Showing posts with label adhd treatment options. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adhd treatment options. Show all posts

Sunday, April 7, 2013

What You Need To Know About Natural Cures for ADHD

A constant criticism of ADHD medications is that they come with a long list of undesirable side effects. Due to this reason, many health experts consider various natural cures for ADHD as a better option for the treatment of ADHD. Read on to know why it is necessary to look beyond ADHD conventional treatment and the different natural cures for ADHD that are available today.

Why ADHD Drugs are Not Your Best Option
A look at the side effects of ADHD drugs makes you wonder if these medications do more harm than good. The common side effects of ADHD drugs include mood swings, weight changes, and trouble with eating and sleeping.

Additionally, in many cases, the symptoms of ADHD get worse when the drugs wear off. Another discerning fact is the ADHD drugs have a high risk of being abused. On the other hand, natural cures for ADHD offer relief from ADHD without any adverse side effects.

Here are some of the best best natural cures for ADHD.

Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements such as St. John’s wort, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, Kava kava, and valerian are known to treat specific symptoms of ADHD.

While the efficacy of herbal supplements in treating ADHD is not in doubt, there is a slight concern about the side effects of certain herbal supplements. However, it is established beyond doubt that herbal supplements have significantly less side effects than ADHD conventional medications. The best way to use and benefit from herbal supplements is to use them under medical supervision.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
In the year 2006, the International Review of Psychiatry mentioned that omega-3 acids help in the treatment of ADHD. Since then, the use of omega-3 fatty acids for ADHD treatment has gained momentum. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids are accepted as one of the best natural cures for ADHD.

Though there are different sources of omega-3 fatty acids for ADHD treatment, you must only use fish for your omega-3 fatty acid needs. Various research studies show that only omega-3 fatty acids that contain EPA and DHA components are helpful in ADHD treatment. Fish oil is the only source that provides omega-3 acids through the components mentioned above.

Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatment has also shown promise in ADHD treatment and is recognized as one of the most effective natural cures for ADHD. Research shows that in many cases, chiropractic treatment allowed ADHD patients to stop the ADHD medications that they were using before the treatment.

Zinc Therapy
Zinc therapy is fast emerging as one of the most effective natural cures for ADHD. This trend started after a study revealed that many ADHD patients are deficient in zinc, and their symptoms were considerably reduced after they were underwent zinc therapy. A simple test can determine if your child has a zinc deficiency or not. If so, you must consider zinc therapy for ADHD treatment.

While it is true that ADHD is an incurable disorder, various studies show that many of its symptoms can substantially diminish when a comprehensive treatment involving various natural cures for ADHD is used.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

5 Effective Herbal Remedies for ADHD

Recent studies show that ADHD has become increasingly prevalent among children. It is estimated that approximately 10% of school children have ADHD. While ADHD treatment drugs are effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD, the benefit comes at a price. Nearly all ADHD treatment drugs have troubling side effects. Due to this reason, in recent years, more parents are experimenting with various herbal remedies for ADHD treatment.

Today, the verdict on herbal remedies for ADHD is nearly unanimous. Herbal remedies for ADHD are as effective as ADHD treatment drugs and have little or no side effects. Read on to know more about the side effects of ADHD drugs and different herbal remedies that are available for ADHD treatment.

Common side effects of ADHD drugs
The most common medications used for ADHD treatment are amphetamine and methylphenidate. The drugs are effective in alleviating ADHD symptoms, but they also have many troubling side effects and a high risk for abuse.

Common side effects of ADHD drugs include:

  • Weight changes
  • Appetite changes
  • Nervousness
  • Insomnia

The troubling side effects of ADHD drugs and the high risk for abuse have convinced parents to look for alternate treatments for ADHD. Most health experts recognize herbal remedies for ADHD treatment as the most effective option available under the ADHD alternative treatment umbrella.

Below are the top 5 herbal remedies for ADHD.

1. Ginkgo Biloba
Gingko Biloba is recognized by herbalists as one of the most effective herbal remedies for ADHD treatment. Gingko Biloba works by increasing the blood flow and neurotransmitter levels to the brain. This in turn increases an ADHD patient’s ability to focus. In addition to improving the blood flow to the brain, Gingko leaves also act as an antioxidant for the nerve tissue.

2. Brahmi (Bacopa Monniera)
Brahmi also sits atop in the list of herbal remedies for ADHD treatment. Brahmi is known to have various positive effects on the brain and helps in strengthening learning skills and increasing total cognitive function. This herb also protects the brain from free radicals and various toxic substances.

3. Schisandra (Schisandra Chinensis)
Regular use of Schisandra has proved to very beneficial for ADHD patients. This herb is known for its ability to increase brain efficiency and work capacity.

4. Skullcap (Schuttellaria Laterifolia)
When talking about herbal remedies of ADHD treatment, one name you can’t ignore is skullcap. This herbal remedy has found to be very useful in reducing restless and agitation, both of which are common symptoms of ADHD.

5. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John’s wort is known to help in alleviating certain symptoms of ADHD such as insomnia, despair, and anxiety. This herb takes some time to show effect, so you need to use it continuously for at least a month to allow it to work.

