Tips For Approaching ADHD Naturally

Having a child with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder can be difficult, especially if you prefer homeopathic approaches. The great news is that there are several ways to approach ADHD naturally. Below are some ideas to help you get started.

Monitor the Diet – While we all need to eat a well-rounded and healthy diet, this is especially important for individuals with ADHD. Below are a few key tips to follow when maintaining the ADHD diet.

• Reduce Gluten – Gluten has been shown to increase and promote the symptoms of ADHD, therefore it’s best to reduce or eliminate gluten from your child’s diet whenever possible.
• Watch Additives – Many food additives such as preservatives, flavorings and food colorings have been found to aggravate ADHD. One specific additive is tartrazine, or FD&C Yellow #5.
• Include More Whole and Organic Foods – Whole and organic foods are believed to help reduce the symptoms of ADHD as they are fresh, full of nutrients and free of pesticides. Pesticides used to spray crops before harvest have been linked to ADHD, therefore it’s best to stay away from these products.
• Get Plenty of Essential Fatty Acids – One of the key components of a healthy ADHD diet is getting plenty of Omega-3s and Omega-6s. If you don’t eat a lot of fish or other foods with these essential fatty acids, consider giving your child fish oil supplements.
• Limit Sugars – Finally, white sugar has been proven to enhance the symptoms of ADHD and is therefore strongly advised against for children (or adults) with ADHD.
• Reduce Common Food Allergens – Food allergies and ADHD are believed by some to be connected. Therefore, you may find it helpful to eliminate the most common forms of food allergens. These include products such as wheat, pork, chocolate, eggs and dairy products.

Relaxation – There are many forms of meditation that have been shown to help relieve ADHD symptoms while relaxing the “patient.” A few ways to incorporate meditation into you or your child’s daily routine is by taking up Pilates, Yoga or Tai Chi. However, many types of martial arts moves have been proven to be relaxing also.

Daily Exercise – While relaxing through meditative moves is a great way to naturally reduce the symptoms of ADHD, incorporating a daily form of exercise is another great way to minimize ADHD symptoms. For those with ADHD, daily exercise allows them to burn off the extra energy they have in a constructive way. When exercise is done through a sport, it can also boost self-esteem.

Herbal Techniques – Many have found various herbs and herbal teas to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. In fact, there are special herbal blends that are specifically formulated for children with ADHD. Visit your natural food store or with a natural health practitioner to find out more specifics about using herbs to naturally treat ADHD.