Natural Remedies for ADD

The following list includes some simple methods that can be employed to combat ADD.

• diet: Those experiencing symptoms of ADD, or who have been diagnosed with the disorder, should pay very close attention to their lifestyle choices, especially their diet and nutrition intake. Their diet should be supplemented with nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and essential fatty or amino acids. There should be little to no intake of sugary, junk foods which contain high levels of refined sugar, artificial colours, MSG, yeast and preservatives.
  Phosphate additives may be responsible for hyperkinesis which is characterised by exaggerated muscle activity. Thus, carbonated drinks, like soda, should be avoided as they are loaded with phosphates. High levels of phosphorus and very low calcium and magnesium levels can indicate a potential for hyperactivity and seizures. Meat and fat are very high in phosphorus and so the intake of both should be minimal. The perfect diet for a victim of ADD symptoms is one that is rich in protein, iron, vitamins, especially B group vitamins and minerals. The diet should be free of simple sugars, phosphates and excess fats. In other words, ADD patients have to avoid the consumption of simple carbohydrates such as candy, sugar, corn syrup, honey and so on. Instead, their diet should include more complex carbohydrates such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, it is beneficial to have a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna and other cold water white fish.

• managing stress: Studies and research have showed that one of the natural remedies to tackle ADD includes learning to handle stress. A conscious effort to relax is said to help in reducing restlessness and hyperactivity. People with ADD become more focused and less fidgety when they channelize their attention to some activity that motivates them to calm down and relax. These could be anything from listening to music, playing a musical instrument to yoga and meditation.

• listol: Unlike Ritalin, the popular drug prescribed for ADD and ADHD, listol is an all natural supplement designed to work with the body against ADD. Listol replenishes nutrients that, if lacking, will cause the symptoms of ADD. The natural ingredients contained in Listol includes vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, GABA powder, glycine, huperzine A extract, di-methyl glycine and phosphatidylserine. These ingredients have been found to help in alleviating the effects of ADD.
• avoiding certain foods: It has been noticed that ADD maybe related to the consumption of certain allergic foods such as food products that use food dyes in the colors of red, blue and yellow. Cow’s milk, peanuts, tomatoes and citrus food have also found to be among the common allergens.

ADD is a problem that can be tackled by making the above mentioned lifestyle changes. Apart from having a well-balanced diet, it is also important to have a regular exercise routine to combat the effects of ADD. It is also important to have quality nutrition during the time of pregnancy and in the first years of the child’s life. This is also said to aid in preventing ADD. Elimination of processed foods, artificial flavors, preservatives and sugars will assist in reducing the effect of hyperactivity, which is one of the afflictions of ADD.

Although exact causes have not yet been identified, research shows that “heredity makes the largest contribution to the expression of the disorder in the population”. Difficulties during pregnancy, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, premature delivery, significantly low birth weight, excessively high body lead levels, and postnatal injury to the prefrontal regions of the brain have all been found to contribute to the risk for AD/HD to varying degrees. ADHD may also occur from environmental factors, brain injuries, sugar, and food additives.
Natural Remedies for ADHD

1. Sugar consumption may cause aggressive and restless behavior in ADHD patients. Sugar should therefore be avoided and a natural remedy to the condition. Other foods to avoid include soft drinks which may exaggerate muscle activities, caffeine and other stimulants.
2. Chamomile is mild sedative, used customarily in mild sleep disorders, particularly in children. It helps digestion and nervous stomach, soothes upper respiratory tract, is also antibacterial and promotes wound healing. Chamomile is known to relax and tone the nervous system, consume as a tea to calm ADHD symptoms.
3. Fresh lemon balm is an aromatic herb with a distinctly spicy, lemony taste. It has antispasmodic properties and its treatments include nervous problems, insomnia, headaches and is recognized for counter acting hyperactivity in children.
4. Vitamin B complex taken daily nourishes the nervous system and calcium magnesium is extremely important for neurotransmitter function.
5. Skullcap is a herb popular for its effectiveness as a nerve tonic. It is known to help produce calmness and balance in the mind as well as a healthy attitude. The active ingredients in skullcap have been shown in clinical studies to enhance a sense of calm, relaxed focus.
6. Ginkgo Biloba is well-known herb that is frequently found in natural remedies. Ginkgo Biloba increases the flow of blood to the brain, as well as it helps to increase neurotransmitter levels, all of which have a positive effect on a person’s ability to focus. One of the most helpful qualities of Ginkgo is the tendency of its positive effects to become permanent, even after its use is discontinued.
7. Apply stress management skills, meditation and deep relaxation techniques to combat stress associated with ADHD and its other symptoms.