How To Manage ADHD Naturally

Around 6.1 million children in the US were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to the 2016 statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1). And the number has increased since then.

If you notice your child exhibiting unusual hyperactivity, inattentiveness, or impulsiveness, do not let it go unattended. Consult a qualified mental health care professional immediately.

While there is no cure for ADHD yet, early detection and treatment can play a major role in managing the symptoms before the child enters adulthood. In this article, we have compiled a list of remedies that will help you manage ADHD. Scroll down for more information.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common mental disorders that affect children. It most often affects children and teenagers and may even continue into adulthood.

Children who have ADHD are usually hyperactive and cannot control their impulses. This kind of altered behavior can affect their social as well as school life. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Individuals affected by ADHD may show the following signs and symptoms.

Signs And Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are a little different for adults and children.

Symptoms In Children

The symptoms in children are classified into three groups.

Inattention

A child who has ADHD:

• Can be distracted easily
• Doesn’t obey directions or finish tasks
• Doesn’t pay attention
• Makes careless mistakes
• Is forgetful
• Has trouble organizing
• Cannot sit still for long
• Daydreams

Hyperactivity

A child may also show the following symptoms of hyperactivity:

• Squirms, fidgets, or bounces too often
• Doesn’t remain seated for long
• Always moves around
• Talks excessively
• Faces trouble in playing quietly

Impulsivity

The impulsive symptoms exhibited by a child with ADHD are:

• Impatience in waiting for their turn
• Often interrupts
• Blurts out replies

Symptoms In Adults

As an individual grows older, the symptoms they show tend to change. They may include:

• A chronic feeling of boredom
• Chronic forgetfulness
• Frustration
• Being unorganized
• Poor self-esteem
• Anxiety
• Frequent problems at work
• Trouble in managing anger
• Impulsiveness
• Depression
• Problems in relationships
• Frequent mood swings
• Procrastination
• Addictions
• Substance abuse

Given the severity of ADHD, it is important to be aware of its possible causes.

Causes And Risk Factors

Doctors are yet to find the exact cause of ADHD. It could be resulting from:

• An imbalance in the chemicals produced by the brain
• Changes in certain areas of the brain that are responsible for attention control
• An injury to the brain or a brain disorder

Other factors that can increase your risk of developing ADHD are:

• A family history of the condition
• Smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol during pregnancy
• Lack of proper nutrition or exposure to any infection during pregnancy
• Toxins like lead that can affect the brain development of a child
• Substance abuse during pregnancy

While ADHD cannot be cured or prevented, detecting it early can help the affected child or adult in managing their symptoms.

Diagnosis

ADHD is usually diagnosed when the affected individual exhibits some or all of the symptoms associated with the condition. These symptoms should have lasted for six months or more and must have been present since the age of 12.

Depending on the number as well as the kind of symptoms exhibited, the affected individual is diagnosed with one of the three subtypes of ADHD – Primarily Inattentive, Primarily Hyperactive, or Combined subtype.

Once confirmed, you must not waste any time in beginning treatment. Your doctor might recommend the following medical treatment options.

ADHD Treatment Options

Symptoms of ADHD can usually be managed by stimulant medications like:

• Dexmethylphenidate
• Lisdexamfetamine
• Methylphenidate
• Dextroamphetamine

Stimulants may not work for all. Other medications that can help are:

• Clonidine
• Atomoxetine
• Guanfacine

Additional therapies that may offer help are:

• Providing special education
• Behavioral modifications to manage one’s hyperactivity behavior
• Psychotherapy or counseling
• Training to improve social skills

The following is a list of a few home remedies that can help you manage the condition.

How To Manage ADHD Naturally

Note: Please consult a doctor before you take any supplements to understand the ideal dosage for you and prevent interactions with other medication.

1. Vitamins

Intake of nutrients like vitamins D and B12 has proved to be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of ADHD. While vitamin D improved the cognitive function of the affected children, vitamin B12 also offered help (2), (3).

To get your daily dose of these vitamins, you need to consume foods rich in these vitamins like fatty fish, low-fat dairy, egg yolks, poultry, and lean meats. You can also take additional supplements for these vitamins.

2. Grape Seed Extract

You Will Need

150-300 mg of grape seed extract supplement

What You Have To Do

Consume 150 to 300 mg of grape seed extract supplement.

How Often You Should Do This

Take this supplement once daily.

Why This Works

Grape seed extract contains proanthocyanidins that exhibit anxiolytic properties. This can help attenuate the symptoms of anxiety that accompany ADHD (4).

3. Ginkgo Biloba

You Will Need

40-240 mg of ginkgo biloba supplement

What You Have To Do

1. Take 40 to 240 mg of ginkgo biloba supplement.
2. You can also consume ginkgo biloba tea as an alternative.

How Often You Should Do This

Do not take this supplement more than once daily.

Why This Works

Treatment with ginkgo biloba supplementation was found to improve the overall symptoms associated with ADHD (5).

4. Rhodiola Rosea

You Will Need

500-800 mg of rhodiola supplement

What You Have To Do

Consume about 500 to 800 mg of rhodiola supplement daily.

How Often You Should Do This

You must take this supplement once daily.

Why This Works

Rhodiola rosea was found to be effective in treating cognitive deficiencies like sleep disturbances, forgetfulness, irritability, and difficulty in concentrating (6). It can thus be a great way to manage most symptoms of ADHD.

