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Many parents of children with ADHD have concerns about medications prescribed for the condition, especially when it comes to side effects. Whether your child is on medication or not, there are a number of natural therapies that many consider beneficial in reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life for children with ADHD.
What you can do to help your child?
Dietary changes
Healthy eating habits with regular, small, wholesome meals and food supplements, where necessary, can go a long way to improve concentration levels.
Try an elimination diet, preferably with the help of a registered dietician, to determine whether you (or your child) responds negatively to certain foods, colourants or preservatives.
The condition can improve considerably through healthy eating habits with regular, small, low-glycaemic index meals to keep blood-glucose levels constant (low blood sugar increases hyperactivity and leads to poor concentration).
Eating a high-fibre, low-fat breakfast is extremely important.
Supplements
In addition to healthy eating habits, the following supplements may help (note, however, that this should first be discussed with a healthcare practitioner):
- A supplement containing vitamins B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, B12, folic acid, inositol, choline
- Foodstate chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum to keep blood sugar levels constant
- Calcium, magnesium
- The amino acid taurine
Read: Can omega-3 reduce antisocial behaviour in children?
Herbal remedies
Consult your doctor or a professional herbal practitioner before using any of the herbs mentioned in the following section, especially if you suffer from a chronic disease or are on other medications.
For children, it could help to take a natural alternative to antibiotics (such as Echinacea) for a few weeks, Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium bifidus, a supplement for the respiratory system and wholesome food, including live yoghurt cultures.
In addition, essential fatty acids and a calcium and magnesium supplement could help children with recurring infections.
Children with hyperactivity often have allergies as well. The culprits are usually milk, wheat, chocolate, eggs and cereals. Sugar can also aggravate the condition. Children who have sugar-sensitive symptoms of hyperactivity may have an underlying candida infection.
Exercise and relaxation techniques
Regular exercise is also important to channel built-up energy.
Meditation and other relaxation techniques bring about a marked improvement in the ability to concentrate as well as in quality of life.
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behaviour changes to increase relaxation and focused attention
Read more:
ADHD: diet and supplements
An alternative to Ritalin
Healthy eating can help children with ADHD
