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Naturopathic Remedies For ADHD

ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a common disorder that affects both children and adults. It is more commonly diagnosed in boys, but girls can have ADHD too. Although the stereotypical portrait of a child with ADHD is of a hyperactive, trouble-making boy, children with predominantly inattentive-type ADHD, who are more often girls, are likely to be seen as quiet daydreamers instead. Whatever the type of ADHD you or your child is diagnosed with, there are some natural strategies that can help you, instead of or in addition to conventional medical treatment.

  1. Causes of ADHD

    • Researchers have not pinpointed a specific cause of ADHD, and controversy exists about whether the diagnosis is given too commonly. However, some evidence points to a genetic origin of ADHD, as it tends to run in families. Some naturopathic practitioners believe ADHD is caused mostly by the modern Western lifestyle, with its fast-paced culture, TV and Internet use, along with an unhealthy diet composed of too much sugar and processed food.

    Diet

    • Dr. Benjamin Feingold, a pediatric allergist, proposed a dietary regimen to treat ADHD by removing a number of foods from the diet, including those with synthetic flavors and colors. The effectiveness of the Feingold diet has not been clinically proved, but many parents of children with ADHD say it has helped them. It may be that the Feingold diet works indirectly by improving the overall quality of the diet; foods without artificial additives are also less likely to be sugar-filled junk food. Sugar consumption is also an area of controversy, as many mainstream studies seem to suggest that it is not the cause of hyperactive behavior, but parents often believe it affects their children. Although the studies are inconclusive, there is no doubt that a diet involving less sugar and more fresh foods is healthier, so it is a good first step to take in treating ADHD naturally.

    Vitamins

    • The lack of some common nutrients can worsen symptoms of ADHD. Whether this deficiency is enough to be considered the cause of ADHD is again controversial, but it is likely that ensuring an adequate intake of vitamins may at least relieve some symptoms of ADHD. These nutrients include magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin B6 and omega-3 fatty acids. If your diet does not include adequate amounts of these nutrients, it may be beneficial to take a multivitamin that contains them. Be careful not to give children a higher dose of any vitamin than is recommended; excess iron can cause constipation or even be toxic at higher doses.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • Removal of distracting influences from the environment can help a person with ADHD. Limit TV time or move the TV to a low-traffic area of the house. Avoid staying up late with bright artificial lights. Consider meditation or other relaxation techniques, and try to get adequate sleep and exercise.

    Naturopathic Medicine

    • A licensed naturopathic practitioner may suggest a course of herbal treatments for ADHD. Although the field is relatively new and untested, some herbs such as valerian and chamomile have a long tradition in folk medicine of being used for relaxation, so they may be effective in treating hyperactivity as well. Consult a naturopath for a specific course of treatment.

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