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Alternative treatments such as Yoga and time spent outdoors may help to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Overprescribed? Other options are available.
In recent decades, the production of medications to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ) has increased dramatically. Between 2003 and 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that ADHD diagnoses among children have increased by 41 percent. As of 2011, it was estimated that 11% of children trusted sources aged between 4 and 17 had ADHD. In 2011, it was estimated that 11 per cent of children trusted Source/a> between the ages of 4 and 17 years had been diagnosed with ADHD.
If you do not want to take drugs, there are more natural alternatives to drugs.
Some medications can cause side effects.
ADHD drugs may help to improve symptoms by increasing and balancing the neurotransmitters. The chemicals that transmit signals between your body and brain are called neurotransmitters. ADHD is treated with a variety of different medications, including:
- Adderall or amphetamines (which can help you focus and ignore distractions).
- Nonstimulants such as bupropion or atomoxetine can be prescribed if stimulant side effects are too severe or if another medical condition prevents using stimulants.
These drugs may improve concentration, but they also have serious side effects.
These side effects include:
- Sleep problems
- mood swings
- Loss of appetite
- Heart Problems
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
Few studies have examined the long-term side effects of these drugs. However, some research has been conducted, which raises some red flags. For example, a 2010 Australian report found that children aged 5-14 years who were taking medication for ADHD did not show any improvement in their behavior or attention. They also did not improve their self-perception or social functioning.
The medicated group, however, tended to have higher diastolic pressure levels. The medicated group also performed at a lower level and had a slightly lower sense of self-worth than the non-medicated group. However, the authors stressed that the statistical differences and sample size were too slight for conclusions.
Avoid food colors and preservativesADHD symptoms can be managed with alternative treatments, such as:
- difficulty concentrating
- Organizational problems
- forgetfulness
- Frequently interrupting
The Mayo Clinic warns that some food coloring or preservatives can increase hyperactivity among children. Avoid these preservatives and colourings.
- Sodium benzoate is find in many carbonate drinks, salad dressings and fruit juice products.
- FD&C Yellow no. Yellow No. 6 (sunset) is find in cereal, candy and soft drinks.
- D&C Yellow Number The yellow 10 (quinoline) is find in juices and smoked fish.
- FD&C No. Pickles, cereals, granola, yogurt, and cereals contain 5 (tartrazine).
- FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura-red) is find in soft drinks, children’s medicines, gelatin desserts, and ice cream.
- Avoid allergens
Some children with ADHD may benefit from diets that limit possible allergens.
If you suspect your child may have allergies, it is best to consult an allergy doctor. Try avoiding certain foods to see if you notice any changes.
- Chemical additives/preservatives such as BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), which are often use to keep the oil in a product from going wrong and can found in process food items such as potato chips, chewing gum, dry cake mixes, cereal, butter, and instant mashed potatoes
- eggs and milk
- chocolate
- Foods containing salicylates include berries, apple cider, chili powder and grapes.
- EEG Biofeedback: Try it!
Electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback is a Neurotherapy that measures brain waves. A study from 2011 Trusted Source indicated that EEG training is a promising treatment option for ADHD.
During a typical video session, a child might play a specific game. If they are distract, the screen or plane will darken. Over time, the game will teach your child to focus better. The child will eventually be able to recognize and correct symptoms.
- Consider taking a tai-chi or yoga class.
A few small studies suggest that Yoga can be a helpful complementary therapy for people living with ADHD. For example, a study published in 2013TrustedSource showed that boys with ADHD improved in terms of hyperactivity, anxiety and social problems when they practiced regular Yoga in addition to their medication.
Early studies have shown that tai-chi may also help to improve ADHD symptoms. For example, researchers discovered that teens with ADHD, who practiced Tai Chi, were not as hyperactive or anxious. The participants also displayed less inappropriate emotions and daydreamed less when they attended tai-chi classes twice weekly for five weeks.
- Enjoying the outdoors
Children with ADHD may benefit from spending time outdoors. Solid evidence supports the fact that even spending 20 minutes outside will improve their concentration. However, the best settings for concentration are those with greenery and natural surroundings.
A study from 2011 Trusted Source and other studies prior to it support the claim that exposure to green spaces and outdoors is a natural and safe treatment for people with ADHD.
- Parental or behavioral therapy
Children with severe ADHD may benefit from behavioral therapy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, behavioral therapy is recommend as the first step for treating ADHD in children.
This approach, also known as behavioral or behavior modification, focuses on solving specific problematic behaviors by offering solutions that can help prevent them. It can also include setting rules and goals for the child. Combining behavioral therapy with medication is the most effective. This can be an excellent tool to help your child.
Parental therapy provides parents with the tools to help their ADHD child succeed. In addition, the child and parent can benefit from providing parents with strategies and techniques to help them deal with behavioral issues.
What are supplements?
ADHD symptoms can be improve by taking supplements. These supplements include:
- Zinc
- L-carnitine
- vitamin B-6
- magnesium
Shop for zinc supplements.
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It can be dangerous to take supplements without the supervision of a doctor, especially for children. Speak to your doctor about these alternative therapies if you are in interest. Before your child takes supplements, they can order a test that measures the current level of a particular nutrient.