Whether they take medication or not, your child may benefit from these five natural remedies for ADHD: proper nutrition, brain-boosting supplements, physical exercise, adequate sleep, and limited screen time.
Vitamin B & C
Finally, supplementing vitamins B and C can also help alleviate ADD and ADHD symptoms. Vitamin C, like zinc, iron, and magnesium, is used to produce neurotransmitters like dopamine. Additionally, vitamin B deficiency is linked to irritability and fatigue in children.
Some of the common foods that can cause ADHD reactions include milk, chocolate, soy, wheat, eggs, beans, corn, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges. If you suspect a food sensitivity may be contributing to your child's ADHD symptoms, talk to your ADHD dietitian or doctor about trying an elimination diet.
People with ADHD have higher chances of being nutrient deficient than the average person. People with ADHD are twice as likely to suffer iron-deficiency anemia compared to members of the general population. 78.4% of children with ADHD are deficient in vitamin D compared to 48% of children without ADHD.
Ginkgo Biloba: This ingredient is a popular choice among manufacturers of brain supplements. It increases blood flow to the brain, cognitive function, and intelligence when combined with nutrients like vitamin D. For improving focus and mental efficiency, the supplement is a necessity in your diet.
Healthy levels of magnesium in the blood can help relax individuals with ADHD. Some small studies8 have shown that adding magnesium supplements decreases some symptoms of ADHD.
Certain essential oils — like lavender, peppermint, and chamomile — are thought to help with stress, inattention, and difficulty sleeping, and are used by some patients as a natural ADHD treatment or relaxation technique.
Therapy on its own is shown to be highly effective at treating ADHD. Types of therapy used for ADHD include behavior therapy, talk therapy, and family therapy. Kids may also receive training on how to behave appropriately in social settings.
ADHD Supplement: Magnesium
I find magnesium helpful for children who have a “rebound effect” after their stimulant medication wears off. A child can safely take 100-300 mg. of elemental magnesium twice daily in the form of magnesium glycinate, citrate, or chelate.
Magnesium L Threonate (or magnesium citrate in those who can only take gummies) are the preparations that has been most studied and show the highest benefit for ADHD, cognition, mood, and anxiety.
It also helps the brain by improving memory and cell growth and by producing serotonin and dopamine, which improves your mood and helps to reduce depression. So, turmeric is a great food for ADHD kids. ADHD kids can't regulate dopamine chemicals.
Several alternatives to Adderall show promise in reducing ADHD symptoms, including some nonstimulant ADHD meds like Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (Guanfacine) and Kapvay (clonidine). Natural alternatives to Adderall show little to no long-term efficacy for ADHD.
Genetics. ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.
ADHD is associated with abnormally low levels of the neurotransmitters transmitting between the prefrontal cortical area and the basal ganglia i.e., dopamine and noradrenaline. Dopamine is closely associated with reward centers in the brain, and also interacts with other potent neurotransmitters to regulate mood.
Vitamin B for ADHD: Deficiencies in B vitamins — particularly B6 — can cause irritability and fatigue in children and adults with ADHD. Adequate B6 levels can increase alertness and decrease anxiety-like symptoms.
Kids with ADHD are also advised to consume foods rich in zinc and magnesium. Both of these minerals are essential in bettering ADHD symptoms. Bananas are another great source of zinc and magnesium. They are also a great evening snack.
People with ADD/ADHD tend to have low levels of dopamine, so it's a good idea to eat foods that tend to increase dopamine such as beef, poultry, fish, eggs, seeds (pumpkin and sesame), nuts (almonds and walnuts), cheese, protein powders, and green tea.