| ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity | | | | |
| disorder, is increasing alarmingly with | | | | Amino acids |
| statistic suggesting that about 1 in 25 | | | | |
| children diagnosed as having ADHD. The common | | | | The brain used neurotransmitters to control |
| ADHD symptoms are lack of attention and | | | | learning and behavior. Without adequate |
| impulsive, hyperactive behavior. The disorder | | | | neurotransmitters these elements become |
| is normally treated using medications and | | | | impaired. Neurotransmitters are formed using |
| other therapies and with the use of | | | | amino acids and from protein. Research has |
| supplements; ADHD symptoms may be reduced. | | | | shown that children with ADHD tend to be born |
| ADHD is normally diagnosed in children under | | | | with less neurotransmitters, suggesting a |
| 7 and can effect individuals throughout their | | | | genetic link. Therefore, by supplementing |
| life. | | | | with amino acids behavior, memory and mood |
| | | | may all be improved. |
| At present there is no agreement on the | | | | |
| actual causes of ADHD. Individuals with this | | | | Zinc |
| condition do not have any physical | | | | |
| differences to people without ADHD, it just | | | | Zinc deficiency is another factor linked to |
| appears that their brains work slightly | | | | symptoms of ADHD. Studies have been carried |
| differently. A number of environmental | | | | out where children are given a zinc |
| reasons, as well as biological theories have | | | | supplement alongside conventional treatment |
| been suggested and scientists are continuing | | | | or a placebo. The children taking the zinc |
| to work on understanding the condition. | | | | supplements showed significant improvement |
| | | | over the children following the conventional |
| Traditionally ADHD has been treated using | | | | treatment alone. |
| stimulant medications that although sound | | | | |
| contradictory, can lesson symptoms and | | | | For more information about recognizing and |
| improve concentration and attention span. | | | | treating ADHD naturally continue reading and |
| However, there are a number of side effects | | | | sign up for the Free newsletter below. |
| that can occur when taking these medications | | | | |
| and some parents and individuals would rather | | | | Other supplements for ADHD that could prove |
| look to other ways of managing symptoms. This | | | | helpful: |
| is where supplements can help. | | | | |
| | | | Iron |
| Essential fatty acids | | | | |
| | | | Magnesium |
| Essential fatty acids that are found in fish | | | | |
| oils are supplements have shown to relieve | | | | Colloidal minerals |
| some ADHD symptoms. A trial carried out in | | | | |
| Durham, England on 120 children showed that | | | | L-carnitine |
| those taking fish oils reduced hyperactivity, | | | | |
| inattention and impulsive behavior, which had | | | | Vitamin C |
| positive effect on learning and concentration | | | | |
| in school. Essential fatty acids can also | | | | Although these supplements ADHD treatments |
| help to improve eczema, dry skin, reduce | | | | are natural treatments that may effectively |
| excessive thirst and frequent urination, | | | | provide relief for ADHD symptoms, parents are |
| control asthma and allergies. All of which | | | | advised to consult their childs doctor before |
| are common to children with ADHD. | | | | starting on a supplementation regime. |