ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. It’s also known as ADHD, which is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The disorder is largely based on neurological issues in the brain. Sufferers have characteristics that exhibit lack of attention and hyperactivity. Although there are plenty of medication and prescribed treatments for this disorder, more individuals are taking an alternative route through natural means.
Why even consider natural treatments for ADD? The side effects of prescribed medication could be serious. Medication such as Ritalin can cause severe headaches, higher blood pressure, sleep deprivation and anxiety. There were even some cases of death. The other competing treatments for ADD may have similar side effects. It’s no wonder parents of children with ADD or adults are looking for natural means.
Since the brain functions well with good nutrients, it’s important that a proper diet is available for adults and children. Ginkgo Biloba is a stimulant for the brain that works naturally. The plant provides the user an ample amount of oxygen so that the blood can flow regularly in the person’s brain. Hence, the plant could provide alertness and focus for ADD individuals.
Studies have also found that nutritional deficiencies may be associated with ADD. Fatty acids and amino acids can contrite in preventing these deficiencies. The School of Medicine from George Washington University found that hyperactive children with high protein diets did better in school than non-hyperactive children. Some dieticians suggest that a diet with eggs, protein shakes and other meats might help boost amino acids to combat ADD.
Moreover children with reading disabilities, who have supplemented their diets with fatty acids (based on an Oxford University study) have shown that that their reading and writing skills improved. Other studies have even shown that boys with lower Omega-3 fatty acids were prone to ADD. Today, flax seed oil provides a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, it’s been suggested that this oil will improve kids’ resistance to hyperactivity and increase IQ development.
Foods aren’t the only natural treatment for ADD. Behavioral therapy is an available psychological option that may help children to control themselves. Since it doesn’t use drugs and medication, the therapy is a popular alternative. Behavioral therapy promotes positive reinforcement. It relies on children to respond to your requests by issuing rewards such as treats and privileges. The purpose is to get the child to be set in a behavior so that it’s routine. Kids could learn how to not interrupt people when they talk or behave responsibly when other kids are around.
There are other behavior activities such as maintaining routines around the house, keeping a positive environment and praising a child for calm behavior. All of these will help the child to cement behavior that avoids hyperactivity and attention deficiencies. Consistency is necessary for this type of treatment. It will require a parent to be disciplined.
Natural alternatives to treat ADD have proven to be effective. Kids and adults can benefit greatly with natural foods, change in behavior and consistency. The methods here are but a few of the many natural ways to help deter ADD. Start with an alternative method if you don’t want you or your loved one exposed to chemicals and the risky side effects of medicine.
