February 3, 2009

Home Remedies For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Posted in Category : ADHD

ADHD is a disorder that affects children and adults and is a disorder that manifests in low attention spans. It is generally characterized by extremely short attention spans, impaired judgment, concentration problems, lack of organizational skills and forgetfulness. It is caused when there is a coordination failure in the part of the brain that controls the external stimulus.

Using Natural Substitutes in your Food

While you should consult a doctor for treating ADHD, you can also try a few home remedies to keep this disorder in check. But remember that medical help is essential and just depending on home remedies may not be advisable. However, you can supplement your medical treatment with home remedies.

Some of the things that you can take care at home to help ADHD:

  • It has been noticed that consuming sugar can dull the brains ability to respond and impairs brain coordination. So it is advisable to include a small amount of sugar in your food and use natural substitutes like honey and jaggery to sweeten your food.
  • People with ADHD are often allergic to the blue, yellow and red dyes in food products and are more susceptible to food allergies. So do be aware of foods that you eat and keep away from those that cause allergies.
  • You should also avoid aerated drinks because soft drinks have phosphates that can displace calcium and magnesium levels in the body. This can cause hyperactivity.
  • Soak in the sun. Seasonal Affective Disorder is often mistaken for ADHD and sometimes SAD can lead to ADHD-like symptoms. An exposure to outdoors can keep a check on both.
  • You may consider availing of emotional freedom techniques and working with psycho-therapists.
  • You can even use herbs to treat ADHD. Some of the affective herbs include Hawthorn, Valerian, Lobelia, Lemon Balm, Rooibos, Avena Sativa (Oatstraw), Gotu Kola, German Chamomile, Scuttelaria, and Ginkgo Biloba. Ginko Biloba is good for increasing the flow of blood to the brain and also does wonders to the neurotransmitter levels, which helps you focus. Centella Asiatica or Gotu Kola can calm your mind and reduce anxiety levels. It also enhances your memory. Siberian Ginseng also increases concentration and normalizes body function. Panax Ginseng can reduce fatigue and stress. It is advisable to consult a herbal specialist before reaching out for any of these herbs.
  • Apart from this, avoid foods with artificial preservatives and additives. You should also monitor your consumption of dairy, wheat, corn and nut-based products as these can cause allergies.