Natural ADHD Medication Alternatives
Natural remedies for ADHD may help reduce the symptoms that cause it. These include exercise and diet, biofeedback (also called neurofeedback) as well as yoga and meditation.
Gingko Biloba, an Asian native, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in combination with Ginseng. However further research is required to confirm these findings.
Caffeine
Many people take ADHD medications to control their symptoms. However there are other natural treatments that may be efficient. Natural treatments don't require a prescription from a physician and include lifestyle changes, vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal medicines. These supplements can be used as a standalone treatment or as a complement to prescription medications.
Caffeine may improve focus and concentration by increasing brain activity. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea and a few over-the-counter medicines. A small dose of caffeine can reduce ADHD symptoms, including memory loss or difficulty focusing on task. More studies are needed to prove it.
Since the beginning of time, many herbs have been used to treat a variety of ailments. Many herbs, such as ginseng and bacopa, have been proven in research to aid in the management of ADHD. These herbs can boost the flow to the brain and act as nootropics that improve cognitive performance. They also aid in calming anxiety and stabilize stress response. Taking these herbs can boost levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, which are all neurotransmitters that are vital to concentration.
Another effective natural treatment for ADHD is to exercise regularly in a program. This can increase motivation and mood. This can also decrease the impulsive behavior by burning off excess energy. Exercise can also aid in regulating sleep patterns, which is important for people with ADHD.
Certain dietary supplements can improve ADHD symptoms, including omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamin B-6. These nutrients are found in food items like flax seed and chia seed, as well as dark green vegetables like fish, broccoli and dark green leafy vegetables. Ginko biloba and ashwagandha are additional dietary supplements that can help to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Recent research has demonstrated that combining nutritional supplements and botanical agents with pharmacological treatments can increase the effectiveness of treatment. Some studies indicate that combining herbal medicine with behavioral therapy can aid in the treatment of ADHD.
While it's a good idea to explore natural solutions for ADHD however, you should consult with your doctor prior to making any major changes to your lifestyle or diet. You should make sure the herbal medicine does not interact with any prescription medications you're taking.
Omega-3 fatty-acid supplements
Omega-3 fatty acid is essential for the development of the human brain. They are found in fish and some algae, and can be used as a dietary supplement. Numerous studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help reduce symptoms of ADHD. The most recent meta-analysis found that children suffering from ADHD who took omega-3 fatty acid supplements had a small but significant improvement in their behavior. The improvement was not as dramatic as that seen with psychostimulants such as amphetamines and methylphenidate but was still evident. The improvement in behavior continued even after other medication was added to the treatment plan.
Consuming omega-3 fatty acids supplements could help reduce ADHD symptoms by assisting in the development of brain cells. These fatty acids can increase brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals are crucial for normal functioning, but they are often reduced in people suffering from ADHD. It is possible that the lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids found in those with ADHD could be due to genetics because people with ADHD have a 60 to 70 percent higher chance of having a genetic variation which limits their ability to process these fats.
Pycnogenol is a standardized bark extract from the French maritime pine that has shown promise in treating ADHD. The extract has been reported to improve ADHD symptoms in a number of studies, including one large, randomized, placebo- and methylphenidate-controlled trial. However the results of this study are not conclusive, and some researchers have raised questions whether the improvement in ADHD symptoms are the result of the placebo effect or the combination of methylphenidate and Pycnogenol.
Exercise is a great way to calm ADHD symptoms and reduce stress. It can be as simple as walking or playing the sport in a group. Rozmus recommends all types of physical activities that keep the heart moving. This could include aerobic exercises including weightlifting, swimming biking, running, walking, and any other activities that help get blood flowing to the brain.
It is essential to keep in mind that there are numerous natural cures for ADHD. They don't require prescription medications. Many people find it most efficient to combine prescription medications with alternative and complementary treatments.
Vitamin B-6
Several natural alternatives to ADHD treatment have been proven to be effective in treating the disorder. These include psychotherapy and support groups, exercise and a healthy diet and relaxation techniques like breathing exercises or meditation. Some people might discover that stimulant medications are an essential and efficient part of their ADHD treatment plan. The side effects of stimulant ADHD medication include increased blood pressure, insomnia, weight loss and nausea. Some sufferers might be afflicted by headaches, irritability and mood swings.
Certain herbal remedies like ginseng and bacopa can improve ADHD symptoms. More research is needed however, to determine if herbal treatments can be used in lieu of or in conjunction with medications prescribed by doctors. Consult medication for autism and adhd before you try herbal remedies to treat ADHD.
Vitamin B-6 is another alternative to ADHD medication which has been proven to be effective. Researchers found that supplementing with vitamin B-6 significantly improved ADHD symptoms in children. Vitamin B-6 works by increasing serotonin production, which can help to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Ginkgo biloba has also been found to alleviate symptoms. In one study the treatment with ginkgo biloba was found to be more effective than methylphenidate alone. More research is needed to determine if ginkgo biloba combined with other ADHD treatments can be effective.
Zinc Sulfate has also been shown to be an effective alternative to ADHD medication. In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial the zinc sulfate supplement was found to increase the efficacy of methylphenidate therapy for children with ADHD. This treatment is safe and well-tolerated by children.
It is important to recognize that ADHD appears different in everyone, and what works for one person might not necessarily work for someone else. However, many adults with ADHD have found that a combination of natural supplements and therapies along with medication and therapy may be a successful way to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Gamma aminobutyric acid
GABA helps with ADHD by acting as a neurotransmitter, assisting prevent overexcitation in the brain. Overexcited neural circuits regularly can lead to fatigue, which may affect normal cognitive functions. GABA is a protein that attaches to GABA in the brain, which block activity and produce an inhibitory response. These effects can help ease feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, and promote healthy sleep patterns and regulate blood pressure.
A brain that is overactive can result in sleep problems for those suffering from ADHD. Sleep deprivation can affect attention and memory and increase the risk of having high blood pressure, which may be a sign of ADHD or an adverse effect of certain medications used to treat it. Gamma aminobutyric is also able to improve the quality of sleep. This can help reduce hyperactivity and improve executive function as well as mood.
A growing body of research is proving the efficacy of natural and holistic approaches for ADHD. They can be used either as a stand-alone treatment, or in conjunction with medications prescribed by a doctor. Some of these holistic treatments comprise mineral and vitamin therapy, herbal medicine, and diet modification. A healthy, whole-food diet free of artificial dyes, additives and sugars can have a significant effects on symptom severity. A comprehensive IgG test from Alletess Medical Laboratory is able to pinpoint common culprits like dairy and gluten which can trigger ADHD-related symptoms.
Acetyl L Carnitine, a plant supplement, has been found to raise gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain. This chemical may reduce hyperactivity in ADHD children, and a study conducted in a clinical setting showed it reduced the need for stimulant medication.
Ginseng is another herb that has been confirmed to improve attention and behavioral issues in adults suffering from ADHD. Ginseng helps people control their emotions and prevents impulsive behavior. In a recent research, people with ADHD taking ginseng showed fewer signs of depression, and also a greater willingness to follow directions.
Four herbal supplements were studied for their effects ADHD and mental health. These include saffron ginkgo, bacopa and saffron. These herbs are known to support neurocognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain as well as acting as nootropics or providing nutrients for cognitive functions.