Natural ADHD Medication Alternatives
Natural treatments for ADHD can help reduce core symptoms of the disorder. They include diet and exercise biofeedback (also called neurofeedback), meditation and yoga.
Gingko Biloba, a Chinese native, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in combination with Ginseng. Further research is required to confirm the results.
Caffeine
A lot of people take ADHD medication to help control their symptoms, however there are natural solutions that can also be efficient. Natural treatments don't require a prescription from a doctor and include lifestyle modifications as well as mineral and vitamin supplements and herbal medicine. These supplements can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with prescription medications.
Caffeine may improve focus and concentration by increasing brain activity. It is present in tea, coffee and some prescription medications. A small dose of caffeine can reduce ADHD symptoms, including inattention or difficulty staying focused. More research is needed to prove it.
Many herbs have been used for long periods of time to treat a wide range of ailments. Several herbs, including bacopa and ginseng have been proven in research to aid in the management of ADHD. These herbs can improve the flow of brain information, and act as nootropics to improve cognitive function. They can also help calm anxiety and reduce stress responses. These herbs can boost levels of dopamine and other neurotransmitters that are essential to concentration, such as norepinephrine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
Regular exercise is another natural solution for ADHD. This can improve motivation, memory, and mood. It also helps reduce the urge to engage in impulsive behavior by burning off excess energy. Exercise can also regulate sleep patterns which is crucial for ADHD sufferers.
Omega-3 fatty acids vitamin B-6, dark green vegetables are just a few of the supplements that aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain foods that are rich in these nutrients include flax seed, fish, chia seeds dark green vegetables, broccoli, and sesame seeds. Ginko biloba and Ashwagandha are two other supplements to your diet that can improve ADHD symptoms.
A recent study found that combining botanical ingredients and nutritional supplements with pharmacological treatments can increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Certain studies suggest that combining herbal medications with behavioral therapy may help enhance the symptoms of ADHD.
It's a good idea however, it's better to talk to your physician prior to making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle. You should ensure that the herbal remedy you use doesn't affect any prescription medication you're taking.
Omega-3 fatty-acid supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the development of the human brain. They are found in fish and some algae, and can be used as a nutritional supplement. Omega-3 fats supplements have been proven in a variety of studies to reduce ADHD symptoms. Recent meta-analysis showed that children suffering from ADHD taking omega-3 fatty acids supplements showed a slight but significant improvement in behavior. The improvement was not as notable as that seen with psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, however it was nevertheless evident. The behavior improvement persisted even after additional medications were added to the treatment plan.
Consuming omega-3 fatty acids supplements could help reduce ADHD symptoms by assisting in the development of brain cells. Iampsychiatry could increase brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals are essential for normal functioning, but are often diminished in ADHD patients. It is possible that the lower level of omega-3 fatty acids in people with ADHD may be due to genetics because individuals with ADHD have a 60-70 percent higher chance of having a genetic variation that hinders their ability to digest these fats.
Pycnogenol is an standardized bark extract of the French maritime pine that has proven promising in treating ADHD. The extract has been reported to improve ADHD symptoms in a number of studies, including one large, randomized, placebo- and methylphenidate-controlled trial. However the results of the study are not conclusive, and some investigators have questioned whether the improvement in ADHD symptoms are a result of the placebo effect or the combination of the methylphenidate and Pycnogenol.
Exercise is a great way to reduce ADHD symptoms and decrease stress. It could be as easy as going for a walk or participating in the sport in a group. Rozmus recommends any type of physical exercise that gets the heart pumping. This includes aerobic workouts, weightlifting, swimming, running, biking, walking, and any other activity that gets the blood flowing to your brain.
It is crucial to keep in mind that there are a variety of natural solutions that can be used, and it's not necessarily more or less effective to use them instead of prescribed medication for ADHD. Many people find that combining prescription drugs with complementary and alternative treatments is the most effective strategy.
Vitamin B-6
A variety of natural alternatives to ADHD treatment have been proven effective in treating the condition. These include psychotherapy, support groups, exercise and a healthy diet and relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation. Some people may consider stimulant medications to be an important and effective part in their ADHD treatment strategy. Some of the adverse effects that can occur when taking stimulant ADHD medication include sleepiness, increased blood pressure as well as nausea, weight loss, and a decrease in appetite. Some people may be afflicted by headaches, irritability and mood changes.
Some herbal treatments such as bacopa and ginseng may help to aid in the reduction of ADHD symptoms. However, more research is needed to determine if these plants can be used in place of or in conjunction with the prescription medications prescribed by your physician. Consult your doctor before you attempt natural remedies to treat ADHD.
Vitamin B-6 has also been proven to be a viable alternative to ADHD medications. Researchers found that supplementing with vitamin B-6 significantly improved ADHD symptoms in children. Vitamin B-6 works by increasing serotonin production, which can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
Ginkgo biloba has also been shown to alleviate symptoms. In one study, the ginkgo treatment was more effective than methylphenidate on itself. More research is needed to determine if ginkgo biloba in combination with other ADHD treatments could be effective.
Zinc sulfate has also been proven to be a viable alternative to ADHD medication. In a double-blind, randomized clinical study the zinc sulfate supplement was found to boost the effectiveness of methylphenidate for children suffering from ADHD. This treatment is safe and well-tolerated by children.
It is crucial to keep in mind that ADHD can look very different for every person. What works for one person may not be the best for another. Many adults suffering from ADHD find that a combination therapy, medication and natural supplements can be effective in reducing their ADHD symptoms.
Gamma aminobutyric acid
GABA helps with ADHD by acting as a neurotransmitter, assisting to prevent brain overexcitation. The neural circuits that are constantly overexcited can lead to fatigue, which could hinder normal cognitive functions. GABA is also linked to brain proteins that produce an inhibitory response and reduces activity. These effects can help to reduce anxiety, depression and stress and promote healthy sleeping patterns and regulate blood pressure.
Those who struggle with ADHD frequently have difficulty sleeping due to an overactive brain. Sleep deprivation can adversely affect memory and concentration and increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. This can be a sign of ADHD, or a side-effect of some medications that treat it. Gamma aminobutyric can also improve the quality of sleep. This can help reduce hyperactivity and improve executive functioning and mood.
A growing body of research is proving the effectiveness of natural and holistic solutions for ADHD. They can be used as a separate treatment or as a complement to medication prescribed by a physician. These holistic treatments include vitamin therapy, herbal medicine, and diet modification. A healthy, whole food diet that is free of artificial dyes sugars, additives, and other chemicals can impact the severity of symptoms. A comprehensive IgG test from Alletess Medical Laboratory is able to identify common culprits like dairy and gluten that can contribute ADHD-related symptoms.
Acetyl-L-carnitine, a herbal supplement, has been proven to boost gamma aminobutyric acid levels in the brain. This chemical may reduce hyperactivity in ADHD children. A study conducted in a clinical setting showed it reduced the need for stimulant medication.
Ginseng is another herbal remedy that has been confirmed to improve the behavior and attention of adults with ADHD. Ginseng has been shown to aid people in focusing and control their emotions and avoid impulsive behaviors. In a recent study participants with ADHD who took ginseng had fewer symptoms of depression and were more likely to follow directions.
Four herbal supplements were examined for their effects ADHD and mental health. These include saffron ginkgo, bacopa and saffron. These herbs have been proven to aid in neurocognitive function by increasing blood flow to the mind and acting as nootropics, or providing nutrients for cognitive function.