non-compliance. Popular BPT programs like Incredible Years and Triple-P typically span 12 to 20 sessions, each of which focuses on teaching parents new, specific techniques for addressing problem behaviors. The ultimate goal of these programs is to strengthen the parent-child relationship while teaching strategies for long-term behavior improvement.
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Get In Touch With Your Natural Rhythms
Wheeler notes that up to 60% of the human body is water, and sound waves move through the body like water, so getting in touch with sounds and rhythms can help. “Any kind of music can do this,” Wheeler says, “but the vibration from crystal bowls or Tibetan bowls is especially powerful as the vibration slows and calms an overactive nervous system.”
Side Effects Of Adhd Medication
Typically, conventional medicines solution to ADHD is medication. ADHD drugs are designed to help manage symptoms by targeting certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Adderall and Ritalin are two of the most common ADHD medications, and they work to dull symptoms for many people, but they also come with a variety of side effects, including trouble sleeping, depression, and mood swings, sometimes severe. A few studies have looked at the long-term effects of these medications, and suggest that they do not improve symptoms significantly. Whats worse, the studies also suggest that those taking ADHD medications had lower self-esteem than those who werent prescribed medication for their condition. That doesnt mean that medication is not a good choice for everyone. It has certainly helped many children get through school, and has helped some children get better grades. What it does mean, however, is that it is important to know that there are natural remedies for ADHD before resorting to medicating your child .
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What Are The Common Treatment Methods For Adhd
Conventional medicine holds that there is no cure for ADHD, although it can be controlled through a life-long regimen of medications combined with psychotherapy.
Doctors often prescribe either a stimulant such as Ritalin or Concerta, or an antidepressant such as Wellbutrin, for children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
In addition to these medications, patients may participate in therapeutic counseling and practice behavioral modification techniques.
For some children, a special education program may be recommended.
While these treatments do control the symptoms of ADHD fairly well, the medications tend to have some disturbing side effects, and many parents prefer to find other methods for modifying their childs behavior
Do Adult Adhd Natural Treatments Natural Remedies Work
Do adult ADHD natural remedies work? The answer is a controversial one. Some people insist that largely disproven dietary interventions, such as the Feingold Elimination Diet, work, while others believe any improvement due to this and other remedies are short-lived and based on a placebo effect, rather than actual efficacy of the method .
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Vitamin B6 And Magnesium
The B vitamins are essential for a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B6 is especially important for ADHD, as it is involved in the production of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.
Vitamin B6 and magnesium metabolism are connected. If magnesium levels are low, this can cause problems similar to ADHD, such as reduced attention span and irritability. A deficiency in B6 might result in poor memory, trouble concentrating, and increased activity. Taking magnesium and B6 together may be helpful in managing ADHD symptoms.
Never Give Up Seeking Help
If you arent getting the results you want from your treatment plan, keep investigating. Other issues, such as head trauma, co-occurring conditions like depression, or hormonal imbalances may play a role in the severity of your symptoms. Brain SPECT imaging and lab testing may be helpful in determining if other issues are at work.
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Trying Caffeine And L
Its still early to say for sure, but research suggests that there is something about the combination of L-theanine and caffeine that may improve ADHD symptoms, says Chanaka N. Kahathuduwa, PhD, assistant professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. A small study showed improved attention and cognitive performance and decreased impulsivity among kids with ADHD who took the combo. That said, impulsivity increased when either substance was administered alone, suggesting there is something synergistic taking place.The doses we used2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight for L-theanine and 2 mg/kg of caffeine are low and considered safe for children, says Kahathuduwa. There were no side effects seen in this small trial. Exactly how this combination reduces ADHD symptoms is not clear, but researchers suspect that it activates the brains default mode network, which may be weakened in ADHD. The study found that the kids attention was sharper when they got the combination. The next step, he says, is a large-scale clinical trial. We only have pilot data, but there is no harm in asking your doctor about caffeine and L-theanine. If youre dealing with an energetic toddler, check out these signs of ADHD.
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Top 5 Natural Remedies For Adhd
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and attention deficit disorder are neurological and behavior-related conditions that cause difficulty in concentrating, impulsiveness and excessive energy.
Individuals with ADHD symptoms not only have a challenge in concentrating, but have a challenge sitting still. Those with ADHD are typically more disruptive than individuals with ADD.
ADHD often has an onset age of 7, but this disorder can continue through teen years and well into adulthood. Its estimated that ADHD affects 9 percent of American children between the ages of 13 and 18 and over 4 percent of adults.
According to the NIHs National Institute of Mental Health, the number of children being diagnosed with ADHD is increasing, but it is unclear why. Most physicians and research indicate the increase in ADHD is directly linked to the food that children eat, how they sleep and even how they breath.
In fact, recent research suggests that sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disturbances and sleep-disordered breathing may lead to the induction of ADHD-like symptoms.
Researchers suggest that the long-term consequences of ADHD include dire psychological, educational and psychiatric consequences. Early diagnosis and intervention are important factors in preventing the debilitating effects of this condition.
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Are There Natural Remedies For Adhd In Adults
Though medications such as Adderall can help fight the symptoms of ADHD, such drugs can, however, react with some peoples bodies. Furthermore, these medications can have long-term side effects such as sleep problems, loss of appetite, and mood swings. Luckily though, there are natural remedies you can use to keep ADHD at bay.
Here are the top 5 proven natural remedies for ADHD in adults:
Natural Remedies For Adhd: Take The Next Step
There are four main strategies for reducing ADHD symptoms naturally:
- Take proven-to-work supplements. Start with omega-3 essential fatty acids and a high-quality multivitamin. Experiment with herbal remedies and other supplements to see which work best for you.
- Engage in a healthy lifestyle that includes physical exercise, stress management, and time outdoors.
- Use proven healing techniques like neurofeedback, tapping, yoga, or art or music therapy.
- Eat a diet of unprocessed food and avoid sugar, food additives, and artificial sweeteners. Consider doing an elimination diet to weed out food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities.
Most of these changes have only upsides and can provide many significant physical and mental health benefits.
But if you take any ADHD medications, we recommend that you talk to your doctor before making any major changes.
Some supplements can interact with medications and some therapies can lessen your need for medication.
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Mind Lab Pro is the brain supplement we recommend because, by boosting your brain health, it can help you:
- Improve your mental clarity and focus.
- Boost your memory and your ability to learn.
- Increase your capacity to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions.
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