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Remedies for Hyperactivity in Children

Some children naturally have more energy than others, but some may be classified as hyperactive. Hyperactivity is a condition normally associated with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which are the result of a chemical imbalance in the child's brain. Hyperactivity can be disruptive to the child's life; however, there are many natural and pharmaceutical remedies for hyperactivity.

  1. Medications

    • Before you or your doctor begins any drug treatment for a child, make sure to have a definitive, professional diagnosis that the child is classically hyperactive. Some high-energy children are treated for hyperactivity with a low success rate. Hyperactive children are normally treated with drugs that are classified as stimulants. These medicines include amphetamines and methylphenidate (MPH), which help diminish hyperactivity in about 70 percent of the children who take them. Negative side effects of the drugs include sleeplessness, decreased appetite and nervous ticks. Children should be closely monitored on these medications, especially initially. Doctors may increase or decrease dosages depending on the effectiveness of the medication.

    Diet

    • Many doctors recommend eliminating processed sugar from a child's diet entirely as a way to control hyperactive behavior. Fruit is a mainstay of a child's nutrition, and although fruit contains sugar, hyperactive children should still be allowed to eat it. Experts recommend supplementing a fruit snack like an apple with a food high in protein like cheese. Protein helps the body process the sugar more efficiently. Cutting out candy, soda and baked goods helps keep a hyperactive child on a more even keel.

    Environmental Changes

    • Finally, a parent can mitigate hyperactive episodes by modifying a child's environment. One such strategy is to keep a fairly routine schedule. A hyperactive child does not react well to surprises or the anxiety that is caused by the unknown. Reserve a quiet spot in your home that your child can go to and relax when she is getting too anxious. Keeping the child's home organized and free of clutter helps her feel more relaxed. Also, giving your child a relaxing massage of the shoulders or temples to alleviate some of the stress associated with hyperactivity disorder.

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