Sunday, February 10, 2013

Why You Should Consider Natural Medicine for ADHD

What is ADHD? ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects nearly 5% of children all over the world. ADHD is an acronym for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurobehavioral development disorder that manifests itself as raised levels of impulsiveness, activity, and inattentiveness.

In most people, the symptoms of ADHD start showing before the age of seven. As of today, no definite cause of ADHD is known. Also, the disorder is incurable. Nearly 30% of children diagnosed with this behavioral disorder continue to deal with it in their adulthood.

Due to severe side effects of ADHD drugs, many health experts recommend natural medicine for ADHD treatment. Below is a list of natural medicines for ADHD.

Herbs
Herbs such as gingko biloba, St. John’s wort, valerian, kava kava, skullcap, and ginseng are acknowledged by health experts as effective natural medicine for ADHD.

Different herbs help in controlling and managing ADHD differently. While herbs such as gingko biloba improve the concentration abilities of ADHD patients, other herbs such as skullcap reduce restlessness and agitation.

When using herbs as natural medicine for ADHD, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

  1. Always use herbs under medical supervision.
  2. Certain herbs such as valerian can react with certain medications. Ensure that you discuss all the existing pre-conditions and medications that your child is taking with your doctor.
  3. Certain herbs are known to not suit some people. In case your child develops rashes or shows an allergic reaction to an herb, consult your doctor immediately.

Diet
A diet rich in essential nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and iron has also proved to be helpful in alleviating ADHD symptoms. Various studies have shown conclusively that children with ADHD are often lacking in these essential minerals, and that a mineral rich diet helps in reducing ADHD symptoms.

A simple blood test is used for measuring mineral levels. Based on this test and your doctor’s advice, you can use mineral therapy as a natural medicine for ADHD.

Avoid Sugar
Studies done on ADHD shows that people with this disorder are unable to process sugar as efficiently as someone without the disorder. The inability to properly process sugar, in turn, leads to elevated hyperactivity. That is why health experts recommend that ADHD patients cut down on their sugar intake.

Meditation
Meditation and deep breathing exercises are also considered as effective natural medicine for ADHD. Meditation helps in reducing hyperactivity and promotes good sleep, something which ADHD patients struggle to achieve.

Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing the symptoms associated with ADHD. That is why fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is often used as a natural medicine for ADHD.

To ensure effective management of ADHD symptoms, health experts recommend that a combination of different natural medicine be used. A comprehensive ADHD treatment plan can help your child manage ADHD symptoms better.

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