Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is common for adults and very common for children. As the name implies, it can cause one to be distracted, hyperactive, and very disorganized. There is no cure, but a wide range of treatment options exist. Therapy is an obvious and effective choice. Quite often, medication is prescribed. This has become widespread over the past twenty years.
Between 2003 and 2011, there was a 41 percent rise in ADHD diagnoses in children. At least 11 percent of U.S. children between the ages of 4 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD — many have been prescribed medication for it. Fortunately, more and more practitioners are recommending natural treatments instead.
(*This post is meant to be informational in nature and not to provide medical advice. Please discuss any treatments you wish to pursue with your or your child’s doctor.)
Why Choose Natural Remedies?
Since the surge in ADHD drugs is relatively recent, the long-term effects are not yet known. What is known about such medications is not always promising. Initial positive results are not sustained, and side effects have been observed, including:
- Higher levels of diastolic blood pressure
- Sleep disturbances
- Heart issues
- Lower self-esteem
- Appetite changes
- Mood swings
- Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
Based on this brief list alone, it’s understandable that research is being done to explore alternative therapies.
Natural Treatments for ADHD
Self-Care
The basics will serve you well:
- Regular sleep patterns: Healthy sleep has been found to improve memory, recharge your brain, improve mood, and boost impulse resistance.
- Exercise: Children who took part in exercise and physical fitness found it easier to manage symptoms like impulsivity, attention, anxiety, hyperactivity, and executive function
- Relaxation techniques: Choices like journaling, yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can calm the mind
- Spend time outside: Even just 20 minutes a day outside (particularly in greenery) may increase concentration in children
Manage Your Eating Choices
Let’s start you off with a few suggestions:
- Seek out whole foods (fruit, vegetables, whole grains, etc.)
- Reduce processed foods in your diet, e.g., items that come in a box, tub, or jar
- Learn to read labels and avoid chemical additives and preservatives like BHT and BHA
- Avoid known allergens like chocolate, dairy, and eggs
- Certain fruits contain salicylates (chemicals found in many pain medications)
In addition, the following food colorings may worsen ADHD symptoms:
- Sodium benzoate
- FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine)
- FD&C Yellow No. 6 (sunset yellow)
- FD&C Yellow No. 10 (quinoline yellow)
- FD&C Red No. 40 (allura red)
Look Into Supplements
Supplementary vitamins and minerals can have a broad range of positive effects on one’s health. Specifically for those with ADHD, supplements may improve:
- Attention span
- Brain function
- Emotional regulation
- Quality of sleep
- Memory
- Focus and concentration
Talk with your doctor about the possible benefits of:
- Zinc
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids
- L-theanine
- L-tyrosine
- L-carnitine
- Vitamin B-6
EEG Biofeedback
EEG is electroencephalographic biofeedback — a type of Neurotherapy. It measures brainwaves and is viewed as a promising treatment for those with ADHD. For children, for example, EEG may be a video game that requires intense focus. As the child progresses, they unknowingly enhance their ability to stay on point and concentrate for longer periods. More research is being done, but many believe EEG can become a front-line choice for replacing prescription medications.
Therapy Is Always an Option
People of all ages who are struggling with ADHD can attain positive results through therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Group Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Hypnotherapy. Such modalities target specific dysfunctional behaviors and help set crucial goals.
Start Working With A Therapist in Columbus, OH
In addition, the parents of children with ADHD have been found to benefit from parental therapy. This enables them to develop new skills for guiding their children and being better prepared for future twists and turns. If you’d like to know more about these natural options, let’s connect soon. Our team of caring therapists would be happy to offer support from our Columbus, OH-based practice. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
- Contact Blue Boat Counseling by using the button below
- Meet with a caring therapist
- Begin addressing your symptoms of ADHD
OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH BLUE BOAT COUNSELING
Our team knows that you may be dealing with a variety of mental health concerns at one time. This is why we are happy to offer mental health services including anxiety therapy, depression therapy, and military veteran therapy. We are also happy to offer teen and family therapy and online therapy across the state of Ohio. Visit our blog to learn more today for helpful info.
