Treating ADHD Without Medication - 7 Ways to Help Your Child

Treating ADHD without medication is of high interest to many parents and health professionals who are looking for alternatives to drug therapy.  As parents become more aware of the dangers associated with long term use of Ritalin and other stimulants whose use has reached near epidemic proportions, they are looking for other solutions.

Pediatricians are prescribing Ritalin (methylphenidate), Dexedrine and Adderall (amphetamine) at an alarming rate to younger and younger children.  These potent medications are powerful stimulants classified as Schedule II under the Controlled Substances Act.  Substances listed under Schedule II have the potential for the highest rate of abuse and dependence.  No wonder parents and professionals are taking time to look at natural supplements for adhd.  Please consider the following steps as you begin to think of treating adhd without medication.

1. AVOID SUGAR:  Studies have shown that many children with ADD and ADHD are not metabolizing sugar properly.  When you ingest sugar of high carbohydrate foods your pancreas should release insulin, which in turn keeps your blood sugar from rising too high.  The adrenal glands should also release certain hormones that will stop the insulin from dropping your blood sugar levels too low.  Research has shown that children with ADHD are only releasing about half of the level of hormones as a normal child.  The brain activity in these ADHD children decreased significantly as a result of the rapid drop in blood sugar.  Unconsciously, these children begin to move in a hyperactive way trying to force the adrenal glands into action so they will release more of these hormones.  This behavior can be both restless and aggressive.


2. AVOID SOFT DRINKS:  Besides high sugar content or artificial sweeteners, sodas also contain phosphates, which decrease the bodies' absorption of magnesium.  Several studies have found that children with ADHD are deficient in magnesium.  This deficiency can lead to depression, anxiety, restlessness and irritability.  Supplementing with Magnesium Citrate (which is more readily made usable by the body) can also be beneficial.


3. AVOID ADDITIVES:  Well documented research has also shown that the vast majority of children with ADHD are sensitive to the red, yellow & blue food dyes that are added to many foods. Wheat, dairy, and certain preservatives can also be a problem for ADHD children.


4. ADD ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS:   Deficiencies in EFAs are also common in children with ADHD.  The studies show that low levels of EFAs can present problems with sleep, behavior, learning disabilities and temper issues.  These Omega 3 fatty acids can be obtained in the diet through eating salmon or sardines, but supplementing is often necessary. 


5. ADD PROTEIN:  Starting the day off with protein may also prove beneficial for the child suffering from ADHD symptoms.  Protein can help alleviate the blood sugar fluctuations that often come from eating high carbohydrate foods.


6. ADD A PROBIOTIC:  Antibiotic use and the typical American diet can completely change the environment in the "gut".  Antibiotics kill off the good bacteria naturally found there which allows yeast to completely overgrow.  This also interrupts the manufacturing of serotonin in our bodies.  When a child is low in serotonin they can have difficulty falling asleep, cannot remain focused and will experience meltdowns during times of stress.  A quality probiotic will help rebalance the good bacteria in the gut which can have astounding results.


7. ADD NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR ADHD:   Homeopathy is a natural way of treating ADHD without medication and without side effects.  These natural herbal remedies are formulated to help balance the brain chemistry and help your child feel calmer and more focused. 

By implementing this holistic approach, you will be helping your child to achieve wellness.  Following the diet suggestions above and adding natural supplements for ADHD gives your child the potential to experience enormous improvement.  Let the journey to wellness begin.