ADD and ADHD Natural Remedies by Tea

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

There are several ADD and ADHD natural remedies, including change in diet, routines and checklists, and natural supplements. A few examples of foods you should stay away from are all forms of refined sugar (simple carbohydrates) and any products that contain it. Also eliminate junk food and all foods that contain artificial colors, flavorings, monosodium glutamate (MSG), yeast, or preservatives. Avoid carbonated beverages, which contain large amounts of phosphates.

 

Phosphate additives may be responsible for hyperkinesis (exaggerated muscle activity). High levels of phosphorus and very low calcium and magnesium levels (which can be revealed through a hair analysis) can indicate a potential for hyperactivity and seizures. Meat and fat also are high in phosphorus.

 

Routines are important for children with ADD/ADHD so they know what is expected of them. Checklists are a good way of letting the child know what is in store for them for the day. This will help them be prepared for what is happening next and may prevent breakdowns. Once a child completes the checklist they should be rewarded in some way to show them they are doing a good job.

 

For those that are interested in alternatives to prescription medication for ADD/ADHD, there are natural treatment options available. Herbs and vitamins can help reduce the effects of ADD/ADHD and create focus, mental clarity and overall emotional well-being in both children and adults.

 

The following herbs are safe for use in children with ADD/ADHD:

 

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)

 

The active components of Lemon Balm, including Flavonoid and Phenolic Acids, help to relieve restlessness, nervousness, anxiety and mild mood changes. Studies have also shown that Lemon Balm supports mental performance, attention span, accuracy and memory.

 

 

Bacopa (Bacopa Monniera)

 

The Bacosides, Alkaloids, and Glycosides in Bacopa help support healthy cognitive functions such as focus, concentration, memory and mental endurance.

 

Lecithin

 

The Choline in Lecithin is a vital precursor to the production of neurotransmitters such as Dopamine and Acetylcholine, which are used to support concentration, alertness, and memory.

 

German Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita)

 

German Chamomile has historically been used to soothe the Central Nervous System, and can reduce nervous tension as well as emotional stress responses.

 

Combining these herbal therapies with a healthy lifestyle and a behavioral wellness plan can help reduce the following symptoms in children with ADD/ADHD:

 

    Restlessness and over-active behavior

    Lack of mental clarity or focus

    Memory problems

    Difficulty concentrating

    Mental fatigue

    Irritability and mood swings

 

For adults interested in natural support for ADD/ADHD, all of above and the following herbs are recommended to be used:

 

American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius L.)

 

The Ginsenosides derived from American Ginseng have been shown to increase alertness, concentration and memory and improve mental performance.

Rhodiola Rosea (Rhodiola Rosea L.)

 

The Rosavin, Rosarin, and Salidrosides in Rhodiola Rosea root help to provide support during times of heightened mental and physical stress. Rhodiola has been shown to promote mental sharpness, emotional balance, and relaxation.

 

Choline: Choline is used in the production of neurotransmitters such as Dopamine and Acetylcholine. These brain chemicals help to maintain alertness, concentration and memory.

B-vitamins, Vitamin C, Zinc and Magnsium

 

These vitamins encourage basic nervous system functions such as neurotransmitter production and cell-to-cell communication, which support and maintain healthy cognitive function and calm the Central Nervous System.

 

Herbs and vitamins used in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise, and coping skills for ADD/ADHD can reduce the negative effects of ADD/ADHD symptoms.

 

Vitamins and Supplements for ADD/ADHD

 

Have you ever wondered whether vitamins and supplements can help treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD?

 

Over the past few decades, alternative and complementary medicine has gained in popularity. As a result, there is now a wide range of nontraditional approaches to personal health and healing. These various remedies are sometimes used in the place of standard medical approaches. Oftentimes, though, they are used in addition to standard medical therapy. Some alternative remedies are safe, relatively affordable, and easily accessible. And some may actually create an opportunity for you to participate actively in key decisions about your health.

 

On the other hand, there are other natural or alternative remedies that are unsafe. That's why it's important to know what works -- and what doesn't -- when it comes to nonstandard treatments for conditions like ADD/ADHD. The fact that claims are made that a vitamin or supplement is natural is not a guarantee that it's safe. It's important to always discuss any therapy with your doctor before taking it.

 

Read on to discover whether there are vitamins and natural supplements that are safe and effective for treating symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

 

Zinc for ADD/ADHD symptoms

 

Some studies suggest that children with ADD/ADHD may have lower levels of zinc in their body. And some scientists have reported improved symptoms in children with ADHD who took zinc supplements along with traditional ADD/ADHD treatment.

 

Several studies have shown a reduction in hyperactivity and impulsivity with zinc supplementation. The same studies, though, report no change in inattentiveness, which is another key symptom of ADD/ADHD. A 2005 study in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, though,did show a correlation between zinc levels and teacher- and parent-rated inattention in children.

 

Foods high in zinc include oysters and other seafood, red meat, poultry, dairy products, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fortified cereals.

 

Fish oil for ADD/ADHD symptoms

 

There is some evidence that fish oil can help improve ADHD symptoms. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. There are some findings that suggest that, in children with ADHD who are 8 to 12 years old, fish oil supplementation may improve mental skills. For instance, it may help improve a child's ability to organize activities.

 

In one study, a specific supplement of fish oil and evening primrose oil was used. Results showed that it improved hyperactivity, inattentiveness, an inability to think clearly, and overall behavior in children with ADD/ADHD who were 7 to 12 years old.

 

Fish high in omega 3 fatty acids include salmon, albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, trout, and sardines.

 

St. John's wort: No help for ADD/ADHD

 

St. John's wort is a common herbal supplement. It's used for treating depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. This herbal treatment affects brain chemicals, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

 

Recent scientific studies do not support the use of St. John's wort to treat ADD/ADHD. In fact, recent findings conclude that St. John's wort has no effect on the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

 

One study involved a group of children and adolescents with ADD/ADHD ranging in age from 6 to17. Each child and adolescent was given either a placebo or St. John's wort supplement three times a day for 8 weeks. They were then evaluated for changes in their hyperactivity and inattentiveness. The results showed no difference between the two groups.

 

Other natural supplements for ADD/ADHD

 

There is some preliminary evidence that some natural supplements may benefit people with ADHD. For example, in one study, a combination of American ginseng and Ginkgo leaf improved ADD/ADHD symptoms in children ages 3 to 17. But researchers conclude that more scientific studies are needed to confirm this finding.

 

Some research also shows that the natural hormone melatonin may offer some benefit for children with ADHD who take stimulant medications. Researchers noted that it improved sleep problems in these children. Melatonin, though, has not been found effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms.

 

Natural supplements such as GABA and inositol are sometimes used to treat ADHD and ease mood symptoms. Neither one of these natural products is proven to be effective, though. Also, there is still insufficient evidence about the safety of either product.

Can nutritional supplements help with ADD/ADHD by filling dietary gaps?

 

Some proponents of nutritional supplements believe that ADHD symptoms occur because of a lack in the diet. They also believe that supplements are needed to fill that dietary gap.

 

For instance, there are some studies on using iron supplements to treat ADD/ADHD. Findings from these studies suggest that children with ADD/ADHD may have iron deficiencies. The hypothesis is that supplementing with iron may improve ADD/ADHD symptoms.

 

It's important, though, to use caution when giving your child any supplement. Taking too much iron, for instance, can be toxic -- even deadly. It's important to check with your child's doctor if you believe your child may be iron deficient.

 

In addition, always talk to your doctor before using any natural supplements. That includes megadoses of vitamins or minerals. That's because there's always a chance of toxicity or of interaction with medication.

 

 

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