Alternative treatment for ADHD

Alternative treatment for ADHD

ADHD also known as ‘ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER”, a chronic neuro-behavioural disorder which mostly occur in childhood years, may continue into the teen years and adulthood also. Children or adults suffering from this disorder are

appear inattentive/distracted, hyperactive and impulsive ( those who act without thinking of results) and this symptoms also affect their personal relationship, interaction etc. Often children and adults with ADHD unfairly judged and suffer from low-self-esteem as a result. The real cause of ADHD is unknown but It is thought that ADHD may result from some structural changes in the brain chemistry, alterations in neurotransmitter levels, and environmental and dietary factors.

Symptoms of ADHD:

Three most common symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Here are some signs of ADHD symptoms:

Signs of hyperactivity:

- Talking excessive and in a loud voice.

- Unable to play independently or quietly

- Cannot sit still or fidgets when sitting

- Restless

Signs of impulsiveness:

- Interrupts frequently

- Lack of patience

- Acts before thinking (such as crossing the street without looking, making rude comments)

- Unable to control frustration and anger

Signs of inattentiveness:

- Poor concentration

- Careless

- Not well organized

According to signs and symptoms listed above, a child with ADHD may have difficulty developing healthy social skills and friendships.

Some other symptoms of ADHD in children may include mild to severe sleeping and eating problems.

Common symptoms of ADHD in adults:

Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattentiveness are also present in adults, which results in:

- Unable to build strong personal relationship and proper interaction with colleagues.

- Un able to relax and are hyperactive

- Unable to meet deadlines or assigned work because Inability to focus on tasks.

- Forgetful about daily activities (failure to make appointments and commitments)

Causes of ADHD:

- Heredity.

- Prolonged use of antibiotics.

- Illness or infection (Strep, ear infections)

- Neurotransmitters imbalance.

- Prolonged exposure to environmental toxins such as preservatives, food additives, heavy metals (lead and mercury)

- Maternal smoking, drug or alcohol use

- Lack of proper nutrition during pregnancy

Alternative treatment for ADHD:

A well balanced health diet regimen plays a vital role in the management of ADHD. But, many ADHD sufferers may have food allergies or sensitivities that can cause inflammation in the gut which results in worsening of ADHD symptoms.

Some of the most common allergens are:

Yeast, wheat, soy, and food additives (preservatives, dyes and chemicals).

- Include cultured dairy products like yogurt and kefir, because the products contains friendly bacteria that support intestinal health, immune function, and aid in the elimination of toxins.

- Try to eat organic diet such as, diet full of fruits and vegetables and whole grains such as millet, brown rice, amaranth, whole oats and quinoa).

- Include healthy protein sources like beans, legumes and free- range poultry.

- Include healthy fats such as extra-virgin olive oil, hemp oil, or flaxseed oil. Coconut oil is suitable for cooking.

- Eliminate junk food, processed foods and fast foods from your diet menu.

- Read labels and avoid foods that contain ingredients such as additives, flavour enhancers, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin), colourings, dyes, and preservatives such as nitrates, sodium benzoate, sulfites, BHA, and BHT. If you have trouble reading or pronouncing an ingredient, chances are you should avoid that food.

- Give your child enough support, and love. Love and support is also an alternative treatment for adhd.

- Keep physical activities at utmost importance and limit their TV, video game, and computer times to less than two hours per day.

- Try to discuss your child’s ADHD with school teachers and also with school administration and have your child sit close to the front of the class or teacher’s desk, beside model students and away from distractions.