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Alternative Solutions for Kids With ADHD

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, at least 2 to 3 percent of children in the United States have ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. To date, there is no cure for ADHD, but there are many medications available for children as well as counseling, according to Mayo Clinic. There are also many alternative solutions--diet, exercise, herbal and homeopathic remedies have shown some promise in reducing many of the associated behavior patterns.

  1. Signs

    • Look for the following signs if you think your child may have ADHD: lack of concentration, impulsive behavior and inappropriate reactions. Pay attention to your child's ability to remember things, language skills and motor skills. According to Mayo Clinic, many kids with ADHD suffer from low self-esteem and poor performance in a school setting.

    Diet

    • Give your children a diet high in protein, produce and whole grains. According to Dr. Benjamin Feingold, a pediatrician and allergist at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in San Francisco, removing all additives, food colorings and preservatives from your child's diet could eliminate many of the symptoms of her ADHD. Be aware of possible food allergies--wheat, eggs and milks are often culprits, according to Mayo Clinic. Remove one at a time from your child's diet to see if the problem is with those foods. Limit or eliminate sugar and caffeine, which possibly could create hyperactivity.

    Herbs

    • Giving your child herbs can be helpful in treating many symptoms related to ADHD. Chamomile tea is an herb that is a relaxant and could have a calming effect on your child. Skullcap is another herb that calms a child's mind, according to the website Herbs2000.com. Topical rubs made from rosemary, sage and lavender mixed with 2 tbsp. of olive oil can be very soothing when rubbed on the feet and spine before bedtime.

    Homeopathic Remedies

    • Anacardium can be used for hyperactivity and for children who suffer from low self-esteem. Try hyoscyamus when your child is verbally abusive and constantly showing off for attention. Stramonium is another homeopathic remedy you can use if your child often feels fearful.

    Exercise

    • Dr. John Ratey, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School believes exercise often can eliminate the need for medicine in many children with ADHD. Join your child in physical activities indoors and outdoors. Keep exercise balls, jump ropes and free weighs convenient. Go outside and play ball, ride bicycles, go in-line skating and take walks.

    Prognosis

    • A diagnosis of ADHD for your child can be a scary moment in your life. You can make lifestyle changes and experiment with dietary changes and herbs, encourage exercise and try homeopathic solutions--these may reduce or eliminate many of the behavior difficulties your child is experiencing. According to Mayo Clinic, treatment for ADHD can make a difference, and your child can grow up to be happy and productive member of society.

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