ADHD is a disease which is commonly found in children and adults in some cases. The full form of ADHD is Attentive Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. As the name specifies, the disease reduces attentiveness in the patients and they become hyperactive.
About 4% adults are estimated to be affected with ADHD. It occurs to both male and female. Adults face job related problems and feel themselves difficult to be attentive at work. Another symptom is impulsivity that causes the patient to act before thinking, interrupting unnecessarily and feeling restlessness. ADHD symptoms in adults include low self esteem, anxiety, depression, impulsiveness etc.
A number of children are diagnosed with ADHD and apart from medications, they search for herbal and natural treatments which are not dangerous and have lesser side effects as compared to the traditional medications. Treatments and medications for ADHD are similar for both adults and children. Among the natural treatments, daily diet containing the nutritional foods, play a very important role in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. But one should consult the concerned doctor before using the treatments as some may be allergic to the specific person.
List Of Natural Cures For ADHD In Adults
Green Salads
Green salads and other raw foods are very good for ADHD patients. Rather they can be considered as the best herbal remedy. Mixed green salads can be served to the patients during dinner time. Also, green vegetables are rich in fiber and in addition, they have antioxidants and carotenoids helping the body cells to remove toxins. Green salads like spinach, kale, romaine etc. are rich in vitamins and minerals as well. They also help in recovering the weight loss in adults due to ADHD.
Lemon Balms
Lemon balms help in reducing anxiety as they contain antioxidants that remove toxin and keep the cells healthy. Also called as Melissa officinalis, it has lemony taste. It is mostly found to be effective on those who are hyperactive. It is a natural remedy and has been used since past time for treating nervous related problems.
Melotone Syrup
It is considered as an alternative to Ritalin. It is in the liquid form and contains Omega 3s in salmon oil and primrose oil. This nutritional supplement has many other vitamins and minerals like magnesium, B6 etc. that are usually low in ADHD affected persons.
Caffeine
Results have shown that small amount of caffeine can be helpful for ADHD patients. Caffeine is present in tea, chocolate, coffee and soft drinks that help the ADHD affected person to become more alert and attentive as it is a nervous system stimulant drug. Caffeine reduces blood flow in the brain due to which release of dopamine gets affected. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is helpful in focusing and concentrating.
The drawback lies in the fact that its effect is short-lived and diminishes soon. Also, excessive caffeine can result in anxiety, nervousness and irritation among the patients. As it may lead to side effects, it is not recommended by many of the experts.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is good for reducing ADHD symptoms as it contains omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are also called essential fatty acids that are helpful for proper brain functioning. Other than fish, essential oils are present in vegetable oils and seed oils. Hundred to two hundred milligrams of fish oil and fifty milligrams of B-complex vitamins would be beneficial for patients. Fishes like Salmon, flounder, halibut, mackerel, sardines etc. are rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
Fish also contains a large amount of zinc. Studies have shown that fish oil supplements have benefited ADHD patients and have increased mental attentiveness in them. Rather than frying the fish, it should be baked in non-stick cooking for preventing excessive saturated fats. The protein contained in fish helps in balancing blood sugar and energy levels.
Zinc Supplements
Zinc supplements have shown to reduce hyperactive and impulsion in ADHD affected patients. Oyster, meat, nut, wheat grain, poultry, cereal etc. are rich in zinc and should be consumed by the patients. Zinc has an important role to play in the metabolism of neurotransmitters which are involved in ADHD.
But there is one negative aspect of zinc supplements that its usage for a long time may cause anaemia in those persons who don’t have deficiency in zinc. Thirty milligrams per day of zinc can be helpful while it can be dangerous in excess.
Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium helps in increasing concentration and energy levels, thus ultimately improving the nervous system. ADHD affected patients have been found to be deficient in magnesium. Two hundred milligrams of magnesium per day would be good for the patient but excessive amount can interfere with medications and hence can be dangerous.
Magnesium is also an important component in serotonin production and helps in reducing inattentiveness in ADHD patients. It can be consumed from dehydrated fruits, seeds and nuts in good amount.
Super Blue Green Algae
This is considered to be the best thing for ADHD patients. Studies and reports have shown that taking algae as food has improved many of the symptoms. It would rather boost up the patient’s mind and improve his or her behaviour.
St. John’s Wort
It is a very effective herb used for treating ADHD related symptoms like insomnia, depression, anxiety etc. Thirty milligrams of St. John’s Wort which is standardized to 0.3% hypericin content should be consumed three times per day. This herb can also be consumed in the form of tablet, capsule, tincture, tea etc. Treatment of St. John’s Wort normally takes three to four weeks.
Exercise
Doing daily exercise is helpful for better treatment of ADHD. It helps in keeping calm and relaxes the mind. It increases chemical activity in the brain that helps in changing the mood and pressure on mind. Since this has no side effects, it is good for health.
Managing Impulsive Behaviour
When getting angry, start counting from one to ten. It would help in getting relaxed and calm. Some techniques related to behavioural management and practicing social skills would be really helpful. Meditation and yoga would also be helpful.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
