Prescription medications are typically the first
round of treatment prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder.
Although these medications can be effective, there are also a number
side effects associated with the medications. Because of the side
effects and general prescription concerns, many people look for ADD
natural treatment options instead.
There are a number of natural remedies and treatments that are found
to be effective in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder.
These treatments are diet modification, behavior modification,
herbal remedies and homeopathic remedies. Which works best for you,
will depend entirely on your unique situation. No one therapy will
work for every single person. It is suggested that you try number of
ADD natural treatment protocols to determine which will work best
for you.
Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy is
considered an integral component to any
natural solutions for ADHD.
Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy is shown to teach children
skills needed to overcome problems associated with ADHD. The
objective of therapy includes improving attention span, teaching
effective communication and conflict resolution skills. Self-esteem
naturally increases when the child can decrease impulsive or
aggressive behavior.
Parents play an important role with behavioral therapy and should
also be involved in counseling to learn parenting techniques to help
their ADHD child. Parents will also work with the therapist to
determine rewards and consequences for certain behavioral issues and
to implement determined plans. Other recommended treatments include
parenting classes, support groups and family therapy. Specific
parenting techniques taught to help parents effectively manage their
children and provide a structured and nurturing environment.
Diet modification is the most healthful natural treatment to
incorporate in the natural treatment for ADD. With diet
modification, you will remove certain foods that are shown to cause
problems with behavior while also adding other foods to boost brain
function, alleviate hyperactivity, and also reduce anxiety and
stress.
When looking at ADHD and
foods to avoid, you will want to remove processed
foods that have artificial additives colorings and preservatives.
There are number of studies that show that these foods can cause
problems with Attention Deficit Disorder. Protein sources will help
up brain functioning. So a diet rich in proteins is optimal for
someone with attention deficit disorder. You also want to include
foods that are high in essential fatty acids and especially the
omega-3 essential fatty acids. The omega-3 essential fatty acids are
important for good brain functioning. Fish oils, walnuts, and
flaxseed oil or foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. You will also
want to include complex carbohydrates in the diet. Good sources of
complex carbohydrates are whole-grain foods, beans, legumes, fruits
and vegetables. The more whole foods, you can include in the diet
the better off you'll be.
When you eat is sometimes as important as what you eat. Eating
breakfast is important for people who suffer from attention deficit
disorder. A breakfast high in proteins gives the brain what it needs
to adequately function throughout the day. Examples of good
breakfasts include eggs, protein shakes and toast with peanut
butter.
There are a number of
ADHD herbs that are also shown to be beneficial in
reducing the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder.
Chamomile, a daisy-like plant, is used
therapeutically in ADD natural treatments. Chamomile has a
calming effect on mind.
Gotu Kola can minimize anxiety while also
maximizing mental function. One study showed that those who took
Gotu Kola were more focused and not easily distracted. People
taking Gotu Kola regularly should take regular two-week breaks
every six weeks.
Hyoscyamus is another herbal plant
considered to be a safe substitute to ADHD drugs. The compound
in Hyoscyamus act to balance and regulate the release of
acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain.
Homeopathic ADD treatments offer a number of
benefits over standard treatments. The first is that homeopathy can
treat the cause of symptoms. Homeopathy is safer than the ADHD
medications and treats each person as an individual. Also,
homeopathic ADD natural treatment options are less expensive than
other treatments.
An accumulation of toxic metals (lead, mercury, aluminum, copper)
can cause symptoms of ADHD. If toxic accumulation of these heavy
metals is suspected, it is important to detoxify the body of heavy
metals. At-home hair test and blood tests are available to
accurately test for heavy metal toxicity.
When selecting the best ADD natural treatment strategy, you should
first have a complete assessment of their condition. This assessment
typically involves a clinical interview, complete with social
history and ADHD checklists. After that, you can examine the
recommended natural treatments for ADD to determine the method or
methods of treating the condition.