It is true that there is no permanent cure for ADHD. However, the good news is that various herbal remedies for ADHD can help ADHD sufferers a great deal in managing ADHD symptoms.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Effective Alternative Treatments for ADHD

Having your child diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is anything but a pleasant experience. The first thoughts that often come to a parent’s mind are, “What did I do wrong?” and “What could I have done to prevent ADHD?” The truth is that ADHD does not occur because of bad parenting. To date, science is yet to uncover the exact cause of this disorder. The good news is that there are many treatment options available, including alternative treatments, which have been found effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.

Read on to know more about ADHD and why you should consider ADHD alternative treatments before using ADHD medications.

A few facts about ADHD
ADHD is the most common behavioral disorder that develops in childhood. It is estimated that nearly 8% to 10% of schoolchildren in the U.S. have ADHD. While the exact cause of ADHD is yet to be found, there is a growing belief that ADHD occurs due to a certain chemical imbalance in the brain. Common symptoms associated with this behavioral disorder include: inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Why you should consider ADHD alternative treatment
The primary reason why it is necessary to give alternative treatments a try before using ADHD drugs is that ADHD treatment medications are known to inflict various undesirable side effects. Side effects of ADHD medications include mood swings, trouble eating and sleeping, nervousness, and weight change.

4 most effective ADHD alternative treatments
1. Herbal Supplements

Over the years, various herbal supplements such as St. John’s wort, gingko biloba, valerian, and Brahmi have been used successfully for the treatment of ADHD. To ensure maximum benefit from herbal supplements with fewer side effects, you must consult a reputable herbalist before using herbs as ADHD alternative treatment.

2. Behavioral Therapy
In many ADHD cases, behavioral therapy has been found effective in controlling fear, anger, depression, anxiety, and other self-damaging emotions. Regular behavioral therapy under an expert’s guidance can teach your child how to successfully live with and manage ADHD symptoms.

3. Mineral Therapy
Various studies reflect that there is a relation between deficiency of minerals such as zinc, magnesium, iron and ADHD. In ADHD patients who lack these essential minerals, related mineral therapy has found to be quite beneficial. Get in touch with your doctor to determine if your child lacks any or all of the aforementioned minerals and if mineral therapy is required.

4. Omega-3 fatty Acids
A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids is recognized as an effective ADHD alternative treatment. When using this treatment option, remember to use only fish oil to get the required dosage of omega-3 fatty acids. Only omega-3 fatty acids that come from fish oil contain EPA and DHA components, which have been found useful in ADHD treatment.

The advantage of using ADHD alternative treatments is that they administer similar positive effects as ADHD treatment drugs, but with fewer or no side effects.

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.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

5 Most Effective Alternative ADHD Treatments

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder that manifests during the childhood years. The general perception about ADHD that it only affects children is incorrect. People of all ages can suffer from this behavioral disorder. As of today, there is no cure for ADHD. However, there are many ADHD treatment options available that are effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.

Below are 5 most effective ADHD treatment options.

1. Medication
Stimulant medications are regarded as one of the most effective ADHD treatment options available. Scientists are of the view that ADHD occurs due to a certain chemical imbalance in the brain. Stimulant medications work by correcting the chemical imbalance.

Various independent studies do back the claim of health experts that medications help immensely in ADHD treatment. Studies show that children who are on ADHD medications do better in school, in social gatherings, and at home than ADHD children who don’t take medications.

The efficacy of medication in decreasing the ADHD symptoms is well established. However, a growing number of parents are looking beyond this option. The primary reason for this is that nearly all ADHD medications have numerous undesirable side effects.

2. Non-prescriptive alternate treatment
More people today are choosing non-prescriptive alternate treatments over conventional medications in treating ADHD because non-prescriptive ADHD treatment options provide relief with fewer or no side effects.

Some of the more popular and effective non-prescriptive ADHD treatment options include herbal alternatives and supplemental vitamins and minerals. The names of a few herbs that have been found to be effective in ADHD treatment include Chamomile, Gotu kola, Skullcap and St. John’s wart.

3. Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy has been very useful in managing the symptoms. Most health experts recommend that behavioral therapy is a must for proper treatment of ADHD. The best part of behavioral therapy is that it can be used in conjunction with other ADHD treatment options.

4. Meditation
Meditation and other simple breathing exercises also have a positive effect on an ADHD sufferer. By nature, meditation and breathing exercises calm the mind and infuse positive energy.

5. Homeopathy Treatment
Homeopathy is a system of medicine that works by assisting the natural tendency of the human body to heal itself. It is fast emerging as one of the best ADHD treatment options available as it addresses the root cause of the disease and removes the ADHD symptoms permanently. The downside is that results start appearing only after the long term consumption of homeopathy medicines. That is why most health experts recommend that homeopathy treatment be used in conjunction with other natural ADHD treatments, such as herbal treatment.

On one hand, you can use homeopathy to get permanent freedom from ADHD symptoms, and on the other, you can use another natural ADHD treatment to get short term relief from ADHD symptoms.

If your child or someone else in your family has been recently diagnosed with ADHD, then it is best you try different ADHD treatment options before deciding which option works best.