| Traditional ADHD treatment involves prescription drugs | | | | processed meats, fried foods, food colorings, fruit |
| which can have side effects. However, there is a | | | | juices and NutraSweet. This may seem extreme, |
| strong movement to look for natural ADHD | | | | however, after the initial period you may start |
| treatments. | | | | introducing these foods back into the diet. Add one |
| Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a | | | | food every other day to see what, if anything, results. |
| common mental disorder, particularly in children. It | | | | Keep a food and behavior diary during this test period |
| affects 3 to 5 percent of all children, perhaps as many | | | | so you can study the results. |
| as 2 million children and can persist into adolescence | | | | On an ongoing basis, keep the diet high in whole foods |
| and adulthood. The disease, once called hyper kinesis, | | | | emphasizing vegetables and whole grains. Eat a diet |
| is most often treated with drugs such as Ritalin; | | | | that is balanced in carbohydrates and proteins. Limit |
| however, there is a strong movement to look for | | | | the amount of junk food, especially sugar. Drink juices |
| natural ADHD treatments. | | | | that are diluted to decrease the intake of sugar. |
| The traditional drug treatments for ADHD consist of | | | | Supplements |
| stimulants such as Ritalin or amphetamines such as | | | | Vitamin and mineral supplements are often quite helpful |
| Dexedrine or Adderall. These drugs, however, can | | | | as a natural ADHD treatment. There are certain |
| produce side effects. The side effects can be | | | | vitamins that may be lacking in the body which are |
| psychological in nature, ranging from depression to | | | | causing or adding to the ADHD. Vitamin C and |
| psychotic symptoms or even hallucinations. Other side | | | | Niacinamide together form a combination that may |
| effects may be physical such as loss of appetite, | | | | help ADHD patients. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin |
| insomnia and stomachaches. These drugs also have | | | | B3. These two vitamins may help reduce hyperactivity |
| the risk of addiction. Rather than taking these drugs, | | | | and restlessness and allow children to improve their |
| many parents and physicians are taking a more holistic | | | | concentration. |
| approach to the problem, taking into consideration diet, | | | | Colloidal minerals also called fully chelated minerals |
| lifestyle, and personality. | | | | offer the best form of mineral supplement and are |
| Natural ADHD treatments are used to gently and | | | | available through many health food stores. They can |
| effectively treat the symptoms of ADHD while at the | | | | provide the missing minerals from the diet and can help |
| same time helping the child live a balanced life. The | | | | to calm overactive minds. |
| natural approach is less harmful and has a better | | | | Herbs |
| chance of curing the problem altogether than traditional | | | | There are many herbs known to be helpful in the |
| drugs. The key to natural ADHD treatments is finding | | | | natural treatment of ADHD. They can reduce mood |
| the combination that works best for your child. Often | | | | swings and increase alertness. The reduction of |
| this involves some trial and error at first. Once a | | | | prescription drugs along with herbal treatments often |
| natural treatment is found to work, however, the | | | | helps the patient improve memory and concentration |
| results can be amazing. | | | | while not in a haze. Some of the more popular herbs |
| Diet | | | | for treating ADHD are Chamomile, Evening Primrose |
| Diet is the first thing that should be examined when | | | | Oil, Fresh Lemon balm, and Gotu Kola, among others. |
| looking for natural ADHD cures. Often there is a | | | | There are many natural ADHD treatments available. |
| particular food or combination of foods that is | | | | Discuss these options with your doctor before you |
| contributing to the ADHD symptoms. Start by | | | | begin a new treatment. You doctor can help you |
| eliminating or cutting down on the consumption of | | | | make a plan for reducing or eliminating the prescription |
| certain foods from the diet for a two-week period. | | | | drugs and trying homeopathic or natural methods. |
| These foods are dairy products, junk food, chocolate, | | | | |