Natural Remedies for ADHD

Natural remedies for ADHD are presently receiving a lot of attention as those dealing with this condition either in themselves or a loved one, strive to find ways to approach this problem naturally in an effort to avoid side affects from pharmaceuticals.

In an article from Natural Awakenings, a local Milwaukee magazine that advocates natural and green approaches, their August 2011 issue discusses this topic at length straight from two naturopaths, David Deichert and Matthew Baral, who feel that too many people have begun to go straight to medications before giving natural remedies for ADHD a fair shake. Here are a few of their naturally geared ideas.

Eliminating Foods

A recent study done that was the "first of it's kind" in 2011, published in The Lancet revealed that 50 kids put on a hypoallergenic diet, free of gluten and dairy for 5 weeks had a marked improvement in their symptoms as opposed to another control group of kids. After the eliminated foods were re-introduced, 63% of the studies participants had a return of symptoms. Dr. Deichert states that ADHD patients with recurring ear infections or skin problems, all symptoms of food sensitivity may want to strongly consider an elimination diet to measure any improvement in their conditions.

More Exercise

According to the article, there have been large studies done that correlate TV/screen time with increased symptoms from ADHD. Dr. Deichert and Baral suggest that for each half hour of screen time done outside of regular schoolwork, a half hour of exercise should be implemented. The positive behavioral results from regular exercise for those with ADHD can't be denied.

Minimize Food Additives

Recent studies have further confirmed that food additives are among the culprits that lend a hand to ADHD. 300 children studied in 2007 ages 3 to 8 found that the kids given drinks with artificial color showed a lot of hyperactivity within a few short hours. These findings were also published in the reputable The Lancet magazine. In fact, Britain now has label warnings for children making parents aware that the dye in the drink my cause impaired attention in kids.

Purchase Organic Food

Pediatrics journal published a study of 1,100 children in 2010 which revealed that the more pesticides that was detected in their urine, the likelier they were to have ADHD symptoms. Buying organic will minimize your pesticide intake not only for the ADHD child, but the entire family. If organic is too expensive, you can look up the fruits and veggies that are more abundant with them and limit your organic purchases to those.

Source:

Natural Awakenings August 2011 issue.