5 Key Areas Of ADHD Natural Treatment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the national incidence of ADHD is 7.8 percent. THE CDC states that most people with ADHD take medication, such as potent stimulant drugs, to manage their symptoms.

Other people are able to successfully manage ADHD with natural treatments. Let’s explore some of the natural treatments for ADHD that people find helpful as primary treatments or as complementary therapies for people with ADHD.

A vast array of ADHD natural treatment approaches are in use. Holistic, herbal, nutritional, and educational approaches are used. Whether or not to use natural therapies, pharmaceuticals, and the vast array of holistic treatments available is a decision each family needs to make. Often, the best approach is a blend of several interventions. No one intervention or approach works for every person.

Education and Schooling

Some families turn to alternative schools which focus on physical activities and a hands-on approach to education. Others work within the local school system as a team with school staff to develop an individualized education plan for their student.

More and more families are electing home schooling as an option. Homeschooling provides opportunities to tailor learning materials to individual interests. For example, a child is more likely to practice reading if the subject matter is something that he or she is interested in. Homeschooling avoids distractions from other children and noise which prevents children with ADHD from focusing on tasks at hand.

Homeschoolers often participate in small groups a few hours weekly. This provides socialization opportunities, yet is not as overwhelming as socialization on a school bus or with large groups of children. As children with ADHD sometimes speak or act without thinking, this may effectively help them to maintain a positive self image which may be damaged in the public school setting.

Food, Diet and Nutrition

Diet has major effects on concentration, moods, and maintenance of brain and nervous system health. A balanced diet which is rich in plant based protein; low in unhealthy fats; low in processed food; and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables provides the brain with the nutrients it needs for optimum function.

There are several foods which have been traditionally touted as “brain foods”. In fact, many of these foods contain essential fatty acids needed for optimal brain health. Oily, cold, deep water fish such as sardines, mackerel, and salmon are rich in essential fatty acids. Vegetarian alternatives include flax, black currant, evening primrose, hempseed, and borage oils. The alterative oils are usually consumed as supplements.

Berries have a well deserved reputation as excellent foods for brain health. In fact, berries are among the most nutrient rich food sources for the entire body.

Often, food allergy symptoms resemble or exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Some people have found that an elimination or rotation diet is an effective natural treatment for ADHD.

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