Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD) is a difficult condition to treat or handle in both adults and children.
If not diagnosed in time or controlled properly, it can easily affect an individual’s physical, psychological and social well being for life.
Most of the medications usually prescribed for the condition would be aimed at controlling the individual’s hyperactivity and extreme mood swings. These include drugs like Ritalin (methylphenidate), Dexadrine (detroamphetamine), Desoxyn (methamphetamine), Cylert (pemoline) and Adderall (a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) etc. which target different symptoms of ADD in individuals. However, these medications tend to cause serious side effects in certain individuals, including weight loss, anorexia, stunted growth, heart palpitation, hypertension, irritability, liver failure and Parkinson’s disease etc.
This is why more people are opting for home remedies to treat ADD and its symptoms. These home remedies are equally effective in controlling the symptoms of ADD. Better yet, they do not cause any harmful side effects to the concerned individual. Given below are some of the most popular home remedies for ADHD.
Best Home Remedies for ADHD
Water
In addition to flushing out harmful toxins and other impurities from the body, water can soothe the entire system and help control hyperactivity associated with ADHD. So substitute juices and sodas with plenty of water every day for relief from the symptoms of ADD.
Dietary Constraints
Individuals with ADHD need to opt for what is called the ‘ADHD Diet’ in order to cope with the condition (and its symptoms) better. The foods included in this diet would target the areas of the brain that are most disturbed by the symptoms of ADHD, relaxing them and improving overall brain function.
Some of the foods (or) nutrients that need to be included in an ADHD diet include:
Foods rich in Carbohydrates
Individuals with ADHD would benefit by the complex carbohydrates present in foods like oranges, grapefruits, pears, kiwi, apples and tangerines etc. Large amounts of complex carbohydrates in these foods would relax the brain and the surrounding the nerves, thereby relaxing the entire system and offering relief from ADHD symptoms like restlessness, anxiety, depression, sleep apnea and insomnia etc.
Foods Rich in Proteins
Protein rich foods like nuts, cheese, beans, meat and eggs etc. can provide plenty of fruitful benefits for individuals with ADHD. Abundant levels of protein can help improve memory, focus and overall mental strength in individuals suffering from the condition. Moreover, eating protein rich foods on a regular basis would improve the efficacy of other standard medications prescribed for the condition.
Foods Rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 Fatty Acids can have a soothing effect on the brain and the central nervous system, two areas of the body that are most affected by ADHD and its symptoms. In addition to controlling the symptoms, foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids can prevent recurrences. Some of the foods that can be added to the ADHD diet in this category include salmon, tuna, olive oil, canola oil, Brazil nuts and walnuts etc.
Avoiding Triggers
ADHD can be aggravated by certain triggers. These include:
Coffee
It is not coffee alone! Any caffeinated product would do. Caffeine contains certain substances that work the same way as the drug Ritalin in controlling behavioral issues related to ADD. A cup of coffee or any other caffeinated drink at least twice every day can be extremely good for the system.
Simple Carbohydrates
Foods containing simple carbohydrates can aggravate the symptoms of ADHD to a great extent and need to be avoided. These include sugar, honey, chocolates, sweets, white rice, white flour, processed wheat and skinned potatoes etc.
Removing Situational Triggers
Individuals with ADHD would tend to become hyperactive and uncontrollable when exposed to certain situations. For instance, an individual with ADHD would become hyperactive when exposed to sunlight or may not like to be seated in a particular area of the room. These (and situations similar to these) are called situational triggers which can aggravate the behavioral symptoms of an individual with ADHD.
The best home remedy in this case would be to identify these situations (including places) and keep the concerned individual away from them. For instance, if an individual with ADHD starts reacting to crowds and closed spaces, try to move him/her away from the place as soon as possible. Instead of giving him/her a myriad of activities to do, give him/her one activity he/she enjoys and can concentrate on.
Some Kitchen Counter Remedies
Boron
Adding sufficient amounts of this element to your regular diet would effectively help you control the symptoms of ADHD to a great extent. The element helps to restore overall physical and mental health in addition to improving brain function and strengthening the nervous system.
Fish Oils
Fish oils contain plenty of Omega 3 oils which are considered essential to control the behavioral symptoms of ADHD and strengthen the body to fight off the condition. Include plenty of fish oils into your regular diet. Alternatively, you can opt for fishes that contain Omega 3 oils as well.
Green Oats
A very effective home remedy for ADD in adults and kids alike, green oats helps to control the mental stress faced by individuals suffering from the condition. Green oats is extremely helpful in soothing the brain, improving focus, clarity and mental concentration, and reducing psychological symptoms of ADD like depression, nervousness, tension and insomnia etc. Green oats can effectively replace neurological medications used for the same purpose.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an aromatic herb that is very helpful in treating ADD related behavioral symptoms like nervousness, anxiety, stress, depression and insomnia etc. . Also called as Melissa Officinals, the herb in its freshest form is very effective in reducing agitation and soothing the nervous system.Always make it a point to check with a doctor before opting for any of the above mentioned home remedies for ADHD, especially if you are currently taking medications or following some form of treatment for the same condition.
Meditation and Relaxation Techniques
An individual with ADHD can benefit greatly from meditation and relaxation techniques that help relax (and control) the brain (both the left and right hemispheres) to a great extent. These techniques would calm the brain and central nervous system, and would promote increased concentration, memory, thinking capacity and reasoning power.
