Natural ADHD Treatments

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a common mentaldisorder, particularly in children. It affects 3 to 5 percent of allchildren, perhaps as many as 2 million children and can persist intoadolescence and adulthood. The disease, once called hyper kinesis, ismost often treated with drugs such as Ritalin; however, there is astrong movement to look for natural ADHD treatments.

Thetraditional drug treatments for ADHD consist of stimulants such asRitalin or amphetamines such as Dexedrine or Adderall. These drugs,however, can produce side effects. The side effects can bepsychological in nature, ranging from depression to psychotic symptomsor even hallucinations. Other side effects may be physical such as lossof appetite, insomnia and stomachaches. These drugs also have the riskof addiction. Rather than taking these drugs, many parents andphysicians are taking a more holistic approach to the problem, takinginto consideration diet, lifestyle, and personality.

NaturalADHD treatments are used to gently and effectively treat the symptomsof ADHD while at the same time helping the child live a balanced life.The natural approach is less harmful and has a better chance of curingthe problem altogether than traditional drugs. The key to natural ADHDtreatments is finding the combination that works best for your child.Often this involves some trial and error at first. Once a naturaltreatment is found to work, however, the results can be amazing.

Diet
Dietis the first thing that should be examined when looking for naturalADHD cures. Often there is a particular food or combination of foodsthat is contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Start by eliminating orcutting down on the consumption of certain foods from the diet for atwo-week period. These foods are dairy products, junk food, chocolate,processed meats, fried foods, food colorings, fruit juices andNutraSweet. This may seem extreme, however, after the initial periodyou may start introducing these foods back into the diet. Add one foodevery other day to see what, if anything, results. Keep a food andbehavior diary during this test period so you can study the results.

Onan ongoing basis, keep the diet high in whole foods emphasizingvegetables and whole grains. Eat a diet that is balanced incarbohydrates and proteins. Limit the amount of junk food, especiallysugar. Drink juices that are diluted to decrease the intake of sugar.

Supplements
Vitaminand mineral supplements are often quite helpful as a natural ADHDtreatment. There are certain vitamins that may be lacking in the bodywhich are causing or adding to the ADHD. Vitamin C and Niacinamidetogether form a combination that may help ADHD patients. Niacinamide isa form of vitamin B3. These two vitamins may help reduce hyperactivityand restlessness and allow children to improve their concentration.

Colloidalminerals also called fully chelated minerals offer the best form ofmineral supplement and are available through many health food stores.They can provide the missing minerals from the diet and can help tocalm overactive minds.

Herbs
There are many herbs known to behelpful in the natural treatment of ADHD. They can reduce mood swingsand increase alertness. The reduction of prescription drugs along withherbal treatments often helps the patient improve memory andconcentration while not in a haze. Some of the more popular herbs fortreating ADHD are Chamomile, Evening Primrose Oil, Fresh Lemon balm,and Gotu Kola, among others.

There are many natural ADHDtreatments available. Discuss these options with your doctor before youbegin a new treatment. You doctor can help you make a plan for reducingor eliminating the prescription drugs and trying homeopathic or naturalmethods.