Tackling your child’s attention Deficit Syndrome without Drugs

There are many drugs which are in use to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and are useful in relieving the symptoms and helping the children in leading a normal life in school and home. But the problem with these treatment options is that they are associated with many side effects such as mood alterations, weight loss, and sleep problems. So, parents are turning towards non-drug and alternative remedies to help their children.

There are many alternative therapies which are in use for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorders are dietary changes, herbs and supplements, yoga and biofeedback. It has been seen that biofeedback produces strong results in improving the life of children suffering with attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome.

All these remedies follow a holistic approach in addressing the issues related with the physical, chemical needs, emotional health and mental health of the children.

Dietary alterations

It has been reported that the use of omega 3 fatty acids present in fish and fish oil supplements are useful in children with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It has also been found that the uses of foods free of artificial coloring and preservatives have positive effect on hyperactive behavior in the children. Many pediatricians now believe that there is a link between diet and ADHD. Studies have claimed effects of various foods on the behavior of their children. Children who were given less sugary snacks did not show a worsening of their behavior.

Vitamins and supplements along with natural dietary supplements are found to be useful in offering an alternative mode of the treatment of ADHD. The dietary changes which should be incorporated to eliminate the probable food and environmental causes of hyperactive behavior are;

1. Remove the use of processed food such as high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, food colorants and other chemical additives such as BHT or BHA.
2. Cut out gluten or wheat products to safeguard the mental and physical health of the child.
3. Give your child healthy omega 3 fatty acids obtained from the fishes
4. Milk, chocolate, eggs
5. Foods containing salicylates including all berries, chili powder, apples and cider, cloves, grapes, oranges , peaches, peppers, plums, prunes, and tomatoes

Biofeedback therapy

Biofeedback therapy is another therapy in which children wear electrodes on their head and learn to control video games by exercising their parts which helps them in focus and attention. The biofeedback therapy is as good as medication for the treatment of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Krill oil is one of the best natural sources of omega 3 fatty acids.

The main role of this therapy is to facilitate the patient’s physiological and psychological self-regulation. The use of electrical or electromagnetically equipment in the biofeedback mechanism is aimed at teaching general relaxation in reducing the symptoms of hyperactivity. Biofeedback involves a substantial commitment from the child and its family in all those cases where the use of medication has not been find to be suitable.

Herbs and supplements

The herbs and supplements used in ADHD affect the chemistry of the body and are used in the treatment of the ADHD. There are many herbs which act as psychostimulants in the treatment and management of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  Some of these are St. John’s wort, ginkgo biloba, panax ginseng, melatonin and pine bark extract.

A large number of herbs and herbal remedies are used for their sedative and anxiolytic properties to enhance the memory and the cognitive functioning of the brain in children suffering from ADHD. The most popular herbs used in the treatment of ADHD include chamomile, lemon balm, Valerian, passion-flower and hops.

Herbal teas containing chamomile, spearmint, lemon grass and other herbs and flowers are safe and effective to help the child in relaxing and with their long-term use the stress of the children are relieved. Valerian is also effectively used in improving the sleep problems associated with ADHD. Lemon balm in combination with Valerian is used successfully in the treatment sleep related problems in children. Passion flower is also in the treatment of sleep problems but its use has been validated in adults. Hops are used as a mild sedative and are useful in the treatment of insomnia or anxiety disorders. Kava is also an anxiolytic, sedative and muscle relaxant properties without having any adverse effects on the mental ability and cognitive function. Ginkgo biloba is also used in treating ADHD. They may cause some side effects such as headache, dizziness, palpitations, gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions on skin. Blue green algae are a good source of B-complex vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and other amino acids. St. John’s wort is also an herbal antidepressant and is sued in children with ADHD.

Some other herbs with antioxidant properties are also used which are pycnogenol and melatonin.

So, if you are a parent of a child suffering with ADHD, try these alternative remedies to help your child in relaxing leading a better life.

Category: HEALTH