Diet and Lifestyle Changes for ADHD

Diet and Lifestyle Changes for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) currently has no cure as yet, but natural remedies and lifestyle changes help those affected to cope with the condition. Children with ADHD normally demonstrate hyperactive and impulsive behavior as well as difficulty focusing. In adults, the effects of ADHD are shown through the loss of focus or impulsive acts from time to time. They also have more extreme responses than others.

Natural remedies and alternative treatments for ADHD are mostly preferred by patients. Herein, we discuss some remedies to naturally treat ADHD and manage or reduce the symptoms:

1. Food and diet
It is often suggested that there is a link between hyperactivity in children and sugar consumption. Studies show that an addictive free diet would help people with this condition. Although it might benefit only certain patients, a possible link between food additives or processed food and ADHD was researched. It was found that those who followed snacking or enjoying processed food were mostly likely to have symptoms of ADHD. Also, results show that following a vegetarian diet helped people who followed it, were less likely to have symptoms. Following a well-balanced diet with a lot of fresh fruit, whole grains, and vegetables is a healthy habit that benefits everyone. This would include children and adults who suffer from ADHD. In comparison with other nutrients, the role of essential fatty acids in ADHD and its therapeutic application has been investigated, and it was found to be associated with lower phospholipid levels and red cell membranes deficiency. Studies show that behavioral and attentional tasks improve greatly after a 15 week trial of fish oil supplements consumed by people with ADHD.

2. Lifestyle changes
Certain lifestyle practices and activities have proved to help many people with ADHD as this seems to be better than other methods for a parent or a caregiver to try on a child. It is less risky and effective too. Some show great benefits when used alongside established treatments, but this form is one of the best natural remedies for ADHD.

3. Exercise and relaxation
To reduce certain symptoms of ADHD, relaxation techniques such as massage, yoga, and meditation along with the regular exercise of some kind are said to help people cope up with stress to a great extent. Such activities can be done together by both parents and children for overall health benefits too.

4. Connecting with nature
Spending time outdoors in a green space is said to have helped children with ADHD as they find it helps in concentrating. There is no time limit as to how long a person needs to spend time in the green space to see improvements. It depends on the individual need and the severity of the symptoms in the person having ADHD.

Learning new skills and creating systems for regular activities like getting ready for school helps children with ADHD to learn and to recognize their routines and feel comfortable with it. Organizing storage for toys and clothes, teaching the children how to use the calendar, time tables, lists, and reminders, having a regular going to bed routine, and waking up time are some examples of systems that would help children with ADHD.