5. Kava Kava

You Will Need

• 100-300 mg of powdered kava
• 1 glass of water
• A strainer

What You Have To Do

1. Add 100 to 300 mg (or 1 tablespoon) of powdered kava to a glass of water.
2. Mix well for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Filter the kava drink using a strainer (not coffee/tea filter).
4. Drink the concoction.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this 1 or 2 times daily depending on the concentration of kava you take for each cup of water.

Why This Works

Kava is popular for its anxiolytic, sedative, and relaxant properties that can help in managing symptoms of anxiety and restlessness (7).

6. Valerian Root

You Will Need

300-600 mg valerian root supplement

What You Have To Do

Consume 300 to 600 mg valerian root supplement.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily, preferably before bedtime.

Why This Works

Incorporating valerian root supplements into the diet of those affected by ADHD was found to improve symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and concentration difficulties (8).

7. Omega-3

You Will Need

1000-2500 mg of omega-3

What You Have To Do

Children with ADHD must consume 1000-1500 mg of omega-3 daily, and affected adults must consume 2000-2500 mg of omega-3. You can either consume more of omega-3 foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts or take supplements for it.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this on a daily basis.

Why This Works

ADHD patients are often deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementing it will promote brain function and development, thereby alleviating symptoms of ADHD (9).

Caution

You must reduce the dosage of stimulant medications that you are taking while following this remedy.

8. Bacopa

You Will Need

300-450 mg bacopa extract

What You Have To Do

Take 300-450 mg of bacopa extract daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Take this supplement for not more than 12 weeks (3 months).

Why This Works

Bacopa extract helps reduce the symptoms of ADHD like restlessness, impulsiveness, learning problems, and psychiatric problems significantly (10).

9. Ginseng

You Will Need

200 mg of ginseng supplement

What You Have To Do

Take 200 mg of ginseng supplement daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Take ginseng supplement twice daily for optimum benefits.

Why This Works

Ginseng, especially the red Korean variety, is excellent in improving inattentiveness in children diagnosed with ADHD (11).

10. Ningdong

You Will Need

5 mg/kg ningdong granule

What You Have To Do

Take 5 mg/kg of ningdong granule.

How Often You Should Do This

You must take this supplement once daily.

Why This Works

Ningdong is a popular Chinese medicinal preparation that can be used as a safer alternative to medicinal drugs in treating ADHD symptoms (12).

11. Pycnogenol

You Will Need

20-40 mg of pycnogenol supplement

What You Have To Do

1. Those who weigh below 30 kg must take 20 mg of pycnogenol.
2. And those above 30 kg must take 40 mg of pycnogenol.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily.

Why This Works

Pycnogenol is a French maritime pine bark extract. It contains various phenolic acids, catechins, and procyanidins that can help you manage the symptoms of ADHD (13).

12. Vetiver Oil

You Will Need

• 3-4 drops of vetiver oil
• A diffuser
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Add three to four drops of vetiver oil to a diffuser filled with water.
2. Inhale the diffused aroma.
3. Alternatively, you can apply a few drops of the oil on your wrist and inhale its fragrance now and then.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

Vetiver oil is also known as khus oil. Aromatherapy with this oil was found to increase the attention levels of those affected by ADHD (14).

Your diet also matters when it comes to managing ADHD. Given below are some diet tips that will help.

Best Diet For ADHD

Those with ADHD must follow a well-balanced diet that contains:

• Protein-rich foods like fish, poultry, eggs, fish, nuts, soy, and low-fat dairy products
• Foods rich in zinc, iron, and magnesium like lean meats, seafood, soy, and fortified cereals
• B-vitamin foods like fish, whole grains, eggs, vegetables, and soybeans
• Omega-3-rich foods like chia seeds, walnuts, fatty fish, and flax seeds

People with ADHD need to avoid certain foods like:

• Sugary foods
• Foods containing artificial dyes and preservatives like colored cereals, toothpaste, canned fruits, and candies
• Foods that cause allergies like wheat, corn, gluten, and soy

While ADHD cannot be prevented, you can work towards managing the symptoms and prevent worsening of the condition. Here are a few tips that will help you.

Tips To Manage ADHD

Lifestyle Changes For Children With ADHD

• Maintain a positive attitude and trust your child to manage this condition.
• Establish a routine and stick to it.
• Set clear expectations and rules.
• Encourage sleep as well as movement.
• Use essential oils like that of lavender to keep your child calm and help them sleep better.
• Do not allow your child to spend too much time watching television.
• Teach your child to socialize and to make friends.

Lifestyle Changes For Adults With ADHD

• Develop your organization skills slowly.
• Manage your time and stick to your schedule.
• Control your budget by keeping a check on your bills and money.
• Stay focused at work and develop your productivity at a slow pace.
• Manage your stress levels.

One of the best ways to support those who have ADHD is to lend a helping hand and have a holistic approach towards managing the condition. Making even the slightest of changes to their diet or following the tips and remedies provided in this article can help the affected individuals in their struggle against ADHD.

Are you aware of any other methods to cope with ADHD? Let us know in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to see a doctor for ADHD?

You must visit a doctor if there is no improvement in your symptoms despite following the treatments mentioned here. Some medications may show great results in the beginning and stop doing so after a while. In such cases, your doctor may have to prescribe other medications to control your symptoms.

What type of disorder is ADHD?

ADHD is a mental disorder that is of the neurodevelopmental type. This condition is characterized by symptoms like trouble paying attention or excessive activity.

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Author

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

Read full bio of Shaheen Naser